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Featured interviews from SpeedwayMedia.com

Joe Nemechek announces new deal with Herbal Mist Iced Tea

Photo Credit: H2M Beverages

To go with the new season, Joe Nemechek announced a new deal with H2M Beverages. The partnership brings forth two new flavors of Herbal Mist Iced Tea – A Special Edition Unsweetened Tea and a Sweet Tea version aimed at the southern consumer.

“I’m really excited about the partnership Herbal Mist Teas,” he said. “I’m actually a big tea drinker and I normally love the taste of unsweetened tea so to be a part of creating my own branded Herbal Mist Unsweetened Tea that has the right taste is a great opportunity for me.”

“How can you say no to ‘Front Row Joe’?,” asked Greg Piagesi, co-founder of H2M and SVP, Sales. “We met over the summer and Joe remarked how much he enjoyed Herbal Mist but was yearning for a simple, unsweetened version. Talks became handshakes and handshakes became a new sku in our line with a fancy new design.”

Nemechek is trying to qualify for the 2013 Daytona 500 and qualifying 43rd on Sunday, he will have to race his way into the big race through the Duels on Thursday.

As part of his partnership, he will have NASCAR K&N West Series competitor Bobby Grewohl run some races for him.

“I actually haven’t known Bobby for too long now since he is a new driver for us but we are looking forward to see him gain some great experience this season,” Nemechek said. “I can say that he is determined and competitive, which are of course great attributes to have as a race car driver. I don’t know what will happen since there are a lot of variables and anything can happen on the track but he has a drive and that’s what I like about him. It’s a confidence – not cocky – but definitely confident.”

Grewohl’s first race for Nemechek will be at Iowa Speedway.

“I am really excited and looking forward to the track and race,” he said. “I am also thankful and honored to be driving for and representing Joe Nemechek and NEMCO Racing. I will be focusing on finishing the race and trying my best to get the car into the winners circle. Finishing up front is always the goal.”

For Nemechek, he got his start in racing as a kid after watching motocross on TV.

“I thought to myself, “That’s what I’m gonna do”,” he said. “So I started racing, I won a lot and got hurt quite a few times. Throughout my years of competition, I’ve won at every level so it’s been a good journey.”

With a racing career now expanding over 20 years, including four Sprint Cup victories, there are definately some memorable moments.

“Winning cup races are always good, I mean who doesn’t like to win?,” he started. “There was the US Army car at Kansas where there were about 400 – 500 soldiers attending and so that was just a huge honor to be able to do that. I was also the Nationwide champ in ’92 – now every win is special but this one stands out – managing to beat Dale Earnhart Sr. in a fierce battle on the track, that’s a pretty good moment.

“I also have to say, I have three kids and the oldest one is racing now and I am so proud of his accomplishments. John Hunter – he’s going to be one of the best in the country, look out for him, he’s going to be huge.”

For those who want to get involved in racing like Nemechek and his son John, it’s all about finding the series for you.

“In today’s world, racing costs a lot, so you want to pick a series that you know you can afford and do the best at it that you can,” he said. “Be consistent, learn how to be media saavy, and market yourself so you can work on getting sponsorships. The most important thing though is to never give up.”

February 19, 2013
Reed Sorenson: “We Have a Shot To Win”

Reed Sorenson began his NASCAR career with Ganassi Racing in the No. 41 Dodge in 2005. He was immediately a force to be reckoned with, scoring his first victory at Nashville Speedway from the pole and crossing the finish line 14 seconds over the competition. He went to victory lane once again at Gateway and lead the standings by 51 points and finished the season fourth overall.

Beginning a full-time schedule in the Cup series and double duty in the Nationwide series in 2006, Reed completed the season 10th in Nationwide standings and earned five top-10 finishes in Cup. In his rookie Cup season, he became the youngest pole winner at Indianapolis Motor Speedway at the age of 21.

His career went from the best of highs to the worst of lows when Sorenson was released from driving duties at Turner Motorsports in October 2011. After taking Turner Motorsports to victory lane and to third place in the championship standings, this came as a shock to the NASCAR world. Turner gave no excuse for the release.

Now at the age of 27, Sorenson finds himself racing full-time in the Nationwide series once again with The Motorsports Group, much to the excitement of his fan base. “I came in and he told me his plan as far as trying to make his race team better and trying to improve his race team with his engine program that he’s started up – he’s hoping that’s a step forward compared to last year and what he had. You know, he kind of filled me in on – this is the year where he’s going to try and put everything he possibly can into the race team and making it better. I felt pretty encouraged about that and we just talked a few more times and said alright let’s do it.”

Formerly known as Key Motorsports, TMG currently fields the #40, 42, 46 and 47 entries in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Curtis Key is approaching his 20th anniversary as a team owner in NASCAR’s top three divisions.

