We at InsideDirtRacing.com recognize the contributions made to the sport of dirt racing by those who race in the support classes each week at our local tracks. Their work, dedication and sacrifice are just as great as those who compete in the Late Model divisions. As a result, we hope to shine a spotlight on one of those unsung heroes each week of this season by having them answer eight questions as well as provide other information.
This week’s driver is Chuck McMahan
Chuck McMahan has become a regular in his Mini Stock car on the dirt tracks of east Tennessee and the surrounding region and plans for that to continue into the foreseeable future. The 31-year-old driver from Newport has piled up scores of wins on tracks such as the Tazewell Speedway and 411 Motor Speedway. And those wins may very well open the door for new opportunities.
“I just plan on continuing in the Mini Stocks, mostly at Tazewell,” McMahan said. “I’m going to try to follow the KMSA as much as I can, but that just depends on the money situation. It’s a Mini Stock deal. They pay $1,000- 1,500 to win and they run in the Carolinas, Alabama, Georgia and around.”
1. How long have you been in racing?
“I’ve been racing since I was 15-years old. I started out in go-karts then I switched to the Mini Stocks in 2004 and I’ve been racing that class ever since.”
2. Why the Mini Stock class?
“All my buddies had always run the four cylinders. Just from hanging out them, I decided I’d get me one.”
3. The best thing about being a race car driver is____.
“Oh, that would be the competition and the speed. Tazewell is my favorite track. It’s hammer down and wide open.”
4. Your best moment in racing came when ____.
“I’d say it was winning my first race at Bulls Gap in 2006. It was the first time Bulls Gap ever paid $500-to-win in a four cylinder and that night they paid it was the first time I’d ever won a race. And I’d also say winning championships a Tazewell(2008 & 2013) and 411(2011). Between 2006 and this year, I’ve won 83 races.”
5. My biggest dream in racing would be _____.
“I’d like to move into a Late Model and be able to race for a living, but mostly my biggest dream is to just keep winning races. I’d like to have a crate car because that’s something I could afford to go run some of the bigger races in that, but it would still be hard for me to give up the Mini Stock. I just really like that class.”
6. What other racer do you admire?
“Scott Bloomquist and Jimmy Owens, and on a more local level, Skimp Henry.”
7. What’s your favorite thing to do away from the track?
“When I’m not at the track, I’m finding another track to race on. But I like to fish too.”
8. If I wasn’t racing I would be ____.
“Racing is all I’ve ever done, but I guess I would be fishing.”
