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FOR THE RECORD

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FINALLY RETURN TO THE TRACK

MY FAVORITES WITH NOAH GRAGSON P.12

MICHAEL ANNETT IS AN ANIMAL LOVER P.16

10 NASCAR News & Notes 18 For the Record: Geoff Bodine 22 Backstory: Leading Every Lap

LEGEND PROFILE: FRED LORENZEN P.24

26 1991 Season Recap

14 Kingsport Speedway Profile

36 NASCAR Salutes Keith McGee

40 NASCAR Builds with Jordan Anderson

NASCAR DRIVER POSTERS P.42

54 Austin Cindric Q&A 62 John Hunter Nemechek Q&A 70 Favorite Finds for Race Fans

38 Celebrating America

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10 NASCAR FANS THINGS WE MISSED

72 NASCAR Outdoors: Crossroads with the Burtons

NASCAR POLE POSITION AN OFFICIALLY LICENSED PUBLICATION OF NASCAR // ADDRESS: 23110 STATE ROAD 54, SUITE 293, LUTZ, FL 33549 • PHONE: (727) 209-0792 • WEB: POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM, AE-ENGINE.COM // PUBLISHER: CRAIG BARONCELLI // SALES VICE PRESIDENT: DAVID WATSON • SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: JUSTIN HAND, MARK MORALES // PRODUCTION: SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: JOE RABUCK • DIRECTOR, DIGITAL MEDIA: NICOLE COOPER • DIRECTOR, DIGITAL CONTENT: JOSH MULL • EDITOR: KEITH WALTZ • CONTRIBUTORS: JARED TURNER, KEITH WALTZ, BEN WHITE, JOSEPH WOLKIN • SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS: AIDAN ANDERSEN, ETHAN ANDERSEN • SPECIAL THANKS TO: GREG CARTY (NASCAR) // A.E. ENGINE SPECIFIES THAT POST-PRESS CHANGES MAY OCCUR TO ANY INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PUBLICATION AND TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOODS OR SERVICES ADVERTISED. NASCAR® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR STOCK CAR AUTO RACING, INC. MAIL ORDER: TO RECEIVE A SUBSCRIPTION TO NASCAR POLE POSITION MAGAZINE, SEND A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER FOR $29.95 TO: NASCAR POLE POSITION, C/O A.E. ENGINE, 23110 STATE ROAD 54, SUITE 293, LUTZ, FL 33549. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR RETURN MAILING ADDRESS AND AN EMAIL ADDRESS. ONLINE ORDER: SUBSCRIPTIONS CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE AT POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM/BUY. DISTRIBUTION: IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS OR AN ORGANIZATION INTERESTED IN DISTRIBUTING COPIES OF NASCAR POLE POSITION MAGAZINE, PLEASE CONTACT CRAIG BARONCELLI AT (727) 209-1750 OR CB@AE-ENGINE.COM. SALES INQUIRIES: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN NASCAR POLE POSITION MAGAZINE OR WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID WATSON AT (727) 209-0789, OR DKW@ AE-ENGINE.COM. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

POLE POSITION 2021

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POLE POSITION 2021

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PRESENTED BY

GREEN FLAG

HE’S BACK

Hall of Famer Jack Ingram Passes Away

Jack Ingram, winner of five NASCAR championships and more than 300 races during his career, died in June. The Avery’s Creek, North Carolina, native and 2014 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee was 84. Thoughts from Jim France, NASCAR chairman and CEO: “There is no better way to describe Jack Ingram than ‘Iron Man.’ Jack was a fixture at short tracks across the Southeast most days of the week, racing anywhere and everywhere. He dominated the Late Model Sportsman division like few others. He set the bar for excellence in the Xfinity Series as its Most Popular Driver in 1982 and champion in 1985. Jack was an ‘old school racer’ and his work on his own car helped propel him to Victory Lane hundreds of times. Of our current 58 NASCAR Hall of Fame members, he is one of only six that was elected based on his career and contributions in the grassroots level of our sport. On behalf of the France family and NASCAR, I offer my condolences to the friends and family of NASCAR Hall of Famer Jack Ingram.”

ALEX BOWMAN HAS signed a two-year contract extension to remain with Hendrick Motorsports through 2023. Bowman will continue to be sponsored by Ally, driving the No. 48 Chevrolet. With Bowman signed, all four of HMS’ drivers – Bowman, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson and William

NASCAR NEWS & NOTES

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WHEN THE NASCAR CUP SERIES

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As the first Growth and

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LAJOIE TO DRIVE ‘STOKER ACE’ TRIBUTE

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long-term efforts to grow the sport.”