“I hope this year will be the best that this team has ever ran”, Sorenson said when I asked about his expectations for the 2013 season. “I hope that I can bring, as a driver, more experience than they’ve (TMG) had in the past. We know what we’re up against; we’re not a Cup team, as you can see. I mean you’re here, this is a small operation with a handful of people and we all know that – anybody from me, to Curtis, to the guys working down there(in the shop), we know what we’re up against.”

Unlike most teams, TMG was not able to test their cars in the off season or at Daytona in January. Despite the odds against them, Sorenson is up for the challenge and has a positive outlook.

“Going into Daytona, the way the racing is there, I feel like we have a shot to win. I love racing there and I’m going there to win. After Daytona, we kind of have to see where we’re at and see what we need to work on. Our expectations, I guess, to put it in a simple form, is to go out there and run well and figure out where we need to get better and do that.”

The No. 40 is going into Daytona on the right foot with a primary sponsor of E-Swisher for the DRIVE4COPD300. Instead of smoke, e-Swisher electronic cigarettes emit a vapor that evaporates in seconds, with only a faint scent that doesn’t linger. The e-cigarettes are infused with high-quality nicotine, giving you the full satisfaction of a regular cigarette.

“We’re excited about them, they’ve never been in the sport, it’s a new product,” said Sorenson. “Their excited about their new product and telling people what it is. They will be at the race, so that’s exciting. I’ve been a part of bringing a new sponsor into the sport in the past (with Discount Tire) and they’re still in the sport, so hopefully this is a relationship that can last and we can build on it in the future and I’m excited about them. When you have a new sponsor coming in your kind of want to show them all about NASCAR and what it’s about and how they can get their monies worth out of it. We’ll do the best job we can to show them a good time and show them NASCAR is a place they need to be.”

Going into the restrictor-plate track of Daytona, Sorenson has one top-five and three top-10 finishes with zero DNF’s.

To keep up with Reed and his No. 40 TMG team, be sure to follow him on Twitter @ReedSorenson7 and @TMG_team40.

February 18, 2013
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champ D.J. Kennington to tackle UNOH Battle of the Beach

“Last season’s over, on to 2013. We had a great year last year.”

Photo Credit: Todd D Walden/Nedlaw Photos

With his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship, D.J. Kennington guaranteed himself a starting position in one of the UNOH Battle of the Beach races – the race being his choice.

Kennington will make good on that guaranteed starting position this Tuesday, entering the K&N Pro Series event on Tuesday night.

“Pretty excited,” he said. “We have a really good car, good team, and hopefully if we can have any luck at all, we miss the carnage and have a good day.”

Kennington will drive the No. 28 Castrol Toyota at Daytona International Speedway for Bill McAnally Racing.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to compete in this exciting new event,” said BMR President Bill McAnally. “We anticipate it will attract the best caliber teams in NASCAR regional touring and we are glad to be a part of it. We want to thank all of our sponsors who made this possible – NAPA Auto Parts, Toyota, NAPA Filters, NGK and Castrol.”

McAnnally and Kennington have worked together in the past, teaming up for the 2010 running of the NASCAR All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway. The event paired Kennington against 38 of the top drivers from the K&N Pro East Series, K&N Pro West Series, along with the NASCAR Mexico Series Champion. In that event, he started 15^th and worked his way to the front, finishing second.

The St. Thomas, Ontario native won the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship last year after winning seven races, including six in a row to become the sixth driver in NASCAR Touring Series history to do so. The season was so impressive that Kennington finished in the top five in every race, except one. He finished 21^st at Barrie Speedway after fuel pump issues.

The two-time series champion got started in racing at the age of four in go-kart, and continued to move up the ranks from there.

“Loved the sport and it’s in my blood and unfortunately, I can’t get rid of it,” he said.

Kennington is set to return to the Canadian Tire Series in 2013, set to defend his title and possibly become the first driver to win three championships in the series. Kennington is currently one of three drivers that have won two championships; Scott Steckly and Andrew Ranger are the other two.

With the variety of tracks that the Canadian Tire Series goes to, it’s easy for a driver to have more than one favourite.

“Obviously, I like Delaware – it’s close to home,” he said of his favourite tracks. “It’s my home track. Saskatoon is really fun and beautiful facility, and so is Riverside. We got a lot of great places to race in Canada. As long as it’s a race track, I’m happy.

One neat addition to the 2013 schedule is the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be at Canadian Tire Motosports Park on Labour Day weekend with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. There is a chance that you may see Kennington running both races.

“We’re working on it trying to put together a program for that race,” Kennington said of the truck race. “If we can get a good ride secured, we will be there.”

