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Featherlite Southwest Series, NASCAR Touring
Source: RacingWest.com
Date: 08/30/2000
Ed Coughenour, driver of the No. 93 C& C Racing/Memorex Chevrolet gives us an inside view of the tough little track known as Madera. In describing the track Coughenour said, "Madera is a nice fairgrounds type facility that is very well maintained with a nice pit area. It is situated in the central valley between Merced and Fresno on Highway 99. They have a real competitive weekly program featuring late models, modifieds, and have traveling shows such as NASCAR SW Series, Super Modifieds, Shell Tri-Track, etc."
That is the good news, but Cougenhour has explained that with only 24 starting spots and a possible high turn-out of local racers, simply making the field will be a race in itself.
If you are in the area, why not come on out as the stars of the SW Tour compete for those 24 coveted positions!
RacingWest: Not everyone has a chance to see all the tracks the SW Tour travels to. Can you give us an insider's view of the track?
Ed Coughenour: Madera is a nice fairgrounds type facility that is very well maintained with a nice pit area. It is situated in the central valley between Merced and Fresno on Highway 99. They have a real competitive weekly program featuring late models, modifieds, and have traveling shows such as NASCAR SW Series, Super Modifieds, Shell Tri-Track, etc.
RW: What does it take to win at Madera?
EC: This is a bump and grind short track. You have to be patient and stay on the lead lap. With the track being only 3/8 mile, you can get a lap down in a hurry. There is usually a lot of cautions, and the last 10 laps can be REAL exciting.
RW: Where (who, what) is your biggest challenge going to come from at Madera?
EC: Surviving the first 30 laps or so will be critical, and qualifying well is very important. Since it is a small track, they only start 24 cars. A couple of the Madera regulars like Jim Pettit II, Jason Fensler, Eric Holmes and Mike Swanson will most likely run this race and be very quick. Pettit has been very tough to beat all year at Madera with Duane Sharp as Crew Chief, who was Damon Lusk's Crew Chief on the AOL #40 car last year.
RW: What is the key to passing at this track?
EC: The high groove seems to come in real well late in the race at Madera and sometimes it is hard to be fast down low, especially in turns one and two. It will be interesting to see how things shake out this year with the different tires. This could change things alot. If last year was an indication, you have to be there at the end and be able to make a real bid in the last couple laps.
RW: When setting up the car for this track, what track is it most similar to?
EC: In terms of size it is closest to Las Vegas or El Cajon. In terms of setup,everyplace is unique to some extent. We think we have a good setup for Madera.
RW: The NW Tour had a number of tire issues this season, especially with certain surfaces they compete on. Have you had any problems with tires? How have you managed your tire program? Do you feel running two brands is good or bad and why?
EC: The tires are greatly improved this year over last year. Hoosiers return to the tour has been great for everyone, regardless of what brand they are running. We prefer to run Hoosiers as we have got very good support from all the guys at Hoosier Tire West.
RW: Was there anything that could have been done to improve the series besides TV coverage?
EC: Less races, higher purses. We haven't run for points as it is very difficult to have a crew with the ability to travel in mid week to Colorado, NM, etc. Higher purses. The expanded schedule has put a strain on a lot of teams. L.A. Street race track must be made wider. It would greatly improve the show, and reduce the number of torn up race cars. Did I mention higher purses?
RW: For the schedule next season what adjustments would you like to see (Were some back-back races hard to do? Should some tracks be added? Dates changed?)
EC: Sears Point and the L.A. Street Race was tough. Having Colorado right after New Mexico, Altamont right after a long race at Las Vegas all are interesting. Probably too many races. One thing for sure, the purses need to improve as travel is really a major budget problem.
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