My Home Track is Changing - New Year, New Town, New Job

My home track is changing.

NASCAR bloggers often dream about working for NASCAR, a race team, or a NASCAR partner. They write countless articles, seek out myriad networking opportunities, and they keep plugging away, hoping that one day they can quit their day jobs and work for the sport they love.

I’m one of the lucky ones.

Last Saturday, I packed up the car and headed north on I-95 to a new career and a new town where I’m now the Social Media Marketing Manager for Lionel NASCAR Collectables (LNC).

A joint venture between NASCAR and Lionel Electric Trains, LNC is “The Official Die-Cast of NASCAR”.

All those fabulous die-cast cars available at your driver’s hauler? We make those.

Our offices are right across the road from Charlotte Motor Speedway, a couple miles from Hendrick Motorsports, and in the heart of the racing action.

I’m still pinching myself. And I’m pretty much gawking everywhere I go.

Ironically, the first NASCAR race I attended was the All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2000. At the time, I didn’t know a scoring tower from a pit box. But when the engines started and the race roared to life, I was hooked.

Now, more than 10 years and one blog later, I’m working just steps away from the very track where I first became a NASCAR fan.

Talk about life coming full circle.

As part of my agreement with LNC, we will soon be rolling this site’s content into the company’s new web site. I’ll still be blogging from there.

I’ll also be keeping my @NASCARista Twitter handle as a personal account. But for the good stuff – like links to new blogs, sneak peeks, contests and insider content, you should follow me @LionelNASCAR on Twitter and also on Facebook.

So thanks to everyone who read this blog, left comments, sent e-mails and encouraged me along the way.

NASCAR fans are the best fans on the planet – and I’m proud to be one of them.

Why Should NASCAR Hire Me? Here Are 10 Good Reasons ...

When NASCAR announced that it was creating a new integrated marketing communications department, my heart gave a little leap.

And when I heard there would be openings in the realm of social media, my heart beat even faster.

So without letting any grass grow, I added social media experience to my resume, uploaded my info. on the NASCAR employment site and settled in to wait.

I've heard it will take a while for NASCAR to fill these new positions, but I admit I'm getting antsy.  You see, when it's a dream you're chasing, waiting just isn't good enough.

Can you blame me for not giving up without a fight?  Did Dale Earnhardt give up on winning the Daytona 500?  Did Alan Kulwicki give up on his 1992 championship?  Did Chad Knaus give up on the No. 48 pit crew? (Okay, so maybe the latter isn't the best analogy).

So in lieu of reciting a laundry list of career history and accomplishments, I give you a few more reasons why the folks at NASCAR should offer me a job. If you agree - please comment, tweet or like on Facebook to your heart's content. 

After all, sometimes dreams need a little help to come true.

The Top 10 Reasons Why NASCAR Should Hire Me

10.  I love the smell of exhaust in the morning.

9.  Even Monte Dutton likes me.

8. I can tweet, blog and Photoshop with the best of 'em.  Plus, I'm crazy good at NASCAR math.

7. The closest I've come to a criminal offense? Crashing driver intros at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

6. Every office needs another redhead.

5. I once shared the stage with "The Godfather of Soul" James Brown.  (This doesn't have anything to do with NASCAR - it just makes me sound cooler).

4. My favorite colors are Lowe's Blue, Amp Green and Office Depot Red.

3. I hail from a long line of rum runners - which is practically the same as moonshine.

2. You'll never catch me giving the "one-finger salute" on national television

1.  I've written nearly 500 blog posts and articles promoting the sport I love, and I haven't made a dime.  Imagine what I could do if I were actually on the payroll?

Points Racing Is for the Birds

Thank goodness for Kevin Harvick - one of the few Chasers
who didn't points race at Talladega.

I don't claim to have all the answers.  Heck, I don't even understand all the rules.

But as I sat in the grandstand at Talladega Sunday, I had an epiphany.

Points racing is for the birds.

Don't get me wrong.  Talladega was truly fantastic.  On the whole, it was exciting, dramatic and, in the end, somewhat confusing. 

However, if you're a fan of Jimmie Johnson or say Jeff Gordon, the last thing you want to do is spend money on a race ticket simply to watch your driver hang in the back. 

