Derrike's 2000 Questions & Answers

Derrike will answer your questions this year. You can also read Derrike's answers to your 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2003-2004 questions.

November 18, 2000

Question: Do you have a favorite track?
Derrike's Answer: I really like super speedways. Daytona, Talladega, Charlotte, Atlanta, Pocono and Michigan are my favorites.

Question: How do you remain physically and mentally prepared to race?
Derrike's Answer: Keeping physically fit is an ongoing process that involves watching my diet and exercise. I run regularly and work out on the Stairmaster. Being physically fit enables me to keep my mental focus. I really enjoyed driving in the Craftsman Truck Series during the last two races of the season. The challenge of driving and the competition help me to keep my mental edge.

Question: What Goals have you set for you and the team for next year?
Derrike's Answer: With as many variables as we have right now it is difficult to set long range goals. Our short-range goal is to be competitive and productive during the first four races of the 2001 season. During that time we will be finalizing our expectations for the remainder of the season.

October 23, 2000

Question: What qualities are important to you in a crew chief?
Derrike's Answer: Several qualities are essential including: organizational skills, a broad experience base, people skills and the ability to manage people. As in any relationship I value trust, integrity and loyalty.

Question: What is your opinion of provisionals as they are currently used in Winston Cup?
Derrike's answer: In my opinion they are often over used. I think that provisionals could be limited to allow a greater portion of the race field to be determined by qualifying time. There still should be a limited number of provisionals awarded based on point standing.

Question: There has been a lot of discussion of possibly using the racing engine for qualifying. What is your opinion?
Derrike's Answer: That approach would drive down costs for all race teams. I think that the idea has merit and believe that NASCAR will address it at some point.

Question: Are Winston Cup Drivers typically paid a salary or are they compensated based on their winnings?
Derrike's Answer: The usual method of driver compensation includes a salary and a percentage of the winnings.

Question: Did you ever drive open wheel cars?
Derrike's Answer: I drove a super modified on asphalt for a brief time in the 1980's.

August 16, 2000

Question: What is your typical race day routine?
Derrike’s Answer: For an afternoon race, I usually arise around 7AM. Typically, I eat a light breakfast such as oatmeal. I spend considerable time reviewing the settings for the car and consider setup options, etc. I look at the weather forecast for the track and review our notes for the race. At the track, I meet with the crew chief and the crew. We discuss various setup changes and then make a final decision regarding setup for the race. Next comes the driver’s meeting. After that I try to relax with the team until race time.
Question: When you test a car, what are your goals?
Derrike’s answer: Testing, to be effective during the limited test time available, must be highly organized and structured. Typical areas of focus during testing are engine and drive train performance, aerodynamic and geometry considerations, grip, as well as shock and spring combinations. Since the car is equipped for computerized data acquisition during testing, it provides an excellent method to acquire and analyze data and to enhance performance.

Question: Do the side air vents that hook to your helmet really help?
Derrike’s answer: The helmet vents help in a small way. They reduce the temperature inside the helmet from around 140 degrees to about 120 degrees.

Question: As a team owner and driver, what do you see as the two greatest challenges that you face?
Derrike’s answer: Personnel and sponsorship. Highly qualified personnel are necessary in all phases of Winston Cup team operation. My goal is to surround myself with outstanding personnel. I believe that a highly successful operation requires delegation of responsibility and decision making. Therefore, we must secure highly qualified and professional managers for the team. In looking at potential staff for our operation, I value technical excellence, communication ability, a strong work ethic and a strong sense of commitment to our organization. Finally, a team must have adequate sponsorship in order to develop a quality, consistently competitive team. That typically requires a sponsorship commitment of eight to twelve million dollars for a single car team.

Question: What does the term “neutral” mean in reference to handling?
Derrike’s Answer: Basically that refers to the balance of grip between the front and rear of the car.

Question: What do you do to relax?
Derrike’s answer: Renee and I recently moved into our new home on our farm. My shop for my shock business is located on the grounds of our farm. That enables me to work on shocks and to work on product development and improvement. We enjoy the country and I just like to kick back relax at home. Of course, I still enjoy playing a round of golf.

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