Can driving ace Austin Cameron win the bullfight Wednesday night in the second NASCAR Winston West event, the NAPA Auto Parts 200? If you look up his stats the answer most likely would yes.
Cameron has a lot of things going for him, most importantly, versatility. He has won poles on a short track, a super speedway and a road course. His one win in the Series came on a short track, the type of track he will compete on tonight at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
There are over 30 cars slated to vie for 26 starting positions. Drivers from as far away as Washington, Kentucky and even Canada are gathered to race for the honors of winning the biggest chunk of a $102,028 purse. What does Cameron think of the versatile entry list?
"I am expecting an increased level of competition throughout the field. Not only from the Winston West regulars but from the several Winston Cup drivers that will be entered in Wednesday's race!"
At the time of this writing the rain is still coming down, but the weather forecaster has put a rumor out that the rain will lift later today. So, don't let weather hold you back from watching this talented young man and the many other stars competing in the race tonight, including Michael Waltrip, Johnny Borneman, Ron Hornaday and Scott Lynch.
RacingWest: What are your goals for this season?
Austin Cameron: My goals are none other than to win the Winston West Championship
RW: How did the season-opener at Phoenix International Raceway go for you and the team?
AC: The season opener went very well for the AC Motorsports team because we finished the race with a solid 3rd place. Not only did we finish well but we worked very well as a team throughout the weekend.
RW: Have you had a chance to test at The Bullring in Las Vegas?
AC: No we have not had a chance to test at the Bullring.
RW: What are you expecting at the event and what do you think it will take to win?
AC: I am expecting an increased level of competition throughout the field. Not only from the Winston West regulars but from the several Winston Cup drivers that will be entered in Wednesday's race!
RW: How do you feel now that the series is on one tire?
AC: The single tire manufacturer deal I think is going to be one of the best aspects of the Winston West season. I believe that competition levels will increase as well as tighter racing and a little more fender rubbing!
RW: There seemed to be mixed emotions having a Winston Cup driver win the race at PIR. There will be a Winston Cup driver in this event as well. Do you think there is less of an advantage for the Winston Cup drivers on a short-track that a larger track like PIR and why or why not?
AC: The mixed emotions I think were involving the post-race tech inspection in which Ken Schrader's car was questionable but ended up passing. I don't think there were any mixed emotions as far as a Winston Cup driver showing up to race with us, at least not on my part. As far as Winston Cup drivers appearing at the Las Vegas Bullring, I say the more the merrier!
RW: Do you like running with or without the Winston Cup drivers in a Winston West event?
AC: I absolutely enjoy racing with the Winston Cup drivers in a Winston West event. It enables me to race with my heroes and it gives me a chance to show them that I have what it takes to race on their level. I figure that if I want to be in Winston Cup than I might as well learn all I can right now!
RW: Do you have a car or driver appearance scheduled at Vegas?
AC: Yes I do have an appearance in Las Vegas and it will be Tuesday Feb 27th @ the Race Rock Cafe and I will be there from 7-8:45pm. Both the car and I will be there.
RW: What is your favorite thing to do at Vegas when not busy with the car?
AC: I like to go out with the whole team and find one of those NASCAR games that you can play 8 at a time and give them a chance to whip up on me! The roller coasters and various rides all around Vegas are also a must!
RW: What is your game-plan now that one race is down and your goals may have to be adjusted?
AC: My game plan is still the same as the beginning of the year, I want to run up front and finish in the top 5 every race, ultimately winning the championship.
Crew Chief: Dave Riggs
Sponsors: Creative Touch Interiors, Cement Cutting Inc, Hawthorne Machinery, Carter Collision, Crower, Pure Adrenalin, Penske, and Pell Mell.
Transport Driver: Richie Weeks
Spotter: Terry Cameron (Dad)
Crew: Jim Lepisto, Larry Collie, Eddie Sharp, Troy Patterson, Fred & Lynn Chavez, Mike Montague, Mike Savoy, Don Stone, Terry Cameron (mom), Dino Zaccaria.