I know, I know, Talladega is a monster. A driver can go from worst to first in just a few laps.  Or first to wrecked in a split second.  So it makes rational sense that championship contenders would try avoid the fray.

And even with a non-aggressive points racing strategy, drivers run the risk of getting caught up in someone else's mistake or perhaps losing the draft completely (ahem ... Denny Hamlin).

But just think how much more exciting the last 12 races would be if every Chase driver had to run for the win to move up in the points?

Imagine what would happen if (as Hamlin suggested a couple weeks ago) drivers were awarded a point per each lap led.  Such a change would kick points racing to the curb and add a heap more drama.

And that would sure make the fans happier.

Some NASCAR Sponsors Win Big With "Undercover Boss"

The NASCAR episode of  "Undercover Boss" which aired Sunday on CBS, wasn't just good PR for the sport.

It was also valuable air time for its sponsors.

According to research conducted by Joyce Julius & Associates, Inc., a Michigan-based firm which specializes in measuring sponsorships across all forms of media, 84 brands were monitored during the CBS reality show, accumulating a combined 29 minutes, 57 seconds of clear in-focus exposure time and an overall exposure value of $2.7 million.

Coca-Cola fared the best, due in large part to a segment in the show that depicted NASCAR Chief Marketing Officer Steve Phelps operating a concession stand at Daytona International Speedway. Clad in a NASCAR hat and Coca-Cola apron, Phelps’ struggles to deep fry chicken strips and lure customers to the refreshment stand helped the soda brand achieve its primetime success without a race car or driver in sight.

The result?  Some entertaining television, and also more than $400 thousand worth of exposure time for Coca-Cola.

Below are the top 10 brands tracked during "Undercover Boss" - and how much their TV exposure was worth.

Coca-Cola  $437,390
Aaron's  $371,900
Sprint  $171,945
Goodyear $122,485
NAPA $112,600
Gatorade $103,630
Toyota  $97,815
Chevrolet $74,385
Tums $68,780
Eagle (Goodyear) $65,215

Tune in to "Undercover Boss" Sunday for a Different Look at NASCAR

There's a NASCAR doubleheader of sorts on tap for Sunday.

Not long after the checkered flag drops at Martinsville, another side of the sport will be featured on the CBS hit show "Undercover Boss."

Steve Phelps, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for NASCAR will go undercover with a pit crew, participate in an exhausting training session, and struggle to keep pace working alongside a ground's crew preparing for a race at Daytona International Speedway.

The NASCAR episode of "Undercover Boss" airs Sunday Oct. 24 at 9 p.m. on CBS.

Below are a few photos from the show:

Photos courtesy of CBS

Don't Count Out That Horsehoe Just Yet ...

Just when you thought Jimmie Johnson's infamous golden horseshoe had lost its shine, the No. 48 team pulls out a powerful performance at Dover.

Starting from the pole, Johnson led the most laps and crossed the start-finish line with an uncontested victory (his sixth at Dover International Speedway).

Not bad for a guy who has been all-but counted out of the running for the 2010 championship.

"I don't look all that excited right now but there's a huge weight off my shoulders that we were able to come and win a race in the Chase," said Johnson after the win.

Johnson's victory bumps him to second place in the Chase for the Sprint Cup points standings - a mere 35 behind leader Denny Hamlin.  And, perhaps more importantly, he'll head to Kansas with a whole lot of momentum behind him.

The race wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for team Lowe's. There were a few missteps on pit road which exposed a potential weakness of the defending four-time champs.

But Johnson and company rebounded and ended the day with a notice-serving burnout.

Take heed would-be champions: the Chase is where Johnson and Chas Knaus are at their butt-kickin' best.

When All Else Fails, Blame the Wrecker ...



Bowyer celebrates his Loudon win after Sunday's race.

My how fortunes can change. And sometimes all it takes is 60 thousandths of an inch.

Today NASCAR got tough with New Hampshire race winner Clint Bowyer, team owner Richard Childress, crew chief Shane Wilson and car chief Chad Haney when the No. 33 car failed tech inspection. 

And the penalties are bad enough to put a sizable dent in the team's once rosy championship hopes.

