NEWPORT BEACH, California -- His beaming smile was still a fixture on Andrew Myers face hours after his second NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series win in the King Taco 200 at Irwindale Speedway. The victorious driver reflected on what has the Toyota of Escondido #44 running so well.
“I have admired Ron Hornaday for a long time. He is a great racer who gets the best restarts in NASCAR. In the last two races for us at PIR (Phoenix International Raceway) and now Irwindale we have had so many restarts at the end of these events. I just concentrate on my spotters call to the green flag and then try and react and drive hard like Hornaday would,” said Myers.
“I guess just as important as the restarts would be being there at the end to have a chance to race for the win. Phil Bonifield and my co-crew chief, Jamie Aube have really taught me the importance of staying patient in the early parts of the race and then getting up on the wheel late in the race when it counts. Phil has so much racing knowledge and Jamie won three NASCAR Busch North championships, when those guys tell me to pit early and then just drive smart, I know now just what to do,” added Myers.
“This win adds more value to what we can bring to a sponsor and team at the next level. We will be speaking to truck series team owners about getting a shot at a truck race before the end of the year and hoping to get on a driver development program in the future. With this second win in a row, I will be looking forward to getting back to my place in Charlotte (N.C.) and having those conversations real soon,” concluded the happy driver.
Myers and the #44 Toyotoa of Escondido team plan to race next at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., on June 24 in the NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series, Blue Lizard Suncream 200. The event is to be televised live in high definition on HDNet. In addition, an enhanced replay will air on SPEED.
