ASH LOOKS TO STIR UP IRWINDALE WEATHER

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A storm front is on the way. Umpqua, Oregon's Brandon Ash and the entire Ash Motorsports crew will be heading down the coast for the Inaugural Irwindale Speedway to join the thunder as the NASCAR Winston West invades Southern California.

Ash has not tested, yet he feels he is readily prepared for this event, already having 2 top two finishes in the only other short track events of the year. Ash has proven he is tough on the short tracks, in addition to being the only driver to finish on the lead lap in every NASCAR Winston West event. While most drivers have been able to take advantage of testing at Irwindale, Ash has not. He will rely on raw talent to get the car in the field and run a competitive race. And what better place to get his first win than at the first race at a new track?

With races already touted as being some of the best in the West racing, Irwindale Speedway is not a track to miss. It will most likely be one of the most exciting events in the NASCAR Winston West 1999 season. For more information on how to obtain tickets to watch Ash and the other stars of NASCAR race, please visit the official Irwindale Speedway site.

Team: Ash Motorsports
Car #: 23
Driver: Brandon Ash
Owner: Ed Ash

RacingWest: What are your impressions of the facility by either seeing it or hearing about it?
Brandon Ash: From pictures and by word of mouth the place looks like one of the nicest short tracks I have ever seen.

RW: What do you expect from the fans at Irwindale Speedway? Will they know the Winston West drivers?
BA: I feel we will see a very enthusiastic fan base because of the popularity of the new Winston West Series and I think they should know some of the drivers.

RW: Did you have time to take advantage of the test days at the new track and if so, what did you think?
BA: We are unable to test because of the lack of Sponsorship.

RW: How has your team prepared for this new track?
BA: Being a lot like Tucson where we ran so well at we are going with that setup in the car.

RW: What do you see as most challenging about Irwindale Speedway?
BA: Its another short-track so staying out of trouble is the main objective.

RW: Since the track is banked like Tucson, but it is 1/2 mile like Mesa. What kind of setup will you use? More like Mesa or more like Tucson?
BA: For us the Tucson setup is what we will start out with and work from there.

RW: It is rumored that Irwindale may be hard on tires. What is your plan to manage tires at this track?
BA: Run just fast enough to stay on the lead lap and go for it with twenty laps to go.

RW: What changes do you regularly make between practice, qualifying and the race?
BA: Will this new track be any different? We mainly adjust air pressures and stagger and go racing.

RW: There are possibly 3 grooves at Irwindale. Typically to win you must start up front; can any car win from the back with three grooves?
BA: I feel the series is so competitive now you could see someone win from the back.

RW: Do you carry a good luck charm with you in the car?
BA: No just my right foot.

RW: Finally when not racing what is your regular job?
BA: Maintaining all the cars and pit equipment.