Bowyer was docked 150 championship points,  punting him from second to twelfth in the Chase standings.  Childress was docked 150 owner points.  Wilson was fined $150 thousand, suspended from the next six races and put on probation until Dec. 31.  Haney was served with the same penalty as Wilson - minus the hefty fine.

“It revolves around how the body of the car is located on the frame on three coordinates,” said Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby.

Childress vows to repeal the ruling.  And, in its defense, the team is blaming the wrecker which they say hit the rear bumper of Bowyer's No. 33 when it pushed the gasless Chevy to Victory Lane after Sunday's race.

RCR's official statement is below:

"The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing, regarding NASCAR’s penalty on the No. 33 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team after last week’s race in New Hampshire:

'First of all, I’d like to apologize to our sponsors, our fans and everyone at RCR for the situation that has resulted from this ruling. RCR has a long-standing reputation of integrity on and off the race track. We pride ourselves on working within the rules established by the sanctioning body.

NASCAR informed us after the Richmond race that we were very close to their maximum tolerances. They also told us they were going to take our New Hampshire car to the NASCAR Technical Center after that race. It doesn’t make any sense at all that we would send a car to New Hampshire that wasn’t within NASCAR’s tolerances. I am confident we fixed the area of concern and the New Hampshire car left the race shop well within the tolerances required by NASCAR.

We feel certain that the cause of the car being out of tolerance by sixty thousandths of an inch, less than 1/16 of an inch, happened as a result of the wrecker hitting the rear bumper when it pushed the car into winner’s circle. The rear bumper was also hit on the cool down lap by other drivers congratulating Clint on his victory. That’s the only logical way that the left-rear of the car was found to be high at the tech center. We will appeal NASCAR’s ruling and take it all the way to the NASCAR commissioner for a final ruling, if need be.'”

Childress versus NASCAR.  This could be good ...

Win Tix to Loudon and Help a Good Cause

The Greg Hill Foundation is hosting an online raffle to give four lucky fans the chance to win a NASCAR prize package and raise money for a good cause.

The winner will receive four tickets to the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, four tickets to Saturday's New Hampshire 175 Camping World Truck Series and VIP parking to boot.
The online raffle will take place at http://www.netraffle.org/. Raffle tickets are $2 each, with a minimum purchase of five tickets. The raffle closes Thursday, Sept. 16 at 11 a.m.

The Greg Hill Foundation was started by Greg Hill - host of WAAF/Boston's Hillman Morning Show. The Greg Hill Foundation's mission is to respond to immediate requests for assistance and to improve the lives of local families touched by tragedy, through matching the charitable donation of Greg's media audience.

Talk About Arriving in Style ...

If you've ever wanted to be one of the NASCAR elite who helo in to race and hang with the winner in Victory Lane, then you're going to want to read further.

SYLVANIA, the sponsor of the SYLVANIA 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is going to give a lucky fan one heckuva a race experience.

Now through Sept. 10, fans can enter to win a VIP experience like no other.  In addition to the grand entrée in a private copter, the winner (and a guest) will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes access to all the action, including:

• A tour of the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage
• Attendance at the pre-race drivers’ meeting
• A seat in a luxury suite during the race
• Entry to Victory Lane to celebrate with the winner

Folks who have already purchased tickets to the Sept. 19 race are automatically entered and fans who haven't purchased tickets can enter at no cost online.

Visit the contest web site - and good luck!

ESPN To Debut RacingLive! This Weekend

ESPN is jumping on the live blogging bandwagon with a little real-time fan intereaction.

The network will debut RacingLive! this weekend, an online gathering where NASCAR fans can join ESPN.com editors and writers for a little healthy debate and discussion.

RacingLive! Atlanta will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Sunday to coincide with ESPN’s telecast of the 500-mile race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.  RacingLive! will continue during ESPN’s telecasts of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Fans can join ESPN.com’s NASCAR experts in dissecting every aspect of the race live at http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/.

Photoshop Friday - The Most Interesting Man in the NASCAR

You know what they say  ... the beard makes the man.

Twitter Car - The Definition of Irony

Tonight at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Penn., Kyle Busch will race a Super Late Model which has been nicknamed the "Twitter Car".

