The AutoZone Southwest Series has completed the first thirteen of the 2004 fourteen-race season. Jim Pettit II has set a blistering pace in the points. His current point total would have easily guaranteed him the Championship in any year since the series went to a 14-race season; but this is 2004, and competitor Craig Raudman has also had a remarkable year. So, as in years past, the Championship will be decided at Phoenix International Raceway. Last Friday afternoon I had the following conversation with the NASCAr AutoZone Southwest Series Points leader, Jim Pettit II:
Exit: Jim, how does it feel after four years in the Southwest Series to be so close to winning your first Championship?
Jim: Naturally it feels great to be where we are in the points. We have been so close the last couple of years and had some bad luck that kept us from winning the championship. We have learned from our mistakes, and hopefully this will be our year.
Exit: How big an advantage do you think it is to have such an experienced crew that has been together for five years?
Jim: It’s a big factor. But you have to understand that a lot of these guys have been together longer than five years. The chemistry is just so good, and every person brings something to the team. This is a total team effort.
Exit: If at the end of the day on Thursday afternoon at PIR, you are the Champion, will you do a burnout?
Jim: No, and that’s for a couple of reasons. First it is just not me. Second, being the car owner and driver, you never want to put excessive wear and tear on the car, and we have the shoot-out the next week. Even if I did not own the car I still would not do a burn out.
Exit: I think your Dad (Jim Pettit) is the most loyal fan I have ever met. What are the chances, if you win the Championship, of getting him to join you in the winner’s circle at PIR?
Jim: We are going to have to make that happen. You know I would not be doing this if it were not for him and my mom. My dad likes to stay in the background. But this will be big and he needs to be a part of it.
Exit: What are your plans for racing between the shoot-out, and the first race of next year in the AutoZone Southwest Series?
Jim: It really depends on what happens. But I do plan on racing our modified at Chowchilla the weekend after Phoenix.
Exit: What are your plans for next year in the SWS, and do you think you will also go back to racing a full schedule on dirt?
Jim: We definitely plan on racing the SWS again next year. And if things go right defending our Championship. I don’t have any plans of running a full schedule next year on dirt.
Exit: Last question, I know that you are a big Raiders fan. Is it more nerve racking being the person going for the Championship, or watching your team go for the Championship?
Jim: It does get nerve racking watching your team play for a Championship, but there is so much more at stake when you are doing it yourself. It is definitely worse when you are going for the Championship yourself.
Jim Pettit II currently leads the AutoZone Southwest Series points by 116. He will attempt to win his fist series Championship on Thursday at Phoenix International Raceway. In the first thirteen races of the year, Pettit has nine top-5’s and eleven top-10’s. In the first two trips to PIR Pettit finished 3rd and 5th.
Jim Pettit Racing recognizes California HotWood, DPI, LRP, and Top of the Hill Performance. The team would also like to thank all of their families, friends, and fans for their support.
