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Featured interviews from SpeedwayMedia.com

  • Interview: First Seasons with Brittany Force

    Interview: First Seasons with Brittany Force

    In continuation of our special feature series, First Seasons, we caught up with veteran Top Fuel drag racing star and 2017 Top Fuel Champion, Brittany Force. During this interview, Force discusses her rookie season in 2013, her first professional start at Pomona, first runner-up finish and first race win, as well as other memorable moments throughout her career.

    SM: After spending a few years in the Alcohol dragster, you entered the Top Fuel ranks professionally at the age of 27-years-old. What was it like making your debut and why was it the right time for you to start racing professionally? 

    BF: “For me, I had already done six-years in the Sportsmans Division,” Force said. “I raced Super Comp, A-fuel dragster, and then I transitioned to the Top Fuel car when the opportunity came along. I tested for an entire year in a Top Fuel car, as I wanted a good year to really learn the car and feel comfortable with the car.”

    SM: When you transitioned to the Top Fuel category from Alcohol dragsters, did you feel that you were already primed and experienced with high speeds and g-forces? I also read that you chose Top Fuel instead of Funny Car. Why Top Fuel? 


    BF: “No, not at all, she said. “When I look back to 2013 to where I am now in the series, I’ve definitely come a long way. It’s just really seat time and experience, that’s all it is. I could say, yeah, I had a year under my belt, but nobody was in the lane next to me, staging to me, there were no pedalfests which came to that side of racing. Definitely, completely different when you’re on that end of it, but no, I was definitely not ready. Those first few years, I learned so much just being in the seat.”

    “There really wasn’t a specific reason (for choosing Top Fuel over Funny Car). Mostly, I drove Super Comp and A-Fuel so it made the most sense to jump into a dragster. That’s what I was used to and I was comfortable in since I already had the experience in dragsters.” 

    SM: Obviously, having the last name Force comes with a lot of pressure specifically in drag racing. When you were rising up through the ranks and then making your debut at Pomona in 2013, did you feel that pressure? Also, did you think that there might be some competitors or fans who thought you were moving up too quickly? If so, how did you handle that added pressure?

    BF: “There’s always going to be added pressure,” Force said about having the legendary last name. “For me, it’s just focusing on what I want to do as a driver and not listening to the outside noise. My job is to come in there and win. Yes, I’m attached to the name Force, but for me, I never saw it (the name) as a negative. I saw it as a positive. I have his (John Force) guidance, I have his help, and I have him giving me last-minute advice.” 

    SM: Following up on that, what’s the best advice that John has given to you? 

    BF: “I would have to say, “drive from the heart”, Force said. “That is something he always says. He says it to me on the starting line, usually the final round on race day. Yes, there’s all this pressure and all this noise but it’s all about clearing the noise out, focusing on your goal. Don’t get sidetracked in all the commotion.” 

    SM: Entering the 2013 season, you ran full-time completing 24 races, securing one semi-final, eight quarter rounds and 13 first-round match-ups. What were your expectations at the beginning of the season? Were wins on your radar or even a championship? Or did you just concentrate on one race at a time and think, let’s see where we end up at the halfway point? 

    BF: “For me, 2013 was one race at a time to get more comfortable,” she said. “That first weekend out (Pomona, 2013), let’s get comfortable with having someone in the lane next to me, staging next to me. Not only that, but it’s also doing interviews, radio call-ins, dealing with massive fans, there’s a lot that goes into it (race weekend). My main goal was a win, but coming from Super Comp, A-Fuel, I knew how tough that was (transitioning from those series to Top Fuel). Basically, getting confidence in the car.” 

    SM: Your first professional start came at Pomona in 2013. What do you remember about making your debut? You qualified 15th but unfortunately lost to Brandon Bernstein in the first round. Do you think there is anything you could have done differently to perhaps advance further through the rounds?

    BF: “Oh, I’m sure I could have,” Force said about advancing further. “I remember that weekend well. I mean, it was my first event. We had just unveiled my car and announced I would be driving in the Top Fuel car for John Force Racing. In addition, new sponsor, new crew chief, everything was new to me. For me, Pomona is one of the biggest races of the year since it is my home track as I grew up at that racetrack.” 

    “Looking back on it (Pomona), of all the people, I thought it was pretty special that my first run on race day was against Brandon Bernstein. I remember growing up watching Kenny Bernstein (Brandon’s father and legendary drag racer). Our family has always been close to them (Bernstein family). My first run against him will be something I’ll never forget.”

    SM: Later on in 2013, you had some respectable runs such as beating Doug Kalitta in a first-round matchup at Las Vegas I. However, I want to talk about Houston just briefly. You qualified 18th, unfortunately missing the show for that event. Do you remember what was going through your mind at that moment when you missed out on racing that weekend? 

    BF: “There’s nothing worse than not qualifying. It’s happened to me a couple of times,” she said. “(Not qualifying) pulls everything out of you. To show up on race day and (not qualify) is kind of discouraging to see all these other teams out there. It’s tough being out there when you don’t qualify. I remember my team, we went up to the stands and watched (the rest of the action). (Houston) was definitely a tough weekend.”  

    SM: At St. Louis, you achieved your highest qualifying of fifth that year as a rookie driver and then made a semi-final appearance in the final race at Pomona 2. Late in 2013, you seemed to be making strides and seemed close to winning a race. Did it seem as though you and the team were starting to gel and click together at this point?

    BF: “Yes, it takes a while until you really get into the routine,” Force said about getting comfortable with the team. “Everything, top to bottom, was new to me. Really, it’s when you start getting to those back to back races and then it starts becoming a routine to where you don’t have to think about it anymore. You just get out there and throw down the best you can. Looking at the season (2013), we did pretty well.” 

    SM: After your rookie season, in 2014, you had your first runner-up finish against Antron Brown in the finals at Phoenix. In your mind, was that race a breakthrough moment for you after the previous season? 

    BF: “Absolutely,” the 2017 Top Fuel Champion said about being runner-up. “The 2014 season, there were a couple of races where we came close to winning. It’s funny because I remember in my rookie season we would go through some rounds and be like ‘Wow, we got past the first round and got to the second round. I was still pumped.’ However, that outlook kind of falls off when you get more competitive.” 

    “When you get to the semi-final runs, you’re like ‘Wow! We made it!’ You’re the runner-up and you’re pumped about that. But after you get so many of those (runner-up finishes), you’re not pumped about it anymore. Like, I want to win, and you’re so close. And then when you do win, it really sucks losing the first round because it’s hard to stay positive. The team I have now though, we are really good at staying positive.” 

    SM: Following up on the runner-up finishes, were those starting to get frustrating and not being able to get that elusive victory? 

    BF: “Oh, absolutely,” Force said. “We didn’t get our first win until 2016, so it took a while. Like I said, in 2013, 2014, we would be running good and hot. 2015 came along, and it was hard to hang onto that. It was starting to get frustrating. That starts weighing on you and you do question yourself and wonder if I’m ever going to get a first win?” 

    “When you do finally win, that first victory at the Gatornationals, there was no better feeling but now you’re more motivated to get another trophy.”

    SM: Speaking of your first win at the Gatornationals. You won against Terry McMillen in the final round. Have you ever gone back and watched that race and what does the win still mean to you to this day? 

    BF: “(Winning Gatornationals) is one of the greatest days of my career,” she said. “The first win is something you dream about. It was such a big win. That was a track where my mom and my sisters, we all would load up and jump on a plane to go to the Gatornationals. That track was just one of the ones we picked on the schedule when we were kids. Gatornationals is one of the biggest races on the circuit, I think. To be able to win there was pretty outstanding.” 

    “I was actually runner-up the weekend before in Phoenix and got beat. So, to go out that next weekend and take it all the way, there was no better feeling to put Phoenix behind you.” 

    SM: After your first victory in 2016, you would go on to set the world on fire by securing 10 wins, 13 runner-ups, 18 No. 1 qualifiers, a championship, etc. Looking back at your rookie season, is there any race that stands out where you thought, ‘I think we could have had this one had we done this?’ If so, what race and why does that race stick out to you the most? 

    BF: “In my rookie season, the biggest race that stands out the most is where we debuted in Pomona,” Force said. “Brandon Bernstein on the line next to me was really special. Just those small victories like the first-round win against Doug Kalitta at Las Vegas in 2013. For me though, the rookie season will always be Pomona.”

    SM: Some racers collect their own merchandise and some don’t. Are you a driver that collects your own memorabilia and if so, what do you have in your collection that reminds you of your rookie season? 

    BF: “A lot of fans give me some memorabilia, specifically the Gatornationals (the site of Brittany’s first win),” she said. “There would be some oddball items like plastic replica toy gators, I also have a full blown gator necklace. Those items are kept in my office. I do keep my fire suits, helmets, and especially merchandise from my championship days.”

    SM: Following up briefly on the 2017 Championship season, what is one thing you will always remember from that season? 

    BF: “There’s too much, you can’t just pick one thing,” she said about winning the championship. “We left Las Vegas where we could have won the race and moved up to No. 1 in the points but I lost to Terry McMillen in the final round after red lighting. I was carrying that with me through two weeks going into Pomona. There’s that fear of screwing up but if we can focus on round by round, we can win the championship. However, it all can be lost, just like that if there’s a mistake on my end or on a crew guy’s end. That’s a lot of pressure and I didn’t know how I was going to handle that pressure (running for the championship).”

    “For me, it was like ‘Am I going to completely crack under this pressure?’ Maybe, I’m not one of those people that can handle it. A positive mindset is something that’s very important. Staying upbeat and focused. I went out there, did my thing and we ended up winning the race itself. Nothing can ever beat your first championship, but now that I have one, I definitely want more (titles).” 

    SM: I’ve been asking drivers what their favorite victories are out of all the years they competed. What is your favorite Wally out of your collection and why? 