Considering the recent silence of NASCAR drivers on the social media site, this car's debut is ironic indeed.

Since Denny Hamlin took a $50 thousand hit for Tweets disparaging to NASCAR, several drivers have chosen the safe road and confined their Tweets to less controversial topics - like the weather, travel plans and workout schedules.

Talk about unfortunate. 

NASCAR fans dearly want to read the post-race smack and gut-level driver reaction that made Twitter such a great medium for the sport.  Remove the driver drama from the mix and well, a Twitter stream just reads like a series of 140-character press releases with a few ticket giveaways thrown in.

Hopefully, the Twitter silence is a momentary blip - an over-cautious response to some NASCAR discipline.

But in the meantime, we NASCAR fans could use a few entertaining tweets from our drivers.

Any takers?

Photo info: Kyle Busch's "Twitter Car" - a Super Late Model which he raced at Williams Grove Speedway on August 5.  The photo was released via Twitter @KBwebteam.

An Early Prediction for a Win at the Glen

The race at Watkins Glen International Speedway couldn't be coming at a better time for Tony Stewart.

It's a place where Stewart seems to have the magic touch.

Since 2002, the NASCAR Cup series has visited The Glen eight times.  Stewart has won five of those contests

In fact, in 11 career starts at WGI, Stewart has emerged victorious 45.5 percent of the time.  That's his best win percentage at any track on the circuit.

Most drivers would kill to have those kind of numbers - at any track.

And when you consider Stewart's second-place pole run at Pocono Sunday and his top five showing at The Brickyard a week prior, a good run at WGI by the No. 14 team seems practically inevitable.

Yep, Smoke is definitely catching fire ... and he's my pick to win at The Glen.

Photo info: Tony Stewart chats it up with Mark Martin prior to the April 2010 race at Talladega.

McMurray to Drive a Car of a Different Color

Jamie McMurray became one of the few NASCAR drivers to win both the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 in the same year this weekend.

And during the upcoming race at Pocono, McMurray will turn heads again with a first-ever paint scheme.  During the Sunoco American Red Cross Pennsylvania 500, McMurray's AXE Twist car will sport brand-new technology.

Simply put, his car will change colors on the track.

Fans should be sure to look for the bold, yet primarily black No. 1 Chevrolet with neon green and neon yellow accents, much like the packaging of AXE Twist.
The vinyl on the hood uses liquid crystals that can be accurately set to show color at specific temperatures and was specifically engineered to meet the exact temperature range needed to show changing colors on the hood of a Sprint Cup Series car.

The idea is that McMurray's car will visually simulate how the AXE Twist fragrance changes over time.

Check it out -

From the AP - NASCAR Fines Top Drivers for Disparaging Remarks

Looks like freedom of speech is a right that doesn't extend to the NASCAR garage.

Jenna Fryer, who covers NASCAR for the Associated Press, made waves in the NASCAR online community today with her story that the sport's officials have privately fined two star drivers for making disparaging remarks about NASCAR.

Fryer's sources spoke on condition of anonymity (and who could blame them, if NASCAR is being so hard-nosed about its brand?), and there were no identified sources in the story.

That said, Fryer is one of the most respected NASCAR journalists around - and I'm sure we'll be finding out more  about this story in the weeks to come:

NASCAR gets tougher to protect its brand
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)—Concerns about a half-empty race track dogged NASCAR long before Sunday’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the sanctioning body’s top officials didn’t want to discuss attendance or any other ailments plaguing the nation’s No. 1 racing series.

The conversation was instead steered to all the things NASCAR is doing right, a theme that became evident before the season started, when competitors spread a message of hope and unity.

Turns out that the racing series was serious about keeping everybody on point.

The Associated Press has learned that NASCAR warned teams during the offseason that public criticism of the sport would no longer be tolerated, and at least two star drivers have been fined—one as much as $50,000—for comments that were deemed destructive to the industry.

Read the rest of the story here.

Edwards Gets Candid About Brad K Incident

Carl Edwards faced a barrage of media questions today regarding his Nationwide dustup with Brad Keselowski and the resulting penalties handed down this week by NASCAR officials.

Edwards didn't field many softballs and he seemed to answer each question with candor and honesty.  In case you missed it, here are a few of the highlights -

Q: What is your response to the penalties?

