Thursday, February 28, 2019

African American Sailor First To Race With NASCAR While Serving In U.S. Navy

African American Sailor First To Race With NASCAR While Serving In U.S. Navy

Navy Sailor & NASCAR Driver: Jesse Iwuji

African American Sailor First To Race With NASCAR While Serving In U.S. Navy


During his final shore assignment on active duty, this Sailor spent his weekends at the race track. As he continues to serve as a reservist in America's Navy.  Jesse Iwuji is also chasing his dreams to become a NASCAR driver.

In May 2017, Jesse made the decision to transition into the Navy Reserve so he could pursue a racing career full-time.
Jesse graduated from the Naval Academy where he played Division 1 College Football. After graduation, Jesse was commissioned as a SWO and embarked on his Navy journey. The Navy has brought Jesse to parts of the world he never imagined seeing. It wasn’t just exploring new cultures that gave Jesse a fresh outlook on life–it was his Navy brothers and sisters he traveled with along the way.

Teamed with men and women from diverse backgrounds, Jesse soon began to realize that individualism–something he had been taught his whole life–had to be put aside to succeed in this new environment. Teamwork became crucial to the success of Jesse’s assignments and the safety of his crew.

His work ethic is something I have never seen before. I would get these calls and text messages like one, two o’clock in the morning from Jesse. And I’d say: Man, what are you doing? And he would be in his racing simulator at one-thirty in the morning.  He’ll spend any amount of time, any amount of effort to achieve his ultimate goal.- Shawne Merriman (Former Pro Football Player)

Onboard the ship, there was simply no room for error. Hard work, dedication and a relentless pursuit of success opened Jesse’s mind up to a place it had never been before. In May 2017, Jesse made the decision to transition into the Navy Reserve so he could pursue a racing career full-time. Even though he has seen great success in racing, he attributes much of it to the Navy. The Navy has taught him what success looks like, how to confront adversity, and to keep believing, even when the cards are stacked against you. 

Even though he has seen great success in racing,  Jesse Iwuji attributes much of it to the Navy.


So many people have these big goals, these big dreams that they are too scared too scared to go after. And they go to the grave with them. I went to my first two ships for four years. Went on one deployment per ship. I just kept on having this vision of me racing in the Cup Series. And walking out onto driver’s intro when I was the ship on deployment. I made that decision on deployment that, hey NASCAR was where I was gonna go. Jesse Iwuji

For more information: https://www.navy.com/faces-fleet-ep-04-jesse-iwuji

Be Sure to Stay Updated on Social Media:


You can watch Jesse make his NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series debut tomorrow at Las Vegas Motorspeedway. He will be driving in the #34 Reaume Brothers Racing Chevrolet for owner Olivia Morrison.


🏁 🏆 Last Five Posts 🏆 🏁

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  2. Keelan Harvick Plays Drums With Jake Owens
  3. Remembering J.D. Gibbs
  4. LeithCars.com is "Supra" Excited to Sponsor Timmy Hill's #NASCAR Xfinity Race Car at Charlotte
  5. Start Off the #NASCAR Season by Getting Your 2019 Collectible Pin

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Racing Radios Announces SRO Motorsports America Partnership

Racing Radios Announces SRO Motorsports America Partnership

The Official Two-Way Services Provider



Racing Radios announces a new partnership with SRO Motorsports America as the Official Two-Way Services Provider for Blancpain GT World Challenge America. With a long history of service and support for professional racing worldwide, Racing Radios has partnered with SRO Motorsports America to provide on-site radio communication services and support for SRO Motorsports America participants, teams, and suppliers for 2019.

Racing Radios is recognized as the leader in two-way racing communications worldwide.  With locations in both Georgia (Forest Park) and North Carolina (Mooresville), Racing Radios caters to all forms of motorsports and is continuing to push the evolution of two-way radio communications.



For more information: Visit RacingRadios.com for support schedule and paddock locations.

