Driver of the #97 Midwest Truck Series Entry
Quite possibly the most excited person about the return of the trucks to Slinger tomorrow!
How did you get into racing?
My parents took me to Lake Geneva Raceway when I was 5 years old; we ended up moving closer to the track when I was 7 years old and my brother and I would ride our bikes to go watch. The day I turned 18, I broke the windows out of my daily driver, borrowed a truck and trailer and went racing. I WAS HOOKED!
You haven’t been shy about designating Slinger as your favorite track (thanks!). What do you like about it?
I love the SPEED! The competition, the G-force, and the FANS!! It feels like home!!
There are only a few people who have won features in four different divisions at Slinger. Having won in Super Lates, Pro Lates, and Sportsman you only need one more division. Last year you came close in a Mod. How cool would it be to achieve that feat in the truck?
I have waited since first driving Luedtke’s truck in 2012 to take the truck to Slinger! I’m still wanting to win in a Modified too!! All 5 divisions would be EPIC!!!
Who do you need to thank?
Crew: Katie Swan, Mike (Taco) Brose, Dan (Tanya) Meinen, Andrew & Collette Ironside, Gene & Tina Drews, Kyle Prestay, Jordan Devoy (Devoy Racing), and Anthony Vito. Sponsors: PMF Landscape Supply, Oak Creek Automotive, Leo’s Upper Dells Bar, DRM Industries, TwoSev Tools, Making Memories Travel, David Elliott Trucking, Reeds Marine, Santa-Fe Products (Jeff & Elaine Wimberly), AV Gorilla, BMT Trucking, Five Star Race Car Bodies,Champs Sports Bar & Grill, JK Tools/Matco Tools. Anyone else: Mike and Sue Carmichael (MAC Motorsports)
What is your real job?
We own a Matco Tools Franchise (JK Tools)
Do you have any pre-race traditions/superstitions/foods/etc:
I run across a “lucky” shirt occasionally and holiday themed Matco socks
You have 54 total wins and 38 fast times at Slinger, do any of them stand out in your memory?
My first Super Late Model WIN in 2012, and my only Big 8 Series win and Sportsman win on the SAME DAY [September 6, 2009]!!!
How did you get your truck number?
My daughter, Shelby, was born in 97. Marc Crandell was my second car owner and picked 97. My dad was working on the 97 John Deere, Chad Little Cup team at the time as well. So, many reasons!
If you could have dinner with any two people (alive or passed), who would they be and why?
Alan Kulwicki – I’d love to hear his theories!
Tom Kostka – I wish I could thank him for everything his daughter (my wife) Katie means to me!
Which Slinger driver (past or present) do you respect the most?
Dick Trickle – Won a lot! He always waved to the fans, drank beer with the crews and always seemed to enjoy it all!
(Bonus Question) Anything else you wish we would have asked?
33 years racing this year. Didn’t own a race car for almost 30 of those, raced 30 years without using scales. My secret…I build my own shocks (QA1) and have won at every active asphalt track in Wisconsin!!