"Immediately after the race last week I felt like what I did was right and it was a fair outcome to the race, and I felt like it was within NASCAR’s boundaries that they had set. I think NASCAR felt the same way right then, but then as the week went on, I had the chance to talk to Mike Helton and I understand and respect that those other teams that were caught up in that wreck that Brad and I had initiated, I mean, those guys are working hard. I’ve been in that position, working hard for sponsorship and working hard for finishes, and I feel that NASCAR’s penalty is fair. I talked to Jack and Geoff Smith and I don’t plan on appealing it. I think it’s fair in that respect. I sincerely apologize to those guys that were caught up in that wreck. I would rather finish second in a good race than have to win a race the way I won the race. Now, I’m not gonna finish second in a race the way that one was going, but I respect NASCAR’s decision."

Q: Is it personal between you two?

 "There’s nothing personal between Brad and I – from my side there’s not. I have a lot of respect for him and what he does on the race track, but the problem is that he can’t just run into me to get an advantage, especially for wins. That’s happened way too much between us. The part I’m real happy with on these penalties, I can accept my penalty, but I’m happy that NASCAR recognized that Brad needed to be penalized too – that my race car could have been the one turned around, run into by people behind me, all in pursuit of a win. I think it’s important that NASCAR recognized that."


Q: If it wasn't Brad in the other car, would you have finished that race the same way?

"If that were somebody in that car that we hadn’t had all the trouble before, then that finish would have turned out differently, that’s for sure. Because I maybe could have accepted that it was unintentional, but Brad is a really good race car driver and he knows what he’s doing. I know that and he knows that, and that’s why that race went the way it did."

Q:  How would you have raced him to get the lead if the positions were reversed on the last lap?

"I would not have hit his car, if I could. And if I did hit his car, I would like to think I wouldn’t take advantage of it as much as he did. So, it’s like I said a minute ago, I would truthfully rather have finished second in that race, and had a good race, which, I think if he wouldn’t have hit me, he still would have been able to beat me. He had a stronger car. I would rather that than the way the race went. I mean, we had an unbelievable race 30 laps previous to that. We raced side-by-side. It’s just a little bit coincidental that at the last lap he, oops, he accidentally messed and got the winning advantage."


Q: It's not okay to move somebody out of the way?

"It’s not okay to move me out of the way. If somebody else wants to let people move them out of the way for the win, that’s okay with me. They can do whatever they like, but I can’t allow myself to be run over like that. I’m not gonna win championships like that."


Q: People see all this stuff and wonder who is the real Carl.  Can you understand that?

"I can understand that, but the people who know me and the people who take time to look at the entire picture understand that it is very possible to be kind, but not be weak. There’s a big difference, and I feel as a person it’s my job to be kind to people, treat everyone the way I’d like to be treated, but I will not be walked on. I won’t be stepped on. The people who are my fans and the people who know me respect that, and the other ones, if they don’t respect that, it’s either they can’t understand it or they don’t want to, and that’s a good enough reason for people to not like me, I guess, and that’s okay."


Q: There's a fine line between being walked on and bullying and a lot of people have been saying this week that you're a bully. Do you worry about that and how do you know where the line is between standing up for yourself and being a bully?

"In competition it’s really easy to determine that line. Saturday night was a perfect example. Somebody takes something from you in competition and they take it unfairly, then you either accept that and you can go on and live with that, which, Saturday night I couldn’t, or you go get it back. That’s for other people to decide. I just go do the very best I can. When I was done, I walked out of that race track with my head held high."

Photo info: Driver Carl Edwards pushes his car during practice for the NASCAR Brickyard 400 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis today -  Associated Press.

NASCAR Faults Edwards for Keselowski Smashup

There's nothing like a violent feud between two top-tier NASCAR drivers to get you out of vacation mode and back into the blogging routine.

And  I'd be a fool to pass up the opportunity to dish about the latest round in the Edwards/Keselowski slugfest.

