LUSK AND LUCK MAY EQUATE TO WIN

Source: Janet Peery
Date: 10/14/1999

Damon Lusk has been showing the racing world he has the skills, patience and equipment it takes run up front and be a contender for the win. Although still winless in the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series, he has certainly been close to the win more than a couple of times.

Lusk has been consistent throughout the season always in the hunt for the win, always letting the points follow, but always staying in the top-five. With two Bud Pole awards collected on short tracks it is possible to see this young driver collect another one at the Mesa Marin 1/2 mile. It is also possible to see him collect his first win. Lusk calls Mesa Marin a "Drivers Track" and he has shown the fans of the NASCAR Southwest Tour he can drive. There are some pretty big names he will compete against including former champion Ron Hornaday Jr., but with a little patience and a lot of Lusk just might take the win.

Fans interested in watching Damon Lusk, Ron Hornaday Jr. and the other stars of the NASCAR Southwest Series can call the track for tickets at 366-5711. Several pricing plans are available. Or you may visit the Mesa Marin Raceway Website at www.mesamarin.com.

RacingWest: When you think of the tracks the NASCAR Winston Cup drivers compete on, which of those tracks most closely resembles Mesa Marin Raceway?
Damon Lusk: I would say Bristol, because of the banked corners, and how much speed you carry through the corners.

RW: What is it you like most about Mesa Marin Raceway?
DL: What I like most about Mesa Marin is that it's a drivers racetrack. You go so fast down the straightaways, and to click off a good lap for qualifying you really have to drive it in to the corner, and it has to stick!

RW: Have you had an opportunity to do any testing at Mesa Marin Raceway?
DL: We have done just a little bit of testing at Mesa, but with all of the races being so close it really makes it hard.
RW: What is the most challenging part about racing at Mesa Marin Raceway?
DL: The hardest part about racing at the October Classic is that everyone who owns a racecar wants to race it on that weekend, and there are a lot of good race car drivers that show up, and it makes it hard to be the dominant race car.

RW: What is the key to passing at this track?
DL: I would say coming off turn four, try to get underneath them and get a good run going into turn one.

RW: What is the key to finishing at this track?
DL: Of course, Patience, and a race car that is very well prepared.

RW: What is the key element to winning this track?
DL: Good pit stop strategy, a fast race car, and LUCK.

RW: If you are leading on the last lap at this track who do you not want to see in your rearview mirror?
DL: Hopefully no one, just a straight away of "Black Asphalt"

RW: Would you miss Winter Heat and if so why?
DL: Winter Heat was the most prestigious race on the tour, I think, and I am really going to miss it. It really gave a lot of guys a chance to show off their stuff on national television. I know this is probably just a rumor, but I would really like to see the "Winter Heat Series" moved to Irwindale.

RW: What has your biggest thrill been in racing this year?
DL: My Biggest thrill of the year was winning the Bud Pole Award two races in a row (Tucson, Madera) and having the dominant race car at Tucson. Although we didn't win, there was no doubt in my mind that we could have won if it were not for a flat tire. There is always a should of, could of, would of!

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