RacingWest: How was the racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway?
Darrell LaMoure: Just plain "Fan"tastic I have spoke to a couple of race fans about what they saw and each shared how exciting they thought it was. Fact is we talked about it being better then a Talladega Winston Cup race.
RW: Now that you have raced with the restrictor plate on the racecar, how was it?
DL: We have run this deal three times now and each time we learn a little more; of course we haven't found the secrets yet but continue to find speed. I really like the drafting part, I found ways to pass through the air better then most. LTR openly admitted they didn't have the most power so we had work on the aerodynamics package, didn't find that till late after talking to a few friends. McCoun and Nick Joanides (hope I spelled correctly?) By the way I think LTR did a great job making what they did with the little budget we have!
RW: Where is your favorite place to pass at Mesa Marin Raceway?
DL: Entering high at both ends, its tough and kind of crazy but real fun. Of course taking it in deep on the bottom can wake you also.
RW: Do you set your car up for any particular turn or section of the track at Mesa Marin Raceway?
DL: We try hard to get the car to stick on the white line, if we can do that it assures us a starting spot then we work on middle off to make the moves forward in the main event. The car that gets hooked up off the corners will win!
RW: What is the strength of your team?
DL: Harmony, we have spent the last two years in the shop at the track and in the back yards together. Having NAPA's support brings a comfort level we haven't had before so between team Harmony and the sponsorship of NAPA yes that's it.
RW: Do you use a HANS or similar device. Why or why not?
DL: No, restraint of a natural God given device (the Neck) creates a mindset that concerns me personally. My team has asked I wear something. But I am scared of these things and if I thinking about an issue that disrupts my driving I am jeopardizing the safety of myself and everyone else. I am personally happy with feeling every bump and every jolt knowing it may kill me. God wants me I go!
RW: Is there any rule in NASCAR you would like to see changed?
DL: Good question! It may not even be a rule but I would like a clear understanding of the advantage of point racing? Ok you get in sooner but you can't touch the cars until everyone is parked? That really pisses me off, spend the time and money to battle for an advantage and all we get is early entry? Oh, the money sucks so that won't work for a response.
RW: What has been your toughest challenge this season?
DL: Staying focused! Everything I've done in my life involved my Ma and in March my life was turned upside down. My family and I have shown strength but every move I see Ma smiling and reminding me of the no no's that I really miss. We all have Mothers and we all feel the same, for 41 years I worked, played and worshiped my Ma.
RW: How have the tires been this year?
DL: A politically correct answer would be appropriate, yet I have a shot from the hip approach and while they have been ok most of the time they don't pay me to say nice things about them. I liked the option of having both tire to choose from enough said!
RW: Do you think younger drivers have an advantage over veteran drivers? Why or why not?
DL: Alrighty then yes and no, if they are a Jeff Gordon type spent a great deal of time at a early age driving everything they can get there hands on maybe? Or if they have the advantages such as the best equipment big budgets... Yes. Talent is relative and not everyone has the ability as a driver its a natural thing I believe. This is one sport that age hasn't a thing to do with it.
RW: What sport besides NASCAR do you enjoy?
DL: NADA there isn't anything else is there? Fly fishing if that's a sport, Hockey is cool I love that rough stuff you wouldn't know it by watching my driving, I am such a smooth clean shoe?
RW: Do you ever play the NASCAR racing video game and if so does it help you when you race?
DL: What a joke, I can't get a single lap in any of those games. Games are what they are and if a driver says he learns from them has lying! or being paid a ton to endorse it...
RW: Is everyone on a level playing field in the NFSWS?
DL: Yes some have little advantages maybe that's the answer I was looking for as for the point advantage gig? But within the last seven years I have played in this series I believe Danny and his crew have done pretty well. I don't always agree fact never but its pretty fair how they present the rulebook.
RW: Mike Helton said, "We have 13 Touring Divisions and thousands of races each year. We've got to grow both (referring to the Touring & Winston Cup) of these. And that's what makes NASCAR so fun and challenging." Do you feel Mr. Helton is doing a good job of growing the NFSWS? Why?
DL: I think he is as good as those people surrounding him, trust me when I say he doesn't make all the decisions, NASCAR is a business and run like one, many leaders many opinions... I hear some bad rumors floating around let's see how 2002 looks and I would like the opportunity to review this question. Oh, not including our series!
RW: Now the important question! Where can the fans see you at Mesa Marin? Will you be at the autograph session? Will you stay late for autographs?
DL: Oh yeah wouldn't miss it love those fans even those who hide behind aliases on the message board!