‘Stroker Ace,’” said LaJoie.

motorsports being a key platform.

POLE POSITION 2021

“This award is a testament to the collective resolve and creativity of our industry as we worked through some extraordinary circumstances in 2020 and in the process led the way for live sports in our country.” – STE VE PH E LPS, PRES I DE NT, ON NASC AR BE I NG NAM E D S PORTS LE AGU E OF TH E YE AR

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MY FAVORITES

MY FAVORITES WITH

Noah Gragson

Noah Gragson is one of NASCAR’s top young stars. He’s energetic, fun to be around, has a cool haircut and can wheel an Xfinity Series race car like few his age. Gragson’s one-of-a-kind personality gets him in trouble sometimes, but that’s OK because he brings the flare back to the sport. Think of him as a modern-day Jimmy Spencer, a former NASCAR Cup Series racer known as “Mr. Excitement.” BY JOSEPH WOLKIN

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POLE POSITION 2021

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NASCAR HOME TRACKS

Kingsport Speedway Opened in 1965, Tennessee’s Kingsport Speedway has undergone several transformations since hosting its first NASCARsanctioned races in 1968. Today, the three-eighths-mile oval is known as “The Concrete Jungle.” “Kingsport is a very unique track. It started out in 1965 as dirt and it went to asphalt in the late 1960s. Then it went to back to dirt and it became concrete in 1996,” explained Karen Tunnell, who has served as the track’s general manager since 2014. “It’s had four different surfaces. “If you look at an aerial view of Kingsport, it’s an odd-looking track. The backstretch is wider than the frontstretch. Turn three is narrower than turn two. It is very unique and has a lot of character. A lot of the fans that we have today have actually been coming since the place was built. It’s one of those family atmospheres.”

KINGSPORT’S SLATE OF FRIDAY NIGHT RACING CONTINUES THROUGH SEPT. 10.

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Speedway showcases five divisions.

Speedway’s schedule is held in conjunction with

features an all-concrete racing surface. The surface was poured in 1996 under the

“We run the NASCAR late models; the sportsman division, which is a limited-type class;

the Fourth of July and honors the fans. “We do our Fan Appreciation Night where we

direction of then track owner Joe Loven. A veteran

pure street, which is your old Camaros, Novas

have all of the cars on display on the track,” Tunnell

of the concrete industry, Loven was part of the

and Monte Carlos; the modified 4-cylinders; and

said. “The fans love being able to go down and

team that oversaw installation of the concrete

the pure 4s, which is a front-wheel-drive class,”

have their pictures made with their drivers and

racing surface at nearby Bristol Motor Speedway.

Tunnell explained. “Our goal is to put on a good

get their T-shirts autographed. We always have a

show for our fans, and to give our drivers a place

huge fireworks display. It seems everyone always

to race that they want to keep coming back to.”

looks forward to that race.”

“It’s just as good today as the day it was poured,” Tunnell said about the unique surface.

POLE POSITION 2021

WORDS: KEITH WALTZ, PHOTOGRAPHY: KINGSPORT SPEEDWAY

NASCAR Wins ‘Sports League of the Year’ at 2021 Sports Business Awards

ASCAR was named Sports League of

the Year during the 2021 Sports Business Awards, a virtual ceremony hosted by Sports Business Journal to celebrate the best in sports business over the past year. The award, one of the most prestigious in the sports industry, recognizes NASCAR’s many successes and efforts during a historic and challenging 2020 season. Following the pandemic pause, NASCAR was the first major U.S. sport to return to competition, the first to safely welcome back fans and the first to complete a full season schedule. In June 2020, NASCAR took a stand for equality and social justice and banned the confederate flag from all properties and events. The sanctioning body reinforced its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and later welcomed Michael Jordan and Pitbull as new team owners. NASCAR worked with industry stakeholders to build and introduce the most dynamic new race schedule in more than 50 years,

including several new venues added to the 2021 slate of events. NASCAR also filled the live sports void with esports following the onset of COVID-19, collaborating with FOX and iRacing to introduce the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series. The new series generated six of the highest-rated esports programs in television history. Joining NASCAR as finalists for the Sports League of the Year award were the NBA, NFL, NHL, PGA Tour, UFC and the WNBA. The win marks NASCAR’s first in the category for the Sports Business Awards.