First, a recap:

Remember, if you will, the spring Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Paying Kes back for some hard-nosed racing, Edwards hit the No. 12 car with enough force to send the car and its driver flying into the fence at speeds of nearly 200 miles an hour.  Edwards was summoned to the hauler and later placed on probation.  The smack flew, and a week later, both drivers had a come-to-Jesus meeting with NASCAR officials.  They emerged from the meeting with Cheshire grins, and they vowed to race each other clean.

And I almost believed them 'til Saturday night.

During the last lap of the Nationwide Series race at Gateway International Speedway, Keselowski (who had led most of the night) nosed Edwards out of the way for the lead. That one move re-instated the feud. 

It didn't take too long until Edwards hit Kes back, sending him spinning into the safer barrier and back across the track and into traffic.  Edwards won the race.  Keselowski suffered a pretty nasty hit.  And Keselowski's father, Bob, while waiting outside the infield care center, accused Edwards of trying to kill his son - again.

God, I love NASCAR.

Today, NASCAR handed down its verdict. Both drivers will be placed on probation until Dec. 31.  But this time, instead of the love tap he received post-Atlanta, Edwards got more of a smack on the head.  Edwards will be docked 60 points, team owner Jack Roush will be docked 60 owner points and Edwards will be fined $25,000.

Too add salt to the wound, NASCAR's penalty means Edwards now trails Keselowski in the Nationwide standings by 228 points, with Keselowski in first place.

So a few questions remain - can Cousin Carl keep his cool the rest of the year?  Will the terms of their probation be long enough to smooth both drivers' ruffled firesuits?  Or will Edwards and Keselowski just settle their differences the old-fashioned way - with a few good punches and a couple busted lips?

Time will tell ...  but I can't wait to watch it.  One thing's for sure - these two aren't going to settle things quietly.

What a Night for Earnhardt Nation

It took more than luck for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to take the No. 3 to Victory Lane at Daytona tonight.

It took a crack pit stop by the No. 3 crew.

It took a risky call by Tony Eury Jr. to stay out, while teams further back pitted for tires. 

And it took a driver who was gonna win come hell or highwater.

In short, it took heart.

Whether you believe the impetus behind the revived Wrangler No. 3 paint scheme was entirely fan-centered or not is a moot point.

Nobody who watched Tony Eury Jr. tear up post race could doubt that there was a lot more riding on this night than millions of dollars in merchandise sales.

"We lost everything here," said Eury. "To come back with that number and do this, it means everything."

And nobody who heard Junior's effusive post-race interview could doubt that this win was deeply personal for him as well. 

"I was so worried I wasn't gonna win," Junior said. "And anything but a win ..."

Who can blame him for being worried?

Dale Jr. has suffered through a two-year stretch of bad luck, self doubt and some pretty hateful critcism.  Judging by the way his races sometimes go, to hope that he might actually take the No. 3 back to Victory Lane at Daytona was tantamount to tempting fate.

Add the enormous pressure for Junior to live up to the number on that car, and the odds that something could go wrong increase exponentially.

But sometimes fate smiles on the star-crossed.  The planets in their courses align.  And the folks with heart win the day.

Congrats Earnhardt nation.  What a night.

Photo info: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Richard Childress celebrate after Earnhard took the checkers in the No. 3 Wrangler Chevy at Daytona International Speedway.

Matt Poole - One Guy Chasing a Racing Dream

Matt Poole isn't your typical development driver.  He's in his forties.  He's a web designer by trade.  And he plans to give his race winnings to charity.

However, for Poole, life in general hasn't been typical.  And it's his singular experiences that have prompted Poole to do what few others would dare - pursue a childhood dream, even when the odds may be against him.

Poole took the time to answer a few of our questions about his racing dream and his immediate goals. To find our more about Poole and sponsorship opportunities, check out his website mattpooleracing.com.

For readers who aren't familiar with your story, tell me what led to your decision to pursue your racing dream?


"Being a race car driver is what I always wanted to be. It was my childhood dream. After my mother passed away from a heart attack in 2003, I decided I was going to honor her memory somehow. Racing for her memory was the obvious choice. Then in 2005, one of my dearest friends was murdered by her husband, and it gave me even more drive and determination to make it happen, against all odds. When I ran my very first race in July 2007, I had their pictures taped to the dash of the race car. They rode with me for that first race."