When it comes to those looking to follow in the champ’s footsteps, he says get out and get involved in the sport.

“Get involved and try to get in with a team, even if you’re helping out just working on the cars,” he said. “Get to know people. I found that the more people you know, the easier it is to perform because it’s people that make this sport. If you don’t get out there and get involved, nobody will know who you are so if you get out and get involved, they’ll know who you are.”

February 17, 2013
Blake Koch Keeping Faith Into Daytona

Photo Credit: Breaking Limits

Blake Koch, Nationwide driver for SR² Motorsports, has all the faith in the world as he returns to his team and heads into the season opener at Daytona.

“I’m really excited to be teaming with SR² Motorsports for the 2013 season,” Koch said. “Our team chemistry is solid.”

“In the races we completed last season, we worked well together and developed a good understanding for how our race cars need to be set up,” Koch continued. “We have great note packages to build on from last year, which have laid a good foundation for this year.”

“We grew leaps and bounds last season and I’m optimistic that we’ll continue that this year.”

Koch’s team owner Jason Sciavicco also has great faith in his 26 year old driver.

“Everyone at SR² Motorsports is very excited to have Blake Koch return in 2013,” Sciavicco said. “What he believes in as a person really fits our team model and where we’re heading.”

“We also believe he has the talents behind the wheel to deliver the results we are expecting.”

With the confidence of his owner in hand, Koch also has his own faith in his ability to not only get back into the race car but to take it straight to victory lane.

“I made my first Nationwide start in 2009 and then I ran full-time in 2011 and started with SR² Motorsports last year,” Koch said. “My goals over the last couple of years have been different because I’ve been points racing.”

“But me, my team and my owner, we’re going to Daytona to win the race,” Koch continued. “We know it’s possible.”

“We’ll have a great Toyota and our speedway program is probably our best program right now,” Koch said. “We’re definitely going there to win.”

Koch, like many of his fellow racers, believes that the Nationwide Series will indeed be one of the most competitive in the sport. And he is definitely planning to be right in the mix of the intense competition.

“I haven’t been in the Nationwide Series as long as others but since I’ve been in, this will be by far the most competitive season there has been,” Koch said. “You have guys that win Cup races on a regular basis, like Brian Vickers, Trevor Bayne, and Regan Smith.”

“So, the smaller teams have our work cut out for us,” Koch continued. “But at a place like Daytona, anything can happen.”

“You just have to make friends on the race track, get drafting partners and be there at the end and just go for it,” Koch said. “The season is going to be great.”

“I’m just excited and blessed to be a part of it for another year.”

Koch also has faith that the new manufacturer identity and branding will continue to build the sport and increase the popularity of NASCAR even further.

“Everybody likes a cool, sporty looking car,” Koch said. “So if the car you’re watching winning a race on Saturday in the Nationwide Series looks like the one you are driving everyday on the road, you’re going to have a tighter connection.”

“You’re going to feel really cool and proud to drive that brand,” Koch continued. “I think it’s cool that our cars look like the street cars.”

“A lot of fans don’t know a lot about our cars so it’s great for all of the brands.”

While Koch acknowledges that the Nationwide season may be some of the best racing around in 2013, he also believes that his season will be positive thanks to his own faith, which is shared with many in his fan base.

“I have a separate and different fan base than other drivers,” Koch said. “A lot of my fans come from the faith-based area.”

“I do a lot of speaking at churches and I’ve been on Christian television shows,” Koch continued. “So, a lot of fans are following me because they like what I stand for.”

“And now they are watching NASCAR and becoming fans of the sport,” Koch said. “So, I think that bringing that to the table is cool.”

“That’s just helping build the sport and build NASCAR.”

In addition to his strong faith, one of the biggest motivators in Koch’s life is his belief in helping others. Koch had the opportunity to demonstrate this belief by visiting Tripp Halstead, who injured when a tree limb struck his head, and also participating in a golf tournament to raise funds to help the youngster before heading to Daytona.

“The golf tournament went awesome,” Koch said. “We had a great time and it was awesome to see all the people there support Tripp and his family.”

“There were 60 plus teams so it’s cool to see people step up for someone in need.”

“I met Tripp through my team owner, who told me before we went to Homestead for the championship race that we were going to have Team Boom on the car to raise awareness for Tripp and his family,” Koch said. “I’m really glad to be a part of a team with that kind of heart.”

“Tripp’s signature thing is to run into people and say ‘Boom’, Koch said. “He’s a big Lightning McQueen fan from the movie Cars and a big racing fan.”

“I met Tripp for the first time on Friday and we saw him and his mother in the hospital,” Koch continued. “It’s tough to see but the family has such a great attitude.”

