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

Time for Somebody to Lend a Helping Hand

There’s an old saying about charity beginning at home. And that’s what needs to be happening right now in NASCAR. We’ve got some racing greats who gave their all for the sport of stock car racing who are having some hard times getting medical care, paying the doctors’ bills, and meeting their everyday needs.
　
Recently, we found out that former racing great Fred Lorenzen was living in a nursing home as a result of his Alzheimer’s and that he was forgetting things, is beginning to forget names, was getting injured from falls at home, and that he pretty much wasn’t able to take care of himself. This is a far cry from the Golden Boy who wheeled his #28 Holman-Moody Ford around the track and winning. Fred gave his all for stock car racing and for the NASCAR under Bill France Sr. And how is Fred and his family being repaid by the France family for the sacrifices he made? They’re not. The Frances continue to hide behind the “independent contractor” clause. Despite the fact that NASCAR has a multi-million dollar charity which could easily assist Fred, it doesn’t. There are also a number of drivers who have charities who could step up and help Fred out. But they don’t.
　
Two time Busch Series champion Sam Ard was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson‘s Diseases several years ago. Sam and his wife Jo had to sell off Sam’s trophies, Martinsville clocks, championship rings, and other valuable memorabilia to try to keep up with the staggering medical bills of both Sam’s diseases and Jo’s blindness. The Old Timers Racing Club, through their Medical Hardship Fund, has been holding the Legends Helping Legends Fundraisers to assist drivers like Sam and other racing folks from the glory days of NASCAR. I attend them and was at the one they held for Sam. Racing greats like Rex White, Ned Jarrett, Bobby Allison, and others turned out to sign autographs for the fundraising event. All of those drivers, who like Sam, have no sort of medical help or pension fund to fall back on because of NASCAR’s continued hiding behind the “independent contractors” clause.
　
Both Mr. Happy and Dale Jr. stepped up and made donations to Sam’s care. Mr. Happy donated a van which was used in one of the Shell commercials he was in. The shocker was when Kyle Busch donated $100,000 to help with Sam’s care. Still, this is only 3 high profile drivers out of a how many? And where is NASCAR and the Frances in all of this? Neither the Frances, NASCAR, nor their “foundation” have donated a penny. There was a fundraiser at Richmond which raised $36,000 to help the Ard family out which had some fancy PR spin put on it to make it appear it was NASCAR making the donations but it wasn’t. For a supposed charity which pulls in untold millions and only donates $9 million to various charities, all of which benefit NASCAR and/or the France family either directly or indirectly, not to donate to former greats like Sam who helped put NASCAR on the map is almost criminal. All it takes is adding one sentence to the charter or rules to make it happen.
　
And what about all the high profile drivers who were shocked by Busch’s donation? What happened to the one-upmanship that drivers of old use to engage in? Drivers not wanting to be bested by their competitors? We didn’t see any of Busch’s vocal rivals step up and match his donation or try to beat it. Only Mr happy and Dale Jr. stepped up.
　
And what about Sam’s current condition? This is from a friend of the Ard family:
　
Sam is now a totally bed-ridden invalid. He is cared for at home by his wife 24/7. His request was and still is not to be placed in a nursing home.

It has been draining physically, emotionally, and financially. They are in desperate need of help at this time.
　
As you can see, Sam’s condition isn’t improving and the physical, mental, emotional, and financial drain on the family is still there. I know the toll it can take as I’m taking care of someone who was has been suffering with a seizure disorder for over 3 years.
　
Right now, Jo spends app. $300.00 a month for items which the VA does not provide. She struggles and juggles to make ends meet each month on his social security check. Any help would be appreciated, even gift cards to places like Walmart and grocery stores. There is a hole in her roof which she can't afford to have repaired. She is in need of a cooking stove, washer and dryer as theirs are about shot.　

If this isn’t the perfect opportunity for Lowe’s or Home Depot to step up and help them out, I don’t know what is.

