This months showcase driver for the Late Model/Arca Series Class is Patrick Sheltra

A little about Patrick Sheltra~

Dirt Scoops: Tell us about yourself, family, kids, where you grew up, just some
background information.

Patrick: "Well, I'm 21 years old and reside in Indiantown, Florida. I am single but enjoy hanging out with my friends and brother, Rock. I am very down to earth person and enjoy living life. I'm very fortunate to have two great parents Rick and Grace who are very supportive of my racing career. I couldn't ask for better parents or even a better family. I've lived in Indiantown pretty much my whole life. Outside of racing, I truly enjoy hunting and just hanging out."

Dirt Scoops: Tell about your current racecar/s.

Patrick: "Right now we're competing full time in the ARCA RE/MAX Series in the No. 60. We will run a mixture of Chevrolets
and Dodges this year. In addition, we're planning on moving up to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Our team has purchased some very stout equipment and we're looking forward to the transition this year. Also, I'm still heavily involved with the dirt program and you can look for me racing throughout the country when I'm not competing in ARCA or NASCAR."

Dirt Scoops: What got you interested in racing? (what was your first car?)

Patrick: " I've always loved to go fast and my first racecar was a dirt car. I enjoyed it so much, and I was at such a tender age, I decided racing is all that I wanted to do. I've had some great success but racing is something that I could not live without.

Dirt Scoops: How long have you been in racing?

Patrick: I've been racing since I was a teenager. I've really matured as a racecar driver and it's because of the great people that have worked with me and all the great guidance I've received has allowed to become the driver I am today.

Dirt Scoops: Who is your favorite driver and who has inspired you the most?

Patrick: "Gosh, Tony Stewart is someone I will always look up to. I really enjoy racing and talking with him. He is such a good guy. I also have a strong connection with Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace and those guys are great drivers as well. I know if I needed help, I have those drivers on my side."

Dirt Scoops: Of all of the wins you have had, which one stands out the most in your
mind, or the one you are most proud of?

Patrick: "All of the wins are important to me. You can't look at one win as bigger than the other until you move up to the NASCAR, Sprint Cup Series or something. I'm appreciative of the success I have and everyone has helped contribute for me to be a race winning driver. I'm aiming to win this year in ARCA and if we do that, it will then be the biggest win of my career."

Dirt Scoops: If you had a chance to race at a track you haven't been to yet, where
would that be?

Patrick: "I've been so great many tracks, I probably a track that I most looking forward to outside the dirt scene would probably be Bristol Motor Speedway."

Dirt Scoops: What track is your favorite to race at?

Patrick: "I've enjoyed a lot of great tracks. Volusia and Golden Isles Speedway are some dirt tracks that I enjoy, but
Berlin Raceway and Talladega Superspeedway are tracks on the ARCA circuit that are a wail of fun."

Dirt Scoops: Looking back, do you have any funny or favorite stories you could share
with Dirt Scoops?

Patrick: "The funnies stories I have are too hard to describe here, I just invite Dirt Scoops to come to the races and hang out with Sheltra
Motorsports and we'll really give you something to laugh about."

Dirt Scoops: What advice would you pass on to a rookie, or a newcomer getting in to racing?

Patrick: "Never give up. Don't quit. Always believe. Dreams do come true, if you want them bad enough."

Dirt Scoops: What plans do you have next year and what tracks will your fans be able to watch you race at?

Patrick: "For the 2008 season, we're running a full ARCA schedule. We'll announce our NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and dirt schedule as it develops. The best way to stay in tune with Sheltra Motorsports is visit our website or contact Chris Knight: (mailto:Knight849@aol.com), my Public Relations Representative."

Dirt Scoops: We all know racing is a 'team' sport, who can you share with us who helped you get where you are today?

Patrick: "If I didn't have the support of many people who believe in me like my family, I would not be doing what I am today. I can
never thank them enough for what they have done for me. I am very lucky guy, but I don't forget how I got here. There are so many more people, I could never list them all, but thanks. Because they know who they are."

Dirt Scoops: Any closing thoughts? (thanks to sponsors, etc?)

Patrick: "Please check out our website at PatrickSheltra.com and keep in tune with us. I would like to thank all of our marketing partners on both the dirt and asphalt side for all their support of Sheltra Motorsports we could not do it without you."

Also a note, Sheltra going on the 'Big Screen':

Patrick's #23 Dirt Late Model was featured in a recent shoot for the independent movie "Good Intentions," which stars Leann Rimes, Jimmy Simpson, and Luke Perry. The movie was being filmed outside of Atlanta in mid-July 2007!

To read more, go to: http://www.patricksheltra.com/movieshoot.html

Keep up on Patrick's Progress at:

Patrick's Website: http://www.patricksheltra.com/

Thanks for the interview Patrick, and good luck from all of us at Indiana Dirt Scoops!