“People have been so supportive,” Koch said. “Even Owen Wilson from the movie Cars called and talked to Tripp.”

“Little things like that have really been inspiring to the family to see how much people care.”

Koch also has a strong commitment to living out his faith by helping others, especially since he himself is a new dad to his son, born August 5^th.

“I have a new respect for Tripp’s parents now that I’m a new father,” Koch said. “I can’t really imagine what they are going through to have their son in the hospital for so long.”

“I definitely have a burden in my heart for this and I want to do anything I can to help,” Koch continued. “It’s a love that you have for your child that is unexplainable.”

“That is why it touches me to see what Tripp and his family are going through.”

So, will Koch have even added faith and motivation headed into Daytona with Team Boom on his car? And will his faith see him through even though his own future is uncertain?

“I would say for sure I’m motivated,” Koch said. “I’m a very motivated race car driver so I really don’t need added motivation but I do want to do as well as I can for Tripp.”

“I want to do the best I can every week,” Koch continued. “We’re going to go to Daytona, unload in qualifying trim and then go right to drafting.”

“We want to make sure our car sucks good and that we can push and be pushed in the pack,” Koch said. “I’m not going there to points race because I don’t know what the rest of the season looks like.”

“I don’t know anything else besides Daytona,” Koch continued. “I’m not going to worry about tomorrow.”

“I’m going to concentrate on today,” Koch said. “I’m going to try to win the race and Lord willing, I hope that happens.”

February 16, 2013
OSCAAR Modified Rookie Davey Terry looks for success in 2013

When Davey Terry started the season with the OSCAAR Modifieds, there were a lot of questions of how the rookie would do.

“We were real late getting into the modified deal,” Davey Terry said. “My dad came up with the idea real late to get a car, with pretty much a month left. It was kind of a mad thrash to get the car done. Started the season with no practice on the car, no laps at all. We didn’t have any goals when the season started. We set goals as the season went on.”

By the end of the season, Terry answered the skeptics as he took home the OSCAAR Modified Rookie of the Year Award while finishing third in points.

For the Erin, Ontario native, he says the turning point to his season was the top five finish at Varney Motor Speedway mid-season.

“It wasn’t a track that I thought I’d do really well at because I never really did well there in a mini stock,” Terry said during the 2013 Canadian Motorsports Expo. “With a little guidance from guys like Gary McLean and Brent McLean had a huge impact on me.”

Terry picked up many lessons through the season and one of the important lessons was patience.

“Just make sure you take care of your equipment and everything else falls into place,” he said.

In learning those lessons, there were driver that Terry went to for advice.

“Anyone who’s last name is McLean,” Terry said. “They’ve been racing modifieds forever. It’s such a great group of guys. You can almost go to anyone and get some advice. Everybody will help each other out.”

While it marked the first year for Terry in the Modified ranks, it was also the first ever season for the Modifieds under the OSCAAR banner, touring around Ontario.

“I think it exceeded expectations,” he said. “I think it was neat to see all of the drivers come out of the wood works.”

Terry also sees growth for the 2013 season, noting the number of drivers that have contacted series director Dave Gainforth looking to how to buy a car to get started.

“It’s just good news for OSCAAR in general,” Terry added. “The cars, they look cool and everyone wants to drive one now so it’s good news for everybody.”

One thing that Terry would like to see maybe is one race have a time trials worked in deciding the starting line-up rather than double heats.

“Well, some fans don’t like time trials – they like heat races,” Terry started. “So what I’d like to see is time trials and then 1 set of heats so fans can have the best of both worlds. I’d like to see time trials for the added challenge.”

With the success in 2012, there’s one thing that the sophomore driver wants to accomplish in 2013 – winning his first modified race. That win may come early in the season after he ended the season with a second in Sunset’s Velocity 250 and a fifth at Autumn Colors.

February 16, 2013
Bobby Grewohl announces three-year sponsorship deal with 989 On-Demand

Earlier this year, NASCAR K&N West Series Competitor Bobby Grewohl announced a new sponsorship deal with the H2M Beverage Company to represent their 989 On-Demand product.

“I really feel very honored and lucky to be involved with the H2M Beverage family and represent their company and products,” Grewohl said in an interview. “The owners are very genuine and caring people and I feel very privileged to be part of their team.”

“This partnership works for us on multiple levels,” said Greg Piagesi, co-founder of H2M and SVP, Sales. “Over the three-year term, it offers us nearly 19,000 sku slots nationwide, significantly increasing our distribution. And as title sponsor of Bobby’s racing team, the design of the car, hauler, team fire suit, and helmet can offer our retail partners great exposure to NASCAR’s loyal fan base.”