    BF: “That’s tough (trying to pick just one favorite), I have three favorites (Wally’s, NHRA’s Winning Trophy),” Force said. “Obviously, Pomona in 2017. That race was when we won the race and the championship. Pomona 2017 was probably my biggest win, because there is a championship wrapped in. For most of that team, that championship was their first championship ever so winning the championship was huge for all of us.”

    “So at the banquet, they had a handful of Brittany Force championship shirts made and I had no clue because that never crossed my mind. All of my guys showed up to the banquet with all of their Brittany Force championship shirts underneath their tuxedos, and they ripped them on the dance floor. That team was pretty outstanding.”

    “Another one that stands out to me, I finally won at Las Vegas in 2019. Vegas has always been one of my favorite race tracks. Going back to my Super Comp days, Vegas has always been my favorite track. Vegas 2 is always special to me as well.” 

    SM: Is there a reason why Las Vegas is your favorite racetrack? 

    BF: “I think it’s because I raced there in Super Comp and A-Fuel,” she said. “Vegas is very familiar to me. It’s kind of a home track to me since Vegas is three and a half hours from me. I remember as a kid, jumping in the car and heading there with my sister and friends to watch Ashley (Force, Brittany’s sister) race, you know, watching my dad race in Funny Car. Friends go there, family always shows up there. Home away from home.” 

    SM: Wrapping the interview up, it’s hard to imagine your professional debut came seven years ago. However, if time travel were available, what would a 34-year-old Brittany Force tell a 26-year-old Brittany Force? Is there anything you would do differently? 

    BF: “I would say, trust in the path,” Force said. “Trust in the journey, because you definitely have those bad days in racing but those bad days made the good days really great. Those tough days made me stronger as a driver. A perfect example would be that championship run in Pomona. You know, we had a red light at Vegas and that day was a terrible, terrible day. I wanted to get home as I was so angry at myself. For me, it was, don’t focus on that, put those bad days behind you and use them as motivation for what you really want. I think the Vegas final round loss made me tougher going into the championship at Pomona the following weekend.”

    So far in Brittany’s career, the Yorba Linda, California native has 10 wins, 13 runner-up finishes, 22 semi-final round appearances along with 58 quarter rounds and 63 first-round match-ups. In addition, Force also had 20 No. 1 qualifiers with her first No. 1 qualifier occurring at Topeka in 2014 where she went 3.746 seconds to set what was at that time, the national speed record. Other highlights include making the playoffs six years in a row since 2014 and having four wins, four runner-up finishes, seven semis, 10 quarter and nine first round appearances during the playoff run. With 170 races to date, Force’s overall record stands at 87.1% with a win-loss record of 179-156. 

    Special thanks to Sara Slaughter of John Force Racing for coordinating the interview and many thanks to Brittany Force for taking the time out of her busy schedule to conduct the interview. 

    Fans who want to keep up to date with Brittany Force can follow her on Twitter and Instagram. 

    Additionally, fans of John Force Racing can follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also check out their website here. 

  • Interview: First-Seasons – Angelle Sampey

    Interview: First-Seasons – Angelle Sampey

    For this week’s interview of “first-seasons”, Angelle Sampey talks about her first-seasons in the NHRA, which came in 1996 through 1997 competing in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class. During this interview, Sampey discusses how she broke into the NHRA world, getting to compete for George Bryce, memories about her first start at Denver among many other topics regarding her first-season in NHRA.

    SM: You began racing in Pro Stock Motorcycle 24 years ago in 1996 on a part-time basis before moving up to a full-time schedule in ’97 at the age of 27. Can you talk about what it was like making your debut professionally during those days of NHRA and getting connected with George Bryce Star Racing Team to give you an opportunity?

    AS:  “It was very different back then than it is now,” Sampey said. “I was so young, I didn’t have a clue of what was about to happen to my life. I just knew I wanted to race a motorcycle. Still today, I just want to race motorcycles, I love them. But back then, I had no idea it was going to be a career or a lifelong thing. I had no idea, I was just so excited to be given the opportunity to get on a Pro Stock Motorcycle and race it.

    “The competition was fierce back then as well but in a totally different way. Today, every round is like a final round; it’s so hard. Back in those days, if you were in the first round, it was a little easier to get to the second round. Still, racing in the semi-finals and finals were really tough. I got to race against some legends with John Myers and Dave Schultz. That’s an awesome thing to talk about. There’s only a couple of people that are around today, that were around back then. You know, Steve Johnson, and Hector Arana.

    “Another thing that was vastly different is being able to focus. In today’s sport, there’s social media and people can express how they feel about you whereas it wasn’t like that back in those days. Life was much simpler. I went on a plane to go to the races, then came home and then my life was completely separate. No one could contact you. It (early career) was just easier.”

    SM: At 27-years-old in your first season, did you feel as though it was the right time to get started professionally, or more so, “now or never”? Did you think 27 was a late start in your mind?

    AS: “I always wished I could have started sooner,” she said. “It (racing) took me a while to understand what I was doing and how important it was. It’s kind of hard to describe, I wanted to be younger, but I was already so young mentally that I was kind of immature back then. I just didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t know how to handle sponsors or how to handle anything really.

    “It was a good time, age-wise. I was physically and mentally young, but actually, I feel like I’m in better shape now in the last 10 years of my career compared to when I first started. Some ways I wish I was younger, but I also wish I was older as well.”

    SM: Your Pro Stock Motorcycle debut came at Denver that same year in ‘96. What was it like in the weeks leading up to that event? Were you at all starting to feel anxious or nervous about getting to the track? What did you do to help prepare for your debut?

    AS: “It (Denver) was actually a surprise to go to that event,” Sampey said. “We weren’t planning on it (Denver). We had planned on doing a Pro Star event, I believe, within North Carolina. (Unfortunately), there was a storm that came through on the east coast and hit right along where we were supposed to be racing and so the race was canceled. We weren’t able to do it (Pro Star race). I was going to do that event to help prepare me professionally.

    “When that happened, George (Bryce, Angelle’s former Team Owner) had considered Denver because the track is somewhat of a slower race since the altitude is different and the bikes go slower. It’s easier to get down the racetrack and you have more time to think about things. We thought, why don’t we go ahead and do the race in Colorado and I found at the last minute, we were going. There really wasn’t much time to think about it (the race).

    “When we went over there, I think I was very prepared. I had done a lot of practice and hung around the team for a whole year before then. The nervousness wasn’t there. My biggest issue was handling the people I was racing against like Dave Schultz and John Myers. I had them so high on a pedestal and I was scared to death to race against them because they were my heroes. That part I wasn’t prepared for, everything else, though, I was.”

    SM: Would you say you were star-struck?

    AS: “Definitely, definitely,” she said. “All the races that day were amazing. I couldn’t believe I was on the same racetrack as them (Schultz and Myers).

    SM: At that same event, you were already successful right off the bat by advancing to the semi-finals of that race. Looking back, are you satisfied with how that event went and is there anything you could have done to potentially win in that debut?

    AS: “Oh yes, I was definitely more satisfied then I could have been,” Sampey said. “ I never thought we would make it (semifinals) that far. I mean, just to qualify was a huge accomplishment. We got in the show. Had we lost in the first round, I still would have been extremely proud of myself. However, we won the first round, second round, third round. I was like, are you kidding me?

    “I’m kind of glad I didn’t win the first race. Though, I wish I wouldn’t have won the fourth race. We went to the semifinals and lost to Dave (Schultz). When we went to the second race, I can’t remember but I qualified just as well (unlike the previous race). The fourth race, we were No. 1 qualifier, set the record, and I won the race. For my career, it (winning those rounds) definitely jumped started me.

    “That (winning) was instant attention. We were on talk shows and was able to grab a sponsor after that. So, that was fantastic, and I am appreciative for that happening. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn the struggle that came with it (after winning). I never realized or understood how big this was, just because it (winning) seemed so easy right off the bat. I guess I didn’t learn to appreciate it (winning) enough.

    “Nowadays, I respect the process so much more. I appreciate everything so much more, and I’m proud of myself and the team. To get the win is so much sweeter after you struggle.”

    SM: After the successful Denver debut, you would continue to have successful results by winning your first NHRA race at Reading against Dave Schultz in just your fourth start. What does that victory still mean to you to this day and have you had a chance to go back and watch that specific victory?

    AS: “Yeah, definitely,” she said about watching the Reading victory. “Winning that race is one of the biggest memories of my career. I remember everything about (the victory). Just being in the right lane, the date and time (September 16th), Dave (Schultz), red light coming on, you know, everything about it. That day seems like it just happened last month. I was just in awe.

    “I think had he not turned the red light (automatic disqualification), I wondered if I would have beaten him (Schultz). I was thinking I would never be able to beat this man. He’s way better than me. He wasn’t thinking that or else he (Schultz) wouldn’t have gotten a red light. In his mind, he knew I was a fierce competitor, but that was also a fond memory knowing he took me seriously.”

    SM: Was there any conversation between you and Dave Schultz afterward?

    AS: “No, Dave (Schultz) didn’t like me very much,” Sampey said. “He actually didn’t speak to me until later in his life before he left us. I don’t know if he just didn’t like the fact that I was there racing. He would not speak to me at all. Even if I would pull up aside him at the end of the racetrack. If I would roll closer to him, he would roll away from me.

    “One day, we were at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida. I set a new national record in qualifying and it was 721. Dave (Schultz) would go to the apparel trailer every year at the Gatornationals because it was the first bike of the year for us. He came to the trailer with the hat he had bought and it was numbered 721. When he bought it (the hat), he saw the hat was labeled 721.

