New track just part of a happy mix

United States sprintcar legend isn't quite sure what to expect in the International Sprintcar meeting at Arena Manawatu tomorrow.

In recent seasons, a bevy of the world's top sprintcar drivers have raced at the Robertson Holden Speedway, but none with the pedigree of Swindells.

He is the second-most-successful driver in sprintcar history with an incredible 267 feature wins and more than 1000 race victories.

"I've always enjoyed racing at different venues and am looking forward to Palmerston North," Swindells said. "I don't know much about the track other than I've been told it's smaller than Western Springs and that was one of the smallest tracks I've raced on."

Swindells, 54, said a smaller track made it more difficult to pass but didn't change how you went about securing the win.

"It doesn't make any difference racing on a big track or a small one; you can't just drive flat out up the back of someone. You need to take your time and pick the right line anywhere.

"There is a bit more luck in picking whether to go inside or outside. At the Springs I was going wide, but Jonathan Allard went on the inside and he got the pass and that was race over."

Swindells began racing in 1971 and raced in the first World of Outlaw race in 1978 at Devils Bowl Speedway, Texas, finishing fourth. Despite numerous placings, Swindells has won at Knoxville just once, in 1983, and has been World of Outlaw champion in 1981, 1982 and 1996, with five feature wins and 44 top-five finishes in 67 meetings.

But while Steve Kinser, who is the only driver with more wins than Swindells, has concentrated on sprintcars, Swindells has raced many classes, including midgets, where he has won the midget's premier race, the Chili Bowl, five times and is the current champion.

"I've wanted to experience as many race cars as possible and I've had the opportunity over my 38 years of racing to do just that."

Swindells spent a season in Nascar Craftsman Trucks and Busch Nascars, and raced Indy Cars for the famous AJ Foyt at Pocono and the Michigan 500. He was an alternate for the Indianapolis 500 in 1987.

Over the years, Swindells has seen numerous changes to the popular sprintcars and midgets, the only true international speedway classes.

Thirty years ago, engines lasted most of the season and the tyres, which were a harder compound, lasted half a season. A rack of tyres lasted the entire season, unlike now, when engines are checked regularly and a rack of tyres might last one night. The top drivers today also had more than one car.

There's a lot more to do now, especially with the maintenance.

- © Fairfax NZ News