And how much did the Frances pay towards Bobby Allison's medical bills from his terrifying crash at Pocono that nearly took his life? Zip. It took Bobby over 20 years to pay those medical bills off. It would've taken the France family one check to pay off Bobby's medical bills. But no, they preferred to hide behind the "independent contractor" clause.

So, here’s what I’d like to see happen. I know the folks from NASCAR are reading this along with some team PR and marketing people. Get off your duffs. Set up a charity to help out drivers and other folks who were in the racing business who need medical assistance or help with their medical bills or their medical care. NASCAR, ISC, and SMI could have a “Sam Ard Day” at one of their tracks and take the ticket money and donate it to help Sam out. Or they could take 10% of their ticket sales for all NASCAR events and donate it to the Racing Legends Medical Hardship Fund since it already exists. You team PR and marketing people, hit your drivers, team owners, and sponsors up for donations and services that they can provide to help these ailing former greats. Home Depot and Lowe’s could donate materials and personnel to help make houses wheelchair accessible or makes repairs that are sorely needed or donate things like washers, dryers, stoves, ovens, or fridges. The Big 3 could donate vans that are configured to transport a wheelchair-bound person. UPS and FedEx could ship medical supplies and medications to these ailing folks for free. Drivers could donate 10% of their race earnings or souvenir sales for the year to help out. If a driver got the testicular fortitude, he could donate his entire race winnings to help out. Team owners could pass the hat in their shops for donations or make their own donations separate from that of the teams and drivers. The ones who own vehicle dealerships could even help out by doing what I suggested the Big 3 do. Or they could modify a vehicle to be donated.
　
And how about some of you TV network people? How about donating some airtime to promote fundraisers like the Legends Helping Legends Fundraiser events? Or even send a camera crew out there to cover them? Speed’s got the personnel to do it and it’s just up the road in Mooresville. Or blocking off a day and instead of showing those fluff and reality shows that few people watch, how about running a telethon to raise funds? This would be the perfect event to put the Motormouth Brothers to work. Have them shill for the fundraisers like they do for everyone else that owns or sponsors them. You could get some current drivers in there to help out or answer the phones and get some former greats like Buddy Baker, Rex White, Junior Johnson, and others to tell some stories about the good old days of racing and get their opinions on the current state of the sport. Get Wanda Lund on there to talk about some of her recipes and some of her stories about her husband Tiny and some of the other racing greats. It could be a fundraiser and a history lesson in one.
　
And why should the current day drivers and crewmembers get involved with something like this? Because if it wasn’t for the likes of Sam Ard, Suitcase Jake, Rex White, James Hylton, and others, there wouldn’t be a NASCAR or a job for them. These folks pioneered the way for them to be able to do what they do today. They kept NASCAR from going under when it looked like it was going to fold several times. Think about James Hylton. He got his start as a crewmember on Rex White’s team before he became a racer and was the 1966 ROY. Rex was a pioneer of using jackscrews and using camber to turn the cars. He wasn’t just a racer, he was also a mechanical genius. Rex got his start turning wrenches for Frankie Schneider. Suitcase Jake was probably one of the most famous names in the garage outside of the drivers because of his mechanical and crew chief abilities and for his moving from team to team.
　
Think about today’s drivers. How many of them have come up through the ranks of being a mechanic first? How many crew chiefs started out working for free on somebody’s car as part of a volunteer crew? Or how about some of the great practical jokes that were played like those done by Curtis Turner, Joe Weatherly, and Tiny Lund? These are the things which took a regional racing series and turned it into a national brand name. These are the people who worked 2-3 jobs and sacrificed so much to be able to have a racing career. If not for these folks, today’s drivers would still be running in some lower level racing series trying to scrape together a couple of bucks to buy tires, parts, or gasoline to run their next race. Just like these racing pioneers had to do. So maybe it’s time for these big buck, high profile racing folks to remember these former greats and help them out since the sanctioning body that they sacrificed everything for won’t. After all, these drivers, team owners, and crewmembers wouldn’t be where they are today if it wasn’t for the likes of Sam Ard, James Hylton, Rex White, Suitcase Jake, Junior Johnson, and others too numerous to name from the history of the sport.