1. What's your name and where are you from?
My name is Rob Lopes, and I’m from Carneys Point, New Jersey.
2. Where did you go to school?
I went to high school at Penns Grove High School there in Carneys Point. I went to college at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
3. What was your favorite subject in school?
I was always really big into science – biology, chemistry, classes like that. Math as well, but mostly sciences.
4. When did you start working in racing and at what level?
I started working in racing when I was 15 years old, and it was at my local dirt tracks.
5. What is your role at Hendrick Motorsports and how long have you been in that position?
I am the tire specialist for the No. 88 that Dale Earnhardt Jr. drives. I’ve been in this position at this company for four years – I’ve been a tire specialist in the Cup Series for 20 years for several different drivers.
6. What do you do on a typical race weekend at the track?
I just work on tires. All day, every day. I’ll help the guys with the car, too, but it’s mostly taking care of the tires that we put on the No. 88.
7. At which track do you feel tires play the biggest role?
I would say there are several. Atlanta comes to mind. California comes to mind. Darlington, definitely. I’d say they’re all really big-hitters there. Tires can make a world of difference as far as the car’s performance.
8. Why do you use nitrogen in the Goodyear tires?
We use nitrogen in the tires because it has less moisture in it, and as you know when water gets hot, it expands and turns into steam. So by reducing the humidity – also known as the moisture – within the tire, we can help control the pressure buildup within the tire. That’s why we use nitrogen – it’s a drier form of compressed gas.
9. If you didn't work in racing, in what profession could you see yourself?
I would be a golf course superintendent if I didn’t work in racing. I like playing golf and I’m pretty good at that. As a matter of fact, that’s what my degree is in – agronomy and environmental science, specializing in golf course management.
10. What is your biggest obstacle on the average race weekend when it comes to tires?
Just trying to keep the driver happy. Everybody says, ‘Oh, we need a good set,’ or, ‘This is a good set, this is a bad set.’ I’m just happy if they’re all the same, because that way he can’t tell the difference and we’re not adjusting the race car to a set of tires every time we stop. That’s the biggest obstacle, to make them consistent.