    “So, he thought it (the hat) was appropriate for me to have the hat because I ran the 721 at the Gatornationals. Anyway, he (Schultz) comes to my trailer, and says, ‘I want you to have this hat, I just bought it.’ I didn’t know what to say. I asked him if he could sign it (hat) for me. He said ‘if you want me to, then I can.’ I’m like, ‘please.’ (Having that) is a very special thing for me.”

    SM: Kind of an additional follow up to that question. Did you think you would ever win your first race in your first season? When did that victory set in for you, where you were like ‘Wow, I actually won an NHRA race? Did the victory take a couple of days to sink in?

    AS: “Never,” she said. “It was so hard to drive the bike. I thought it was going to take me a couple of years to get a win. I was definitely not expecting to win in four races.” 

    SM: Just jumping ahead a little bit to ‘97. You would run full-time that year after running six races the year prior in ‘96. What in your mind do you think you learned in ‘96 that helped you prepare for ‘97, or was there still a learning curve?

    AS: “I think I was prepared enough when we started in ‘96,” Sampey said. “We did a lot more testing and practice than people are aware of. I was on the motorcycle a lot before that race in ‘96. My regret for ‘96 is that we started in the middle of the season, and so I wasn’t a contender for Rookie of the Year. I believe I had a good shot at it (ROTY) but I wasn’t eligible due to the part-time schedule in ‘96.

    “That was a mistake we made. I should have waited to start at the beginning of ‘96 or start at ‘97.”

    SM: In the ‘97 season, you would win at Topeka after finishing runner-up there in ‘96. What were the differences in the two years?

    AS: “I probably could have won the previous year,” she said. “I didn’t race (that race) and that’s probably one of my biggest regrets in my career as well. I was racing John Meyers in the finals in Topeka and John was trying to win the championship against Dave Schultz. We weren’t supposed to be there (Topeka), because we were racing Pro Star and now I feel like I’m in the way of John trying to get a championship. I was using his spare engines since he was giving them up for me to run.

    “We were running well in Topeka and there was a good chance we could win. However, if we did beat John, there was a good chance we might hurt him in the points. So, we decided collectively as a team, we would not race against John in the final. I didn’t want to lie like a lot of people have done in the past, I wanted to be honest. If I knew I wasn’t going to win, I’m gonna do it honestly and I’m not going to bring my bike to the starting line.

    “So, we went where John was on the starting line, and we didn’t bring the bike. We got booed by the crowd. They booed us like crazy because they wanted to see me race. It was the most horrible moment of my career. You know, for the fans to turn against me, and be so mad that I wasn’t racing where in reality I wanted to earn their respect. Like look, I wasn’t going to be allowed to win this race anyway. So, I don’t want to lie about it. Now, I know that was a mistake and I should have gone up there and raced him. Who cares if he was going for a championship, right? Like, I’m here to race and win for myself.”

    SM: As you look back on your career, are there any races that come to your mind that you wish you had another opportunity at?

    AS: “That would be one of them (the Topeka 1996 race),” Sampey said. “There’s been so many more (races) after that. I wish I had another opportunity this past weekend (Gatornationals). I had my teammate Andrew Hines in the third round and I pushed it (bike) too hard. I had the bike to win the race. My Harley Davidson was running really good numbers. I went up there (on Sunday) but I red-lighted, lost the round.

    “That is so disappointing because if you go up there and ruin the race all by yourself, that is something I would love to have back. I said it to my team Sunday night at dinner, ‘I just want to try that race again.’”

    SM: When you entered NHRA in 1996 at the age of 27, did you ever think you would have 42 race wins, and three championships throughout your career?

    AS: “I didn’t think I was going to race longer than five years,” she said. “My (former) Team Owner (George Bryce) asked me when I first started ‘How long do you want to do this (racing)?’ I thought about it, and I figured I could be lucky lasting five years. I had hoped to win a race or two in those five years. The five years went by in like five months, and before I knew it, I had a championship and was racing for another (championship).

    “Now 24 years into my racing career, I’m still amazed at what has happened and I definitely credit that to the amazing teams I’ve been on. Amazing teammates, sponsors, everybody that’s helped me along the way to get everything I had. Especially my mom and my dad, my family.

    “This is a career especially difficult for a woman, very tough to stay in for a long time. You’re on the road a lot and being away from family.”

    SM: I know retirement is a long way off yet for you. But before your career is over, what is one thing you would like to accomplish the most or check off your bucket list?

    AS: “Once I got to a certain point, I could be the winningest racer in history when I realized that possibility,” Sampey said. “I don’t like being the winningest female. I just want to be the winningest person on a Pro Stock bike. I know I’ll never have more wins than John Force, but I want to be known as a person who has the most wins on a Pro Stock Motorcycle.

    “I don’t know if that will ever happen, because Andrew Hines has made that so hard to reach now and I’m running out of time quickly. If I could just get Andrew to stay at the trailer or stay off the motorcycle, I might be able to catch him. That has always been my goal to be the ultimate winningest Pro Stock racer.”

    SM: I asked Ron Capps this question and he always said his last victory is his favorite victory. For you, what would you say is your favorite Wally (NHRA’s trophy) out of your collection?

    AS: “My typical answer is the next one,” she jokingly says. “It’s a tough decision between the last two (Wally’s) I had, as they are extremely important to me. The Englishtown in 2016 was my favorite win as a mom and I dedicated that race to my daughter Ava. I couldn’t believe that I had done this (racing) for all these years and put off being a mom for it and now I’m back to doing it (racing) but being a mom at the same time.

    “It was like starting all over again at the beginning. Englishtown in 2016 was the most important win in my career because I had Ava. This last one (Indianapolis race 3) is just as important to me because I’m doing something that I would have never imagined, driving for the Harley Davidson Vance and Hines team. I never ever, ever believed it would be a possibility. I still have a hard time believing that. To get a win on a Harley-Davidson, I would give up tons of Wally’s for that one (Indy).

    Sampey winning Race 3 at Indianapolis, Photo Courtesy of NHRA Natinal Dragster.



    “I couldn’t be more proud, and I’m so happy to be on this team. I’m over the moon that I’ll end my career with the Harley-Davidson team.”

    SM: Some racers have a memorabilia collection and some don’t. Are you a driver that collects your own merchandise and if so, what do you have in your collection that reminds you about your rookie season(s)?

    AS: “You know, I’m not that kind of driver, and I regret it,” Sampey said about keeping merchandise. “I’m so mad at myself that I did not keep it (my own merchandise). I should have kept at least five t-shirts of every shirt that was ever made, every hat, everything. I didn’t have any idea how important all of this was going to be, because I was so young and dumb.

    “I was just living in the moment when I was young. Now, I did find some things (old t-shirts), my daughter wears them, and it’s so awesome for me to see her wear my t-shirts 15-20 years ago.”

    SM: It’s been 24 years since your first start in Denver. What would a 50-year-old Angelle Sampey tell a 27-year-old Angelle Sampey, if time travel was available? Is there anything you would do differently?

    AS: “There’s almost everything I would do differently,” she said. “Almost everything. The way I rode; I would change that. Just the way I handled everything, everything we talked about, saving stuff. I didn’t even keep track of the publications I was in, like, New York Times and USA Today. I should have kept all of those for my little girl to see.

    “But, I would go back to the younger me, tell myself to appreciate everything more.” 

    In Sampey’s career, the Matthews, Louisiana native has collected 42 race victories, three championships (2000, 2001 and 2002), 31 runner-up finishes, 44 semifinals, 75 quarterfinals, 59 Round 1 victories and 51 No. 1 qualifiers. 

    Fans of Angelle can follow her on Social Media pages Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

    Special thanks to Natalie Jahnke for coordinating the interview and Angelle Sampey for taking time out of her busy schedule.

  • Interview: First-Seasons: Cruz Pedregon

    Interview: First-Seasons: Cruz Pedregon

    In this week’s interview of “First Seasons,” where a driver discusses their first-season of racing professionally, we catch up with Funny Car Snap-On driver Cruz Pedregon who talks about his 1991 Top Fuel season, his rookie season on a part-time basis.

    During this interview, the California native talks about what he remembers of the ’91 season, how he managed expectations despite being on a part-time basis, his first start, what he thinks helped him from ’91 to learn for ’92, his first victory in ’92, and anything Pedregon wishes he could do differently looking back.

    SM: You started out racing in NHRA in the Top Fuel category 29 years ago at the age of 28. Briefly discuss what it was like making your debut at that age, knowing it was considered a young age during that time period. Also, how did you make the connection and get to drive for Larry Minor?  

    CP: “It was surreal at first,” Pedregon said about making his debut. “I remember doing my first burnout in the car out in California, it was very surreal. It was a dream come true for me because I had dreamt of that opportunity. I remember the first one like it was yesterday.” 

    “One of my father’s good friends owned a Funny Car team and he also owned a piston manufacturing business. So, he sold to Larry Minor (Cruz’s first Team Owner), and he was a big Team Owner. He introduced me to him, two years prior to that. I never thought the meeting would make anything, but that was a good introduction there.”

    “I also had a good amateur career in the Alcohol cars by winning races. I thought, if there ever was an opportunity, maybe I’m on the radar because I was winning races. So, that was my opportunity.”

    SM: In the ‘91 season, you ran 12 races in the Top Fuel category. Before the season got underway, do you remember setting a certain goal for that specific year despite being a rookie? What were your expectations and did those ever change when you got further into the season? 

    CP: “Honestly, I’ll tell you the truth,” he said. “The car that I was driving was a part-time hobby-like car to the owner (Larry Minor), who had three full-fledged full-time operations. Larry wanted his own personal car that he could tune. So, I knew I had limitations as far as crew chief and a limited schedule. My expectations were not to go out to win races and be competitive. I thought the experience would be good and perhaps winning a round or two.”
    SM: Was it hard to manage expectations, knowing you were a part-time driver that season? 

