GAUGHAN COMPETING IN MESA MARIN

Brendan Gaughan is finishing up his NASCAR Winston West Series freshman year and he is finishing it up with a bang. Completing the last two races with podium finishises, Gaughan would like nothing more than to make it three in a row.

Patience is an important part of a successful run at any racetrack and Gaughan is counting on his crewchief, Randy Anderson to keep him focused on remaining cool while he focuses on the checkered flag.

Gaughan has raced the off-road trucks, the Winston West, the late models and the Craftsman Trucks this year. When it comes to racing Gaughan is game to run just about anything, but his main focus this year has been the NASCAR Winston West and now that he has learned to run upfront he is liking it even more.

Fans can come out to Mesa Marin Raceway and Brendan Gaughan and the other Winston West drivers this Sunday, Oct. 17 as they compete in the NASCAR Winston West Race.

RacingWest: When you think of the tracks the NASCAR Winston Cup drivers compete on, which of those tracks most closely resembles Mesa Marin Raceway?
Brendan Gaughan: not sure -- probably something like Richmond or Martinsville, because they are smaller tracks but are still very fast.

RW: What is it you like most about Mesa Marin Raceway?
BG: The fact that it is a very fast short-track.

RW: Have you had an opportunity to do any testing at Mesa Marin Raceway?
BG: Yes, earlier in the year. We also ran the Craftsman Truck race earlier this year.

RW: What is the most challenging part about racing at Mesa Marin Raceway?
BG: Saving your brakes. I have watched a couple of races where a driver blazes through the field but you can see him abusing his brakes. When crunch time comes, he fades to the back.

RW: What is the key to passing at this track?
BG: Corner exit speed. You can outdrive them in but you have to beat them out.

RW: What is the key to finishing at this track?
BG: A word that Randy Anderson (crew chief) and the crew have been teaching me for a long time: PATIENCE

RW: What is the key element to winning this track?
BG: Being patient, being smart, and having the right set-up on your car.

RW: If you are leading on the last lap, who do you not want to see in your rearview mirror?
BG: I don't care who is behind me. On the last lap I'm not looking in my rearview mirror, I'm looking for the checkered flag.

RW: Will you be competing in Winter Heat?
BG: I should be there unless I tear my equipment up at the open comp in Las Vegas.

RW: What has your biggest thrill been in racing this year?
BG: Learning how to finally run up front. And staying there.