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Annett: Definitely an Animal Lover BY JARED TURNER

f there was ever a NASCAR driver who

cared about helping animals, it’s NASCAR Xfinity Series veteran Michael Annett. He’s got four dogs, all of which live inside the house. Annett and girlfriend Whitney also own a 20-year-old Palomino horse. At this point, most folks could justifiably liken Annett’s estate to a modernday version of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm.” “I’m definitely an animal lover,” Annett said. “It sounds corny, but they’re man’s best friends. My girlfriend would kill me, but I’d have five more if I could. That’s just how I feel. I love animals.” Since going to a breeder to purchase his first dog – a 16-year-old Miniature Goldendoodle named Paisley after the

country music singer whose first name is Brad – Annett has taken in three rescue dogs. “To be able to put them in a better situation just makes me feel good at heart,” he said. While Annett admits that living with four dogs can present its challenges, he wouldn’t change it for the world. “You can have girlfriends and wives, and you’re going to have your fights,” Annett said. “But with your dogs, they might be pissed at you, but they can’t tell you they are. It’s pretty cool to have someone like that that’s just always by your side and really never lets you down.”

FOR THE RECORD

Q&A

PRESENTED BY

WITH GEOFF BODINE FORMER DRIVER REFLECTS ON A LIFELONG JOURNEY

eoff Bodine’s roster of 18 NASCAR Cup Series victories

includes the 1986 Daytona 500, but a visit to Victory Lane two years earlier at Martinsville Speedway is perhaps his most significant triumph as it kept Rick Hendrick from shutting down his fledgling Cup Series operation. A native of Chemung, New York, Bodine made a name for himself racing modifieds in the Northeast before moving south, where he enjoyed a successful 25-year career in NASCAR’s premier series. Our chat with the former driver offers insight into his accomplishments and his deep passion for the sport of stock car racing. TELL US HOW YOU BECAME INTERESTED IN STOCK CAR RACING. When I was about a year old, some local racers up in New York State went to my grandfather and father and asked them to build a quarter-mile race track. My grandfather had a big farm. He and my father had a cornfield and there was a side hill to it where people could sit. So they dug up the cornfield and made a race track out of it. I’ve

POLE POSITION 2021

BY BEN WHITE

been around racing all my life. When I was 5 years old, my father built me a little racer and I raced on a little track for kids, and that’s when I started. I had uncles who raced so I followed them. I had a great education about racing and about raising chickens. I cleaned the cars and swept the floors, built engines, welded and built and raced my own cars. YOU WON A TON OF MODIFIED RACES BEFORE YOU BEGAN DRIVING IN THE CUP SERIES IN 1979. DID YOU EVER VISIT DAYTONA AND WATCH RACES THERE AS A FAN? I sure did when I was a kid. My parents, my brothers and sister would load up in the car and go to Daytona from up north. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

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PRESENTED BY

That was a two-day trip in those days, which was in the late 1950s, to see our other grandparents. I would say then, “I want to race at Daytona against my hero Richard Petty.” That was my dream as a kid. I have eightmillimeter film shot while standing on the tailgate of our station wagon of races there in 1959 and 1960, of Lee Petty and Junior Johnson winning there. I was 10 or 11 years old. YOU WON 18 CUP SERIES RACES BETWEEN 1984 AND 2011. OF THOSE, WHICH WAS THE MOST REWARDING? I had some incredible wins during my career, but I have to say that first Cup Series win at Martinsville Speedway with Rick Hendrick (April 29, 1984) was the most special. The reason it’s the most special is because it was a huge win for me and a huge win for Rick, because had we not won, he was going to close the doors at Hendrick Motorsports. There wasn’t going to be a Hendrick Motorsports. He was going to shut the doors. That has turned out to be the most important win for me for a lot of reasons, for NASCAR and for all the drivers that have driven for Rick. At that time, we didn’t know how important that win was, but it turned out to be huge. YOU DROVE FOR MANY OF THE TOP TEAM OWNERS IN THE BUSINESS. IS THERE ONE WHO STANDS OUT ABOVE THE REST? Oh, there were many greats for sure. There was Cliff Stewart, Junior Johnson, Bud Moore, Junior Johnson and myself, and a few after I closed my team. (Laughter) I’m going to say I enjoyed driving for myself. I agree there were some great owners and great crew chiefs at my side for all of those races and all those wins, but I really enjoyed owning my team. It came under some not so pleasant circumstances after Alan Kulwicki lost his life in the airplane crash on April 1, 1993, while flying to Bristol, Tennessee. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF THE NASCAR CUP SERIES FOR SO MANY YEARS? I came into the sport at a great time. I did race against my hero, Richard Petty.