    CP: “It was (hard),” Pedregon said about managing expectations. “In fact, I went from a winning situation in the Alcohol cars in a top car. I had to think twice and be like, ‘do I keep winning in Alcohol or do I take a Top Fuel team, which is the top of the line.’ Eventually, I took the Top Fuel ride.” 

    “It was a beautiful car, but I just didn’t have the equipment to race with. It (racing part-time) was a good experience for me.”


    Photo Courtesy of Cruz Pedregon Racing, Pedregon’s Top Fuel Car in 1991.

    SM: Your first professional NHRA Top Fuel start was the famous Pomona Nationals. Can you describe what it was like in the weeks leading up to your first professional race? Were you starting to feel anxious or nervous, or were you more, let’s get this thing going? What helped you in advance of the race? 

    CP: “I was working on the car at the time, so I didn’t think about being nervous or anxious,” he said. “The cars that I drove previously I wasn’t as hands on that much. But, when I was hired, I was hired to drive but the team was also not shy of me to empty out the trash cans, and pretty much do the heavy lifting. I was full on crew guy.”

    “I was never nervous or anxious. I just remember, it was a lot of work and a lot of late nights, but to me, it was worth it.”

    SM: Unfortunately, you would miss the show for that race. Is there anything in your mind that you could’ve done differently to perhaps move further in the rounds? 

    CP: “Larry (Minor) was very knowledgeable with cars, but it was basically all of his friends who were on the crew and they were all business owners,” Pedregon said. “All of these guys were like older (people), who pretty much were ready to have a cocktail after my last run. I was pretty much minding my own business and not getting into all the politics of it.”

    “But, I knew my time would come, just let me do my job to the best of my ability.”

    SM: Despite that, you had some success that season, where you achieved your first-round victory against the legendary Don Prudhomme to advance to the semi-finals at Seattle. Do any of those victories stand out to you?

    CP: “Oh yeah,” he said about beating Prudhomme. “We raced the “Snake” (Prudhomme’s earned nickname) and I remember Tom McEwen (former NHRA driver) coming up to me, and he said ‘Hey, just go in there and do your thing. This guy is quick. Just be on your game and you should be okay.’ I remember thinking to myself, ‘I didn’t think he was going to be quick. I knew he was an older superstar, no doubt, but I didn’t think (McEwen) would tell me he (Prudhomme) was going to be fast.” 

    “We did win though and I remember it was the Skoal car at the time. And then, we lost a close race to Tom McEwen of all people in the next round. So, I raced the “Snake” and the “Mongoose” in the next round. But, I will always remember that as they were milestones in my career because they meant so much and they were big names in the sport.”

    SM: When you look back on the ‘91 Top Fuel season, are there any races in your mind that you felt like you could’ve won? Do you think Seattle was potentially the one race where you should have gotten the victory? 

    CP: “Not the victory, but a couple of more rounds,” Pedregon said about the Seattle race. “I would say, Seattle was our best performance because we were at least in the zone so to speak. Our times were also very competitive.”

    “It seems as though Seattle, throughout my career, is one of my races that I never won there and could never get past the second round for some reason. That was the start of it I guess.”

    SM: Jumping ahead a little bit, you would move up to the Funny Car class in ‘92 and achieved your first victory in NHRA at the Houston Nationals. Couple of questions. What, in your mind, did you learn from the ‘91 season to help better you for your ‘92 Funny Car rookie season? What does that first victory still mean to you and  have you ever had a chance to go back and rewatch that race? 

    CP: “Just the fact I was racing a Nitro car and the de-accleration,” he said. “The de-acceleration of the car didn’t affect me like it would, had I gone straight from Alcohol to Funny Car. I was already seasoned as far as speed and got used to the way you would drive with the clutch pedal out, as opposed to revving the engine up. I was able to get into the Funny Car, due to being in an Alcohol car in ‘90, Top Fuel in ‘91, and then I went back to a Funny Car in ‘92. It was sort of going back home again.” 

    “I have rewatched that race (Houston Nationals) a few times, more mentally than physically. I remember the unusual circumstances leading up to that Sunday. I was a little taken back of my then crew chief and the owner, because they had been together for so many years. I was a little shocked about the politics behind the scenes of people not getting along.” 

    “I think there was uneasiness with the team due to engine problems. So, the incoming teammate, Cory Mac’s (McClenathan) crew chief put the motor out of that car and per the owner’s request, lend these guys a motor as they were out of them. They didn’t want to blow this kid up, which was me. That crew chief and my crew chief didn’t like each other so much, and I was kind of in the middle of all that.”

    “So then race day comes and we go out to set the nationals record by lowering it to 400ths, which is crazy in today’s numbers.” 

    SM: When you entered the sport in ‘91 as a rookie, did you ever think that you would win the championship the next season and have two championships plus 36 victories during your career?

    CP: “Well, let me tell you this,” Pedregon said. “After that race, we thought we were going to have a great summer, but we were lackluster for about eight to 10 races. We were hit or miss, and had fallen on our face in qualifying.” 

    “In that season, were we thinking of a championship? We were after Houston, but prior to Seattle of ‘92, we wanted to finish in the top five. Then, we went on a roll, and de-throned (John) Force. Houston was the beginning, but we had to wait six months or so until August where we found the magic again. We got hot in August and didn’t look back, and to top it off, we went through three different crew chiefs that year. That was bizarre to say the least.”


    Photo Courtesy of Cruz Pedregon Racing. Pedregon’s 1992 Championship Winning McDonald’s Scheme

    SM: I asked Ron Capps this question and he says, his last victory is his favorite one. For you, what would you say is your favorite Wally out of your collection? 

    CP: “My favorite Wally (NHRA winner trophy) out of my collection is the ‘92 U.S. Nationals (NHRA’s biggest race of the year),” he said. “The US Nationals is the biggest race of drag racing, it’s our Super Bowl. If you win that race, your name goes down as a legend, so to do it in my rookie year is a moment that I’ll never forget. I had an off weekend with my reaction times, but I had a great crew around me that helped us pull both cars my funny car and the topsail drag stream to the winner circle. If you look at the people that were on my crew back then, almost all of them are current or former crew chiefs on different Top Fuel or Funny Cars throughout the years.” 

    SM: Some racers have a memorabilia collection and some don’t. Are you a driver that collects your own merchandise and if so, what in your collection reminds you about your rookie season(s)?

    CP: “I have a collection of helmets, fire suits, all the Wally’s,” Pedregon said. “Not all of them are original (Wally’s), because I had given them away. But, I would say helmets are near and dear to me. I sold about 25 to 30 through the years, I wish I had them back. In the ‘90s, I was getting good money for them because I thought wow, people want to buy my helmets.”

    SM: I’m sure being in this sport for a long time, most seasons are a blur to you. Are there any fond memories to this day about your rookie season that you will always remember? If so, what sticks out the most? 

    CP: “They were all good memories,” he said. “However, I remember thinking during the five wins in a row, I was like, ‘Man, it would be a nice story if we could come back from seventh or eighth in the points during that year and finish second.’ In other words, I was not thinking about the championship until the second to last race, as I was not going to let myself get that far ahead.” 

    “And then, I was bummed out because we didn’t make it to the final round to get six (wins) in a row. We went to the semis against Tom Hoover (former NHRA driver) and I was so bummed out, since I wanted to win six in a row. I guess we got a little greedy.” 

    “There isn’t really one memory that really sticks out more than the other, I just remember ‘92 was a crazy year, but we had a good car and (we) were on the roll. I guess I would say, there were some odd and scary moments that were trying times. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, since it made that much more memorable.” 

    SM: Wrapping it up – It’s been 29-years since you made your first start in the NHRA Professional Division. What would a 56-year-old Cruz Pedregon tell a 28-year-old Cruz Pedregon, if you had the ability to time travel? Is there anything you would do differently? 

    CP: “I was pretty high strung in those days,” Pedregon said. “I would say, slow things down a little and take them as they come. Enjoy the moments (a lot more often) and don’t try too hard. I was always pressing, pressing, and always thought the sky was falling when we got beat. Wisdom and that things happen for a reason, good or bad.” 

    In Pedregon’s career, the Gardena, California native has a total of 36 career wins, two Funny Car Championship (1992, 2008), 40 runner up finishes, 75 semi-final appearances, 61 No. 1 qualifiers, and he has made the Countdown to the Championship (NHRA’s version of the Playoffs) seven times. As of this writing, Pedregon’s last victory came in 2018 at the Charlotte Nationals against John Force. 

    Fans of Cruz Pedregon wanting to find out more information or keep up to date can follow him on Twitter, “like” him on Facebook, and Instagram.

    Special thanks to General/Team Manager of Cruz Pedregon Racing Caleb Cox for coordinating the interview and many thanks to Cruz Pedregon for taking time out of his busy schedule to do the interview.

  • Interview: First Seasons-Bob Tasca

    Interview: First Seasons-Bob Tasca

    In this edition of “First Seasons” Speedway Media caught up with NHRA Top Fuel driver Bob Tasca III.

    Tasca joined the professional ranks of the National Hot Rod Association in 2008 where he first competed full-time in the Funny Car division. Since then, the Motorcraft Quick Lane driver has notched six wins and has enjoyed success.

    During the interview, Tasca spoke about what it was like making his debut during that time period of NHRA as compared to now, his thoughts on the very first NHRA race in which he competed, his first win and if he would do anything differently if time travel was possible.

    SM: You began racing Funny Car in 2008, not that long ago, at the age of 33-years-old. Can you talk about what it was like making your debut in NHRA during that time period? It only may be 12 years ago but seemingly a lot has changed since then. What differences are there in today’s sport compared to when you started racing?

    BT: “It doesn’t seem like that long ago,” Tasca said. The time has gone pretty fast. By 2008, I’d already raced for years in the sportsman classes. It felt like my work had finally paid off because during those years, I was always working toward making it to Funny Car (highest class division in NHRA) and once I did, it felt like ‘Okay, I made the first goal. Now let’s go after the next one.’ And the next one was a Funny Car win.”

