"It's tires that win the race." No, those are not the words of Travis Powell, but those are surely his sentiments as he prepares to race the Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Wash.
Saving his tires, finding the right spring and shock combination and finally positioning himself to be there at the end, is all a part of this talented driver's strategy.
Racing West: What expectations do you and your team have for the Evergreen Race?
Travis Powell: Finish the race and be in position to win at the end.
RW: If you have had the opportunity to race Evergreen before what is the key
to getting around the track?
TP: Saving the tires for the end.
RW: What is your biggest concern at this track, is it tires, brakes, or?
TP: Tires by far. You can go really fast for about 30 laps but then your going
backwards.
RW: Track position at the start of a race is important at any track. How
crucial is it at Evergreen?
TP: Not very.
RW: Do you feel short track performance depends more on a driver than
equipment? Or is it a combination of both?
TP: Combination but leaning toward driving.
RW: I was reading that NASCAR Winston Cup cars replace their radiators about
every fourth race. The West cars are similar to Cup cars, but do run fewer
laps per race. How often do you change your radiator? Do you use different
radiators on a short track than a super-speedway, as is the standard in Cup?
TP: We change out the radiator once per year if we are lucky, but sometimes the
racing actions force us to change them out more often.
RW: Do you consider Evergreen a small super-speedway or a large short-track?
TP: It’s a large short track. VERY fast for a short track.
RW: Have you ever attended any type of driving school whether road course or
oval?
TP: Yes, Oval. Competitive Edge, Finish Line, Richard Petty driving
experience, California Racing experience.
RW: What is THE most important thing to do in setting up your car for this
event?
TP: Right spring and shock combination.
RW: What one driver do you NOT want to see in your mirror at this event?
TP: Kevin Richards or Steve Portenga.
RW: On the other hand if you are going door to door with another driver who
would you want that driver to be and why?
TP: Brendan Gaughan, he is one of the cleanest drivers around.
RW: What do you feel you need to work on most to improve your racing
career?
TP: Sponsors. More Seat time.
RW: What would it take to attract and keep team owners in the NASCAR
Winston West Series?
TP: Live TV, with major sponsor involvement.
RW: Has your team discussed plans for 2001 yet? Anything to share with the
fans?
TP: We have been talking within the team and talking to prospective sponsors.
RW: Do you have any personal appearances scheduled? Is your car going to
be showing off its chassis anywhere?
TP: None planned at this time.