POLE POSITION 2021

There was also David Pearson, Bobby and Donnie Allison. Here comes Harry Gant, Terry Labonte and later Bobby Labonte and Ricky Rudd. I just keep naming names, such as Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin. I don’t think you could race any better guys than the guys I raced. That’s the best part. I think I raced during some of the best times in NASCAR. It’s really great now, but it was also great in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. WAS IT DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO STEP AWAY FROM DRIVING IN THE CUP SERIES, OR DID YOU FEEL IT WAS TIME? Yes, it was tough. My career became part time after my crash at Daytona (in the Truck Series) in 2000. I almost won the Daytona 500 with James Finch in 2002 and finished third, which was great, but it was so hard to get racing out of my system. I prayed for many years and finally God helped me to come to terms with all of that. I’m fine with all of it now. I don’t need it now. I don’t want to race anymore. So yeah, it took a while. It was hard to get over it because I was around the sport all my life. I help test a car for a friend at New Smyrna Speedway here in Florida, so I still enjoy a little bit of racing these days. That’s really all the driving I’m doing now. I’m OK with that. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

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BACKSTORY

PRESENTED BY

LEADING EVERY LAP

IT’S ONLY HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE CUP SERIES BY BEN WHITE

O •• Not once, but

twice, NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough led every lap en route to Victory Lane.

POLE POSITION 2021

nly three times in NASCAR Cup Series competition has a

driver led every lap en route to Victory Lane. The first was in March 1973 when Cale Yarborough, driving the No. 11 Chevrolet owned by Richard Howard and prepared in Junior Johnson’s shop, started from the pole and led all 500 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway. On Sunday, March 11, Yarborough led 52 laps before rain sent everyone running for shelter. When drivers and teams returned to Bristol on March 25 to complete the remaining 448 laps, they did so under sunny skies and Yarborough quickly lapped the field. Fans in the grandstands and teams in the infield could do nothing but watch as the driver from Timmonsville, South Carolina, blistered the field throughout the afternoon. His Chevrolet went high and low at will, slicing through traffic with ease. There were seven caution periods that slowed the race for 56 laps and only delayed the inevitable. “I’ve never had an easier ride. Not ever,” Yarborough said following that victory. No one believed Yarborough’s amazing feat would be duplicated. But just five years later, on June 3, 1978, Yarborough once

again turned the trick, leading all 420 laps on his way to winning at Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville. “I’ve been fortunate to have driven some fine race cars down through the years.” Yarborough noted. “It’s really incredible for anyone to lead every lap in any race in this league. But we have the best team, despite what anybody says.” On Sept. 17, 2000, Jeff Burton, driving the No. 99 Ford owned by Jack Roush, led all 300 laps in the NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The native of South Boston, Virginia, started second and never lost the point after taking the green flag. Dale Earnhardt rubbed Burton’s Ford three times while Burton attempted to put him a lap down. Finally, Burton made the pass on lap 259 to send Earnhardt out of contention. “I don’t blame him a bit for that,” Burton said of “The Intimidator” in post-race interviews. “That’s what he’s supposed to do.” With the intense level of competition in today’s NASCAR Cup Series, a driver may never again lead from flag to flag. But then again, no one thought it was possible in 1973, 1978 or 2000.

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NASCAR Legend: Fred Lorenzen

Fred Lorenzen built his NASCAR career by initially wheeling his own race cars and later the driver known as “Golden Boy” won 26 Cup Series races while driving for the powerful Holman Moody operation.

BY BEN WHITE

Born Dec. 30, 1934, Lorenzen began listening to NASCAR races on the radio in the family car as a teenager in the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst, Illinois. Short tracks in the Chicago area drew him to NASCAR competition in 1956 and he claimed USAC stock car championships in 1958 and ’59. He returned to NASCAR’s premier series in 1960, but a disappointing season threatened to send him home to Chicago. Sitting alone on Christmas Eve with no hope of returning to racing, Lorenzen got an unexpected phone call from Ralph Moody, offering a top ride with the legendary Holman Moody team in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lorenzen won three of the 15 NASCAR Cup Series races he entered in the powerful pearl white No. 28 Ford during the 1961 season. In 1962, there were two more wins with 11 top-five finishes and three pole positions in 19 starts. The next year, he logged six wins and 21 top-five results in 29 races. From 1964 to 1967, Lorenzen won 15 additional races, including the 1965 Daytona 500. But the loss of his idol and teammate Fireball Roberts in a 1964 crash at Charlotte Motor Speedway and health issues of his own prompted an early retirement from driving on April 24, 1967. Stock car racing’s handsome superstar said goodbye to a distinguished career as one of the sport’s most revered and respected drivers of the era. Lorenzen briefly returned to NASCAR from 1970 to 1972, but he did not win. His career earnings totaled $496,572.