Visit World-Challenge.com for Blancpain GT World Challenge America event and ticket information.

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  1. Keelan Harvick Plays Drums With Jake Owens
  2. Remembering J.D. Gibbs
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  4. Start Off the #NASCAR Season by Getting Your 2019 Collectible Pin
  5. Jersey Mike’s Subs Renews Partnership With Auto Club Speedway

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Keelan Harvick Plays Drums With Jake Owens

Keelan Harvick Plays Drums With Jake Owens
Delana and husband Kevin Harvick with their kids, Keelan and Piper. #NASCAR
Delana and husband Kevin Harvick with their kids, Keelan and Piper.

The perks of being the child of a NASCAR star are rewarding. Below, you can witness six-year-old, Keelan Paul Harvick (son of Kevin and DeLana Harvick) as he is brought onto stage to play drums before the 61st Daytona 500 with Jake Owens.



Country music artist Jake Owen, a Florida native, performed in the pre-race show. #daytona500 #nascar
Country music artist Jake Owen, a Florida native, grew up going to the Daytona 500.

“It’s a big deal for everyone whether you’re a Floridian or not,” he said. “I definitely came as a kid.”

Owen – whose 2013 hit “Beachin’” features Daytona Beach and its music video contains shots of the Boardwalk – performed the pre-race concert before the Daytona 500.


🏁 🏆 Last Five Posts 🏆 🏁

  1. Remembering J.D. Gibbs
  2. LeithCars.com is "Supra" Excited to Sponsor Timmy Hill's #NASCAR Xfinity Race Car at Charlotte
  3. Start Off the #NASCAR Season by Getting Your 2019 Collectible Pin
  4. Jersey Mike’s Subs Renews Partnership With Auto Club Speedway
  5. Derek Kraus’ Tire Strategy Earns Him the #NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Win

Monday, February 18, 2019

Remembering J.D. Gibbs

Remembering J.D. Gibbs

J.D. Gibbs Memorial Service #DidItForJD

A replay of the memorial service and celebration of the life of J.D. Gibbs on January 25th, 2019 with his wife Melissa Gibbs, father Joe Gibbs, brother Coy Gibbs, and friends speaking in remembrance.


Visit https://jdgibbslegacy.com/ to hear stories
from his lifeand see why he was such an amazing
son, boss, father, brother, friend, person.


The first thing Denny Hamlin did after winning "The Great American Race" is talk to the local media about what it meant to win for J.D. Gibbs, the eldest son of owner Joe Gibbs.

Further Tributes

The first thing Denny Hamlin did after winning "The Great American Race" is talk to the local media about what it meant to win for J.D. Gibbs, the eldest son of team owner Joe Gibbs. 

Below are more tributes to J.D., who passed away from a degenerative neurological disease in January










J.D. Gibbs Legacy Fund

The Gibbs family requests support for an important campaign that has been established in honor of J.D. and his passion for the Young Life Ministry, for which he served as a member of the National Board.

The Gibbs family requests support for an important campaign that has been established in honor of J.D. and his passion for the Young Life Ministry, for which he served as a member of the National Board. Please consider giving to the J.D. Gibbs Legacy Fund. 



🏁 🏆 Last Five Posts 🏆 🏁

  1. LeithCars.com is "Supra" Excited to Sponsor Timmy Hill's #NASCAR Xfinity Race Car at Charlotte
  2. Start Off the #NASCAR Season by Getting Your 2019 Collectible Pin
  3. Jersey Mike’s Subs Renews Partnership With Auto Club Speedway
  4. Derek Kraus’ Tire Strategy Earns Him the #NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Win
  5. Manscaped Sponsors StarCom Racing's 00 NASCAR at the Daytona 500

Sunday, February 17, 2019

LeithCars.com is "Supra" Excited to Sponsor Timmy Hill's #NASCAR Xfinity Race Car at Charlotte

LeithCars.com is "Supra" Excited to Sponsor Timmy Hill's #NASCAR Xfinity Race Car at Charlotte
After jumping into its first NASCAR team sponsorship at Charlotte's Roval in 2018, LeithCars.com is excited to announce its partnership with driver Timmy Hill and MBM Motorsports will continue in 2019.

