KEN KALTSCHMIDT GOING STRONG

No one knew just how good a driver Ken Kaltschmidt really was. The NASCAR Northwest Series driver started out the season slow, but he has certainly stepped up the pace in the second half of the season. With no fewer than 4 top-ten finishes in the last 6 races run, this young driver has nicely shown the competition, that he can drive.

Being a rookie, Kaltschmidt has faced the normal challenges any young driver new to the series faces. He is driving a different style car, he is learning new tracks and he is learning the ins and outs of the Tour. With the second half of the season came the benefit of seat time and experience. Now he knows the car and what it can do, he has seen most of the tracks, and he uses what he has learned to his advantage.

With the championship battle being fought for by others, Kaltschmidt is not concerned with the points. He is going to Tri-City to race for the win. And the way he has been running, he could. If not he will have one more shot for a win at Magic Valley before the season ends.

Whatever happens look for Kaltschmidt to be back in 2000 running for the championship. We have yet to see all that this driver can accomplish!

RacingWest: Not all of your fans have a chance to see the Tri-Cities racing facility. Could you explain the characteristics of the track.
Ken Kaltschmidt: Tri-Cities has the uniqueness of being 75 percent turn and no real straight-aways,turn three really makes one trust in his car being you are heading into the turn about 125 MPH! It is very tight with a wall outside! The wall has had it's share of victims over the years.

RW: What does it take at that track to get to the front?
KK: A car that will turn through the tri-oval, and being able too pass on the outside in turn three.

RW: Is qualifying up front any more important at this track than the others you race on?
KK: It is VERY IMPORTANT at any track we visit during the season.

RW: Who is the one driver you see as being the driver to beat at Tri-Cities?
KK: Chris Hart

RW: The season is nearing an end. With only 2 races remaining are you going for the win or points and why?
KK: Going for the win we got off to a bad start! We have been improving.

RW: This was definitely an interesting season for racing. What has happened this season that surprised you the most?
KK: The level of competition has been really surprising.

RW: How happy have you been with your performance this season?
KK: Overall the team is quit happy, especially with the last four races. There is room for improvement and we are heading in that direction.

RW: Do you have any plans for next season?
KK: Another year on the Raybestos Brakes NW Series

RW: What do your fans mean to you?
KK: I enjoy signing autographs for all of the fans, it's just special to be able to do it for them.

Photo courtesy Denny Strimple of North Fork Associates. Strimple specializes in Motor Sports Photography.