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Trying to catch Joey in between races, is a task in itself. A very busy guy. He tries to spend quality time with his wife, Shannon and his 5 year old son, Reece when ever possible. Joey told Dirt Scoops he just got back a few days ago from Canada, and today was heading out to Skagit Speedway in Washington.

”"Reece just started kinder garden this year", Joey shared, "He wasn't real happy that I was going back out, when I just got home. We used to take him everywhere with us before he started school, he doesn't quite understand that he has to go to school now, and can't go everything with me like he used to."

Joey also shared that unlike him when he was little, Reece really enjoys watching him race.

He laughed and told Dirt Scoops that he and his wife, Shannon, got married in Las Vegas, during his rookie season in the Outlaws, in between the last race of the season and the banquet. Joey laughed, "It was great for me, but a big sacrifice for her!"

Joey's father retired in 1984, and Joey started racing sprints in 1989. "Wow", I stated, "You jumped right in, didn't you?", Joey laughed and replied, "Yea, I just started in sprints."

His most memorable race to date is his first Kings Royal win that was in 2002. "We were the underdog, so that win really meant something to us."

When asked what contributed most to his successful racing career, Joey replied, " My father. Because of his racing career, doors were open to me that normally would not be. Following in his footsteps helped, with the name, I was able to get sponsorship and backing. Kasey Kahne backing us has helped a lot".

Joey's father, Joe Saldana, had a great racing career himself, which got Joey interested in the sport. "Actually, when I was growing up, I wasn't that interested in racing. My interest came later on."

The biggest challenge for Joey is the financial part of it. He told Dirt Scoops it helped having his father on his side, but still faces financial obstacles because of the economy right now.

The furthest place racing has taken Joey is Perth, Australia. He said when traveling, he sees and gets to race against a lot of great drivers.

He told Dirt Scoops he has traveled to Perth 6-7 years in row during the winter to keep his driving skills sharp. He also stated big races are hosted there, $50,000 races. He plans on going to New Zealand this year. He travels all over the US, Mexico, Florida, everywhere. "Racing is definitely never boring, you get to travel and see places you normally would not get to see.", Joey stated.

I asked Joey what advice he would pass on to a rookie just getting in to the sport.

"Well," he said flatly, " I am not sure I would promote racing. I look at my son maybe doing it and I just don't know. You have to sacrifice so much at a young age, and with the economy, it is tough. You can be the best driver in the country, but if you don't have the financial backing, sponsors, and a good team, it would be really tough to make it in racing. If I had to pass on something, it would be, don't give up, it is tough. You need good sponsors and a good team".

Joey's 2007 stats:

2007 Season Stats provided by Tony Tony Veneziano, World of Outlaws PR Director

Joey had 13 wins, 42 top 5's, and 66 top 10's.

World of Outlaws history: 1996- 11th in points… 1997- 18th in points… 1999- 19th in points… 2000- 6th in points- 3 wins… 7th in points- 1 win… 2002-4th in points- 5 wins… 2003-3rd in points- 2 wins… 2004-6th in points- 3 wins… 2005- 13th in points… 2006-3rd in points- 7 wins… 2007- 2nd in points- 13 total wins

Previous Racing History: 1992- All Star Circuit of Champions- 9th in points- Co-Rookie of the Year … 1993- All Star Circuit of Champions- 3rd in points… 1994- All Star Circuit of Champions- 3rd in points… 1995- All Star Circuit of Champions- 5th in points… 1998- All Star Circuit of Champions- 2nd in points… 1999- All Star Circuit of Champions- 5th in points…

Interesting Facts: Won first World of Outlaws Race on July 25, 1995 at I-96 (Mich.) Speedway…Nickname is “The Brownsburg Bullet”… Father Joe won the 1970 Knoxville Nationals… Drives for NASCAR star Kasey Kahne.

When asked how his 2008 season was going so far, he seemed a bit disappointed. "We have won about 5 races this year, compared to 15 last year. We are running 4th in points right now, last year we came in 2nd in the points championship."

He elaborated by telling Dirt Scoops, " We have blown "10" tires this year, that is kind of out of our control. We have had some bad luck this year. So far, we have had 15 DNS this year."

"We have won opening night at Nationals and the All Star Race this year", Joey told us.

Update: This interview was conducted before Machinery Caterpillar Clash at Skagit Speedway August 31, where Joey ended up winning one of the best paying races of the year. Quote taken from the press release after his win:

“It was huge for Budweiser and our whole Kasey Kahne Racing team,” said the winner. “We’ve been struggling and this is definitely a race that was on our list to win. Last year we came up one spot short and to win it this year is a great effort for us. Hopefully we can build on this.

 

Sponsors:

Please go to this link to view his sponsors:

http://www.joeysaldana.com/midsponsor.html

 

Keep up on Joey's Progress by visiting his Web site:

http://www.joeysaldana.com

http://kkr9.com

 

"Thanks Joey for some taking time to speak to Dirt Scoops! Congrats on your big win on August 31, I am sure you will have many more. good luck in your racing career!"

~Dirt Scoops