Tell me about your partnership with Lafferty Motorsports.  How is the sponsorship hunt going and do you have plans to race in the immediate future?

"Chris Lafferty and I became great friends very quickly. He knows as well as anyone my determination to make my racing dream come true. He gave me my very first 'shot at the wheel,' and he has been instrumental in preparing me for racing from the beginning. We continue to hunt for that marketing partner that will help take the dream to the next level, and we are leaving no stone unturned in our search."

Why is it important for you to donate your winnings to charity? Will you continue doing this even in the Trucks series?

"I did not undertake this mission in the pursuit of fame or fortune. It's not about money, money is something I've never had a lot of, or I would have been racing long before now. This is about honoring the memory of two of my best friends ever, Mom and Tonya. All I want to do is race. To quote one of my racing heroes, Tony Stewart, 'I don't want to be a legend, or an icon or anything like that. I just want to be a race car driver, plain and simple.' That's why I am chasing the racing dream the hard way."

What's your typical day like? How do you manage to work a day job and also work on a racing career?

"I work at a racing school, NASCAR Racing Experience. Our work is mostly on weekends, and we travel to numerous different tracks. I also have my own website design business, I designed my websites and have created websites for some small businesses as well. I also run a large Tony Stewart fan forum. I also utilize social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter, and I am constantly contacting sponsors and doing my own PR in search of that elusive sponsorship. My days are not hectic, but I do stay busy."

Do you think it's realistic to expect that you'll be a legitimate contender in the Trucks, Nationwide or even Sprint Cup series one day?

"Nothing is unrealistic when you possess drive and determination to make it happen. Everyone has dreams, but not everyone goes after their dreams. The only thing standing between me and making it as far as I can go in racing, is an opportunity being presented to me, whether it be from a team owner or a sponsor. A lot of people believe in me, and they want to see my racing dreams come true, whether it's ARCA, the Truck Series, or any other series, all I need is the opportunity. I know that opportunity is out there, I just have to keep knocking on doors until I find it. I cannot and will not give up. Drivers like Mark Martin, Geoff Bodine, Morgan Shepard, James Hylton, and other drivers that are still racing in their later years are a big inspiration to me. That tells me I still have a lot of years of racing ahead of me, all I need is that one opportunity."

Do you have any regrets about leaving leaving your job to pursue a dream? And what are you goals for the immediate future?

"I didn't actually leave my job to pursue my dream. I made numerous trips back and forth from Maryland to North Carolina while working a full time job doing commercial and residential painting. I knew in order to get better opportunities in racing, I needed to be closer to the opportunities. In December of 2007, I was laid off from my job because of lack of work. It was then that I decided to make the move to North Carolina to devote more time to the pursuit of the dream. Unfortunately that was about the time the nation's economy started going south. The economy has made it harder and harder to find sponsorship, but it has only delayed the dream."

Straight From the Helton's Mouth ...

NASCAR President Mike Helton appeared on Speed TV's Race Hub tonight and the first question out of the box had to do with the controversial debris caution at the end of Sunday's race -

NASCAR Race Hub: Can you clarify the circumstances behind the last caution (of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race from Michigan)?

Mike Helton:  "It was a debris caution. I’m not sure what beyond the circumstances of that you might be asking … and I heard a little bit of the chatter after the race was over with. The fact of the matter on a caution … it doesn’t matter if its lap 10 or lap 190 of 200, the first and foremost concern we have is for the safety of the drivers. Through the course of an event, we’ll get input – sometimes it comes from the drivers, sometimes it comes from the observers that we’ve got around the race track, sometimes it comes from one of the 18 or 20 cameras that we have access to through the control tower of the event. When someone, on a piece of debris, which is unique from an engine that blows up and drops oil, or an accident that is obvious to fans and to other drivers … when someone tells us about a piece of debris, more often than not, we can quantify whether it's there or it's not, and if it is there, we can quantify what it is, based on the things that I mentioned that we have access to. If there is any doubt, though, we are going to call a debris caution. If we see something and cannot tell what it is, we’re going to err on the side of safety. But there is always something there when we have a debris caution. A lot of times, we’re told there is debris on the race track, that we don’t throw it because we can’t find it anywhere."

To read the rest of Helton's interview, click here.