I WANT TO GO OUT WHILE I’M ON TOP. I’VE WON EVERYTHING THAT YOU CAN WIN AND THERE’S NO WAY TO GO BUT DOWN. –FRED LORENZEN

BEST SEASON DURING THE 1964 SEASON, LORENZEN ENTERED 16 NASCAR Cup Series events and won eight, including superspeedway races at Atlanta, Charlotte and Darlington. Lorenzen had his No. 28 Ford out front for 2,375 of 5,375 laps completed. He was a fan favorite everywhere he raced throughout his 12-year career. RECORD SETTER LORENZEN ENTERED RACES WITH THE HIGHEST purses and put his cars up front when lap money was on the line. His total earnings of $122,587 in 1963 made him the first NASCAR driver to win more than $100,000 in a single season. He was often spotted calling his stockbroker after victories.

OPTIMISTIC INNOVATIVE

DETERMINED STRONG-WILLED FOCUSED KNOWN FOR LORENZEN WAS HANDSOME AND HAD QUITE A female fan following. He was known to date movie stars and magazine models when his schedule allowed. He never partied the night before a race and felt getting a good night’s sleep was a huge advantage on the track against his fellow competitors.

POLE POSITION 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

SEASON RECAP

BLAST

FROM THE

PAST

BY BEN WHITE

BEST DRIVER HARRY GANT, DRIVING the No. 33 Skoal Bandit Oldsmobile for Leo Jackson Racing, recorded

Dale Earnhardt and Ricky Rudd proved to be the top championship contenders of the 1991 NASCAR Cup Series season, collecting a combined five victories during the 29-race premier series schedule. Earnhardt was in his eighth season behind the wheel of the No. 3 Chevrolet owned by Richard Childress and fielded by Richard Childress Racing. The two had joined forces for the second time in 1984, after having shown promise during 10 races together in 1981. Since reuniting, Earnhardt and Childress had become a force in NASCAR Cup Series racing, winning championships in 1986, 1987 and 1990, and they looked to add a fourth title in 1991. Earnhardt claimed his first championship with team owner Rod Osterlund in 1980 for a career total of four when the season began. Rudd, a former driver for Childress in 1982 and 1983 when Earnhardt raced for Bud Moore, was driving for team owner Rick Hendrick in 1991 and showing championship promise. He was in his second season at Hendrick Motorsports. With master crew chief and engine builder Waddell Wilson at his side, the No. 5 Chevrolet was strong every time it rolled out of the garage area. Both Earnhardt and Rudd managed to show consistency throughout the schedule. Rudd collected a victory at Darlington Raceway in April, along with 17 top-10 finishes. Even though Rudd had a good season, it was Earnhardt’s wins at Martinsville, Richmond, Talladega and North Wilkesboro, along with 21 top-10 results, that made the difference in the championship standings. At season’s end, Earnhardt was 195 points ahead of Rudd to claim his fifth NASCAR Cup Series championship.

five wins and 17 top-10 finishes in 29 starts during the 1991 season. Four of the victories came consecutively at Darlington, Richmond, Martinsville and North Wilkesboro, prompting the media to dub him “Mr. September.” Gant went on to finish fourth in points behind Dale Earnhardt, Ricky Rudd and Davey Allison. Gant retired from driving three years later with 18-career victories. BEST RACE ON AUG. 18, 1991, Dale Jarrett, driving the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford, logged his first-career Cup Series victory at Michigan International Speedway as he beat Davey Allison’s Robert Yates Racing Ford to the checkered flag by a mere eight inches. Jarrett got the advantage coming off turn four and edged ahead of Allison

SEASON RECAP DATE LOCATION

Feb. 17 Feb. 24 March 3 March 18 April 7 April 14 April 21 April 28 May 6 May 26 June 2 June 9 June 16 June 23 July 6 July 21 July 28 Aug. 11 Aug. 18 Aug. 24 Sept. 1 Sept. 7 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 20 Nov. 3 Nov. 17