Hill will make the official sponsorship announcement of the #66 Toyota Supra Xfinity Series racecar this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. LeithCars.com will sponsor Hill's car at the Alsco 300 on May 25th and at the Drive for the Cure 200 on September 28th at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

2019 marks the return of Toyota's iconic sports car Supra and the first time the new Supra will appear as a NASCAR race car in the Xfinity Race Series. The street version Supra is set to arrive at Leith Toyota in Raleigh, N.C. this spring.

While the May Xfinity Series race will feature Hill's new LeithCars.com Toyota Supra on the track's high speed, banked oval, the late September race will be a return to the exciting ROVAL action that proved to be a fan favorite last season.

Timmy Hill had the best finish for MBM Motorsports in 2018 when he placed 7th in the Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 at Daytona. Charlotte's ROVAL, a hybrid road course + oval layout will be the perfect setting for the new Toyota Supra and with last seasons experience under Hill's belt, LeithCars.com is looking forward to an even better finish at Charlotte this year.

Following Hill's sponsorship announcement with LeithCars.com at Daytona, expect to see regular updates on social media from Timmy Hill and LeithCars.com throughout the season, leading up to both Charlotte Xfinity races.

The new 2019 Toyota Supra Xfinity Series paint scheme on the #66 featuring LeithCars.com will be revealed in early May.


LeithCars.com is one of the most recognized websites for consumers searching for new, used, and Certified Pre-Owned cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Leith, Inc. is the parent company, operating over 30 automobile franchises in Raleigh, Cary, Wendell, and Aberdeen, North Carolina featuring 23 automotive brands.

source:press release

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  3. Derek Kraus’ Tire Strategy Earns Him the #NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Win
  4. Manscaped Sponsors StarCom Racing's 00 NASCAR at the Daytona 500
  5. Love, Ella and Leo

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Start Off the #NASCAR Season by Getting Your 2019 Collectible Pin

Start Off the #NASCAR Season by Getting Your 2019 Collectible Pin

Help the NASCAR Foundation Make Children’s Health a Top Priority Through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund

Start Off the #NASCAR Season by Getting Your 2019 Collectible Pin

2019 Limited Edition
NASCAR Foundation
Lapel Pin
The NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of children who need it the most in the communities of NASCAR family across the U.S. The NASCAR Foundation funds critical needs expressed by hospital, specialty clinics, camps and other charitable organizations that provide support for children's medical and health care initiatives.

Show your support of The NASCAR Foundation by getting the 2019 limited edition NASCAR Foundation Lapel Pin and making a donation to help bring smiles to more kids in need! (For every donation of $5, you will receive a 2019 NASCAR Foundation Pin.)

https://foundation.nascar.com/public/nascar/order?inventory_id=111&segmentcode=009
(Every $5 donation will receive a 2019 NASCAR Foundation Pin.)



You Keep Up with the NASCAR Foundation via Social Media


Note: The NASCAR Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that represents the generosity of the entire NASCAR community.


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  4. Love, Ella and Leo
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Friday, February 15, 2019

Survey Finds 98 Percent of First-Time Go-Kart Racers Say Professional Drivers Are Athletes

Survey Finds 98 Percent of First-Time Go-Kart Racers Say Professional Drivers Are Athletes

#AutobahnAthletes

Survey Finds 98 Percent of First-Time Go-Kart Racers Say Professional Drivers Are Athletes

As the 2019 NASCAR Season debuts at the Great American Race this weekend, the debate as to whether race car drivers are athletes will no doubt resurface in television studios, sports bars and living rooms across the country, yet a simple experiment conducted by Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events at 6399 Shelby Drive in Memphis suggests the argument would be best settled from racing, not talking.