    SM: It seems as though 33-years-old is kind of a late start for someone wanting to make it in NHRA as a full-time driver. Did you feel as though it was the right time to break into the sport? Kind of explain what you were doing prior to making your NHRA debut.

    BT: “NHRA is a little different than other sports and that you can race for years as a sportsman to get plenty of time under your belt and then enter the pro ranks when the budget looks good or a ride opens up, whatever the scenario is,” Tasca said. “And when you do, as long as you have the right people behind you, and you’ve done the work preparing as a driver, you’re on the same playing field as the rest of the pros. It’s not like IndyCar or NASCAR racing, where if you don’t start as a young kid, you can’t get there. So in that way, I felt completely at home when I made my pro debut.”

    SM: When entering the 2008 season, do you remember having any high expectations for that year? Was a win on the radar despite being a rookie? What were your expectations as the season began and did they ever change as the season went along? 

    BT: “I’m realistic, but of course, I always wanted to win,” he said. “I think you have to go in expecting you have what it takes to do it with as much time away from your family and effort it takes to do this full-time. So, I knew I had what it took, it was just a a matter of time.”

    SM: Your first Top Fuel start came at the famous Pomona nationals. What was it like in the weeks leading up to that event? Were you starting to feel anxious or nervous about getting to the track? Kind of talk about what you were doing to help prepare for your debut?

    BT: “My everyday job in the family (car) dealership comes with a lot of pressure, so I was pretty used to operating under that anyway (laughs),” Tasca said. “Of course, it’s a bigger show when you show up in Pomona, but I wouldn’t say I was really nervous. Maybe excited.”

    SM: Your first win wouldn’t be until 2009 at the Gainesville Nationals, where you scored your first Wally. What does that victory still mean to you to this day and have you ever had a chance to go watch that race back? Did that victory sort of help you break through and put you on the map?

    BT: “I can remember every moment of that day,” Tasca said about his first victory in NHRA, Every moment. You never forget a big win like that and the feeling always comes back when I get back there. The NHRA world is pretty small so people are always aware of each other, but I’m sure the win helped me on the fan side.

    SM: Before that 2009 win, were there any turning points when you and the team started to click with each other where you felt like you were capable of winning races? Was not winning starting to get frustrating?

    BT: “While you go into a career like this expecting you have what it takes to win, you know there are 15 other very talented drivers starting every Sunday, so you never know when it (winning) will happen,” he said. “Every driver I know wants to win every race, but like I said, with a talent field this deep, you just never know when it’ll be your turn (to win). I had faith that with my team behind me, we’d get there.”

    SM: Looking back on your rookie years, what races in your mind do you wish you had another chance at?

    BT: “I guess if I had to answer this question, I’d say all of them (laughter),” Tasca said. “As a driver, I’d love to get another shot and put our team in a position to win, but not one (race) in particular.”

    SM: I’m sure a lot of seasons are a blur to you but are there any fond memories that you still remember to this day or always will remember about your rookie year in Top Fuel? If so, what memory sticks out the most?

    BT: “There’s so many memories about my rookie season,” he said. “It’s always a dream of mine to compete in the Nitro Funny Car ranks and to actually have been able to do it (race in Funny Car), and go out there and compete with the icons in the sport, it’ll be a year I’ll never forget.”

    SM: Some racers have a memorabilia collection and some don’t. Are you a driver that collects your own merchandise? If so, what do you have in your collection that reminds you of your rookie season?

    BT: “I don’t collect much (merchandise), however, I have every helmet (other than the one I gave to Jay Leno) and every fire suit that I ever wore in my collection.”

    SM: It’s been 12 years since your rookie season in NHRA. What would a 45-year-old Bob Tasca tell a 33-year-old Bob Tasca? Is there anything you would do differently? 

    BT: “Yeah, there would be a whole bunch of things I would tell a 33-year-old Bob Tasca, however, a 45-year-old Bob Tasca wouldn’t have gotten to where I’ve gotten today without all the lessons learned along the way,” Tasca said. “I would have told him to keep going and don’t look back.”

    Tasca has raced professionally in the NHRA Funny Car division for 12 years now, ever since making his first start in 2008. His highest championship points standing finish was fifth, which occurred twice in 2010 and most recently in 2019. In addition, the Rhode Island native has a total of 27 semi-final round appearances, 10 runner-ups, 67 quarter rounds, and four playoff appearances.

    Fans wanting to learn more information or follow Bob Tasca on Social Media at Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

  • Interview: First Seasons – Ron Capps

    Interview: First Seasons – Ron Capps

    In this edition of ‘First Seasons” Speedway Media caught up with NHRA driver, Ron Capps, who ranks second on the all-time wins list in the Funny Car division.

    During the interview, the Don Schumacher Racing driver reflected on his first season in NHRA, which occurred in 1995 when Capps drove a Top Fuel dragster on a part-time basis for the legendary Roger Primm. During the interview, the San Luis Obispo, California native details his first victory, why it put him on the map, and what, if anything, he wishes he could have done differently.

    SM: You began racing Top Fuel in 1995 for Roger Primm 25 years ago at the age of 30. What was it like making your debut in NHRA during that time period as well as getting connected with Primm who gave you that opportunity?

    RC: “For me, I grew up as a crew member working on them (Top Fuel dragsters),” Capps said. “You know, always wanting to drive, but obviously, I didn’t have wealthy parents or anyone I could go to for sponsorship to try and get a ride. So, I had to sort of wait and hope to get a chance, which was hard to come by at that time.”

    “The fact I worked on them, it drew the attention of Roger (Primm, Team Owner), but more importantly, his crew chief who took a liking to me. That was basically my chance to get my (NHRA) license. When I was first asked to get my license, that’s just a small step. It’s not a guaranteeing (you a ride). So for me working on them, being a crew member on the road, driving the truck, I think that all really helped my learning curve.”

    “So, I remember getting a phone call from Roger, he had narrowed his list down to 20 drivers that were very experienced and big-name drivers. I didn’t think I had a shot at it (driving for Roger), but as the list got smaller, my name kept popping up. To get that phone call was definitely a dream come true.”

    SM: At 30-years-old in your first season, did you feel as though it was the right time to break into the sport? Most drivers start at a much younger age.

    RC: “That was the other thing,” he said about wanting to race in NHRA. “I had kind of been around a little bit and I got a late start (on racing). I don’t think my path would have happened if it was one small little thing changed for something I did or didn’t do. It was almost, I couldn’t think I would do it again (my career) if I wanted to growing up. Things happen for a reason.”

    “I was a crew member and I had just married my wife. I was traveling around a little bit, but I wanted to go on the road and hit all the races one time in my life. She allowed me to do that in our first year of marriage. That sort of gave me a chance where I met that crew chief and gave me a shot of getting my license. To be honest with you, I felt like I was 18–years-old (despite being 30). Being on the road traveling and driving a Top Fuel dragster, and going to races like Atlanta and Indianapolis, places I read about growing up as a kid.”

    “You know, my dad drove when I was a kid, but he never did it (NHRA) professionally. Going to every race with my dad as a kid just as a hobby, I never in my imagination would drive for Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme who was one of my ultimate heroes growing up. So, I didn’t feel 30 (years old), I just felt like a rookie.

    Photo Courtesy of Don Schumacher Racing

    SM: While entering the ‘95 season, do you remember having any high expectations for that year? Was a win on your radar considering your rookie status? What were your expectations as the season began and did those expectations change as the season progressed? 

    RC: “I think for sure, we exceeded our expectations,” Capps said about his rookie season. “Our rookie year, we didn’t have full-time crew members. We had a few of them, but a lot of them were fly in guys. People who had regular jobs. We were a part-time team, but one of the reasons Roger hired me was because he wanted to get a sponsor.”

    “His family was involved in casinos, so we had money from his family, but he wanted to get a legitimate sponsor. So, he wanted to use me in the car, to sort of be a marketability part of it. We didn’t hit every race but ventured out to the east coast because we talked to NCI, which was a huge telephone communications business back then. And at the time, we were only going to hit four or five races.”

    “Well next thing you know, we go to Atlanta, and we’re in the final round as a rookie in an unsponsored car and I’m up against a McDonald’s car in the final round of the Southern Nationals. That just doesn’t happen as a rookie, especially for a team that wasn’t funded. That put us on the radar. We were just lucky to qualify for these races. That was our goal, not to tear anything up. Then later that year, I ended up winning the Seattle race. Low and behold, we beat that McDonald’s car that beat us in Atlanta. So, yes, we exceeded our expectations by miles.”

    SM: You made your NHRA debut at Phoenix in ‘95. What was it like in the weeks leading up to that event? Were you starting to feel anxious or nervous about getting to the track? What did you do to prepare for your debut?

    RC: “We were supposed to start at the Winternationals in Pomona, California, two weeks before that (Phoenix), as that was the second of the race of the season,” Capps said. I was bummed we missed our first race, but I understood the owner didn’t want to rush things.”

    “The Phoenix race was our initial debut. Yeah, I was a nervous wreck. In fact, I still hadn’t driven the car under power and kept my foot down to the finish line because I wasn’t quite used to the massive amounts of g-force and speed. In addition, we didn’t have a lot of parts, so I was trying to be careful. I knew if I went out there, didn’t pay attention, and blew it up, that would mean we didn’t get to go to some races back east.”

    “On top of that, we qualified and I had Joe Amato, who at the time was ‘Mr. Top Fuel.’ He had won everything, set every record, and that’s who we ended up racing in the first round and I ended up beating him. That ended up being a fantastic start.”

    SM: Later on that season, you achieved your first win at Seattle. What does that victory still mean to you to this day and have you ever had a chance to go back and watch that specific victory? Do you feel like the victory put you on the map in the NHRA world?