Daytona International Speedway Richmond Raceway Rockingham Speedway Atlanta Motor Speedway Darlington Raceway Bristol Motor Speedway North Wilkesboro Speedway Martinsville Speedway Talladega Superspeedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Dover International Speedway Sonoma Raceway Pocono Raceway Michigan International Speedway Daytona International Speedway Pocono Raceway Talladega Superspeedway Watkins Glen International Michigan International Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway Darlington Raceway Richmond Raceway Dover International Speedway Martinsville Speedway North Wilkesboro Speedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Rockingham Speedway Phoenix Raceway Atlanta Motor Speedway

width. Jarrett went on to win 31 additional Cup

PRESIDENT

Series races before his

George H.W. Bush N O . 1 AT T H E B O X O F F I C E

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

TOP CARS DALE EARNHARDT’S No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, winner of four NASCAR Cup Series races in 1991. Ricky Rudd’s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, winner of the spring race at Darlington that season.

POLE POSITION 2021

Ernie Irvan Dale Earnhardt Kyle Petty Ken Schrader Ricky Rudd Rusty Wallace Darrell Waltrip Dale Earnhardt Harry Gant Davey Allison Ken Schrader Davey Allison Darrell Waltrip Davey Allison Bill Elliott Rusty Wallace Dale Earnhardt Ernie Irvan Dale Jarrett Alan Kulwicki Harry Gant Harry Gant Harry Gant Harry Gant Dale Earnhardt Geoff Bodine Davey Allison Davey Allison Mark Martin

by less than a bumper’s

retirement in 2005.

WINNER

NO. 1 SONG

“(Everything I Do) I Do it for You” by Bryan Adams

1991

P O P C U LT U R E

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THINGS WE

MISSED

NASCAR W Fans Finally Return to the Track BY JARED TURNER

POLE POSITION 2021

hat did you miss the most about NASCAR during the CO-

VID-19 pandemic when – for the better part of a year – few if any fans were allowed at the race track? While most of us made the necessary adjustments to our homeviewing experience to continue enjoying the sport we love from the comforts of our couches, it just wasn’t the same without things like driver intros, military flyovers and pre-race tailgates. Not only did COVID-19 make us realize what we missed, but we also realized many of the things about NASCAR – and life in general – that we took for granted. Things we once considered to be major inconveniences became things we actually missed and, in some cases, even longed for, simply because they became symbols of normalcy. They represented the life we all knew before the pandemic turned everything upside down and forced us to live our lives in a bubble. Up next are 10 things that we look forward to doing or experiencing again as life returns to normal and NASCAR race weekends begin to look a lot more like they did in days before COVID-19 rocked not only NASCAR but the entire country and most of the world. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

Driver Intros

OK, WHO DOESN’T ABSOLUTELY LOVE

least – popular drivers are, driver intros are the

driver introductions? This is NASCAR’s version of

moment of truth. While fans typically shower

the moment two teams run onto the field before

the most popular drivers – such as Chase Elliott

a football game. You could also liken driver intros

– in a loud chorus of applause, the drivers on

to that short but always exciting window of time

the opposite end of the popularity spectrum are

when the public address announcer introduces

typically peppered with an equally audible chorus

the starting lineups and opposing coaches prior to

of boos.

a basketball game.

So if you have that one driver who you just love

In short: It’s goosebumps all around.

to hate but have never been able to get your

Not only are driver intros a great way for fans to

feelings out in the open, well, driver intros are

outwardly pledge their support to their favorite

your chance. It’s also a good time for drivers to

driver just moments before he jumps in his race

taunt their haters a little bit, too.

car; driver intros are also the perfect time for fans

We couldn’t be more thankful driver intros

to let the drivers they don’t like know just how

are back after all those many months when the

much they disapprove.

dearth of people in the stands did away with any

Speaking of supporting and disapproving, if you ever wondered who the sport’s most – and

real need for tracks to set aside a formal time to introduce the competitors.

Fans in the Garage

IF YOU WANT UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL

the fans we missed the most. After all, the fans

access to NASCAR drivers and their team

naturally bring a level of enthusiasm to the garage

members as they roam the garage during a race

that others – the people there doing their jobs –

weekend, a garage pass is your proverbial ticket in.

don’t bring.

