Q&A with Dan Glauz

Introduction: Dan Glauz begins his first season as crew chief at Bahari' Racing, replacing Doug Hewitt. Glauz, 39, has a reputation as a solid chassis specialist. He worked in that capacity for Tim Steele when he won his first ARCA championship in 1993. In 1994, Glauz helped rookie Ward Burton to a second-place finish at Pocono as a chassis specialist. In 1997, Glauz's setups enabled Mike Skinner to become the first rookie to sweep both pole positions in the same season at Daytona. Before joining Bahari' Racing in late November last year, Glauz served as Bobby Hillin's crew chief in the Busch Series. Glauz was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., the same hometown of former Bahari' Racing driver Johnny Benson.

What are your expectations as a rookie crew chief?

"I expect it to be tough. It's tough enough to make the car go fast in the Busch Series. But I really think we're going to have a good year. My name may not be familiar to the race fans. But I feel like my chassis ability and the people I have behind me should really help us. The equipment Chuck has for us is second to none. I think we'll be good in a Pontiac. Chuck wanted somebody new and young and hungry. He's giving me a chance to prove myself. It's a challenge for everybody in this sport. Everybody in racing wants to win. That's why they're here. Derrike has proven his ability. He's won already. With him being healthy and the knowledge we have behind us on this team, I don't see why we can't run well. I'd like to win some poles. I'd like to run in the top-10 in races and finish in the top-10 in points. I think the team we've put together now is very capable of that."

What qualities do you see in Derrike Cope as a driver?

"I feel Derrike Cope is hungry and wants to win. He's not a quitter. He saves his equipment. When we're both that hungry, I think we can do it. He's been to victory lane, so he knows how to do it. I feel he's as good or better than any driver out there. He's in very good shape now and he's not hurting anymore."

What's it like to work for Chuck Rider?

"He's behind me 110 percent. He knows I'm a rookie in this deal. He laid a lot on the line to get me in here. He isn't wanting for any machinery or any type of equipment to win. He's giving me the chance to show that we can win. Chuck doesn't add any pressure. He's behind everybody on this team. He's a very caring car owner. He's very people-oriented. He cares about everybody on the team. I don't see any problems with added pressure. He knows there's ups and downs in this sport."