From April 1 through October 31, 2018 employees asked 315 first-time karters to answer the simple question: “Do you think race car drivers are athletes?” Pre-race, 52% of customers said, “Yes.” Employees asked those customers the exact same question after they’d completed their races, and 98% agreed that race car drivers are athletes.

One of those customers, Alexis Gillis, agreed that professional race car drivers are “top tier athletes.” “It takes endurance. You have to be smart. You have to have mental strength,” said Gillis. Almost every participant said it was “harder than it looks.”

“I think race car driving is like a lot of sports. When watching it on television, it’s hard to appreciate how difficult it is, and the best drivers always make it look easy,” said Josh Mayo, General Manager, Autobahn. “We felt the place to settle this argument was not in the television studio or by the water cooler, but at the track.”

And, as Mayo points out, racing an electric go-kart in air-conditioned comfort for a few miles while wearing street clothes is not the same as negotiating an open wheel or stock car in heavy traffic for 400 miles or so at 200 miles per hour. While what the pros do is much harder, less than 30 minutes of karting demonstrated how much coordination, spatial awareness, reflexes, mental focus and physical endurance racing requires.

According to Mayo, Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events, which has 12 indoor tracks nationwide where Italian-made, Formula 1-inspired, electric pro-karts can reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour, will continue the survey in all of its locations this year.

Even though the debate may persist in circles well beyond the track, it’s been settled in the minds of those who make their living in racing. Professional and amateur athletes, along with weekend warriors, are encouraged to take the Autobahn Racers are Athletes challenge by visiting www.autobahnspeed.com.  They are also encouraged to post videos or opinions on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #AutobahnAthletes.

“Cardiovascular fitness, strength endurance, neurological efficiency, and other pillars of athleticism will make any driver more competitive,” said Caitlin Quinn, MS CSCS RSCC, who trains a number of drivers for Toyota Racing Development. “The fitter you are, the better decisions you will make under pressure.”

About Autobahn Indoor Speedway:

Autobahn Indoor Speedway is a premier indoor karting center. The European style go-karting takes place in a state-of-the-art facility in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grand Prix style provides a real racing experience. Racers take to the tracks in unique, high-speed electric Italian pro-karts. These F1 inspired karts reach speeds of up to 50 mph. The attractive, upscale facility has the latest technology and is ideal for corporate events, team building, fundraisers, and competition racing events. For more information, visit: www.AutobahnSpeed.com

source: PR

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  4. The Science of #NASCAR
  5. Jersey Mike’s Subs Renews Partnership With Auto Club Speedway

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Derek Kraus’ Tire Strategy Earns Him the #NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Win

Derek Kraus’ Tire Strategy Earns Him the #NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Win

Wins After Starting Sixteenth in The Nineteen-Car-Field

Derek Kraus claimed his second career #NASCAR K&N Pro Series East victory  at New Smyrna Speedway on Monday night.
Derek Kraus claimed his second career NASCAR K&N Pro Series East victory
at New Smyrna Speedway on Monday night. (Russell LaBounty/Nigel Kinrade)

Hailie Deegan, the Temecula, California native, was quickest (18.316 seconds) in the 90-minute K&N Pro Series East practice session ahead of Sunday’s 'New Smyrna 175' at New Smyrna Speedway

Hailie Deegan leads the field to the green flag. #NASCAR
Hailie Deegan leads the field to the green flag. (Rusty Jarrett/Nigel Kinrade)


Practice speed proved most important as qualifying was rained out and starting position were determined by performance in the one and only practice session.

Top-Five in Practice

  1. Hailie Deegan (18.316 seconds)
  2. Drew Dollar (18.357)
  3. Brandon McReynolds (18.366)
  4. Sam Mayer (18.368)
  5. Colin Garrett (18.470)

Race Winner, Derek Kraus found himself starting sixteenth in his #16 BMR NAPA Auto Parts / Curb Records Toyota.

