How did you get into racing?
My dad owned a kart for the Del Camps [Dan and Sonya]; they carried the karts, Jared Deming and others raced it. I started from there, with Justin Poenitsch as my mentor.
Talk about the Memorial Go-Kart (MGK) program.
They have super cool events! The program remembers parents who have lost children. I can relate to that because my parents lost my brother, Zachery, in 2000 due to Walker-Warburg Syndrome. I feel like I am contributing to help console parents who have been through hard times. They can come to the race to watch what they love.
Who is your favorite NASCAR (or other pro) driver?
Kyle Busch. My dad catered for him when we owned the restaurant [Emily’s in Cedar Creek]. He was the nicest person ever!
What do you like about Slinger Super Speedway?
The racers there are cooperative and nice! Obviously they don’t take a lot of crap from anybody, but they do what they do and try to be as successful as they can.
Who do you need to thank?
Crew: Destiny Krueger, Camden Brittnacher Justin Poenitsch, my parents [Tommy and Nancy], and Alaina Campanella
Sponsors: GrinderVille Grinders and Pizza and Neu’s Hardware [both in Menomonee Falls]
What is your real job?
I’m a sophomore at Slinger High School, but I also work at Cedar Creek Pet Resort in Jackson.
After graduation, I’m hoping to go to MSOE for either pediatric nursing or biomedical engineering.
What is your favorite racing memory at Slinger?
Oh gosh, I have so many! For my favorite, I’d have to say Slinger Nationals…I don’t remember what year. Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth were both there and I got to see them race. I was so little!
What is your favorite food?
Steak. Medium rare. My favorite used to be at Emily’s, but now it’s from Gehring’s Meat Market [St. Lawrence], and made by my dad.
What TV show(s) are you into?
Bates Motel and Meat Eater – I watch it with my dad.
Which Slinger driver (past or present) do you respect the most?
Steve Apel. I’ve known him for a long time. My dad raced Bees for Del Camps [when Steve raced for them]. He’s always been there, and been a guiding stone. He’s been very helpful to many youth drivers.
For more information about the Memorial Go-Kart program, go to http://memorialgo-kart.org/.
