Brian Ickler is a versatile driver that is as comfortable on the short track as he is on the road course, Ickler first caught the eye of the racing community when (in his rookie year) he out drove Boris Said to finish 2nd at Sears Point.
Ickler also seems to be the kind of driver that doesn't much care for being towed in on the wrecker. After two early season DNF's due to accidents at both Kyle (Texas) and Phoenix, and no top-fives he traded the wreckers for checkers in grand fashion by winning his first race at Roseburg (Oregon). But, just to prove it was no fluke he backed it up by winning Irwindale 4 days later. Currently Ickler is 5th in the standings with two wins and a 50% top-ten average..
Now Ickler shares with RW what it was that turned the season around.
Crew Chief: Craig Raudman
Car Owner: Bill McAnally
RacingWest: You didn't get off to the best start this season,
but you sure made up lost ground by winning back to back races. Are you doing
something differently this year or is experience paying off?
Brian Ickler: We started of the year with high hopes, which
came with pressure to perform. With all the bad luck, the pressure went away.
We went back to having fun and in doing so we started running better and winning
races. A lot of these races are patience games, running the series for a second
time has taught me a lot. Save the equipment because veterans like Duncan and
David will be there at the end.
RW: What feelings were rushing through your head when you were
on your way to that first win?
BI: We had a very strong car in Oregon, we ran solidly in the
top five all night. The racetrack was one groove and having such a great car
was frustrating trying to get to the front. I kept telling myself ….patience.
Once we got by the leader it hit me, you have to be there at the end with good
equipment.
RW: Are you using the NASCAR West Series to have fun, improve
your career or a little of both? If you are using it as a career builder…what
do you hope to do after the -West and what would make that happen?
BI: I am definitely trying to improve my career. To do so I
think the entire team has to have fun to be successful. I have dreams of racing
a truck or the Busch series, we’ll just have to keep winning races and
see what happens.
RW: Of the tracks you competed on so far, which ones do you
most enjoy?
BI: California Speedway and Iowa
RW: If you needed to borrow a part which team would you go
to first?
BI: If the 16 team needs anything we go to the 18 or 20 team,
they have it all. It’s the beauty of being a part of BMR and a three car
team.
RW: When you are not racing or spending time with the #16
car, how do you spend your free time?
BI: What free time??? RACING!!!
RW: Which member of your team is most likely to play a practical
joke?
BI: Practical jokes are all between Craig Raudman (16 crew
chief) and Duane Knorr (18 crew chief). Very interesting what they come up with.
RW: When you are up front leading…which car is the last
one you want to see in your rearview mirror?
BI: I believe when you start looking in your mirror, you’re
all ready beaten.
RW: Since Evergreen Speedway is the next stop on the West
Series schedule…could you tell us what you enjoy the most about the track?
Any hints for good places to stay, eat or things to do when not at the track?
BI: Evergreen is a very rough race tack, it’s hard to
get around. The surface is very abrasive and is hard on tires. Other than that,
they have a great victory lane and that’s where we want the 16 NAPA Auto
Parts/ NAPA Filters.com Chevrolet to be Saturday night!!!!
That concludes the Q&A. If you are a driver that enjoys RacingWest and
would like to be featured, send an email to: janet @ racingwest.com.
