How long have you been drag racing?
16 years in total...3 years heads-up
How did you get your start? I got my first Mustang when I
was 17 and started out with basic bolt-ons and raced the local crowd
every week to try and go faster. I guess it just snowballed from
there.
What’s been the biggest challenge to your racing program this season? Compared to last season?
The competition is very talented and always on their game in heads-up
racing. One blink of the eye and you lose! We built a completely new
car this year and I guess working out all the little bugs. We had a
new motor & Liberty transmission to get used to, which was a huge
change from the Powerglide!
What would you consider your biggest accomplishments as a racer?
Winning the OSCA 2001 Pro Street Championship our first year out with
the turbo car. Building and racing a car that is competitive at every
race we attend and forming great friendships with racers and sponsors
all over the country.
What’s gotten you hooked on the Mustang drag racing scene?
I have had Mustangs since I could drive, my Grandfather worked at
Ford, so I guess it was in the genes. The aftermarket has made it easy
to build Mustangs and the different venues to race at (FFW, NMRA, WFC,
ect.) give us a place to do what we love to do...RACE
What are your plans for the future? I am going to go
after the Outlaw class in FFW and race with the OSCA and various
Outlaw 10.5 races in the South. My chassis builder and I are going in
together to build a 2001 Cougar to race in Pro 5.0,PRO Series and NMCA
later this year
What changes, if any, do you feel the sanctioning bodies need to make
in order for our sport to prosper? I think there are too
many different rules between the sanctioning bodies that don't allow
cars to cross over. It is impossible to have a car competitive for
each set of rules, they need to come together so they have a larger
pool of racers to pull from.
Who are your biggest friends (or enemies) at the track? I
don't have any enemies at the races. I would help anyone who needs it,
and I hope they would do the same in return.
Who do you fear having to see at the starting line? Why?
Nobody, I try and run my own race every time, no matter who shows up.
What would you tell someone looking to start out in the heads-up racing
scene?
Just do it! Talk to racers that are going fast in the class you are
interested in, and find out what parts they are using so your money is
well spent. Surround yourself with good people that are motivated and
share common goals.
Very briefly, tell me the dumbest
mistake you've ever made at the race track? I forgot to turn
on my CO2 bottle and the car rolled through the beams when I applied
the transbrake...DUH!!!!!!!!!
Anyone you’d like to thank, wives you HAVE to thank, other things not
mentioned you feel are important? I first would like the
thank my wife Johnna and daughter Morgan for putting up with my racing
addiction. I also owe a lot to my Mom and Dad for always supporting me
no matter what I get myself into!
What music do you listen to? Who’s your favorite?
Everything except classical and acid rock. My favorite would have to
be any of the music from the 80's
Any nick names for you? The "Lumberjack" was given to me
by Chad Hardison, because I could consistently cut down the tree
Do you have any pets? Yes, 3 dogs
Do you have Kids? Yes, a
10 year old daughter
What do you like to do as a hobby outside of drag racing?
You mean there is a life outside of racing :) I actually enjoy
4-wheelers, snow skiing, and basketball when not at the races.
What track do you dislike the most? Orlando Speedworld
Which is your favorite track to race on? Rockingham
Dragway or Ohio Valley Raceway (my home track)
Do you have a lucky charm? What is it? Yes, I have
a 4 leaf clover keychain that my Mom gave me
If you could meet anybody you wanted living or not who would it be? Why?
I don't know, I never really gave it any thought
Comments: Everyone is always
welcome in the pits, stop by and say hi. I also want to thank all the
sponsors that helped me out this past year and to the contingency
sponsors for the 2003 season. I hope you have to mail me a lot of
checks!
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