989 On-Demand is a drink that is designed to replenish and rehydrate you with all-natural ingredients.

“989 On-Demand is a great product and it does what it is advertised to do,” Grewohl added. “I like the product very much and honestly recommend it to everyone. It is 100% natural and zero calories, which makes it a perfect fit for my current training regimen.”

The product fits well with Grewohl as he says NASCAR drivers are just like any athletes out there.

“The conditions in the car are really intense with temperatures that can reach 140 degrees, high g-forces and high speed for a long time,” he said. “You have to train for this like any other athlete trains for their sport. If you do not properly train you will not have chance at being successful.”

Grewohl says he trains because when he was younger, he lost a race due to not having the strength and energy to finish it. It’s also good to train and work out because it can help on the mechanical side in setting up the car.

“The race car is relatively light weight,” Grewohl explained. “Having a driver that is in good shape and not over weight is also good as it will allow more opportunities for distribution of weight in the race car which gives the engineer more options for balancing or setting up the car.”

Grewohl works closely with his trainer Al Tortorelli to always take his workouts a step further. Some highlights of the current workout include spending three hours training each day including 40 minutes in a sauna, a heavy core workout (abs, back), running, cycling and lifting weights.

“He has me doing a 40 to 60 minute workout in a sauna to simulate the conditions in the race car,” he said. “I do not do this without a doctor’s supervision. I want to be able to perform at a consistent level under extreme conditions so it is important that I have the support, right tools and products to help me stay healthy and replenish what I’m losing during my training and racing.”

The drink 989 On-Demand works perfectly with keeping fit and being ready as it helps replenish electrolytes that are lost when we sweat. For NASCAR drivers, they lose an average 10 to 12 pounds in weight per race alone due to sweat alone.

“The body loses more than just water when we sweat,” Nutritionist Dr. Tricia Psota said. “Valuable electrolytes are eliminated through sweat as well. Where vitamins and minerals pass through the bloodstream and urine, electrolytes are eliminated through sweat.”

To go with the sponsorship deal, Grewohl will run a car numbered “9”89, which makes it the first three digit car in NASCAR history. They will ghost the 9, but it will be visible at all times.

Along with running the K&N West Series, Grewohl will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut later this season at Iowa Speedway for Joe Nemechek and NEMCO Racing.

“I am really excited and looking forward to the track and race,” he said. “I am also thankful and honored to be driving for and representing Joe Nemechek and NEMCO Racing. I will be focusing on finishing the race and trying my best to get the car into the winners circle. Finishing up front is always the goal.”

Grewohl says the experience from previously will benefit going forth due to Iowa Speedway being a one mile oval.

“Racing with 36 plus other drivers at high speed, definitely sharpens your skills and when racing in close quarters you have to take care of your equipment in order to finish,” he added.

Grewohl got interested in racing at a young age, through watching races as a kid with his father.

“One year, I asked my dad if I could get a motor cycle or a go-kart,” Grewohl explained. “I was able to choose one and I chose the go-kart. After lots of practice in the parking lot of the local high school, I finished third in my class at my first race in Sacramento, CA. I was hooked from that moment and decided this is what I wanted to do. I haven’t looked back since.”

Since then, Grewohl has found success each step of the way, catching the attention of Chip Ganassi. Ganassi called Grewohl in 2003 to ask the then 17-year-old to come drive for him.

“Well, I actually thought it was a joke,” Grewohl said. “I got call from a number I didn’t recognize and I didn’t actually believe it until I was put on hold and I heard a recording of all their wins playing in the background. The fact that Chip made a point to call me himself was incredible. I soon packed my bags and went to start training with the team. That call was a dream come true.”

In his racing career to date, Grewohl has had many memorable moments, including a special test at Kentucky Motor Speedway.

“I had been invited to Kentucky Motor Speedway where I was to test for my Indy Racing League driver’s license,” he said. “Brian Barnhart and Tony George were there. I had never been at this track or driven an Indy Pro Series Car. They are testing you to see how you listen, follow directions, how attentive you are and how you interact with the engineers. I took the car out for a couple of shakedown laps and was told to bring it back in. How you enter and leave the pits is also being looked at.

“After checking the car, they sent me back out and turned me loose. I was given my IRL License on my 3^rd lap and broke the previous year’s qualifying lap record on my 6^th lap. It doesn’t get any better than this for a kid with dreams of racing professionally.”

To others who want to get into racing, Grewohl says the key is to make sure to listen to those who have had success before you.

“Learn all you can, don’t be afraid to ask questions,” he said. “Be respectful of everyone, always be humble and let your driving do the talking. Earn your respect on and off the track. Racing is a world where everyone knows everyone so make sure you always leave a good impression. Never give up on your goals.”

