GAUGHAN RACING IN STYLE

Las Vegas, Nevada, is the home to Winston West driver Brendan Gaughan and his sponsor, The Orleans Hotel and Casino.

The Orleans Hotel and Casino is the best at catering to racers. You know you are in the right place when you register and everyone in the line is carrying a mechanix wear duffel bag.

Sitting just feet from the hotels registration desk is Gaughan's showcar, delighting kids and adults. Entertainment, class and a down-home feeling make this a definite consideration when visiting Vegas.

Like the hotel, Brendan Gaughan is a high-class operation. Racing to a second place finish at Rocky Mountain Raceways earlier this month he may be on an upward curve.

One major difference that separates him from the rest of the pack is his preference to run the difficult high line at the superspeedway. But this is often a hugh advantage when battling in traffic.

Come out to the Las Vegas and see Gaughan and the stars of NASCAR compete in the Gold Coast 150 Saturday afternoon.

RacingWest: Since the Craftsman Truck series will be there with us, what is your opinion of race truck drivers joining the Winston West race?
Brendan Gaughan: I hope more of them try to race with us. The better the caliber running against us, the more I can learn. Besides, I will also be racing in the Craftsman Truck Race.

RW: Do you anticipate any IRL drivers crossing over to the NASCAR race?
BG: Not likely. It is not a very common switch, but I would love to try to do it.

RW: You are down to three races. Are you racing for points or the win?
BG: Well, I'm am definitely racing to better my position in the point standings, but... the best way to move up in the points is to win.

RW: Any special sponsors for Vegas?
BG: Nope, same great sponsors-- The Orleans Hotel/Casino, Goodyear, Chevrolet, and Walker Evans Racing.

RW: What do you find the most technically challenging part of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway?
BG: The turns are relatively flat, which makes for exciting racing. But most people don't like the high line which, is where you will find me.

RW: What does it take to get a car upfront at this track?
BG: It takes a great car, which I believe we have. And it also takes a great motor, which my motor builder, Kevin Kroyer, assures me is the best ever to come out of his shop!

RW: Does drafting help at Vegas? And if it does do you have a drafting partner lined up?
BG: Drafting helps a little bit in Vegas. A partner? Well, we have made some friends this year with some good drivers, so hopefully we can help each other out until the finish. And then there are no friends.

RW: Any plans while at Vegas? Shows, sightseeing trips, good places to eat, etc?
BG: This is my home, so of course I know the best places to eat: The Gold Coast, The Barbary Coast, and The Orleans Hotel & Casino!