While these passes aren’t typically available to just anyone and usually require having a personal connection to a team, sponsor or NASCAR itself,

“It’s just nice to actually have people around in the form of fans,” veteran driver Ryan Newman said. Kyle Larson – one of the fastest drivers

it’s not uncommon to see hundreds of fans

throughout the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season

milling about the garage over the course of a

– agrees. “We haven’t seen this many fans in

race weekend. All that changed during COVID-19,

forever,” he said.

however, when NASCAR limited garage access to

Perhaps driver Chris Buescher best summarizes

only essential personnel – mainly drivers, NASCAR

the feeling of having fans in the garage again,

officials and team members working on the cars.

however.

Notably absent were drivers’ families, members

“Being able to see fans back in the garage, the

of the media, sponsor representatives and, yes,

stands, obviously, and even the infield, it’s neat,”

fans. While we certainly missed seeing everyone

Buescher said. “I’m glad to see it.”

in the garage who would normally be there, it’s

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And so are we.

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Noise

LIKE THE LOUD ROAR OF A V-8 ENGINE IN A

reality: Unless you’ve actually been to a NASCAR

NASCAR Cup Series car? What true NASCAR fan

race, you can’t have a true appreciation for the

doesn’t? After all, there’s not a sound anywhere

noise. But once you’ve experienced it, well, there’s

that’s any more pleasing. Of course, this sound

nothing quite like it.

was almost unrecognizable over the many months that fans were not allowed at the race track. There’s just no comparison whatsoever between

Of course, the engines aren’t the only great sound heard from the track. There are also those occasions when the roar from the stands – that

the way a V-8 NASCAR engine sounds on TV or

is, fans cheering – can actually be heard above the

radio versus in-person.

roar of the engines. This never happened in 2020

While some NASCAR fans with really sensitive ears might welcome the addition of noise-

once tracks had to switch to reduced fan capacity

reducing mufflers to the cars that compete on

or no fan capacity. But now that most tracks are back at 100 percent

Sunday afternoons, the reality is that most fans

capacity, there will be those occasions when the

don’t mind having their eardrums stretched a

fans get so loud, they can be heard above the

bit. Just think about all those months when fans

engines. And if there’s one sound that’s even better

wanted to be at the track and couldn’t. Here’s the

than the roar of the engines, it’s this.

Autographs

WHAT NASCAR FAN DOESN’T LOVE

autographs anywhere a fan approaches them.

collecting autographs from their favorite drivers?

In some cases, that will be outside of the infield,

Well, during the COVID-19 pandemic, drivers

because not every driver stays in the infield

weren’t signing a lot of autographs because

the entire race weekend or day, if it’s a

no fans were at the track. Although digital

one-day show.

autographs became all the rage on Twitter for a

Plus, when the race is over, drivers usually take

few weeks at the height of the quarantine, it just

a golf cart out of the infield to their personal

wasn’t the same as real ink.

vehicles so they can head to the airport. Don’t

But now that fans are allowed back at the track

hesitate to approach drivers for autographs

and, in some cases, even down in the garage area,

as they’re getting on and off of their golf carts.

the age of autographs has returned.

While this habit might have occasionally been a

Much like in pre-COVID times, drivers and

nuisance to some drivers in the pre-COVID days,

other well-known people in NASCAR can be

those days are long gone now. And as happy as

spotted signing autographs in the garage. Of

the drivers are to have fans back at the track, it’s

course, now that drivers are actually able to

safe to assume there might be more autograph

mix and mingle with fans again, they can sign

signing going on than there’s ever been.

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Pre-Race Concerts

LIKE GETTING TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE?

pressed up tightly against the stage and seen

Along with being a terrific way to drum up energy

swaying back and as the popular band performed

and excitement just minutes before the green flag

some of its chart-topping hits.

waves, pre-race concerts are a great way for fans

Fans watching from home sometimes get the

to see their favorite musical artists up-close and

benefits of these concerts just like the fans at the

in-person – without having to pay an extra penny

track, although being able to attend in-person

beyond the standard cost of a race ticket.

certainly creates a more unforgettable concert

Pretty cool, huh? Among the more well-known musical artists

experience. Sadly, all pre-race concerts went by the wayside

to grace the infield stage and put on a pre-race

during COVID-19 when tracks permitted few if

concert over the last couple of decades are Bon

any fans to attend. After all, what’s the point of

Jovi, Darius Rucker, Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson

having a live concert for an empty grandstand?

and Luke Combs, and there have been many others as well. Bon Jovi’s concert before the 2006 Daytona

The good news is that pre-race concerts fully resumed in the weeks leading up to the midway point of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season,

500 was particularly memorable, as drivers such

so let’s hope they’re here to stay. We certainly

as Michael Waltrip were among the thousands

missed them – and we know the fans did, too.

