10 Questions with…Rick Bruskiewicz

2020 Figure 8 Champion

How did you get into racing?
I started with Spectator racing in 1998, then went to the Slinger rental cars [now the Bar Cars]. Then my buddy, Frank Verhunce, got a Bee and we shared that. We moved to Team Cruisers, and when those ended I turned the car into a Thunderstock. In 2007 I moved to Figure 8s.

What do you like about Slinger Super Speedway?
It’s close to home and everyone there is pretty friendly…everyone seems to get along.

Who do you need to thank?
Crew: My grandkids help me: Carson Mueller (9 years old), Sophia Mueller (11), and Evelyn Mueller (3) Sponsors: Hillcrest Inn, 3 RV (camper manufacturer in Rubicon). Anyone else: My girlfriend, Carol Mueller, for letting me race every week. Destiny Krueger – she has been a big supporter

What is your real job?
I’m a landlord for several properties, and a bar/restaurant owner (Hillcrest Inn)

What is your favorite food?
Garlic parmesan wings from Hillcrest

If you could choose three people (alive or passed) to have dinner with, who would you choose?
Matt Kenseth – I chose my car number [#17] because of him; I admire him. Dale Earnhardt – he was the man for racing – probably the best racecar driver anyone’s ever seen. I have to choose three, hey? Ahhh…Elvis. He’s a pretty famous guy, I guess (laughs).

What do you do to make it affordable to race?”
I try to work on everything myself, weld my own parts, and fix my own car.

If someone is thinking about starting to race, why should they choose the Figure 8 division?
It’s a thrill to do it! It’s relatively inexpensive to do. It’s cheaper to put together than any other division.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?
Winning another championship! My second one in 14 years would be nice.

Which Slinger driver (past or present) do you respect the most?
Al Laufer. I know him pretty well and he was a good racer. Also Robbie Reiser, I knew him from Allenton.