Pennzoil Dodge Racing Report: Raines Hopes California Experience Helps at Las Vegas
3 November 1997
Raines Hopes Experience at California Helps at Vegas During the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at California Speedway two weeks ago, Pennzoil Dodge driver Tony Raines learned a lot about truck racing on a big, fast race track. With that newly acquired knowledge in hand, the first-year Indiana driver is hoping what he learned will help him when the series finishes up its 1997 season Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Raines, who is one of three rookie winners on the circuit this year, will be making his first appearance on the 1.5 mile Las Vegas tri-oval. Raines on... ...what he knows about Las Vegas Motor Speedway: "I hear it's a nice facility, but that's about all I know. I haven't seen it, I haven't been on it. But, I'm not concerned mainly because we just finished up at California. It's two miles, fast and smooth. People tell me running Vegas is similar, but just a little smaller." ...what type of race he anticipates: "You might think it could be kind of messy, just because it is the last race of the season. But, Vegas is a pretty fast race track and I think we have to give some credit to the drivers in the Craftsman Truck Series. Every time we have run a bigger track, everyone has respected the track and the other drivers more than anyone may have expected. On a short track, you can beat and bang, and maybe you'll tear the truck up or even hit the wall, but you'll still walk back to the trailer. Speedways are a lot different -- that don't allow that kind of driving, and I think all of our drivers recognize and respect that." ...difference in approaching a big race track: "I think it may be easier physically to run a big track, but about the same mentally. On a short track, you have to climb up on the wheel and really hustle the truck around there. When you go through the corner on a big track, everything has to be real smooth and coordinated to get the most out of your vehicle. On a short track, you can come into the corner crossed up, slide it through the center, pound the gas and get it out the other side, and it probably won't hurt you too much. You can't afford to be erratic on a big track, because it will cost you too much time." For More Information Contact: Al Larsen Cohn & Wolfe (404) 880-5267 al_larsen@cohnwolfe.com
