YOUNG GUN CAMERON WANTS TO BE TOP GUN AT IRWINDALE

Austin Cameron, one of the top young racers in the country today, is continuing his chase for the championship by claiming 4 top-tens in only 6 races. Last year, Cameron grabbed the Rookie-of -the-Year honors, yet at this time last year he was not even in the top-ten in the NASCAR Winston West Series standings. Now things are different. Cameron is 4th in the standings and only 29 points behind point leader, Mike Chase.

Cameron has to be considered one of the favorites at Irwindale. Not only has Cameron tested at the track, but he has also participated in a couple of late model events. Cameron's fans are hoping this extra track time will translate into big dividends for the team and hopefully the win!

This weekend there are over 30 cars expected to be competing for a possible field of 30 cars. 25 cars will make it on time, there will be two provisionals based on 1999 NASCAR Winston West Series driver point standings, two additional provisionals based on owner point standings and one provisional to NASCAR Winston West Series Champion. Cameron is expected to make it on time, giving a shot at the provisional to another driver.

Team: AC Motorsports
Car: #12
Driver: Austin Cameron
Owner: Terry Cameron

RacingWest: What are your impressions of the facility by either seeing it or hearing about it?
Austin Cameron: Irwindale Speedway reminds me of a miniature California Speedway. It is really tailored to the racer.

RW: What do you expect from the fans at Irwindale Speedway? Will they know the Winston West drivers?
AC: I think they will because that town used to be hard core race fans but there wasn't any tracks nearby for quite a few years. Now they are just happy to see some good racing in their hometown.

RW: Did you have time to take advantage of the test days at the new track and if so, what did you think?
AC: I was fortunate enough to test tires for Goodyear for three days which really helped for car setup and getting used to the new facility. I also ran Late Models twice which helps get more racing experience on the track.

RW: How has your team prepared for this new track?
AC: Testing, testing, and more testing.

RW: What do you see as most challenging about Irwindale Speedway?
AC: Running wide open on the top groove and being so close to the wall for the entire length of the track.

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?
AC: More like Tucson with a gear change.

RW: It is rumored that Irwindale may be hard on tires. What is your plan to manage tires at this track?
AC: Yes I think it is hard on tires, so it's really going to be up to the driver to conserve whatever tires he has.

RW: What changes do you regularly make between practice, qualifying and the race? Will this new track be any different?
AC: Spring changes, front and rear sway bars mostly, all the changes are pretty regular.

RW: There are possibly 3 groves at Irwindale. Typically to win you must start up front; can any car win from the back with three groves?
AC: I believe it is possible to come from the back if you have a good enough car. The three grooves really makes passing easy in a sense, so I predict some really good side by side racing.

RW: Does it work better for your team to race in LA as opposed to other destinations on the Winston West Circuit?
AC: For our team, it is really nice because we are only an hour and a half away. That makes it really nice, we can even go home at night if we want to.

RW: Will your team be doing any special promotions for sponsors during this weekend? Or where can fans get your autograph?
AC: There is an autograph session scheduled and I will attend that for sure. The pits are also open to the fans after the races and I would be more than happy to sign autographs at that time.

RW: Do you carry a good luck charm with you in the car?
AC: No

RW: Finally when not racing what is your regular job?
AC: I am an estimator for an underground construction contractor.