Driver of the #3 Slinger Bee
2021 Slinger Bee Rookie-of-the-Year
How did you get into racing?
My grandpa and I used to watch NASCAR races probably ever since I was three, and I just loved watching them. We finally were able to get into go-karting a couple years back, and did that for two years. So really my grandpa is how I got into racing. [What made you decide to go into a Slinger Bee?] It seemed like a good entry level division with good competitors…nice competitors – just a good group of people to be around. It was recommended by a couple of people, and then we ran into Rick so everything kind of just lined up.
What do you like about Slinger Super Speedway?
I think it is really fan-orientated. A lot of big drivers say it’s one of their favorite, if not their favorite, short track around. Even NASCAR drivers have said that. I’ve only raced there a year, but I love racing on it; it’s a very fun track.
Who do you need to thank?
Crew: Richard Fitzgerald is my main crew member, he does everything. Daniel Kawatski, Rick Schaefer, and Todd Buckley. Sponsors: Fitz Enterprises and Pro4mance Motorsports. We are looking for 2022 sponsors, contact trprfitz@yahoo.com for more information. Anyone else: My mom-Tammy, my brother-Collin, my grandma-Irma and especially my grandpa-Robert
Do you have any pre-race traditions/superstitions/foods/etc
The only thing that I really have is that I HAVE to drink two bottles of Pedialyte, otherwise I will feel sick to my stomach all day. Richard and I also fist bump, that’s kind of been our thing since the first day of go-karting. Before I go on the track, he reaches through my window net and gives me a fist bump.
If you could bring one fictional character to life, who would you choose and why?
Probably Lightning McQueen because he was the main character in my childhood. I used to non- stop watch the Cars movie. Still to this day, I’m 16 and I’ll turn it on just to watch it.
What is your favorite racing memory at Slinger?
Probably the day I got my fast time for qualifying. [Did the car feel any different as you were qualifying that day?] It did. The car felt setup great. Then I went across the line, came back to the pits, and was fast time and that felt great!
How did you get your car number (#3)?
Dale Sr, basically. When I started go karting, we were kind of in a rush to find a number so I just went with that one because it was open. Since it was open for Slinger too, I decided to keep it.
What TV show(s) are you into?
Chicago PD and Chicago Fire – My mom’s a police officer, so I can kind of relate to it a little bit, them getting home late from work…it feels a part of my life.
What’s next for you in racing?
I’m going to continue in the Slinger Bees for now and hopefully prove myself enough where I can get some sponsors and keep moving up in the ranks.
Which Slinger driver (past or present) do you respect the most?
Brady Held. Ever since my first day there, he’s helped me out. He didn’t think twice about it; any questions I had he’d help me out, he’d lend me a tool, he’d give me advice, he’s just there.