February 15, 2013
Dwayne Baker adds NASCAR Whelen All American Series Provincial Champion to accomplishments

Looking back at last season, there were certain drivers that stood out for their accomplishments and one of those is Dwayne Baker. The Stayner, Ontario native won 15 of the 35 Late Model features at Barrie Speedway to take home not only the track championship, but the 2012 NASCAR Whelen All American Series Ontario Provincial Championship.

“We got to go down to Charlotte for the banquet and NASCAR did a heck of a job putting it on,” Baker noted. “The three days down there were great with the Hall of Fame, the banquet.”

The most impressive thing about the numbers for the driver of the No. 48 Centennial Chrysler and Baker Performance Late Model is the 28 top fives and 34 top 10s.

One thing that surprised many about Baker’s run was he went with a Port City Chassis, while many of Ontario’s best run the McColl Racing Enterprises chassis. However, Baker noted that it is one of the best cars that he has ever driven and noted the input from Ontario racing legend Jr. Hanley on getting the car ready for the season.

Beyond his success at Barrie, Baker was also able to notch a pair of podiums in the M.R.E Pro Series, as well as winning the 75 lapper Autumn Colors Limited Late Model feature to end the season.

“It felt pretty good,” Baker noted. “We were right there. Right place, right time.”

For 2013, Baker is making the switch back to Sunset Speedway in hopes of beating out Sunset’s best for the track championship.

“We got a brand new car for this year, running the full season at Sunset trying to beat Tommy for the championship,” Baker said.

They have also built a brand new OSCAAR Super Late Model and expect to be out with that car seven to eight races throughout the 2013 season.

For his efforts this past year, Baker was ranked fifth in Spencer Lewis’ Inside Track Motosports News Ontario Asphalt Short Track Rankings.

February 14, 2013
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Jeffrey Earnhardt

The name Earnhardt will always be linked to NASCAR. No one knows that better than Dale Earnhardt’s grandson, Jeffrey Earnhardt. It’s a legacy that comes with advantages and expectations. It can also overpower anyone standing in its shadow.

I sat down with Earnhardt this past weekend to learn more about the driver with the famous last name. We talked about everything from racing to hunting to family to glitter tattoos.

He will run a full-time schedule this year in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Go Green Racing. When I asked him about his goals for the season, he answered without hesitation.

“Personally, I‘d like to win Rookie of the Year,” he said. “That’s the number one priority for me this year and to finish in the top 10 in points.”

He doesn’t expect it to be easy but he’s confident that he is with the right team and is determined to make the most of the opportunity.

“I know the first half of the year is probably going to be tough,” Earnhardt said. “With a new crew chief and new team, there’s a connection that’s got to build there. But I think after the first couple of races, everything will start to click and we’ll get the chemistry going to where we’re having consistent runs every weekend and finishing in the top 15.”

He will be racing on most of the tracks on the schedule for the first time. Does he feel intimidated by that fact?

His answer was a resounding, no.

“I have fun facing new challenges. It’s the competitive side of me to want to go to a new track that I’ve never been to and by the time I leave be able to say to myself, ‘I own this place.’”

Earnhardt continued, “That’s how I feel at every track, even tracks I’ve been to before. You think this time; ‘I can do better than that.’ It’s always a competition within yourself to want to do better.”

Do you prefer old school or new school racing?

“Old school, for sure. I feel like today there’s a lot of people who don’t seem to want it as bad. I feel like I was in that situation. When I was at DEI (Dale Earnhardt Inc.) I thought the streets were paved with gold and I had that taken away from me.”

He went on to add, “Since then, I learned a lot. I learned about fighting for something you want really bad and that’s how it’s been the last couple of years. I took the opportunity for granted and didn’t appreciate what was given to me. It was a rocky road and a huge learning experience.”

Do you prefer country music or rock and roll?

“Country, big time.”

His favorite group used to be Brooks and Dunn but since the duo disbanded, Jeffrey’s favorite singer is Justin Moore.

Photo Credit: Lisa Berard

Do you prefer hunting or fishing?

“Hunting. I grew up fishing a lot as a kid but I’ve really taken to hunting. I like to bow hunt now so bow hunting is one of my favorite things to do.”

Earnhardt recently mentioned that he had taken his 9-year-old sister Kayla hunting. When I asked him about this, his face lit up with a huge smile.

“She is spoiled rotten and she’s the world to me. I’d put my life on the line for her, hands down, for that little girl. She’s just adorable.”

“She came over and spent the night so we had a little sleep over. We did these glitter tattoos. It was all kinds of fun,” he said laughing.

I had to ask, ‘Did you get a glitter tattoo?’

“I let her put one on me,” he admitted. “That was it. It was a lot of fun. She begged me to go hunting so we went out hunting the next morning. We didn’t kill anything. But we had fun.”

