Tony Schmidt, a rookie this season in the NASCAR Winston West Series has set his goals to "Win the title of 'Rookie-of-the-Year', finish top ten in the points and win any race."
It looked like Schmidt was right on track at the season opening Winter Heat, but motor failure put an early end to the day the team had worked so hard for. Schmidt had managed to gain two positions and was running a very consistent race for the 44 laps he was in contention.
Schmidt and the team are hoping that tonights NAPA Auto Parts 300 will allow them to show the fans what they are really capable of. The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is going to be a battle, but Schmidt plans to play it smart.
Tony hails from Newberg, Oregon and enjoys meeting the fans. If you have not experienced the bumper to bumper, door to door excitement of the Winston West, come on out to the Bullring and watch the West Coast NASCAR drivers put on the wildest show in Vegas!
RacingWest: Have you had a chance to test at The Bullring in Las Vegas?
TS: We did not test officially, but we did get some laps there in October of 2000, before our race at Mesa Marin.
RW: What are you expecting at the event and what do you think it will take to win?
TS: I would think the racing will be rough and tough. I am going to have to have a ar that works well on the bottom and top. The team that wins is going to have to avoid the wrecks and have good pit stops.
RW: How do you feel now that the series is on one tire?
TS: We feel great about the one tire program for the year. We never considered safety to be an issue. Having one tire for the year keeps all teams on a level playing field, which is the goal of NACRE. It assists in keeping the testing expenses down, which is appreciated by sponsors.
RW: Do you think there is less of an advantage for the Winston Cup drivers on a short-track than a larger track like PIR and why or why not?
TS: I do not feel the Cup drivers have an unfair advantage over the Winston West regulars based on the fact that everyone competes by the same rules. They do have more experience than most regarding laps in the style of vehicle.
RW: Do you like running with or without the Winston Cup drivers in a Winston West event?
TS: I do not consider the Cup drivers to be any different than the other Winston West Competitors. They are just trying to win and make a living. The one positive issue is they usually bring press and audience attendance with them, which is great for the Winston West Series.
RW: Do you have a car or driver appearance scheduled at Vegas?
TS: I will definitely be at the driver autograph session or at the hauler after the event.
RW: What is your favorite thing to do at Vegas when not busy with the car?
TS: I really enjoy the night time scenery. I also enjoy the various attractions and rides. Nothing beats 24 hour a day service!
RW: What is your game-plan now that one race is down and your goals may have to be adjusted?
TS: Our game plan hasn't changed. We just have to work harder and race smarter to achieve our gaol for the new year.
Crew Chief: Bob Hustler
Sponsors: Moreland Oil (Unocal), Borla Exhaust, Mechanix Wear
Transporter Driver: Shane Courton
Spotter: Pat Schwartzkopf
Crew: Kevin Clark, Jeff Lacy, Chris Thom, Chance Books, Paul Sibley, Pat Beattie, Chuck Chuck Schmidt
