BUSCH: Phoenix Mike McLaughlin Preview

McLAUGHLIN VENTURES WEST, SEARCHING FOR VICTORY LANE

PHOENIX - Much like the miners that headed west looking for gold in the mid 1800's, Mike McLaughlin is headed west to find his own treasure, a winners trophy, to round out the 1999 racing season. McLaughlin a two-time Busch Series winner in 1998 has two more shots to land in Victory Lane this season. The first of those two races takes place at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday afternoon.

The flat 1-mile PIR oval fits the driving style of McLaughlin like a glove. The Waterloo, NY native has always enjoyed the flat racing surfaces that require a nimble touch of the brakes and gas peddle.

"Phoenix looks to be my kind of track, I love the challenge of a flat race track and Phoenix will be a major challenge," McLaughlin said. "I have never been to the track, but from what I see on television, if we can get the Goulds Pumps Chevrolet to handle through the turns, we can rely on our Hutter Engine to pull us down the straight-aways."

"Magic Shoes" as he is called hopes to work his magic in the Outback Steakhouse 200 Saturday afternoon.

PIT NOTES

Ø McLaughlin is looking to hold onto his place inside the top-ten of the NASCAR Busch Series Point Standings. If he can finish inside the top-ten, McLaughlin will become the only driver to record a top-ten points finish each year since 1995. McLaughlin currently stands in 9th position.

Ø IRONMAN: Mike McLaughlin has made 149 consecutive NASCAR Busch Series starts, the longest active streak in the series.

Ø McLaughlin will attend the Grand Opening of the Race Rock Café in Las Vegas on Wednesday night, prior to traveling to Phoenix for the Outback Steakhouse 200.