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 Nick Perry
Nick Perry
Nick Perry has become one of the top Mini Stock drivers in east Tennessee in a relatively short period of time. The Lenoir City native enjoys the class in which he competes, but like so many racers, he would love to be able to do more in the sport.
For now, however, the 30 year old driver is happy with his place in the sport. “We’re going to stay in the Mini Stocks,” Perry said. “We like to travel around a little bit, just wherever we can go and have fun.”
1. How long have you been in racing?
“This is my fourth year in Mini Stocks. We ran go-karts for three years before that so I guess this is my seventh year total.”
2. Why the Mini Stock class?
“I started out in go-karts, but then I got to known the Courtneys pretty good. Everybody knows they dominate the Mini Stocks so I got hooked up with them and that’s where we’re at today.”
3. The best thing about being a race car driver is____.
“It’s just a time to get away from everything and the time on the track when you’re running good. There’s nothing like it.”
4. Your best moment in racing came when ____.
“As odd as it may seem, it was on a night when we finished second. We blew a head gasket in hot laps, and along with a couple of racer buddies of mine, we changed the head gasket in the 411 pit. I think we started 19th or 20th in the feature and came all the way back to second. That was a moral victory for us, big time.”
5. My biggest dream in racing would be _____.
“To either do it myself or be able to help some else do it full time.”
6. What other racer do you admire?
“I’ve definitely got to say Ronnie Johnson. He goes a lot of times with smaller motors and does big things with a lot less than what everybody else has. He’s very smooth, for sure.”
7. What’s your favorite thing to do away from the track?
“I really like to spend time out on the lake boating with my fiancée and our little girl.”
8. If I wasn’t racing I would be ____.
“Probably running around helping somebody work on a car or something to do with racing.
