Up & Comer Kyle Lockrow









When I was at the Legends Helping Legends Fundraiser, I met Kyle Lockrow. He’s a young up & comer from Maryland. I know some folks will be saying “Who’s that?”. Well, you’re about to find out.

What’s unusual about Kyle is that he’s one of the few up & comers that I’ve met at the Legends Helping Legends Fundraisers over the past 6 years. He also has a different attitude than some of the “pretty young faces” we’ve been “blessed” with in Brian’s Big Top. He’s polite, well-spoken, honest, and unlike the crop of brats we have suffered through, Kyle actually takes time to talk with folks, shake their hands, and looks them square in the eye. You don’t have to count your fingers or rings to make sure you got them all back.

Kyle’s taking the time to get the experience he needs to move up through the ranks. He’s also got a summer internship lined up with a NASCAR team which also runs a sports car team. This should benefit him as he moves up. He’s choosing the right path to advance rather than suddenly being thrust into a series where he doesn’t have the skills to compete. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.

So, without further ado, 20 Questions:

1.) How did you become interested in racing?

My interest in racing started back in 1997 because of two factors: a family friend and being a Scooby Doo fan as a kid. The family friend was Andrew Montag and his Dad, Denny. They introduced me to the old NASCAR ’98 game and I fell in love with playing it. The Scooby Doo connection was because of Robert Pressley racing the number 29 Cartoon Network car back during the 1997 season. After that, the rest has become history and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

2.) When we chatted, you mentioned you were going to school. What are you majoring in?

Currently, I am attending Towson University in Towson, Maryland majoring in Mass Communications with a minor in Communications Studies. My main track is Public Relations and if the driving does not work out, I hope to still work in NASCAR as a Public Relations person for a team or driver.

3.) Who were your heroes growing up?

My heroes growing up were my father, Jeff Gordon, Brian Vickers, Michael J. Fox. All of these people were hardworking, determined and passionate individuals in their respective professions; they are also great role models that anyone could model themselves after which is what I have done.

4.) You were at the Legends Helping Legends Fundraiser this past Saturday signing autographs and rubbing elbows with some of the greatest names in stock car racing. What was it like?

Saturday was a once in a lifetime experience because I was able to be in the same room with the heroes who were responsible for making NASCAR the success it has become today. I only wish that there had been more time for me to sit down with each one and pick their brain about different aspects of racing, as well as life.

5.) Was the fan turnout what you expected and how were the fans?

The turnout on Saturday was much bigger than I expected, only because that was only my fourth or fifth autograph signing and it was the biggest one I have even been a part of. The fans were awesome because they were so friendly and welcoming of me especially for being a “young gun” that was among the real heroes of racing.

6.) What sets you apart from other young racers working their way up through the ranks?

I feel that my loyalty, determination, and passion separate me from other drivers because racing is not just a job with me, but is a way of life that has helped make me who I have become today. I understand the importance of representing your professionally on and off the race track, being a responsible individual because you are a spokesperson for multi-million dollar entities, and the fact that I study racing by watching many races from seasons past and this has helped me take the learning to a whole new level.

7.) Where does loyalty rank with you?

Loyalty is one of the top three qualities that a person should have because loyalty is what makes friends and shows dedication to something or someone. I always try to make sure that when I am involved with a team or significant other that I am serious about the situations at hand because it leaves a lasting impression, whether it be good or bad.

8.) Having followed the sport since the early 1960’s, I’ve seen a lot of different sponsors come and go. Sometimes because the sponsors decided to go in a different direction or because they weren’t getting the Return On Investment (ROI) they were expecting. What can you do for a sponsor that would benefit them the most and give them the ROI they’re looking for?

Well, with being a young driver in racing and growing up in the technology era, there are many new options that are available to offer a potential sponsor or investor with social media and website space. I can offer sponsors website space, constant plugs through Facebook and Twitter, and press releases about certain upcoming events or races to inform fans and media. Outside of social media, my personality is a big plus for a potential company because I enjoy meeting with the fans every day, I am a well spoken individual, and my loyalty to success and the people who are providing those tools for that are the number one priority.

9.) What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen a driver do?

The craziest thing I have seen a driver do is really hard to pick out or narrow down to one because I have seen some real interesting events. The craziest good thing was when Kyle Busch passed 5-wide on the apron during a Truck race at Atlanta back in 2006 or 2007. The craziest bad thing I have seen would have to be again with Kyle Busch at Texas last year in the Truck race when he turned Hornaday into the fence head on.

