By KEVIN HARRIS
I have been fortunate to interview some famous people in my journalism career. That list of prominent figures includes Damon Bailey, Fuzzy Zoeller, current Indiana First Lady and New Albany native Cheri Daniels, rock star Alice Cooper and, most recently, Tony Dungy.
But there has only been one instance in my career when I have interviewed a living legend before he or she became famous.
It happened in the summer of 1999.
It was my first summer as a sports reporter for The Evening News. And, like most people in my craft, I was desperately trying to find stories to do during our slow time with the area high schools being on summer break.
I decided to do a feature story on Salem Speedway, so I ventured to Washington County on a Saturday night for a American Speed Association race.
During an on-track autograph session, I got a chance to talk to several drivers from the now-defunct series. One of those drivers was a young, polished Californian who was in his second season in ASA.
At first, I was real hesitant about approaching him. I was wondering if this guy would even give the time of day to a young reporter at a community newspaper who will not give him the type of exposure he needs to get a NASCAR ride in the future.
But despite my nerves, I went for it.
When I went up to him, he immediately gave me an autographed placard of himself, thinking that I was a fan. Then, I introduced myself as a reporter and wondered if he had a few minutes to do an interview.
The laid-back driver simply smiled and said, “Sure.”
I asked him about how much he enjoyed driving at Salem and what it was like running in the ASA series. He responded with positive and politically correct answers, which he has been notorious for giving in his current occupation.
Once the interview was done, we shook hands and I wished him good luck in the race.
That night, he did not have the best race car. But he showed his talent and how well he deals with adversity in dodging several accidents to produce a fourth-place finish.
Who was that driver?
Jimmie Johnson.
Ten years later, he is the best driver with the best owner and crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and is about to become the first driver to ever win four consecutive championships.
When I talked to Johnson that night, I never envisioned him becoming one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time. I looked at him as just another up-and-coming driver with a ton of talent who was waiting for his break.
Even though I have teased him a lot this season, deep down I feel honored to have had the chance to talk to Johnson on that sultry summer night and for helping me build my confidence in interviewing future sports personalities.
Jimmie, thanks for the time and the opportunity to interview you 10 years ago.
TODAY’S FORD 400
at Homestead-Miami Speedway
TOP-FIVE CONTENDERS
1. GREG BIFFLE: Two reasons why I’m going with “The Biff.” One, he has the most Cup victories in the history of Homestead-Miami Speedway with three. Second, he is due to win. It baffles me that the Roush Fenway driver has not won in 43 races. In fact, it baffles me even more the way the Roush cars have struggled like crazy since Matt Kenseth won at California in the second race of the season.
2. CARL EDWARDS: Speaking of being due, Edwards has not won since he took the checkered flag in this race last year. Expect him to try to repeat today.
3. KEVIN HARVICK: Despite never winning at Homestead, Harvick always runs well at the south Florida track. His career average finish at Homestead is 9.1 with three top-fives and six top-10s. Harvick and the No. 29 team need some momentum heading into what they hope is a better 2010 campaign.
4. JIMMIE JOHNSON: His stats at Homestead are not outstanding (no wins, two top-fives, 13.6 average finish). But take out the finish at Texas and he has by far been the hottest man in the Chase. He will wrap up his fourth straight series title today with at least a solid top-five finish.
5. MARK MARTIN: Count on one thing today, Mark will fight to the bitter end in trying to capture his first Cup championship. And like most of you, I’ll be praying and hoping that a miracle will happen and he will get that coveted series title. But realistically, it will not be enough. Don’t expect Johnson to have another bad finish like he did at Texas and give Martin a huge break.
TODAY’S DARK HORSE
• MARTIN TRUEX JR.: He has finished in the top 10 in each of his last three Homestead starts, including second place in the 2006 race. Ever since Truex announced he was driving for Michael Waltrip Racing next season, he has desperately wanted to end his tenure at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with a victory. Today might be the day that happens.
DRIVERS MOST LIKELY TO STRUGGLE TODAY
• (tie) PAUL MENARD, ELLIOTT SADLER: You know, it would not be the penultimate ITFL without putting Menard and Sadler in this category. I mean, both of them deserve to be mocked by me when you are 26th (Sadler) and 32nd (Menard) in the point standings. To Paul and Elliott, you each get a season-finale “Yep” from yours truly.
Contact Kevin Harris at kevin.harris@newsandtribune.com.
CHASE FOR THE CUP STANDINGS
1. JIMMIE JOHNSON 6,492
2. MARK MARTIN -108
3. JEFF GORDON -169
4. KURT BUSCH -211
5. TONY STEWART -285
6. JUAN MONTOYA -289
7. GREG BIFFLE -321
8. DENNY HAMLIN -352
9. RYAN NEWMAN -411
10. KASEY KAHNE -476
11. CARL EDWARDS -520
12. BRIAN VICKERS -666
