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This month, we are showcasing Clayton Perry,
better known as "Kid Dirt", who drivers the 43c Superstock.
The blue, red
and white superstock could be seen at Twin Cities in 2008, and Clayton
found his way to winners row!
We
have the pleasure of sharing Clayton's story with you...
In
Claytons OWN words!~
"My name
is Clayton Perry, 20 years old and I race in the UMP Superstock Class."
How
did Clayton get in to racing?
"I got into
racing when I was 10 years old. My dad bush hogged a circle in the
back yard because he was tired of me and my brother riding our go-kart
in circles in the front yard. Every year I made the track better and
better and started running full seasons with a whole points system.
By the last year
there had been 5 points seasons, and the kart count had gotten so
large that we had to make two different classes.
When I quit running
the track to get into the 2-cycle go-karts more, I left with 2 championships
(2004 and 2005). I raced 2-cycle 100cc yamahas for three full years,
and many Open class races also.
I picked up many
feature wins in every class of go-karts I raced in.
In 2007, I moved
to the Superstock class to try and get noticed faster."
Getting
a little personal!
"I am engaged to Daylee Daniel, I have to thank her the most
for keeping me into racing and supporting me no matter how I do. Also
my dad, Rob Perry, Uncle Joe Giddens, Brother R.J. Perry."
My Home town is North Vernon, Indiana.
"This year I started out running Bloomington and Twin Cities
untill we had motor problems at Putnamville."
Clayton
in action on the track at Twin Cities Speedway in 2008
(Photo by K&S Racing Images)
Tracks
Clayton raced at in 2008
"Here is
a list of every track we've been to this year."
Clinton County Speedway, Alpha KY
Bloomington Speedway, IN
Twin Cities Raceway Park, IN
Brownstown Speedway, IN
Putnamville Speedway, IN
Accomplishments:
- "2"
championships at Huckleberry Speedway,
- Never done worse
than 3rd in points in go-karts.
- Finished 2nd
at my first ever Superstock Nationals at Bloomington Speedway in 2007.
- Picked up my
first feature win May 3rd, 2008 and picked up another win November
1st, 2008.
- We started the
first few months of the season in 4th in state and 10th in the nation
for UMP points until motor problems.
Next?
"We plan
to run the full schedule at Bloomington Speedway, Brownstown Speedway,
and Twin Cities Raceway Park and anywhere else we can in order to
run for national UMP points as long as we can get the sponsors to
afford to do so."
Clayton show above after he took the checkered at Twin Cities
(Photo by K&S Racing Images)
What
race is the most memorable?
"Probobly my first feature win in the superstocks because that
was the hardest earned win ever since I started racing. We had so
many opportunities that didn't go through and it felt so good to get
a win under our belts."
What
advice would Clayton pass on to a rookie?
"Make sure you have the equipment and money to win in whatever
class you are in. If not it will cause you to want to give up because
everything has to be perfect with the car, the setup, your driving,
and your oppertunities. The UMP superstock class has gotten very competitive
and if you're not on the top of your game, someone else will be."
Biggest
Challenge?
"Getting the wins to keep yourself motivated would have to be
the biggest challenge I have found. Its hard to keep pumping money
in the car if you don't see the bright side."
Favorite
thing about racing?
"My favorite thing about racing is being out on the race track
for many reasons. When I'm on the racetrack, I'm by myself, of course
there are many other cars on the track but I make my decisions and
I drive the car however I want. I get to feel the rush from the power
and speeds, and I get to feel the sasifaction of finishing in front
of every one else."
Least
Favorite thing about racing
" My least favorite thing would have to be the cost of racing.
The sport doesn't pay enough considering the amount of money we put
into it. In order to run up front legally, it takes alot of money.
I feel I would be a lot father a long by now and many more feature
wins if I could afford the top notch equipment some others can get."
Who
does Clayton thank for his success?
"I have a few people to thank. First my Dad, Rob Perry. He has
always put money into my racing career and has always said he just
never wanted me to not do well because of something he didn't help
out with enough. Also Daylee Daniel, my fiance'. She has always supported
me in everything I do. Joe Giddens, My uncle for always helping us
out at the track and in the garage."
Sponsors:
- Rob & Jo's
Body Shop
- Right Auto Parts
- H&H Computers
- Dupont Paints
Additions:
I can offer potential
sponsors good finishes. Getting there name noticed on the car, Photos,
Website (currently working on), interviews.
Website?
"I am currently
working on a website. I have noticed that you (Dirt Scoops) have many
websites on your page, I may be interested in having you create one
for me, because I have been to busy to finish mine."
Thanks Clayton
for the interview and good luck in 2009!!!!
~Dirt Scoops
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