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How long have you been drag racing?
Been racing since 92, but this is our first year of heads up
competition.
How did you get your start? My car was slow when I got
it-had clogged cats-I began learning how to work on it as I tried to
fix it-it kept getting faster, and I played around on the street, and
If I got beat, I wanted more. Kinda got carried away at that point.
What’s been the biggest challenge to your racing program this season? Compared to last season? I'll give you two that are a
toss up. First, not breaking parts. We started the season in Reynolds
with a new blower combo, and radials, which we had never run before,
and fought all year to get things dialed in and yet keep the car in
one piece. We had no testing time all year, as it was all we could do
to get ready for the races. I spent a large amount of time on Mario's
car as well. We had to change head gaskets every race to keep from
hurting them, mostly because early on we had no cooler. The second was
learning to drive the car on the radials with no form of boost
controller. All the traction control was done with my right foot, and
how hard or soft I would drive the car out.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishments as a racer?
Well, with the year we have had, and it being our first, its hard to
pick one thing. I guess having a consistent car that has gone faster
at each event this year, w/o hurting too many parts along the way, has
put us in a good position in points, and allowed us to set the NMRA
mph record.
What’s gotten you hooked on the Mustang drag racing scene?
It started long ago with my quest for speed, and I happened to have a
mustang. Now, its the professionalism of the NMRA and the GREAT group
of people (racers and staff) at the events that make it an awesome
experience!
What are your plans for the future? TO keep doing what we
are doing! I have lots of "little things" that I have not had time to
address this year, and I have a tired motor. We will address all these
items over the winter, and get some testing in as well, which we have
also lacked time for. This should give us a dependable, fast package
for next year, that will be sorted out when we hit the track in march,
instead of chasing it all year like we have this season.
What changes, if any, do you feel the sanctioning bodies need to make
in order for our sport to prosper? In DR competition, I
would like to see a uniform ruling on boost and progressive
controllers. All cars should be allowed to have them, or no one should
be allowed to have them-its that simple!
Who are your biggest friends (or enemies) at the track?
Chris Little and Chris Little. He has taught me a lot this year. He is
a great competitor and has driven me to do well. He has never refused
to help me and has always pointed me in the right direction. The whole
DR family is a great group of people, and is part of the reason I love
this sport so much. Big Bob has been very helpful this year as well,
as well as too many others too list. As a whole, the entire
environment at the track is great!
Who do you fear having to see at the starting line? Why?
No one! I have been beaten by the best (Chris little) time and time
again this year. I wait for the opportunity to run him so I can
unleash the power of a ProCharger on his a$$! After getting used to
running him. and big daddy at FFW, every round is easy after
that-there is no one that puts more pressure on me than Chris, and
like I said, that's not an issue. I will give credit where credit is
due to Jimmy Byrne, though. He has the nastiest leaving DR car around,
and you know that he is going to leave on you, and you will have to
play catch up!
What would you tell someone looking to start out in the heads-up
racing scene? Pick a class you can afford! Have a detailed
plan of where you want to go, and exactly how you will get there. A
lot (most) people don't realize the commitment it takes to run a heads
up scene. There is a huge financial commitment, in traveling alone,
not including the car and expenses.
Very briefly, tell me the dumbest
mistake you've ever made at the race track? There are many,
but in a nutshell, rushing! It causes all sorts of problems, some can
be minor, some major, and safety can be compromised. My broken
windshield at Joliet was an example of what happens when you are
thrashing and in a rush to get into the lanes.
Anyone you’d like to thank, wives you HAVE to thank, other things not
mentioned you feel are important? You have to have the
support of your friends and family to succeed. I need to thank all the
local shops that have helped me with small things over the year, like
a piece of metal here, welding something there, and various other
things. Its too many to list, but you know who you are. And the
biggest thing I need to say is thank to to all that have believed in
me this year, and in the past. We did not have a lot to show when we
started this year, but Jim Reichard and the guys at ProCharged stepped
in to help anyway, and fortunately, we showed what we can do and what
we are capable of.. Next year will be even better!
What music do you listen to? Who’s your favorite?
Mostly new rock. SR-71 is one of my favorites. Linkin Park,
Hoobastank, Default, and Nickelback are some of the others. I also
like 80's, and Shania Twain rocks!
Any nick names for you? None that I can repeat on
here................
Do you have any pets? 2 Cats
Do you have Kids? Not that
I am aware of...............lol
What do you like to do as a hobby outside of drag racing?
Teach snow skiing in the winter, scuba dive, race mountain bikes, work
on and ride jets skis, (mostly running buoy courses or wave jumping in
high surf), and working on things, and keeping my shop (garage) neat
and organized.
What track do you dislike the most? I would have to say
TX, but it is because of the heat when we were there. That was one
slick puppy................
Which is your favorite track to race on? I like Columbus
and Joliet. My car worked really well at both-the Joliet facility was
incredible!
Do you have a lucky charm? What is it? None
If you could meet anybody you wanted living or not who would it be? Why?
Chuck Norris or Billy Glidden -both came from a tough background, and
had to work extremely hard to get to where they are now. That is
inspiring, and keeps me focused on achieving my goals! It shows that
you really can do anything you set you mind to.
Additional Comments: My car
is home built. I work out of my home. Until this year, we have had no
sponsorship support at all, except from Ricky at Vortech last year. We
have always been capable of running well, just never had the support
to do so. This year really came together for us. I do all of my own
tuning, engine building, chassis work, and etc. As we pick up support
in the future, our racing program will continue to improve. I ran this
season, until July, w/o a job! Money and resources were tight, but
there was lots of time to work on the car! Things are looking good for
next year.
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