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 Mitchell Childress
Mitchell Childress
Mitchell Childress has a varied history in racing despite his relatively young age. The 23-year-old Seymour resident has raced in several different classes and has served as a crew member for the likes of Scott Creel and other drivers. He began racing his own Limited Late Model last year after having driven Classics and Street Stocks in the past. He hopes to mostly run in the Limited and Crate Late Model divisions at 411, Tazewell, Boyd’s and Wartburg in 2014.
1. How long have you been in racing?
“I think this is going on my twelfth year in racing when you take in go-karts and everything else I’ve driven. I also used to help out Scott Creel out of Louisiana for a while. I met him through Ray Cook and just helped him here and there when they needed somebody.”
2. Why the move to the Limited Late Model class?
“That’s what they were racing at 411 last year so we tried that, but we had a problem with our motor and didn’t get to run as much as we wanted to. 411 has switched to crates but we’re going to stick with limited because I feel like we’ve got something good going for 2014.”
3. The best thing about being a race car driver is____.
“You have these younger kids who look up to you and would like to drive a race car like you do. It just gives you a good feeling.”
4. Your best moment in racing came when ____.
“The first year I started racing we kept having trouble with our Street Stock. We kept blowing motors and other stuff and my cousin let us borrow a motor so we could go to the race track. We led most of that race until we had something go wrong. We had a great car but we just didn’t get a chance to finish the race.”
5. My biggest dream in racing would be _____.
“My biggest dream would be to win a local championship and maybe win something like a Southern All Stars race.”
6. What other racer do you admire?
“I’d have to say Ray Cook because he helps others out a lot and does a lot for us. He’s also big in the church.”
7. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re away from the track?
“We do a lot of four wheeling when we’re not racing.”
8. If I wasn’t racing I would be ____.
“If I wasn’t racing I’d be playing on a traveling softball team on Saturdays.”
Mitchell Childress
