Survivor! That is what Scott Gaylord and his team is. A long-time competitor in the NASCAR Winston West Series he has survived the numerous changes the Series has gone through, where many of his former competitors have not.

In 1997 the Winston West got "a shot in the arm" when it learned that Winston, the series sponsor, was increasing the money it put into the Series.

With the smell of money in the air, new teams joined the competition. It was a mixed blessing, it brought in high dollar teams, top-of -the-line equipment, but unfortunately many of the long-time competitors were not able to compete, because coupled with the new money was the addition of several super-speedways, and where before some advantage could be realized with equipment, now there was a definite advantage.

But Gaylord and the team, managed to survive regardless of the racing venue. He not only survived but he was competitive. The No. 00 Oliver Gravity Separators Chevrolet was one of the front-runners at LVMS when he was black flagged for leaking fluid. Once in the pits, it was determined there was no leak, but that unwarranted stop cost him dearly in that race. Then there was the race at Mesa Marin where No.00 was black-flagged for jumping the start, never mind that it was the leader. At Laguna Seca Gaylord led lap after lap, until a part brought him in for service. Finally at the last Irwindale event everything went right and the No.00 finished third after two very well funded teams and ahead of a lot of others.

Can Gaylord, one of the longest competitors in the series win? Believe me, it is not if, it is when. And although racers across the country recognize Gaylord for his road-racing prowess and his muscle on the super-speedways, some of Gaylord's best performance has come on the short-tracks. Monday Gaylord will compete at Rocky Mountain Raceways, a track where he led last year until a tire let go.

If Gaylord doesn't win Rocky Mountain Raceways, watch for him at Mesa Marin, because he is not just a survivor, he is a winner!

RacingWest: Not everyone has a chance to see all the tracks the Winston West travels to. Can you give us an insider's view of the track?

Scott Gaylord: The best racing facility between Denver, CO. and Las Vegas. As you drive up you can see the grand stands to the drag strip that is also there. You drive around the drag strip to get the hauler into the pit area just out side the 3/8th mile track. The surface is smooth and reminds me alot of the Tucson track.

RW: What does it take to win at Rocky Mountain Raceways?

SG: We were able to lead the race last year until a tire went down and finished 9th, so we still are learning how to win there.

RW: Where (who, what) is your biggest challenge going to come from at Rocky Mountain Raceways?

SG: The top-ten NASCAR Winston West teams.

RW: What is the key to passing at this track?

SG: Stay low!

RW: When setting up the car for this track, what track is it most similar to?

SG: Tucson Raceway Park

RW: The Winston West is long familiar with two tires. Have you had any problems with tires? How have you managed your tire program? Do you feel running two brands is good or bad and why?

SG: We have not had any tire problems. Goodyear has had a good tire at every race and offers all the advice they can to help us be up front. As long as we run Goodyear one brand is OK.

RW: Reviewing the racing season, what was your best moment?

SG: Finishing 3rd at the last Irwindale race and leading the race at Laguna Seca.

RW: If there was something you could have changed or done differently this season what would it have been?

SG: Many things but now we are working to get ready for the RMR race.

RW: Again reviewing the racing season what was the highlight of the NASCAR Winston West Series?

SG: Racing at Laguna Seca!

RW: Was there anything that could have been done to improve the series besides TV coverage?

SG: More road races.

RW: For the schedule next season what adjustments would you like to see?

SG: Some back to back races are hard on the teams and some tracks should be added. More road-courses! As far as dates that should be what is in the best interest of the fans!

The NASCAR Winston West made the calls the way they saw it, and they made them without prejudice. I respect the majority of the calls made by the NASCAR Winston West, some calls will always be questioned by someone, NASCAR will never please everyone on every call they make. Making those calls does not come easy.