Share how you got your start in both drag boat racing and stock car racing.
My family has a boat business called Proboat Incorporated in Woodstock, and I grew up around building hot rod boats and cars. My dad ran drag boats in the eighties, so it has always been a familiar sport. I started on a go-cart track across the street from our shop, which turned into racing stock cars. Also, I built boats for a long time but did not start drag boat racing until 2014. Then, in 2015 it was my first entire season, and I have been all-in drag boat racing ever since.
What is a highlight moment for you as a speed boat racer?
I got licensed in 2014 and only ran one race that year. Then, in 2015 it was my first full season, and in 2016, I won the championship. So, I had only been in the sport briefly before I picked up a championship. I won four championships, two runners-up and set the record for covering 875 feet in 3.10 seconds at 255 miles per hour in Pheonix, Arizona. I have had success for the eight years I've been running. That shows all the hard work the crew and I do back at the shop in Woodstock. It's great for our team!
What is an interesting fact that people may not know about drag boat racing?
Most people think this is one of the most dangerous sports due to the water aspect. To get certified to drive a capsule boat with an enclosure, you have to go through a dunk test. Our oxygen tank sits between our legs, and it is a standard procedure for the driver to be submerged underwater to ensure no panic and to test the oxygen equipment.
What is something particularly special about you as a racer?
Since I have a stock car background, I bring the safety techniques I learned to speed boat racing. Plus, we are one of the only teams building everything in-house. We have the molds for the boat, the capsule and everything. Many other teams seek a manufacturer, buy the boat and rig it with their motor combination setup. I do almost all the fabrication work and build-out with some guys who like to help. So I am not just a driver-type deal; I also build the boat.
How do you celebrate a win?
I jump in the water; it's a ritual. Then, we give a toast with whiskey.
I have had success for the eight years I've been running. That shows all the hard work the crew and I do back at the shop in Woodstock. It's great for our team!