After being postponed to Monday night due to rain, Kraus, who hails from Stratford, Wisconsin, emerged victorious by using tire conservation in route to his second career NASCAR K&N Pro Series East victory.

“What really helped me (save tires) was running with Todd (Gilliland) for three years,” he said. “He was really good at saving tires. I just tried to remember back then and that’s what I felt like I did. I probably didn’t save the right front as well as I needed to because I was driving it in pretty deep, but I felt like I saved as well as I could. Brandon (McReynolds) and Hailie (Deegan) I know dropped way back, I didn’t feel comfortable dropping that far back, because track position is huge here.”

Derek Kraus celebrates with his No. 16 Bill McAnally Racing team - #NASCAR
Derek Kraus celebrates with his No. 16 Bill McAnally Racing team
following his victory in the New Smyrna 175 at New Smyrna Speedway.
(Rusty Jarrett/Nigel Kinrade Photography for NASCAR)


Kraus made his move with about forty laps remaining as leaders, Colin Garrett and Ty Gibbs, made contact while battling for the top spot.

“They were racing each other pretty hard,” Kraus recapped. “I had to stay on my toes for them to make contact and that’s exactly what they did. They drifted up in (Turns) 3 and 4 and I saw an opening so that’s when I took it. I might’ve gotten in the grass, but I got it done.”
The next event for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will be the ‘Zombie Auto 150’ on Saturday, April 6 at Bristol Motor Speedway.


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  5. Rest in Peace - Glen Wood

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Manscaped Sponsors StarCom Racing's 00 NASCAR at the Daytona 500

Manscaped Sponsors StarCom Racing's 00 NASCAR at the Daytona 500
Manscaped announces its debut into motorsports with its associate sponsorship of the StarCom Racing (SCR) 00 Camaro in the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series at the 2019 Daytona 500. The SCR 00 Camaro with Landon Cassill at the wheel will prominently display the Manscaped logo on the rear bumper TV panel as it whips smoothly around the Daytona International Speedway on February 17.

Manscaped was launched in 2017 and is the first company to provide men with precision-engineered razors and trimmers, unique pH-balanced formulations, and accessories that have been specifically created for one job: to ensure a simple, safe, and effective below-the-waist manscaping routine.

SCR, also newly launched, hit the track in 2017 as a new team in the MENCS. This will be the team's second appearance at the Daytona 500. The two young brands are an ideal fit—each demonstrating passion, precision, and innovation.

"We are thrilled to partner with StarCom Racing for our first ever NASCAR appearance," said Manscaped Cofounder Steve King. "From the professional drivers on the track to their fans in the stands, all men subject themselves to extreme conditions in their most sensitive region. Our products help men be healthy, clean, confident, and perform at their best."

"I'm so excited to partner with Manscaped. When I saw they joined the team, I knew we were going to have some fun with this sponsorship," said 00 Driver Landon Cassill. "Their products are designed to help guys stay cool below the waist, so with temperatures spiking around 160 degrees inside a race car without air conditioning... this is a win-win for everyone."

The Daytona 500, regarded as the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar, will be held on February 17, 2019 at Daytona International Speedway. More information about Manscaped is available at Manscaped.com. To learn more about StarCom Racing, please visit StarComRacing.com.

About Manscaped

Founded in 2017, San Diego-based Manscaped (as seen on Shark Tank) is the only brand dedicated to men's grooming and hygiene below-the-waist. The product line up includes precision-engineered tools, unique pH-balanced formulations, and accessories to ensure a simple and effective "manscaping" routine. For more information, visit Manscaped.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

About StarCom Racing

StarCom Racing, a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Team, based in North Carolina was launched in September 2017. SCR purchased a Charter and will run a full schedule for 2019. SCR was formed by a collective group of seasoned NASCAR specialists, as well as successful business entrepreneurs from SCR's parent company, StarCom Fiber. To learn more about StarCom Racing, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Snapchat @StarComRacing.