Did you have a favorite driver, other than your grandfather?

“No, but when I was a little kid I really liked Kyle Petty for the simple fact that when I was over at their shop one day and peeking through the window, he was nice enough to come out and speak to me. That meant a lot to me as a kid for him to take the time to come out and talk to me. That was cool.”

However, it was obvious who his real hero was.

“My grandfather was one of a kind,” Earnhardt said. “There are things he’s done on the track that I’ve never seen anyone else do. It’s hard not to like someone like that who has that edge.”

Are you an aggressive driver?

“I don’t like to think I’m aggressive. I like to think I race fair. I’m going to race you the same way you race me but I do have my aggressive side where I will do whatever it takes. But you also have to be respectful of other drivers. I’ve learned through this whole journey I’ve had, the hard work and the money that goes into this sport. It’s not cheap. To be a smaller team and have a good run going and have it taken away by someone is very hurtful so I’m respectful of that.”

Do you look at this year as a pivotal point in your career?

“It’s definitely a turning point and a chance to prove what I can do in solid equipment. Going into this season I feel very confident that the team I’m with, Go Green Racing, that they’re going to put me in the best opportunities to go out there and perform. Being out there every weekend and keeping everything fresh on my mind and keeping that rhythm, that’s a big part of it.”

What was your most embarrassing moment on the track?

“I ran a UARA late model race at Bristol. It’s been quite a while back. We were out during practice and it was starting to sprinkle. They wanted the cars to stay on the track and help keep it dried off because it wasn’t raining that hard.”

“I was out there cutting the steering wheel back and forth, keeping the heat in the tires and all of a sudden the car turned and it didn’t turn back to the right like I wanted it to and then I slid head on into the barrels on pit road and knocked the entire front nose off the car. It was terrible. We were just out there trying to keep the track dry and I wrecked.”

“It was hard to climb out of the car and take the helmet off after that one.”

What has been the proudest moment of your career?

“It’s probably between two things.”

“One is the good run we had going at Daytona last year. The finish wasn’t there but to be able to take a small team like that and be up there running fourth with the best cars in the field, to be able to do that, it really meant a lot to me and it meant a lot to the guys back at the shop.”

Earnhardt’s hopes for a good finish were ruined after an off-center push from Ricky Stenhouse Jr. turned him sideways in front of the main pack of cars.

“Besides that, it was qualifying on the pole (his first) in the (Camping World) East race at Dover. It’s been several years ago but it was cool to go out there and out-qualify someone like Joey Logano who is now a Cup driver.

At that point in time, I was just as good as those guys. I feel like I still am.”

When all is said and done, Jeffrey Earnhardt is not that different from any other driver, despite his last name. He is confident, yet humble, aggressive but fair and passionate about racing. He is appreciative of his legacy but determined to find his own way. He embraces life with a smile on his face and fire in his heart. And his journey has just begun.

February 13, 2013
Michael Waltrip says Dale Earnhardt was the inspiration to start his team

Photo Credit: Simon Scoggins

When Michael Waltrip takes to the track this coming Daytona Speedweeks, it’ll be a memorable weekend. The two-time Daytona 500 champion has put together a deal with Swan Racing to try and qualify for this year’s Daytona 500.

“Racing the 500 is a big deal to me,” Waltrip said. “It’s something that means a lot. That race defines my career. That’s the race that we all grow up inspiring to go win as a kid so I just love it. So greatful to be in it.”

The deal reunites him with Tony Eury Jr. and Steve Hmiel, whom he worked both with at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. Also, members of the team that Eury Jr. and Hmiel have brought in were part of the team at DEI.

“I went over there the other day and it’s like going back eight years seeing all the people working there,” Waltrip said this past weekend. “The last time I went to the Daytona 500 with Tony Eury Jr. as my crew chief, we won the 150 qualifier and were leading the Daytona 500 when our engine broke. Tony Jr. was a lot of fun to work with then and the car I will be driving in the 500, Tony Jr. will be my crew chief. So looking forward to that.”

The deal for Waltrip at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated came together virtue of his friendship with Dale Earnhardt. Earnhardt put Waltrip behind the wheel of the No. 15, with the promise to deliver Waltrip his first ever Sprint Cup Series career victory.

Those pieces came together with their first race together – the 2001 Daytona 500 – as Waltrip took the checkered flag ahead of Dale Earnhardt Jr. However, the other side of that fateful day was the crash in turn three that saw Earnhardt die. Waltrip released a book called In The Blink of an Eye, which he talks about that day and his mixed emotions.