    RC: “Oh yeah, without a doubt,” he said regarding the Seattle victory putting him on the NHRA map. “That caught the eye of John Force, who at the time wanted to hire me to be his team driver, which didn’t end up happening. However, what entailed was the fact of John Force started talking about me and put me in a Funny Car. All that talk with the media, all the magazines, it drew the attention of Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme.”

    “I think his ears (Prudhomme) perked up and he heard Force talking about me. So, Prudhomme started watching me a little bit. Obviously, he was the one I went to go work for, and Force hired Tony Pedregon. But in reality, all things worked out in the long run. I was driving for one of my heroes.”

    “But yes, that win at Seattle put me on the map for sure to what we were doing as a part-time team. The firesuit I had on was a plain white suit and the patches were sewed by my mom. I didn’t have a sponsor. I borrowed money from my mom and dad because I couldn’t afford to buy one (firesuit) when I first started. So, I still look back to this day about that race.”

    Photo Courtesy of Don Schumacher Racing

    SM: Was there ever any point in the season you and Primm felt you were capable of winning races?

    RC: “The Southern Nationals event in Atlanta, several months before that, definitely showed we could (make it to the finals), without having all the parts, we showed we could consistently put pressure on other teams and getting to that final round was huge,” he said.

    “The Atlanta race was in May back then and the Seattle race in July. One of the biggest things about getting to the final round of Atlanta was most of our races were on TNN (The Nashville Network, a cable channel that broadcast races). There were only four or five races that were put on ABC and that was one of them, the Atlanta race. You couldn’t have picked a better race.”

    “When the race came out a couple of weeks later and they (TNN) aired it, the amount of coverage it (race) got was 10 times bigger than any other race. That race was a huge race to show what we did.”

    SM: I’m sure a lot of seasons are a blur to you but are there any fond memories that you still remember to this day about your rookie season in either Top Fuel or Funny Car? If so, what memory sticks out the most?

    RC: “One thing that people forget, when Don Prudhomme hired me in ’97 my rookie year in Top Fuel to drive the Cophenhagen car, we didn’t qualify or race on Sunday (Winternationals) which was a huge blunder,” Capps said. “That also marked Chevrolet’s first appearance in drag racing. So a lot of people forget that. (Not qualifying) was humbling for sure.”

    SM: Did you ever think when you came into this sport in ’95 that you would have championships, multiple race wins, and have the second most race victories?

    RC: “No, not even,” he said about his success. “I only dreamed about having one Wally (NHRA’s trophy). And now, we just won our 65th, which is crazy. At that time, I was just happy with racing.”

    SM: Some racers have a memorabilia collection and some don’t. Are you a guy that collects your own merchandise? If so, what do you have in your collection that reminds you of your rookie season?

    RC: ” I do have a collection,” he said. “I normally wouldn’t of, but my parents and my wife’s parents make sure to collect stuff which is cool because through all of this COVID stuff our front room in our house is full of stuff for what fans have given me, what we kept.”

    “The pictures I have of my rookie year, especially the one in Seattle of me holding the trophy up in the winner circle with the firesuit and no sponsors on it. That race was run on a Tuesday because it rained on Sunday. My wife and the team owner both flew back home. I beat Kenny Bernstein on Monday, but it rained right after that round. Not only we won the race, but we did it on a Tuesday. So that’s probably one of the crazier stories.”

    SM: Wrapping it up, it’s been 25 years since your first season in NHRA. What would a 55-year-old Ron Capps tell a 30-year-old Ron Capps, if you had the ability to time travel? Is there anything you would do differently? 

    RC: “I don’t know if I would want to tell my younger self anything,” Capps said. “I think things have worked out well. Probably. if more than anything, relish the kids when they’re younger because you travel so much, and I had missed so much. I would love to have them back at a younger age. I sort of took it for granted early on of winning races, taking pictures with my kids in the winner circle. I would definitely relish those moments a little bit more.”

  • Interview: Catching Up with Travis Pastrana

    Interview: Catching Up with Travis Pastrana

    In this week’s interview, Speedway Media caught up with Travis Pastrana who recently made a Truck Series start at Kansas Speedway with Niece Motorsports. The Maryland native discusses what brought him to Niece for his latest NASCAR run. We also discussed his first NASCAR run in 2012 and 2013 and whether Pastrana would ever be open to doing a full-time schedule again.

    SM: Let’s talk about your previous experience in NASCAR in what was then the Nationwide Series from 2012-2013. What drew you to NASCAR back then and made you want to give the sport a try? Was it difficult to try and find a ride? 

    TP: “Yeah, I mean for sure,” Pastrana said. “I won four off-road rally championships. It’s (the series) basically like off-road racing and I had plans on going to the WRC Championship and Subaru had pulled their funding from the WRC and that was the car I had kind of been in.”

    “I had the chance to talk to Trevor Bayne and a couple of other guys. I went and hung out with Jimmie Johnson at Auto Club and he had won that day. I said to myself, ‘This is awesome. What would it take to get there?’ We just started talking. Rob (Benton) and Michael Waltrip (Team Owner who gave Travis a chance) were just awesome and asked me, what do you want to do? I said, ‘I would love to drive the Daytona 500 one day.’ They said, ‘well you just can’t jump in and drive the Daytona 500, but let’s start talking about a plan that will help get you there.’ I then started doing K&N Series, Late Models. I didn’t really know a lot about NASCAR. One of my friends (Irish Sanders) who was friends with Tony Stewart had got hurt and asked me if I wanted to race a Silver Crown car in two weeks. I said, ‘Sure. Sign me up.’ I showed up and got my butt handed to me. Despite that, I wanted to give racing a try and thought it was fun.”

    SM: Your first start came at Richmond in 2012 where you started 25th and finished 22nd, two laps down. There seemed to be a huge learning curve for you as you adjusted to NASCAR. Can you explain the challenges of this type of racing and how it was different than what you had done before? 

    TP: “I think if you look at it, my qualifying results were significantly better than my race results and that was complete opposite than what I was in Motocross,” he said. “In motocross, you could find out how to take chances and do stuff no one was going to do. But in vehicles, it didn’t come down to how much time you were willing to put in, like prep and training (which made you a good motocross racer). In NASCAR, success came to research. Literally working with your crew chief. Going over all the notes and learning about the different aspects of the sport. Some of that was very foreign to me.”

    “So for me, I think Chase Elliott is a great example. At age 15 or 16-years-old, he won his first K&N race in a race where I felt like Waltrip and the guys were the best car. It was the one time I got to a race (maybe one other time at Kentucky in Nationwide), where I was like, ‘Holy crap, we could win this race.’ I drove dead last all the way to second and then bumped Sergio Pena for the lead. It took all the air out of my car. And I was like, ‘I cannot believe this!’ All I had to do was relax. To sum it up, it comes down to how much you can work with your team. How you don’t use your tires up, etc.”

    SM: Did you lean on any drivers when you first entered the sport?

    TP: “Definitely, Brett Moffitt,” Pastrana said. “He took me under his wing. He (Moffitt) was getting in his Truck (at Kansas), gets out and runs to the back of the grid and he was like, ‘Hey when you’re doing restarts here, it’s not like an initial start. Seven to eight laps in, you will spin the tires.”

    SM: Later on in 2012, you started driving for Jack Roush to race in the No. 60. What was it that brought you to Roush?

    TP: “It wasn’t an offer, he said. “It was me going to him. I funded all of my own stuff. I took most of my savings and put it into NASCAR. People questioned me, ‘why did you quit?’ I just realized I wasn’t good enough. I was never good with pavement to be quite honest. For me, it was about making the best out of every situation.”

    “Though, I loved (Greg) Biffle. Even Carl Edwards, one of my all-time heroes. Same thing with Trevor Bayne. I wanted to be under Trevor and learn from those guys. The 60 at the time was victorious in Nationwide. We did a test run and I was fastest in practice and we qualified fifth at Richmond, mI y first race with those guys (Roush). We ran up front and I was respectable in the race. That’s why I signed a contract with those guys.”

    SM: At Talladega, you won your first career NASCAR pole. Was that a special moment for you knowing that you were still somewhat new to the sport?

    TP: “The restrictor plate really came down to, you have to hit your marks, but if your team has a good car, that (qualifying on the pole) proved we had the best motors, Pastrana said. “So for me, it (winning the pole) was awesome. To be able to run up front, lead some laps was awesome. But I honestly think qualifying second at Kentucky was my most proudest moment even though I missed my lap.”

    SM: Before the Kansas weekend, your first connection with Al Niece was the Las Vegas event back in 2017. What drew you to Niece and what sparked your interest in NASCAR again?

    TP: “In 2017, I kept it (NASCAR) in the back of my mind and wanted to make a real effort,” he said. “I didn’t necessarily know when or how, but I knew what it took to be the best in the sport. I’m not saying I could be the best in the sport, I’m just saying I knew what you had to do to be successful. In my first year of the sport, I had my first kid and had another one (kid) on the way. I just thought to myself, I wanted to be a father and wanted to be sure, we were (my family) financial enough to do that. So, I went back to my regular job.”

    “(However), I still wanted to give it (NASCAR) a shot. My car chief at Roush (Cody Efaw, now General Manager of Niece Motorsports) was starting a new team. He asked me, could you help us bring some sponsorship? I was able to do that and we had so much fun. Unfortunately, we did something stupid on the Truck, and couldn’t really get going. The race was pretty much close to their first start as a team. Al Niece (Team Owner) said to me, ‘Hey when we get ourselves a winning team and get a winning driver, you’ve got to come back. We wanted to thank you for helping put us on the map.’

