A four week interval between Winston West races has provided some unique driving opportunities for some of the NASCAR Winston West Series drivers. Sammy Potashnick, driver of the No. 65 Monte Carlo is certainly one of them. Potashnick is hopeful of running not just one, but three Super-Speedway events in two different series.
RacingWest: What do you like most about Irwindale?
Sammy Potashnick: How the progressive embanking allows the Winston West cars to race side by side with ease.
RW: Describe Irwindale Speedway from a drivers viewpoint.
SP: At the start finish line you're wide open out against the wall. You drive it into turn one in the middle of the track, use a little brake, and roll back into the gas before the middle of the corner. Hold it wide open until you go into turn three. Drive into turn three in the middle of the track. Then you start picking the gas back up before the te middle of the corner.
RW: If you have raced Irwindale before did you find anything unique in getting around the track?
SP: Not really anything unique, except if your car is handling you have a few different lines to choose from.
RW: Tires were a problem the last time the Winston West Series visited Irwindale. What tire will you run and how will you manage the tires?
SP: Hoosier Tires. I had problems at the last race at Irwindale because of tire management. Now that I'm back driving the 65 car, we will try to manage the tires the best that we know how.
RW: Do you find it difficult to dial in the car at Irwindale?
SP: Not really.
RW: Every racing career is filled with highlights and moments that will always be remembered. What is your most memorable moment in your racing career?
SP: Driving at Daytona and Talladega, driving a NASCAR Craftsman Truck and ARCA car.
RW: There is a long-time off before the next Winston West event. Will you be doing any other racing to satisfy your "need for speed"?
SP: I'm planning on racing the ARCA Talladega race and hopefully the Charlotte ARCA race. We also hope to have something ready for the NASCAR Craftsman Track race at Dover.
RW: Do you come from a family of racers?
SP: Not really, but I have always liked everything that was fast.
RW: Would you want your children (or children to be) to follow racing?
SP: Yes, if that is what they want to do.
