Driver of the #7 Sportsman
How did you get into racing?
I got into racing out of high school, starting with drag racing for a couple of years. Then I joined the military and that took up most of my time. After that I worked with Dale Kiley-Schaefer at Fuel and he kind of talked me into it, coached me through a lot of stuff. His dad, Rick, really helped out too. I’ve also been pitting for Chris Ratajczyk last year and this year, helping him, Brain Holtz, and Jeff Holtz out while really learning the fun part of oval track racing.
What do you like about Slinger Super Speedway?
The community. That’s really the biggest thing. I got so much help from different racers, parts from different guys. If you are looking to get into racing, people are willing to help. I can list off 10-15 guys that have stood up to help me out and get this going.
Who do you need to thank?
Crew: Alex Lopacinski, Chris Ratajczyk. Sponsors: The Finish Line Bar & Grill, Finish Line Sales & Service. Others: Nick Ostberg, Rahn Sewell, Brain Holtz, Jeff Holtz, Rick Schaefer, Dale Kiley-Schaefer, my fiance-Danielle Kussard and our two kids Barrett and Addison
What is your real job?
I’m a manager at Fuel Powersports in West Bend. Side note to drivers – if you need any safety gear like suites, gloves, etc, we can get it for you! Give us a call at 262-338-3684 and ask for Sami!
Do you have any pre-race traditions/superstitions/foods/etc
Generally just music on the way to track to help get me in the zone.
What is your favorite racing memory at Slinger?
Spotting for Brain Holtz this year on May 16, when we took third!
How did you get your car number (#7)?
I like Jack Daniels and that’s always “Old Whiskey No. 7”! That’s the whole black and white color scheme of my car too.
If you could have dinner with any three people (alive or dead, real or fictional), who would they be?
Ted Nugent, Fred Bear, and Elmer Fudd. Sweaty Uncle Teddy because I hunt a lot so “Fred Bear” is my go to song. Elmer Fudd just because he is entertaining.
Do you remember how it felt the first time you hit the high banks at Slinger?
My first time hitting the banks was last year at SlamFest and just going in with just a little piece of crap car…feeling yourself just squish down in the seat and it just wants to pull you down…that just gave me extra drive to get my car done! It was that initial feeling of, “Whoa, this is going to be a lot of fun!” It really glues you to your seat.
Which Slinger driver (past or present) do you respect the most?
Chris Ratajczyk and Nick Ostberg
Chris – just simply on he’s a Wall of Famer, he’s been nothing but knowledge for me the last two years from me pitting for him and being in the garage building cars with him. Everything he throws out to me has that old school feel on the new school kids. Kind of teaching old school stuff for the next generation of racers. That’s what’s going to set us ahead. I hope to be that person to pass it along to upcoming drivers.
Nick – He put his cars aside to come help me get this stuff figured out. You can pretty much call us teammates with the amount of time we work together. He was helping me even before his stuff was broken in and has been stand up with straight knowledge, help, and time he’s put into my stuff.
