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June 18, 2009
2009 Q&A
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What has been the hardest part about taking on
the job of Matt’s crew chief and what has been
the easiest?
Ellen Fraser,
Calgary, Alberta |
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The hardest part of being a Cup crew chief is
trying to get the team and the cars as perfect as possible. The competition on
Sundays is so tough that everything needs to be perfect to win races. There
aren’t very many easy things, but the comforting part of being Matt’s crew chief
is being able to rely on his experience and knowledge.
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What’s a typical week like in the shop? What’s
your typical day at the track?
Kennedy
Robertson, Columbia, S.C. |
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Mondays are usually filled with meetings
concerning production of cars and post-race
meetings. Tuesday and Wednesday I oversee the
production of the 17’s race cars and pit stops.
Thursday is usually a travel day. Friday and
Saturday we practice for the event, and Sunday
we race and come home to start the cycle again.
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I’m interested in what type of info the
computerized clipboard gives you, what drives
it, and do you use it during both practice and
the race? Thanks.
Charmaine Huey,
Nashville, Tenn. |
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We don’t use the computerized clipboards on the
17. But other teams use them and it is basically
a laptop with wireless card that transfers info
back to a main computer.
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Congrats on your promotion to the Cup series. I
would like to know why some of the Roush Fenway
cars get better fuel mileage than others.
Ray Barbara, San Jose, Calif. |
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Thanks. There are a number of factors that
determine fuel mileage: how hard the driver is
driving, driving style, in front or back in the
pack, and even the handling affects how much gas
is used. Those are some of the reasons certain
cars can go farther than others during the race.
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Mr. Drew, when you and Matt have a disagreement
during a race, who usually wins? I love to
listen to you guys on the scanner! What kinds of
things do you do to help improve driver/ crew
chief relations?
Jennifer Douglass, Laural Springs, N.J. |
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Matt
always wins!!! No, he will usually give me his
opinion but will listen and do what I ask. Matt
spends a lot of time around the shop, and when
he takes us to lunch, that really helps our
relationship!
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