10.) What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen a fan do?

The craziest thing that I witnessed from a fan occurred at the Watkins Glen Sprint Cup event multiple years ago during a red flag. This fan jumped the fence and guard rail, and then ran over to a driver’s car to ask for an autograph. That is dedication ha-ha!

11.) What’s the nicest thing you’ve seen a driver do?

The nicest thing I have seen a few drivers do would be their constant involvement with charities and causes, as well as making sure fans feel welcome at the track or an event.

12.) What’s the nicest thing you’ve seen a fan do?

There really is not one thing that I have noticed a from a fan, but what I enjoy seeing from fans is the bond they form in camp grounds and how they are willing to help each other in any situations.

13.) I know you’re single. Are you dating or in any sort of relationship? I’ve got to ask because I know there are female fans out there that will be curious.

Actually, at this point and time I am currently single. I am not dating anyone or involved seriously with anyone. If something happens to arise in the future that would be awesome, but till I get some serious interest, all of my focus will be on the task of getting to Sprint Cup.Actually, at this point and time I am currently single. I am not dating anyone or involved seriously with anyone. If something happens to arise in the future that would be awesome, but till I get some serious interest, all of my focus will be on the task of getting to Sprint Cup.

14.) Do you have a favorite spot you go to or have a place you’d like to visit someday?

My favorite spot to go hang out at is the beach and my goal is to actually go to the Bahamas one day and learn to wake board.

15.) What’s your favorite food?

I love to eat ha-ha! Favorite types of food are Mexican, Italian, Chinese, and most recently have acquired a taste for some Sushi. My all time favorite dish has to be ziti.

16.) What type of vehicle do you own?

Currently, I drive a black 2009 Honda Civic Si, 6-speed (I hate automatics!), with V-Tech.

17.) What’s your favorite movie(s)?

My favorite movies would have to be the Back to the Future Trilogy, Dale, Rudy, The Hangover, Dodgeball, Christmas Vacation, Ironman (1&2), Captain America, Green Lantern, Batman, Forest Gump, and Sherlock Holmes (1&2).My favorite movies would have to be the Back to the Future Trilogy, Dale, Rudy, The Hangover, Dodgeball, Christmas Vacation, Ironman (1&2), Captain America, Green Lantern, Batman, Forest Gump, and Sherlock Holmes (1&2).

18.) Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

The biggest influences in my life have probably been my Dad and my Grammi. I have modeled myself after my Dad because of the good qualities he demonstrates on a daily basis. My Grammi, I unfortunately lost her this past August, was my biggest supporter for anything I had an interest in and her opinion was a very important aspect of my life.The biggest influences in my life have probably been my Dad and my Grammi. I have modeled myself after my Dad because of the good qualities he demonstrates on a daily basis. My Grammi, I unfortunately lost her this past August, was my biggest supporter for anything I had an interest in and her opinion was a very important aspect of my life.

19.) Do you have any siblings?

I have a 16 year old brother who is a junior in High School and is currently a volunteer Fireman and EMT. Also, I have a baby brother named Reagan, which is our family beagle ha-ha!

20.) Anything you’d like to say in closing?

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and followed me since I started chasing this dream in 2007. I also want to make sure that fans and potential sponsors know that I am very serious about making a career out of driving a race car, plus I will do whatever it takes to make sure the fans get back to being the main focus because they are a big reason that drivers are able to get out of bed every day and “play” for a living. I promise to be the same person no matter what success happens to come my way and the potential money will not change where I came from because that is what made me who I am. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and followed me since I started chasing this dream in 2007. I also want to make sure that fans and potential sponsors know that I am very serious about making a career out of driving a race car, plus I will do whatever it takes to make sure the fans get back to being the main focus because they are a big reason that drivers are able to get out of bed every day and “play” for a living. I promise to be the same person no matter what success happens to come my way and the potential money will not change where I came from because that is what made me who I am.

I want to thank Kyle for taking time out of his schedule to do the 20 question thing. I hope this will give race fans out there a little better idea of who Kyle Lockrow is and what we as fans have to look forward to as he advances through the racing ranks. I like his sense of humor about his “baby brother”. It reminds me of myself talking about our cats being our “kids”. He’s chosen some good role models and from talking with him he’s doing right by them. I like his choices in food. A man after my own heart.

If you want to follow Kyle on Twitter, you can follow him at @KLockrow , check out his web site at http://www.kylelockrow.com/ , or follow him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kyle-Lockrow-Racing/109360867384