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ILMS: The 2000 Race Season From The Drivers Point Of View

7 January 2001

Poste By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Brett Houskeeper, eighth in the final points standings and driver of the #16 car. Houskeeper was just one of several drivers in the series this year that offered up his answers to following questions.

IMLS: Now that the season is over and you look back, what would you have done differently?

Houskeeper: I would have tried to keep the car going Westbound on the front stretch and Eastbound on the back stretch (at RMR).

IMLS: Were you happy with your performance? Your teams performance this year?

Houskeeper: Yes, we've been trying to win a late model Main Event since 1995 and we finally won one! We had a great team this year, they made all the races, and that made it easier to experiment. IMLS: What did you like most about the season?

Houskeeper: The Main Event win! We've had a dedicated fan following for years, and it was great to win at home. We also scaled the car almost every night IMLS: What did you not like about the season?

Houskeeper: We need to work on qualifying better. We race better than we qualify. Also, too many races at RMR. We like the track, but we like the variety that the ILMS gives us.

IMLS: What is your favorite moment from the season?

Houskeeper: The last lap of the July 15 Main Event! IMLS: How was the competition this season?

Houskeeper: The competition gets tougher every year. The racing this year was clean and professional compared to some years, and as a series, we raced very well. The rookies this year were very competitive, a good sign for years to come!

IMLS: How about you? Did you finish where you wanted to be? What is your goal for next year?

Houskeeper: We held sixth place in points for quite a while, and dropped back mid-season. We would have preferred to move forward, not back. Next year, we'd like to finish in the top five, and get another Main Event win... or two... or three... or...

IMLS: What did you think of the 2001 season's schedule? Any event you would like to see added or any date you would like to see changed?

Houskeeper: We like the diversity of the new schedule, and the number of races, but we want to go to Pike's Peak!!! If we could change a date, it would be June 16. Bret's daughters are both in a dance recital that night. He'll be in Twin Falls, Tina will be in Salt Lake with his two best fans

IMLS: What plans do you have for the team during the off season? What will you do to get ready for next year?

Houskeeper: We want to keep the team together. Racing is a new thing for most of them. If they can stay interested, they'll learn a lot, and be a great asset over the next few years.

IMLS: Overall what would you like to see next year for the series?

Houskeeper: More money!! Mostly, we'd like to see the series become stronger as a group, and not cave in to outside pressures

Text provided by Jon Proctor

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