DRO: What about buy-backs, splitting the prize money, multiple entry cars for one car and driver?

Frankie: Let me start with multiple entry cards for one car and driver in one race, I don't like it. If you do well you would have to win 16 or 17 rounds to get to the money and it is too hard to stay consistent for that many rounds. As for buy-backs, I use them when they are available but it is RARE that I need them. The double buy-backs for the first and second rounds are getting to be too much. I think a lot of racers are relying on buy-backs and not their ability and concentration to go rounds. Splitting the prize money? Absolutely! Here is an example: $1,000 to win and $300 runner-up. I need to make money and if I split I am guaranteed at least a $650 check. If I don't I could get only $300 and that barely covers getting there, food and entry fees. Most racers will split if they think about it and don't let their pride get in the way. The split I like the most is 60/40 or 50/50 if that is what the other guy likes.

DRO: What has made you as successful as you are in general and how about some comments to other racers that could help them out.

Frankie: The number one thing I think helps me more than even my trusty old car is my "mental program". I really work hard on concentration and repeating my actions and thoughts right from the first time trial until eliminations are over. I know some racers that will say they add "some numbers to the delay box for so and so or roll a few out for someone else. I think that is a major mental error and creates confusion in your reaction times and reflexes. I pick a delay setting and a dial-in I feel I can beat anyone with and stick with it. I run my own race and the one thing I try to never do on the track is "give the

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stripe back" on purpose. I want the stripe every time and if I breakout I was dialed wrong anyway. One thing I really like to do is make an effort to help get racers going in the right direction with their race program any time they ask. I am also really proud of the 75 final rounds I have been in and I have only lost six of them.

DRO: I asked Frankie if he had a tip for racers who just can't seem to get over the "second round blues". Basically I was looking for some tips we could call "Frankie's Slump-Busters". He said that was a tough one as he hadn't been in one for over two years. The one thing he did say works for different guys is to move your trans-brake button once in a while. It makes you concentrate a little more and you might find you are more consistent. He actually told me he has three trans-brake buttons in the car "just in case".

DRO: Frankie, I can't thank you enough for giving up some excellent information that might help someone beat you in your next final round. I am also glad I got to be the person who told a small part of your story and hopefully I will meet you in person and cook you up some "Iowa Chops" at the track.

I am going to check in with Frankie during the 2004 season and see how he is doing. He is a very unique guy and undoubtedly one of the premier top bulb racers in the country.

I hope you enjoyed an interview with "one of the guys". No big buck sponsor, no rich "sugar daddy" buying him parts. He gets what he earns and not many of the "Professional Sportsman" racers can say that.

See y'all at the races.

nicholson@dragracingonline.com