Source: Manscaped PR

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  5. New NASCAR.com Homepage Features Fresh Looks, Easy-To-Find Essentials


Monday, February 4, 2019

Love, Ella and Leo

Love, Ella and Leo (Jeff Gordon's Children)
NASCAR Star, Jeff Gordon was married to Ingrid Vandebosch in the year 2006. The couple welcomed two children named Ella Sofia in 2007 and Leo Benjamin in 2010.

Gordon's immense influence on NASCAR was highlighted Friday during a star-packed Hall of Fame induction ceremony befitting a driver who changed the trajectory of an entire sport. Further, Gordon won four titles over seven seasons.

The HOF Induction Ceremony proved to be a family affair as Jeff's children joined him on stage and shared what their father's accomplishments meant to them.

On the day their dad was set to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Ella and Leo Gordon wrote him letters to mark the occasion.



“I hope that the things I can teach them and these experiences that we get to have together will catapult them into whatever they’re passionate about, that they want to strive for,” Gordon said, “and understand the hard work that comes along with it.”

Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt before a NASCAR Cup race. The two became rivals after Gordon dethroned Earnhardt in 1995. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images
Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt before a NASCAR Cup race. The two became rivals after
Gordon dethroned Earnhardt in 1995. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images


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  4. New NASCAR.com Homepage Features Fresh Looks, Easy-To-Find Essentials
  5. 2018 Indianapolis 500 Winners - Will Power and Roger Penske receive the BorgWarner Championship Trophies



Friday, February 1, 2019

The Science of #NASCAR

The Science of #NASCAR

UNC Charlotte Students Reap The Benefits Of Alan Kulwicki's Forward-Thinking Approach To Racing

UNC Charlotte Students Reap The Benefits Of Alan Kulwicki's Forward-Thinking Approach To Racing


Growing up, Chris Long ’06 never gave a lot of thought to the inner workings of race cars while watching his father, an amateur road racer, race tracks along the east coast. But now, Long, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UNC Charlotte and has worked for 12 years in motorsports, says engineering has taught him how to be a better problem solver. 

An engineer with Chip Ganassi Racing, Long has had a hand in improving the ergonomics of the team’s cars, helping to mold their shape to make them faster. As a member of the simulation team, he uses computer simulations to measure vehicles’ input and output. And as leader of the quality control team, Long verifies that parts built in-house meet design specifications and ensures that parts from outside vendors meet the proper tolerances.

I don’t know if I’d be able to do what I do without an engineering degree,” Chris Long #NASCAR


“I don’t know if I’d be able to do what I do without an engineering degree,” Long said.


As the pace of competition has increased, so has the number of engineers working in NASCAR. It’s a trend that can be traced to the late Alan Kulwicki, NASCAR’s first driver to hold a degree in engineering -- and who on Feb. 2 will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.



Kulwicki’s NASCAR success was sown in independence. Bucking the tradition of the Southern-bred driver, Kulwicki, a Wisconsin native, earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Choosing to race independently, he shunned big-name sponsorships throughout his career. Tragically, a year after winning the 1992 Winston Cup Series, Kulwicki died in a plane crash near Blountville, Tenn., at age 38.

Kulwicki’s dedication to his sport is celebrated at UNC Charlotte, where the Alan D. Kulwicki Motorsports Laboratory trains engineering students interested in motorsports to design, build and race their own cars. Ryan Zeck ’99 started a petition to implement the motorsports program, and Bob Johnson, now dean of the William States Lee College of Engineering, proposed the program during his tenure as head of the mechanical engineering department.

A renewable scholarship in Kulwicki’s name is funded through the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and given to a UNC Charlotte freshman majoring in mechanical engineering.