    “So Ross Chastain nearly won the championship last year. I literally got a call (last Wednesday afternoon) and the team (Kaulig Racing) said Chastain couldn’t drive both races because it’s hot and they were focusing on Xfinity efforts. He (Cody Efaw) told me that they (Niece) wanted to repay you and want you to drive our Truck. I said, ‘Yeah, I’m in, in a heartbeat.’

    SM: What it was like being back in NASCAR that weekend and the race itself? Did you enjoy racing trucks?   

    TP: “Yeah, I did,” Pastrana said about racing in the Trucks at Kansas. “It was disappointing we had a tire go down in the first run. I was like alright, just don’t get lapped. We were super free. We would work our way up to 20th and then they (NASCAR) would put the lead cars back on the lead lap. What I really wanted to do was get behind some of the top guys and figure out what I was doing.”

    “When we were tight on the second stage, I was right around 10th place. So, I was three tenths off of where I needed to be to run up front. I still was pretty happy with that. I know Kansas was pretty dirt track, if you will. It’s not a dirt track pavement, but you’re slipping and sliding. You have to be perfect.”

    SM: Are you open to more NASCAR opportunities in the future such as a full-time ride in the Truck Series and the chance to compete for a championship?

    TP: “I really love to race,” he said. “But knowing right now where I am at with life, I don’t have time to take this seriously enough where I deserve a full-time ride or take a ride away from an up and coming kid or a driver of any kind. I would step into that role in a heartbeat, but also understand, I’m not good enough at the moment without putting in a lot more time. (NASCAR) takes a lot of time and passion. If it was just the races on the weekend, then no problem.”

    “In order for me to be the driver I want to be, it would be every waking second of the day of trying to figure it out. I love that challenge, I love NASCAR. I was thankful enough for Cody (Efaw) and Al (Niece) to give me another opportunity. I’m not expecting more opportunities (in the future). Unless, it’s a mile and a half, or helping younger prospects.”

    SM: With that in mind, where would you like for your last NASCAR start to be?

    TP: “The Daytona 500,” Pastrana said. “That race has always been on my bucket list.”

    SM: Wrapping it up, when you look back on your NASCAR career, what’s one moment or memory that will stick out to you?

    TP: “I think it’s the comradery,” he said. “To have Joey Logano step in my car one time because he was following me and he thought he was loose. He jumped in my car at New Hampshire during practice. The same thing can go for Denny Hamlin at Richmond. He waits for me to go out. I wasn’t even ready to go out and he was like, ‘Hey, You about ready to go out?’ I said, ‘no.’ Denny responds, ‘I’ll wait for you at the exit.’ I was blown away by that moment of Denny wanting to see me succeed. For me, that really meant a lot. That was very cool.”

    In Pastrana’s NASCAR career, the Maryland native has a total of 42 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts with four top 10 finishes and one pole, with a best finish of ninth at Richmond. In addition, Pastrana has four Truck Series starts and 11 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Starts (earning a best finish of fourth at Iowa in 2012).

    Special thanks to Travis Pastrana for taking time out of his busy schedule to do the interview and special thanks to Michelle Brachowski for coordinating the interview.

    Fans of Pastrana can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

    In addition, those who are interested in Niece Motorsports can like them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and visit their website for additional information.

  • Interview: Catching Up with Julia Landauer

    Interview: Catching Up with Julia Landauer

    In this week’s interview, Speedway Media catches up with race car driver and motivational speaker, Julia Landauer. Landauer has competed in all kinds of racing series including the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West Series, specifically the west. She has also competed in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series in Canada and the NASCAR Euro Series (competing internationally).

    During the interview, Landauer discusses her first race as a driver, the toughest track she’s competed on, and when her career is over how she hopes to be remembered.

    SM: What was the very first race that you competed in as a race car driver? Was it everything you expected?

    JL: “Ha! My first race in a race car was awful,” Landauer said. “I was 13 and it was in Skip Barber in October 2005, at Lime Rock Park in the rain. Lime Rock is hard in the dry and notoriously treacherous in the rain. I was pretty nervous and I did not thrive; the leader lapped me twice. But then, I won the championship the next year, so I figured it out. Perseverance is key.

    SM: How calm are you during a race? Are you a driver that’s more fired up behind the wheel or do you take it easy until the halfway point?

    JL: “My calmness depends on the race,” she said. “Races, where I’m in the lead and can just get in the zone and focus on hitting my marks with no one in front of me, are pretty calm. But if the car has a problem or we’re all really close or something, there are more variables to juggle and I can be more “fired up” as you say.”

    SM: What’s the most exhilarating race you’ve ever been a part of? Any come to mind? 

    JL: “I’ve had a lot of exhilarating races,” Landauer said. “National go-kart races in WKA (World Karting Association) or Stars were really intense and things happen so quickly in go-karts, so they’re always fun. My first win at Motor Mile in 2015 was also pretty exhilarating, because although I was calm during the race, I felt so much pressure and hadn’t won in a couple of years, and then I won. It was amazing.”

    SM: Which track has been the toughest track that you’ve driven on in your career so far? Why is that track so tough for you?

    JL: “Honestly, I’ve had a really hard time at Sonoma,” she said. “I’m good at road courses in general and got my start in road courses, but for some reason, Sonoma hasn’t been good to me.”

    SM: Speaking of racetracks. What track out there are you hoping to improve on? 

    JL: “My goal, whenever I go back to a track is to be better than I was before,” Landauer said. “But I guess Sonoma would be the obvious answer to that question.”

    SM: Have you participated in any iRaces during your time off?  

    JL “I have not,” she said.

    SM: Are you a driver that goes back to watch old races? If so, what races have you watched? 

    JL: “Definitely,” Landauer said. “I watch old races from any tracks I’m going to be racing at. I watched the entire K&N season from 2015 when I raced in 2016, I’ve been watching the EuroNASCAR series from last year in preparation for this year, etc. It helps me get a sense of where passing happens, how the races play out, and it helps familiarize myself with the track ahead of time, etc.”

    SM: This pandemic has been a little crazy for everyone. Have you discovered any new hobbies during this down time of racing?

    JL: “I’d say I’ve “rediscovered” hobbies,” she said. “I really like painting and have been doing watercoloring, I had an Instagram series called Because Racecar where I did mundane home stuff in my suit and helmet, I’ve been cooking and baking, reading, and getting creative with workouts and building strength at home with limited equipment.”

    SM: If you could go without one social media app for a year, which app would you choose?

    JL: “I’d give up Facebook,” Landauer said.

    SM: If you were able to visit any planet in the solar system, what planet would you choose to visit? 

    JL: “Saturn,” she said.

    SM: When your career is all over years from now, what do you want your retirement story to be?

    JL: “I want to be remembered as a fierce competitor, great to work with, and driven.”

     In Landauer’s career, she has a total of 28 starts in what was then called the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. During that series, she has eight top-fives and 20 top-10 finishes, with a best career finish of second in 2016 at Meridian. In the East Series, she scored one top-10 finish, finishing seventh at Bristol in 2017. Meanwhile, Landauer has earned a top-10 finish at Bowmanville in 2019, placing 10th.

    Fans of Julia can follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and “like” her on Facebook. In addition, you can visit her website.

  • Catching up with Xfinity Series driver Kody Vanderwal

    Catching up with Xfinity Series driver Kody Vanderwal

    In this week’s interview, Speedway Media caught up with NASCAR Xfinity Series newcomer and Jimmy Means Racing driver, Kody Vanderwal. Vanderwal made his debut for the No. 52 team this past March at Phoenix International Raceway.

    During the interview, Vanderwal talks about a wide variety of topics such as his first race as a stock car driver. He discussed the most exhilarating race he’s been a part of, what a fan needs to do to get his attention in the garage for an autograph and what planet he would choose to go to if he had a chance.

    SM: What was your first race as a racecar driver? Was it everything you expected?

    KV: “It was a dirt Enduro race in a mostly stock ’72 Monte Carlo when I was 11,” Vanderwal said. “I didn’t really have a clue what I was doing and spun more times then I could count. It was a learning experience.”

    SM: How calm are you during a race? Are you a driver that’s more fired up behind the wheel
    or do you take it easy until the halfway point?

    KV: “That’s probably one of my biggest strong suits behind the wheel, my calm demeanor,” he said. Obviously, with all that adrenaline, it’s impossible not to get a little excited from time to time, but normally, I’m very calm.”

    SM: What the most exhilarating race you’ve ever been a part of? Any come to mind?

    KV: “When me and our small family and friends’ K&N West team won our first race at Tucson Speedway,” Vanderwal said. “Dominated the race and then had to hold off one of the best there is, Derek Thorn, on a green-white-checkered. Definitely was pumped after that one.”

    SM: Which driver did you want to be like growing up as a racer?

    KV: “I was always a Jeff Gordon fan growing up but it was really more my dad and some of the local guys in Colorado that inspired me to start driving,” he said. “The inspiration to make it more than a hobby came later when I realized it was actually possible.”

    SM: You are walking around the garage area. A fan is trying to reach you for an autograph, but for whatever reason, you can’t see them and maybe the garage area is packed with fans. How does a fan grab your attention for an autograph or photo?

    KV: “Well, there aren’t very many Kody’s in the NASCAR garage,” Vanderwal said. “So, all you gotta do is call my name.”

    SM: Has there ever been a random or funny thing that’s happened to you during a race?

    KV: “Racing can always be pretty random,” he said. “I lost brakes once because I ran over somebody’s starter. At the track several years ago, the same car rolled over within 10 feet of me in the same corner two races in a row.”

    SM: Who is one racing icon that you’ve always wanted to meet?

    KV: “Any of them,” Vanderwal said. “I especially love meeting people from the older days and hearing their stories.”

    SM: Are you someone that is superstitious before a race starts? If so, what’s a raceday routine that you follow?

    KV: “Not at all,” he said. “Just kind of go with the flow. The only thing, I try to do before every race is a prayer.”

