Source: RacingWest / Janet Peery
Date: 07/30/2007

RacingWest is not really supposed to have favorites, but when it comes to Eric Richardson it is different. Too many nights spent watching him race at the much missed Mesa Marin.

Now, when the Late Models raced their last race at Mesa...I wanted a keepsake. What I really wanted was the checkered flag...but there was the RacingWest trophy that Tim Huddleston provided that was very cool, too. Now how in the heck will a fan get one of those two things....Well this is how I did it... I went to the two drivers that my gut told me might win. Not that the field wasn't full of talent...but sometimes you have to trust your instinct...well that and the fact that they were the class of the field... ha ha.

So I went to each one and asked if they won if I could have either the trophy or the flag...and they both agreed. Oh boy...my heart was pumping away...I scored big if either won. Now I don't know if they knew I had sort of hedged my bet on the winner...putting my faith in the two of them.., but the race was incredible...and as it came down to the final laps it was Huddleston leading....and with 4 to go, Richardson closed in and took the lead and the checkers...I mean he literally took the checkers and true to his word he gave it to me.

Today the last Mesa Marin checkers is one of my most cherished possessions. I wonder if I could get the Collins to have the flagman use it to signify the win of the first Late Model race at the new Mesa Marin? I have all the faith that Richardson could win it again...

Well, this is supposed to be about Richardson, not me, but that old flag means more to me than just about anything I have ever owned. My plan is to one day have it framed. And as for the flagman? I was feeling guilty sort of taking that prized keepsake from him. Well he was actually happy I got it. He was fine with that. And he told me about each rip and knick.

Anyway on to what this is all about, Eric Richardson, one of RacingWest's favorite drivers...(he would have been a favorite even if he didn't win that flag!) and a favorite driver of a lot of other folks, too!

Eric Richardson interview for Racing West

Crew Chief: Roger Bracken

RacingWest: Eric, you basically owned Mesa Marin, even winning the last Late Model Championship there. How has it been learning all the new tracks?
Eric Richardson: I really enjoy going to new places especially all of the big tracks such as Phoenix and Iowa. On the other hand it is really unfortunate that there is no track that I can call home. Mesa Marin was one of the best tracks on the west coast so I know that I am not the only one that misses it.

RW: Which track have you found to be the most like Mesa Marin, if any?
ER: I really enjoy Altamont and I think that it shares some of the same characteristics. Some tracks are just smooth and round and I think tracks need a few bumps just to set it different from one week to the next.

RW: Which track have you enjoyed racing the most and why?
ER: Iowa Speedway is my favorite race track because it is big, banked, and fast. What more could a racer ask for?

RW: Which track has been the biggest struggle and how are you planning to tackle it next time?
ER: I feel that I can get better at every track. The track that we need to improve at the most would have to be Infineon but I feel that after going to a few more road courses we will be better. Practice! Practice! Practice!

RW: Excluding your teammates, which driver do you most enjoy racing with in the NASCAR West Series and why?
ER: I would have to say drivers like Mike Duncan not just for the racing but also how he handles himself in bad situations on and off the track.

RW: Which NASCAR official would you promote if you were the series director versus a driver and why?
ER: I really like everyone but from a drivers perspective Kevin Green is very good with public relations. He really cares about his job, NASCAR, and all the drivers.

RW: When the new Mesa Marin opens …who is going to win the first Late Model race?
ER: Me of course that’s a no brainer. No all the guys around town are chomping at the bit to get back in action. Hopefully I will be able to race there. I know my cousin will be tough but there will be at least 40 other drivers that want that win just as bad as I do. Those late model guys get those cars figured out and they are tough to beat… that’s for sure.

RW: Now if you answered as I predict…who do you think will finish second?
ER: I am not sure. I just hope some of the guys that haven’t raced in 2 years run well and get excited about racing again. Looking at the track, I think it will be 3 wide at the start/ finish line.

RW: Have you been out to the new track? How is the progress coming along?
ER: It is awesome!! The crash wall, tunnel and part of the stadium are looking really good; mainly all of the cement work.

RW: When the track finally opens a lot of us are going to be looking for a place to eat. Any recommendations?
ER: There is some excellent French Basque and also Mexican restaurants, but maybe we could all eat at my house with a barbeque or something. I know Green Frog has some great steaks… oh and did I mention the peaches?

RW: When you shop at Green Frog Markets…what is the favorite thing you put in your cart?
ER: I usually get 2 carts… one with drinks and ice and one for the house. I really like those Dole strawberry ice cream bars. They almost sound healthy. I eat all that race car driver food like ribs, steaks… oh and did I mention those great Rich-Pak peaches in stores soon.

RW: Thank you for answering!

If you are a driver, car owner or track promoter-- the fans would love to learn more about you and what it is like to be a grassroots racing insider. RacingWest would love to feature you. If you are willing to give a little of your time to put a smile on the faces of the fans, please email: janet@racingwest.com

See Also .:

• Eric Richardson Driver Card
• Mesa Marin Raceway Track Page

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