A renewable scholarship in Kulwicki’s name is funded through the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and given to a UNC Charlotte freshman majoring in mechanical engineering.

'BULL IN A CHINA SHOP'

Memories of Kulwicki flow freely from his friend Felix Sabates, co-owner of Chip Ganassi Racing, many of them referencing Kulwicki’s characteristic frugality -- as well as his generosity.

Kulwicki owned his cars, but would rent transmissions, gears and other parts for them. “He won with almost no money.” Sabates said. “He had to be tight with his resources because he didn’t have any.”

Sabates recalled that he had to almost force Kulwicki to buy a house after his Winston Cup victory. Yet, he said Kulwicki would write a big check annually to a Boys and Girls Club in Florida, an organization with which Sabates was heavily involved.

Money was not something that motivated Kulwicki. Winning races did. And he did what it took to do so.

“He was like a bull in a china shop,” Sabates said. “When he made up his mind to do something, he got it done.”



As an engineer, Kulwicki understood mechanics and aerodynamics, and performed work on his car by hand that today machines complete. Driven by his analytical mind, he remained grounded through his faith, attending Mass no matter where he was. Even if that meant driving hours to find a Catholic church.

Sabates underscored Kulwicki’s playful side, sharing the time he bet Sabates about how fast he could drive through a McDonald’s parking lot at 1 a.m. He described Kulwicki’s legacy as giving hope to talented young drivers “who come from nowhere.”

PICKING UP THE PACE

When Chris Long joined Chip Ganassi Racing, he was one of 10 engineers; a number that has expanded to nearly 30 who work on just the NASCAR side of the operation. (The team also has cars competing in the IndyCar Series.) These engineers work in every area of the team’s operations, including simulation, design and quality control.

“Definitely quite a transition over the past 10 to 15 years for a sport that’s been around for 50 to 60 years,” Long said.

UNC Charlotte’s engineering programs reflect the industry’s growth. As recently as 2012, the University’s motorsports engineering program enrolled fewer than 80 students. Today, more than 160 students are enrolled across programs.

According to Mesbah Uddin, director of the University’s North Carolina Motorsports and Automotive Research Center, in the 1980s, despite Kulwicki’s groundbreaking credentials, it was unlikely that NASCAR teams included any engineers with a degree from an accredited university. “Team members performing engineering work learned primarily while working on their dads’ cars,” he said. “They’re extremely talented people.”

But cars were simpler then and the pace of competition was slower. In the absence of sophisticated computer systems and qualified engineers to process vast amounts of information--such as how the various components of race cars interact with one another on different tracks and under different racing conditions--racers and teams relied mostly on trial-and-error-based designs.

Uddin said as NASCAR rules became stricter in the 1990s and design freedoms narrowed, racing teams realized the limits of the trial-and-error approach. They began hiring more engineers to design cars that, to a great extent, eliminated the guesswork from design and development. Today it’s not unusual for a race team to include between 20 and 40 engineers.

“We see that making quicker changes is necessary because the competition is becoming more fierce,” Uddin said. “The quicker that changes can be made, the more races can be won.”

Long said the increase of engineering professionals in NASCAR has led to safer and more efficient cars on the track.

“Knock on wood, we haven’t had any major injuries in the sport in quite a few years," he said.

Long described the number of UNC Charlotte alumni in the industry as “impressive.” He said the University has a “top-level, state-of-the-art” racing shop, which familiarized him with the equipment he uses on his job.

“I love that UNC Charlotte offers a designated motorsports concentration,” Long said. “Students work on real cars on which you can apply textbook knowledge and gain real-world application and theory.” 




  • 1. Alan D. Kulwicki Motorsports Laboratory dedication in 2009; 
  • 2. Dr. Jerre Hill and students in the Smith Building motorsports lab; 
  • 3. UNC Charlotte race cars; 
  • 4. The 49er ICARA team that won five straight national championships

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