“I believed in writing the book was to try to figure it out,” Waltrip explained. “It was hard to talk about the details of that day because it was too painful, but the day – talking in relation to my team and how I started it – if you ever see me heading towards the final turn with two of my cars going to win the Daytona 500 and I get plucked from the earth, just know that I went out as happy as I’ll ever be. The Daytona 500 is one of the greatest races ever to win as a car owner and a racecar driver. That day, we were hurting cause Dale left us, but I bet no one ever had a bigger smile on their face when they left us.”

Having watched Earnhardt grow his team from a small simple garage to what was known as the Garage Mahal, it was Earnhardt that inspired Waltrip to put his team together.

“Dale was a tremendous amount of inspiration for me to start that team,” Waltrip said. “I wanted to have a team ever since forever. It started out as a little shop behind my house, and that’s how Dale Earnhardt Incorporated started. He just had a late model team, and he raced some Nationwide races with his car and grew it into DEI. Dale was my buddy and I really admired him and looked up him and always wanted to have a team like Dale’s. We’re not anywhere near where DEI was when Dale left it, but we’re gaining on it and I bet that makes him proud.”

As part of the deal with Swan Racing for this year’s Daytona 500, Waltrip will be unveiling a special paint scheme.

“We have a really neat announcement next Thursday with what the car will look like, what will be on the car,” Waltrip announced. “The media tour in Daytona is next Thursday and this time, in the middle of two sessions, we’re going to unveil our car and let the world know what our plan is. it’s really special.”

February 13, 2013
John Bickford discusses Canadian Motor Speedway and Jeff Gordon’s career

Photo Credit: Canadian Motor Speedway PR

While Canadian fans have experienced NASCAR racing on their turf with the Nationwide Series cars in Montreal and now the Camping World Truck Series in Ontario, there is one thing that they are craving – a race on an oval. However, looking across Canada, there isn’t a facility that could host an event.

Jeff Gordon is all about trying to change that by working with Paxton Waters in trying to build a one mile oval in Fort Erie, Ontario. The land is bought, and the project for the Canadian Motor Speedway is in the planning stages, however has been held up with board meetings for approval. There is one next month, and then after that they hope to break ground and get the track built.

CMS officials were at the Canadian Motorsports Expo powered by Inside Track Motorsports News this past weekend and on hand was Jeff Gordon’s step-dad and business manager John Bickford. In speaking with Bickford this past weekend, he said that Gordon has wanted a race in Canada since going to Japan for an exhibition race in 1998. Gordon also questioned the trip to Mexico, continuing to ask for that race. When he learned that there was no facility available, that is when the project began.

“Jeff has always wanted to come to Canada,” Bickford said. “He and I were here in 1989/1990. We’ve always been big supporters. Canadian race fans have supported Jeff throughout his entire career. So I think the idea of giving back is an important component. We’re just advocates of giving back to the Canadian race fans and we’re not giving up.”

Canadian fans have proven their dedication in the past, with the attendance at events in the United States being made up of 10-20% Canadians. Many are also Gordon fans, having followed his career from the beginning. Younger drivers have looked at his career path, trying to follow the same steps to hopefully land where Gordon is today. Bickford said he got Gordon started in quarter midgets after Carol, Gordon’s mom, wasn’t happy with Gordon racing bicycles around the neighborhood.

“I knew about quarter midgets so I brought a quarter midget home,” Bickford said. “He fell in love with it and we took it to the race track to see if he liked it and he did. He always loved cars. As a one year old, he liked cars. Sort of a natural thing for him.”

While they continued growing through the racing ladders, Bickford said there was no moment that stood out for him as it was all about moving up to that next step in the racing ladder.

“Like I believed in him from the first moment he drove a car,” he said. “I always believed we could go farther and farther. It was always keep your head down and work hard towards the next opportunity.”

The road wasn’t easy for them, also, because Gordon was one of the first to move up from quarter midgets to NASCAR.

“I think Jeff was the youngest guys to do it and he opened the path way for all the young guys,” Bickford commented. “I think what happened is the world is changing and financial aspects have changed. I think other things have changed because with more doors opening. More parents are out there doing go-karts, quarter midgets, compared to when Jeff was doing it, there was only four or five kids doing what he is doing. Before there was not a lot of supply for a lot of demand. Now there’s not enough demand for supply.”

One of the young starts that Bickford has his eye on is Kyle Larson, seeing a lot of similarities between Larson and Gordon.

When it comes to getting your kid out there, Bickford says it’s all about developing a plan and sticking to it.

“Education has to be apart of the plan,” he added. “I think today’s kids, what they’re asked of when they get into racing, education is very critical and it’s not so much that they need to be engineers, but a small college education is very very important. It’s important from all aspects. It’s important to work with a team and be educated in mathematics. It’s also important with your English and vocabulary. Also, someone who has a successful college education has had a lot of life experience.”

February 12, 2013