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Ask
Matt
Matt
Kenseth answers fan questions once a week.
Submit your question
here. |
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September 18, 2008 |
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Q |
Why do they torch
the tires?
Joe Stangelle, Jamestown, Pa. |
2008 Q&A
. . . . . . . .
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A |
The tires are torched
to clean the loose debris off so our tire
specialist can get an accurate reading on the
amount of rubber left on the tire after it comes
off the car.
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Q |
When you and the
rest of the Chase contenders do the “Top Ten” on
David Letterman, do you get to pick your own
line or are you assigned a specific line? Also
are you allowed to see your lines ahead of time?
Thanks!
Jane S, Dover, Del. |
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A |
The writers at
Letterman come up with them. I suppose you could
refuse if you want, but nobody has that I know
of. We do a rehearsal about an hour before the
show.
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Q |
Hi Matt, I was wondering how many years it was
before you made it in NASCAR? And what track did
you first race on as a kid? And one more thing I
know you have to start at your hometown track
and all but do have any pointers for me to help
me move up in the rankings? Because I want start
racing in a few years. Thanks and you never know
I might one day race with you.
Alex Geiger, Woodburn, Ind. |
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A |
I started racing in
1988 at Columbus 151 speedway in Wisconsin. I
ran my first Nationwide race in 1996 and went
full time in 1997. I would put something
together to run your local track and start
there. Good luck!
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Q |
When cars spin on
the track, what determines whether you stay in
the gas or lock up the brakes? I see drivers
doing both.
John Albion, Beaver Dam, Wis. |
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A |
Good question!
Everything happens pretty fast and you just try
to use your best judgment, try to assess the
situation and make whatever move you think you
need to make to miss the wreck. I always go with
the slow down theory!
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Q |
I see you ran at
Iowa Speedway with Kyle Busch. Who is your
favorite driver to just hang out with when the
opportunity presents itself. Please don’t say
Gordon.
Jeff Jamieson, Wichita, Kan. |
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A |
I have had a lot of
fun riding motorcycles and hanging out with Kyle
Petty lately.
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