How did you get into racing?
Well, I grew up in the garage watching my three uncles (David, Dale, and Dennis) running mods and super lates. I was constantly working in the garage with my dad, and from there I just kind of really started to enjoy everything about racing! I don’t really know anything else, because my life always seemed to revolve around racecars. I got my first opportunity to go in the pits with David when I was 12, and from then on I was able to learn from one of the best. My family has taught me so much, and it’s been an honor to get to learn from them. I think we all have our specialties, and it’s great to see us all work together to improve our programs. In 2009, Port-A-John gave me the opportunity to try a Slinger Bee. I really enjoyed that, and then we moved to late models in 2011 in a car donated by Pete Wiedmeyer. In 2016, I moved to super late models.
What do you like about Slinger Super Speedway?
The overall speed. I’ve raced at a lot of tracks and none of them, even the half miles, seem as fast as Slinger. Everything happens so fast there! Plus I’ve watched my family race there, and a lot of family still comes to watch so it’s just fun to be a part of it. I’ve also been successful there.
Who is on your crew?
My dad-Dan, little brother-Zach, Uncle David, our do-it-all shop guy-Joe, and my cousin-Matt. My girlfriend-Cierra and my mom-Janine are our team cooks and biggest fans.
Who do you need to thank?
Definitely Port-A-John for donating the 4-cylinder to get me started in racing! From there, my dad has been with me every step of the way, pushing me to be my best.
Pete Wiedmeyer for getting me going in the late model, and the Kulwicki Driver Development Program for pushing me into the super late models. I’m not sure where I would be without those opportunities.
The entire Prunty family (especially Grandpa and Grandma) for supporting a young boy’s dream and helping me get where I am today! Uncle David and my brother, Zach, for always being there to help with whatever I need.
From there, my sponsors are the reason I am able to keep racing every year. It takes a whole lot of people to put this type of team together, and we’re grateful for everyone involved!
My Sponsors: Paul Reilly Company (Mequon), Moraine Park Technical College (campuses in West Bend, Fond du Lac, and Beaver Dam), GSI Tow Truck Insurance (Waukesha), Stone Mountain Access Systems (Hillside, IL), Nationwide Insurance-Jim Kelly (Libertyville, IL), Transportation Connection (Lomira), Dr. Crego Dentistry (Slinger), WeyerHeating.com (Hubertus), Sandman Media Blasting (Jackson), Uncle Sam’s Fireworks (Allenton), Cole’s BP (Lomira), Cole Oil & Propane (Lomira), Johnny’s Landing (Hartford), Wiedmeyer Express (Kewaskum), Champion Parts, Schaeffer Racing Oil, Pro Power Racing Engines (Sullivan), PowerTrain Technology (Algonquin, IL), AL-KUL Racing Radiators (Marshfield), PFC Brakes, Kulwicki Driver Development Program, Advance Auto Parts (Kewaskum)
What is your real job?
[laughs] A lot of people think I am a full time racecar driver. But I actually work at Briggs and Stratton in the Engine Research and Development Lab. We build prototype lawn mowers, engines, etc. Sometimes I get to wreck stuff, actually it’s my job to wreck stuff, I think [laughs]. I get to push everything to the limit.
What is your favorite racing memory at Slinger?
Probably when I won my first-ever race, it was in the 4-cylinders. I got to Victory Lane and saw Dad running down from stands. I could not stand at all, I was shaking so badly! Ashley Hoffmann was Miss Slinger at the time, I think, and she even asked if I was OK. There I was at 16 years old and had spent a lifetime wanting to do that. It was the coolest thing I’d ever experienced up to that point! I think that’s what started it all for me – getting that feeling and wanting to do it again.
How did you get your car number (#11)?
When I started my dad told me if I wanted to be a racecar driver, I had to come up with the money to do it. He didn’t want me to be just another kid whose dad is paying the bills. As a 16-year-old kid with no money who wanted to race, I went in the attic at the shop and found some really old, beat-up vinyl from David’s car (#1). That was what I used for my 4-cylinder, but then everyone associated me with David and that I was David’s kid. When I moved to the late models, I added an extra one to the car to create my own identity.
What is your favorite food? [Thanks go out to Cierra for the assist in answering this question!] Pizza – the best is from Paddy’s Pizza in Eden. I eat it with only meat…sausage, pepperoni and sometimes a little bacon if I’m feeling fancy. Also, Birthday Cake Remix ice cream from Cold Stone with extra sprinkles. I could eat that all day, every day!
If you could have dinner with any three people (alive or dead, real or fictional), who would they be and why?
Alan Kulwicki – obviously, with my ties to the Kulwicki Driver Development Program
Kyle Busch – I would ask for career advice and how to get myself to the next level
I’ve never had this asked of me before, so I’m shooting from the hip here…
I think Dick Trickle would be interesting to throw in on that table. When he came to Slinger, he would come to the back of my car and start harassing me. He was always a fun guy to talk to!
Which Slinger driver (past or present) do you respect the most?
I have to say Dennis [Prunty]. Just because I grew up always watching him race and I’ve studied him like a textbook. Obviously, as a family member I’ve looked up to him, and I’ve watched him in the garage. He’s had so much success, I just want to do what he’s been able to do! He’s been the guy to beat at Slinger for the last five years so it’s a really good day and cool accomplishment when you can beat him on any Sunday. You just have to aspire to have that success in your career. The bar has always been set high for my team and I to follow up what the rest of the family has accomplished. Racing with Dennis constantly has definitely kept us motivated to continuously improve our program.