    SM: What is the first thing you do after you come home from a race? Does it take a while for the adrenaline to wear off?

    KV: “I usually always eat something after a race and then usually, it’s late by the time I get home, so I just go to bed.”

    SM: If you could visit any planet in the solar system. Which planet would you choose?

    KV: “I’m gonna go with Neptune, it looks cool.”

    SM: You are required to go without one social media app for a year. What app would you choose to go without?

    KV: “Probably Facebook,” Vanderwal said. “I really don’t use it very much.”

    SM: Time travel is available and you can go back in time to pick a race to watch in person. What race do you pick if you had the chance to watch it in person?

    KV: “2002 Bristol night race.”

    Vanderwal has made three NASCAR Xfinity Series starts in 2020 with a best finish of 29th at Phoenix back in March. In addition, the Colorado native has made 35 starts in what was previously the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West over the past three years with two wins at Tucson. Also, in the West Series, he has eight top-fives and 18 top-10 finishes, along with one pole and 140 laps led.

    Fans of Kody can follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. In addition, fans can also follow Jimmy Means Racing on Twitter and Facebook.

    Special thanks to Kimberly Gazaway for making the interview happen and special thanks to Kody Vanderwal for taking his time out of his day.

  • Interview: Locked Down With Thad Moffitt

    Interview: Locked Down With Thad Moffitt

    In continuation of our series “Locked Down,” Speedway Media catches with DGR-Crosley ARCA driver, Thad Moffitt, to find out what he has been up to during the break from racing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    SM: It has been a while since we’ve had racing on-track. How have you been holding up during this time off?

    TM: ” It has been tough, but I’ve been doing a lot of iRacing and working out keeping myself prepared for when we go back racing,” Moffitt said. “Also I’ve enjoyed a lot of quality family time that I usually don’t get being on the road so much.”

    SM: Virtual racing has taken off by storm. Have you been one of the few that have been participating in virtual races? If so, what kind of races have you been partaking in?

    TM: “I have been running the Saturday Night Thunder races,” he said. “I’ve also run a few of the short track series by NBCSN. I’ve also been running a lot of the fixed races.”

    SM: Drivers are always looking to learn more about specific tracks. With this time off, do you feel as though iRaces are preparing you to keep your mental focus when you revisit the tracks you race later this year?

    TM: “I believe that it is a great tool to help with throttle control and your hand-eye coordination but I don’t think you can simulate the actual feeling of going 200 mph,” Moffitt said. “But, iRacing is definitely the closest I’ve been to real racing without driving a car.”

    SM: You have a unique story/background, as you are Richard Petty’s grandson. How much has he meant to you in your early career? I’m sure he has given you some great advice.

    TM: “I have definitely been surrounded by many great people early in my career with my Grandpa and my uncle Kyle being two of my biggest mentors,” he said. “My grandfather is always the first person to give me constructive criticism because he knows I can run better at times, but also tells me when I do something right. He’s given me many pointers from day one. Things as small as to how to hold the steering wheel based on handling conditions of the car.”

    SM: Only two races have been completed this year but do you feel as though this year has started off better than last year? If so, how is this year better than last year?

    TM:  “I feel more confident going into this year,” Moffitt said. “We showed great speed in both of the races thus far with the exception of blowing a tire at Phoenix. I made multiple mistakes at Phoenix but I know I had a top-five car for sure. I believe you will see me and my DGR Crosley team in victory lane multiple times before it’s all said and done this year. They are a great group of guys and we all work very well together and show up to win every time we hit the track.”

    SM: Speaking of wins, whenever you get that first what will the celebration be like?

    TM: “Ha-ha. I guess we will have to wait and see later this year but I’m sure it will be special.”

    SM: Is there anything you have in mind in 2020 that you would like to improve on from last year?

    TM: “One of the biggest things I need to improve on is being more aggressive,” he said. “I’ve lacked aggression in certain situations and I realize that and know it’s something I need to work on.”

    SM: Once we get back racing, whenever that is, what tracks do you have your eye on that you think you can perform well at or maybe win at?

    TM: “With the schedule kind of up in the air, I have no idea where that race will be but I feel like Charlotte will be a really good race for us because I ran well there last year and so did the DGR-Crosley team,” Moffitt said. “I believe in their car we will have a shot to win. I’m also eyeing some of the short tracks that I’m returning to for a second time like Salem and Lucas Oil Raceway.”

    SM:  During this time off, have you been able to catch up on anything or find a new hobby that you might otherwise not have the time for?

    TM:  “I’ve more so been watching my old races and old Cup races just waiting to get the call to get back into the car,” Moffitt said. “My whole family lives and breathes NASCAR so it’s always been our main focus at any point in time.”

    SM: This time can also be discouraging to everyone. What have you done to keep positive and look at the big picture moving forward?

    TM:  “Luckily I’ve been surrounded by very positive people and we’ve all kept a great outlook on the situation,” he said. “But, most of all, I’ve been looking to the man upstairs because I believe everything happens for a reason and he has a greater plan for each of us that we just don’t know yet.”

    SM: What’s one thing you miss about being at the track?

    TM: “The biggest thing I miss is the feeling when you strap in and the green is about to drop and nothing else in the world matters,” Moffitt said. But another thing I miss is getting to meet all the new people every weekend and interact with the fans and letting them get to know me a little better.”

    SM: Wrapping it up, what’s one goal or objective that you hope to achieve before the 2020 season is over?

    TM: “One of the biggest goals coming into the season was to win and then win again and again, so I stand by that goal and hope to win multiple races in the 2020 season.”

    Fans of Thad can follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

    So far in Moffitt’s young racing career, the North Carolina native has made 17 starts during a span of over four years dating back to his first ARCA start at the age of 16 at Nashville. Out of those 17 starts, the 19-year-old has one top-five and six top-10 finishes with a best finish of fifth occurring in the season opener at Daytona.

  • Quarantined with Ryan Preece

    Quarantined with Ryan Preece

    By the time NASCAR returns to racing on May 17 at Darlington Raceway, it will have been two months since the drivers have seen any action on the track. During this time we’ve been catching up with some of the competitors to find out what their life has been like while quarantined at home.

    During this period NASCAR implemented the the iRacing Pro Invitational Series to fill the gap. While many of the current drivers are participating, it is, at best, a substitution for the real thing.  

    This week we spoke with JTG Daugherty Racing’s Ryan Preece to find out how he’s handling life at home, how he’s staying motivated, and what he has missed most.

    SM: Are you enjoying the time off or going stir crazy while you wait to get back to racing?

    RP: “The time off was definitely weird at first, but I’ve been able to get a lot of projects and house items done while we’ve been at home. However, I am really ready to go back to racing. I’ve been doing as much as I can on the simulator for practice and participating in the iRacing races, but I’m ready to be back in the real race car.”

    SM: Are you typically the kind of person who enjoys alone time or do you miss being around people?

    RP: “I would say a little bit of both. It’s been nice to unplug but I miss being at the track and around my team.”

    SM: What’s the one thing you miss most other than racing?

    RP: “I think just being at the shop and continuing to move forward. We have a little bit of a hole to dig out of once the race season resumes, and I miss being able to talk that through and continue building on a game plan to get better throughout the season.”

    SM: If for some reason you couldn’t race anymore, what career would you choose and why?

    RP: “I’ve been getting into a little bit of furniture building during the quarantine, so that could be something in the future. I’ve always been the person to work on my own things, whether that’s at home, at the shop, on the car, etc. It would be something I could do myself.”

    SM: What has been your favorite thing to do while you’re stuck at home?

    RP: “Racing on the simulator or the little bit of building furniture I’ve been doing.”

    SM: What is your least favorite thing to do at home?

    RP: “Housework chores my wife makes me do. Only kidding!”

    SM: Have you picked up any new hobbies or gotten back to a hobby you didn’t have time to pursue before?

    RP: “I’ve been on iRacing a lot more than I had been in the past. I’ve always enjoyed it and used to do it a lot before getting into the premier series, but obviously our schedule limits my time on it. I’ve been able to get back into it a lot more as I practice and participate in the Pro Invitational Series.”

    SM: Have you started any new projects around the house?

    RP: “We’ve had lots of projects. I built a ‘home’ for our dog, a crate, a desk, a rolling cart, and a couple of other things. We’re moving hopefully in a few weeks so we’ve been hard at work to get our current house in selling shape.”

    SM: Are you cooking for yourself at home? If so what’s the one thing you can cook well?

    RP: “My wife and I share the cooking duties but I can make a few things on our Kingsford charcoal grill.”

    SM: What’s your favorite music or band to listen to while you’re isolated at home?

    RP: “I listen to all types of music while working in my shop at home. It’s hard to pick one specific band or type.”

    SM: What are you doing to stay active and keep in shape?

    RP: “I work with a trainer during the regular season and we have a fairly strict diet plan as well. I also have a Peloton bike at my home to help keep in shape.”

    SM: Are you participating in iRacing? If so, does it help pass the time while you wait for the season to restart? Is it a good substitute for the real thing?

    RP: “It does help pass the time, but also leaves you really wanting to get back in the real thing. We’ll see in a few weeks if it’s helped when we get back to racing!”

    SM: What are you doing to keep positive and motivated?

    RP: “I have my modified car in my personal shop that I tinker around with and that helps pass the time and keep positive. Otherwise, I’ve been on the iRacing game and getting our house ready to move.”

    SM: What’s the first thing you will do when the quarantine is over?

    RP: “Once it is deemed safe for everyone, I can’t wait to get back to the shop and see the team. Returning to racing will be such a sense of normalcy and relief for us.”

    Thursday NASCAR announced a return to racing at Darlington Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway in May. Preece’s reaction on his Twitter page says it all.

    Follow @angiecampbell_ for the latest NASCAR news and feature stories.