ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOPES HIGH FOR GILLILAND

Butch Gilliland, driver of the No. 01 Taurus has definitely not forgotten how to drive. And he hasn't forgotten how to win, either. He may not be on his way to a second championship, but he once again is running strong, once again is winning races, and once again appears to be poised to finish in the top-10 in points.

His undeniable talent, is often underplayed when talking with him. But he has racked up no less than eighty top-ten finishes pushing him to 5th on the list of career Winston West top-tens. Overall, the 12-year veteran is in his fifth straight year of winning at least one race

Gilliland's hopes are high for Rocky Mountain Raceway, as he appears to be turning in some of his best runs late in the season, with several significant highlights, including his win at Mesa Marin, starting on the pole at both the Mesa Marin and the inaugural Irwindale race, and bringing home podium finishes at both Irwindale events.

Strong starting positions are nothing new to Gilliland, and he hopes he can add to his resume by doing well in the Bank One 250 at Rocky Mountain Raceway. He compares the track to Tucson, a track that fits his style. While others have tested at Rocky Mountain this will be his first time to see the track. Still, it would be sweet to get the Bud Pole award, giving him both inaugural poles this season. Even sweeter would be to get that "Top one Finish"

RacingWest: Have you had a chance to test or drive Rocky Mountain Raceway?
Butch Gilliland: No this will be our first time out.

RW: What track do you think RMR will most resemble and will you start off with your set-ups from that track?
BG: We will go with a version of Tucson/

RW: What are your hopes/expectations for Rocky Mountain Raceway?
BG: A top one finish.

RW: The Southwest Tour came back from their first event at RMR with nothing but good things to say about the enthusiastic fans and the track promoters. Are you excited to go to an event where they want to see you race that much?
BG: Yes I have heard that the fans are very enthusiastic also. As a driver they mean a lot to you.

RW: Do you have any sight seeing plans lined up for this trip?
BG: Not really. We always enjoying going to new tracks.