Q&A WITH LATE MODEL/MODIFIED RACER: ALEX ANDERSON

Source: RacingWest/Janet
Date: 01/06/2007

While some seventeen year olds are racing on video games and in fantasy leagues, young Alex Anderson is racing on the bullrings and winning races. He currently competes at two ASA sanctioned tracks --Orange Show Speedway and Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway as well as Willow Springs International Raceway.

RacingWest: Could you tell us a little about Alex, how and when you got started racing and where you race?
Alex Anderson: I started Racing at age 8 in the mini-dwarf cars at Victorville Raceway (which is now Route 66 Raceway), Barona Speedway, Pearsonville, and Temecula Speedway. I got into racing Mini-Dwarfs because my friend (and neighbor) Andrew Murphy was racing them and I thought it was the neatest thing. They let me hot lap one of there cars and I was hooked. I currently race in the Late Model/Super Sportsman Division primarily at Willow Springs International Raceway where I finished second in points this year, which was my first full season in the Super Sportsman Division

RW: Did you ever have a race where you thought, that was the most fun I ever had? Please tell us what track you were at, what series you were competing in and why it was so darn much fun!
AA: You're gonna laugh but honestly it was at the slick track (go karts) at Mesa Marin and a couple of the heavy hitters from Orange Show Speedway went with us (Anthony Mainella, Richard Hooper (2005 ASA Late model Champion), Logan Mainella, etc. It was a blast to have all of us out there who race late models racing and taking one another out. I won 2 out of three races it was great

RW: Who do you usually bring along with you to the track during race day?
AA: My mom and my best friend Johnny

RW: Now one of the tracks you said you race at is the ASA Orange Show Speedway, which can be a tough little track. What corner or part of the track has been the biggest challenge to conquer and why? Do you have any special set-ups you use just for that corner or part of the track?
AA: For the most part our car handles about the same in both turns (Due to our super secret setups), but I noticed that a lot of people's cars push coming off of four which gives me a little bit of an advantage over them

RW: So, speaking of that tough little track, OSS, what has been your best finish there?
AA: I think fifth right behind Ron Daniels which I thought was pretty good for my second time being there

RW: Now, you also race out at Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway in Blythe (Calif.) as well as Willow Springs. What made you decide to race a variety of tracks?
AA: I need to learn how to go fast everywhere I suppose

RW: Have you won or come close to winning at either of those tracks, yet?
AA: I won 3 Main Events at Willow Springs This year and got fast time 6 times, now I-10 is a different story

RW: Thinking of those three tracks which do you feel most comfortable on?
AA: Willow Springs

RW: Of all the tracks you have visited or seen on TV which one would you most like to compete at? And could you tell us why that track appeals to you the most?
AA: Bristol, I like that you can still give the guy in front of you. the bumper

RW: Have you had a chance to watch the ASA Speed Truck Challenge, SRL or NASCAR Southwest Tour? If so is there a driver in one of those series that you admire? Who is that driver and why?
AA: None of those, The Hooters Pro Cup driver, Joey Laggano, he is just a kid and yet he can spank the veterans.

RW: How do you balance your education and racing?
AA: I do what I got to do.

RW: What do your fellow students think of you racing or has it become a ho-hum thing to them because they know you so well?
AA: Most of the people I hang out with are somehow involved in the local racing scene so they pretty much know what goes on

RW: How have parents reacted to your racing? Have any of them caught the racing bug yet?
AA: My Mom loves it because, "it keeps me out of trouble."

RW: Would it be fair to say that a lot of what you have is directly related to hard work?
AA: Oh yeah, its me and my 16 year-old buddy that do all the work on my car I wreck it-- we got to fix it

RW: Any advice you would give the new guy starting out with a limited budget as far as things he may not know?
AA: Listen to every piece of advice that anyone gives you, but don't follow it exactly

RW: Would you like to move up to one of the Touring Series one day? If so which one and what do you like about that series?
AA: Hooters Pro Cup, they are just like the NASCAR Nextel Cup cars on short tracks

RW: Can't resist…do you ever feel like you are in a video game when you are racing?
AA: Never....Sometimes I wish I had a reset button though

RW: Are your car(s) ready for 2007? If not what is left to do…or is it always ongoing?
AA: No my Super Late motor isn't done yet

RW: What is Beyond Motorsports?
AA: Beyond Motorsports is a racing organization established on July 17, 2003. It was originally formed to help promote and fund me, since then we have moved up through many classes and been through countless financial ups and downs. Like many racers in this day, we have a very limited budget

RW: That just about wraps it up, but before I let you go, could you let the fans know the first race you have on the schedule for 2007?
AA: March 3rd at Orange Show Speedway!

RW: Thanks Alex. Best of luck to you in 2007. It was great interviewing you.
AA: No problem. Thank you.

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