As the NASCAR Southwest Tour continues to grow in popularity, car counts are rising. Just making the show is becoming an accomplishment in itself. A good qualifying run is becoming exceedingly important. Qualifying is what may give Nick Joanides an advantage in the race at Mesa Marin Raceway this Saturday night.
Joanides and his Jackson built racecar have successfully qualified at the half-mile in the past, including winning the Bud Pole award. A second pole at Mesa Marin is not out of the question for the talented driver, but if he doesn't start from the front row, Joanides is hopeful of utilizing support from new sponsor, 11bet.com to get the car to the front and avoid trouble in the back. Joanides has plans of running a full schedule in the Featherlite Southwest Tour this season. He is currently 13th in the standings.
RacingWest: Have you finished your taxes yet? If you get a refund how will you spend or invest it?
NJ: Yes my taxes are done, but no refund coming.
RW: How did you get started in racing?
NJ: 1991 in SCCA as a crew chief, then started driving in 1992, switched to NASCAR late 92.
RW: What do you enjoy most about Mesa Marin Raceway?
NJ: Mesa Marin is like my home track. I love the race track, unfortunately it doesn't seem to love me. We've always been one of the cars to beat, however our luck has been horrible there.
RW: What is the key to passing at Mesa Marin Raceway?
NJ: Only a very few number of drivers really seem to know the answer to this. I've got enough laps there, and have learned how to pass at that track. If I can catch them, I'll be able to pass them.
RW: What does it take to stay out of trouble at Mesa?
NJ: I'm still trying to figure this one out. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know!!!
RW: What is your strategy for a win?
NJ: Get to the front as quick as possible and get away from everybody, hopefully then I can avoid the messes that seem to always find me at this track. If we can stay out of trouble, I'm confident we'll be racing for the win.
RW: Any set-up tips you want to share with the rookies?
NJ: Not really, I am the only one with a Jackson Race Car in the tour right now, so our set up would not help anyone else. But I do know that our car always runs awesome at Mesa.
RW: What is the best part of racing the Featherlite Southwest Tour?
NJ: When you draw 40+ cars week in an week out, and only 20 to 30 cars make the race, you know you've got a full field of fast cars which makes for some great racing. We just need to figure out how to get some of the drivers to be just a little more patient. Especially at a track like Mesa.
RW: Where can the fans find you at Mesa Marin for driver cards or autographs?
NJ: Fans can go to my web site for more info about the team www.joanides.com. I know Mesa usually has an autograph session before racing starts and they usually open the pits up to the fans after the races.
