 |
|
This months showcase driver for the Late Model Class is Brian Gray #3D! |
|
|
I am pleased to announce this showcase is on Brian Gray, who drives the late model 3D. Through the interview, you can tell Brian is all business but has a touch of humor in his personality. He also comes across as a family guy, who also shares his love for racing with his family and includes them in his hobby. The same old saying, "Famlies that race together, stay together" seems to keep cropping up. Oh, and sorry girls, this guy is happily married to his high school sweet heart! Now, on to the interview! |
Dirtscoops: How did you get in to racing? Brian: Been around racing for as long as I can remember. My grandfather was a driver / car owner/ chassis builder since the 50's so I guess you can say I was born into it. Dirtscoops: Where are you from and where do you currenly reside? Brian: I'm a native hamiltuckian. From Hamilton, Ohio and still live in the same part of the town where I grew up. Dirtscoops: Tell us about your family. (Ie married, kids, etc.) Brian: Married to my beautiful wife Tami, my high school sweet heart, 9 yrs. No kids of our own, but I have 2 nephews and a niece Tayler, Hunter, and Fisher. These are my sisters kids, Raeann's, who also happens to be I think my biggest fan next to my mom, Brenda. "Raeann, my sister, who also happens to be I think my biggest fan next to my mom, Brenda." I also like to think of the kids as the worlds smallest pit crew. We all help out with the car including my grandmother, Minnie Lawson. I also have a partner in crime; my cousin rusty who lives in Tampa and races at Desoto Speedway. Hopefully we can say he'll be going to East Bay soon.
Dirtscoops: Tell us about the race team (who owns the car, etc). Brian: The car is owed by H.D.Lawson Race Engines. A family owned company. We have been building race engines for about 35 + years. We have a few dedicated team members and a lot of help from the family and neighbors. I primarily drive and do the majority of engine work. Michael Fugate is my right hand, and stays in charge of tires as well as general mechanics. Larry and Rodney Hibbard are my other mechanics that help with chassis as well as fabrication. Not mentioned are the other countless people that are at the garage when they can to help, but I appreciate them all, even if I don't tell them as much as I should.
Dirtscoops: Tell us your career high lights. Brian: One of my favorite moments ever getting to run the Frank Kimmel Nationals @ Kentucky Speedway. I don't like to brag, everyone knows that. I've had some great opportunities to drive many types of race cars on dirt and pavement. And I just feel so blessed being able to get this far in my racing career. I started in go karts and made the steps to get into a dirt late model where my ultimate goal is to win the World 100. I feel I'm climbing toward that goal.
Dirtscoops: What tracks do you race at and where can fans go to see you race? Brian: I don't really have a home track but I'll be at Moler Raceway Park on most Fridays and Florence Speedway on Saturday's as well as every late model event held @ Lawrenceburg Speedway. But we generally run at tracks around the area in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Dirtscoops: What tracks would you like to race at? Brian: Definitely Charlotte, or Atlanta, Daytona but most I would love to make the big shows at Eldora or Knoxville. Dirtscoops: What advice would you pass on to a rookie driver? Brian: Pay attention and listen to what people have to say. Surround yourself with good people and be patient. Stay away from fads and do your homework, the road to winning starts at the shop. Don't shortcut yourself or the car, learn!
Brian: This year were focused on the dirt late model learning more and more everyday about the car and plan on staying close to home. We have some big events locally and hoping to make it to the world 100 this year. Dirtscoops: Listing of sponsors. Brian: H.D. Lawson racing engines, Advert sSgns and Services, H.Q. Home Improvement, Arons Small Engines Dirtscoops: Any funny stories you would like to share with Dirt Scoops? Brian: Too many where, would I start. I've met some great people and shared stories as well as experienced some. Just stop by the shop some time I'm sure you can find some humor just being in hamiltucky. Dirtscoops: Who do you thank for your success? Brian: Thank god first for my grandfather and my family. It was them who made me the person I am today, and without their help we wouldn't be talking.
Dirtscoops: What win stands out most in your mind and why? Brian: 1996 in a mod @ Liberty because this was the first win ever without my grand father H.D.. by my side. I knew then what it felt like to be on my own. Dirtscoops: Closing thoughts. Brian: I would like to thank you all at Dirt Scoops for taking the time to support all of us local drivers. It feels good to know that there are people out there that want to see us keep pushin the sport forward.
Thanks Brian for the interview, and good luck in 2008 and the future! Hope to see you at World 100 too!
|
|
| Contact
| Submit News | Advertising on this site | Forum Questions | |
|