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Walking the Midway

NO MATTER WHO WINS THE RACE, HOW MANY TIMES THE

caution flag waves or what kind of finish unfolds, no weekend at the

for families with children. Sadly, these areas sat eerily silent on most race weekends during

track is complete without taking a leisurely stroll along the midway,

the pandemic. In fact, one might even fairly liken them to ghost

which is sometimes also known as the “Fan Zone.”

towns. That’s just how little activity was going on here. But thanks

This is the area at the track where fans can play games, learn about

to COVID-19 becoming less of a threat, and the fact that most tracks

sponsors’ products, participate in contests and maybe even meet

have removed their restrictions on how many fans can attend,

some drivers. Also found here are the oh-so-popular and longtime

midways are once again becoming an epicenter of major activity.

fan-favorite souvenir haulers where fans can buy just about any kind of memorabilia or merchandise pertaining to their favorite driver. Whether it’s shopping for a new hat, T-shirt or die-cast

Other than the race itself, there’s arguably nothing better or more memorable about being at the track than spending time walking midways with your spouse, children or friends – or even alone. While

collectible, or asking your favorite driver a question during an open

you’re there, it’s always possible – maybe even likely – that you’ll

Q&A, midways are the place to be on race weekend – especially

even make a new friend or two.

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POLE POSITION MAG.COM

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Sure, lines may not be ideal for people who would

person in the world. If this pandemic did

rather sit than stand, but standing is just part of

anything, it reminded us of all the things we

the NASCAR experience. If you can stand at the

take for granted.

start of the race and each time the drivers take

Sure, it may not be the most fun thing in the

the green flag after a caution, then you can stand

world to stand in line – especially to go to the

a few minutes to get a hot dog – and you can

restroom – but after months and months of no

certainly stand to get some relief for your bladder.

lines and no people, we actually kind of missed it.

Each pill has the strength to last 12 hours.

In fact, at this point, we say, “The longer the line,

quarantining and not being able to be at the

Think about it like this: Would you rather

After all, what better place is there to get to know

stand in a crowded line at the track or witness

someone, ask them about their favorite driver

an empty track from your home living room?

or tell a few stories than standing in line for the

When you look at it like this, waiting in line never

restroom or at the concession stands?

seemed so tolerable.

Paying for Parking

BACK IN THE DAYS BEFORE COVID-19

it might be to park. Chances are, that money

changed how we all live, having to pay for

is going to some person or organization that

parking at the race track was almost universally

absolutely loves NASCAR. And assuming that’s

considered nothing less than a nuisance. Who

the case, you can view paying to park almost

in their right mind really wants to pay to park

like you might view paying to eat at your favorite

anywhere – much less at a race track where you’ll

restaurant. That is, at the end of the day, it’s so

most likely still have to walk a good distance even

worth it – and it sure beats watching the race

after paying?

from home.

Well, times have changed, and paying to park no

So, basically, look at paying to park as an

longer seems like such a burden. This, of course,

investment. It’s an investment into a fun

is because we vividly remember the days – think

experience at the track that some people will

early 2021 and most of 2020 – when paying

never get to have and that virtually no one had for

to park would’ve been a welcome sacrifice just

over a year while COVID-19 ran rampant on these

to be able to attend a NASCAR event live and

shores and forced people and businesses to shut

in-person.

down things – like race tracks – that you hoped

So don’t sweat that 20 bucks or whatever

would never be closed.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

Tailgating

YOU CAN SEARCH HIGH AND LOW. YOU

not thousands of fans participate in some kind

might even try Googling “fun activities” or

of tailgate, but COVID-19 put a temporary stop

“fun things to do.” It’s unlikely you’ll ever find

to all of this. Even in the relatively few cases

anything more enjoyable than a NASCAR

where tracks did allow a limited number of

tailgating experience.

fans, tailgating temporarily became a forbidden

Whether it be done in the company of good friends, family members or a combination of both, tailgating is one of the best ways to make

activity in an effort to slow the spread of the deadly virus. But now that most tracks are operating at full

memories at the track because it involves

capacity again, tailgating has resumed – and

delicious food and a community of people with

it’s a beautiful sight. In fact, we couldn’t be any

the shared purpose of simply having a great time.

more thankful to see people grilling burgers and

The most seasoned NASCAR tailgaters have

steaks, soaking up the sun and connecting with

all the great tailgating recipes, know the best

one another from the bed of their pickup truck

tailgating games to play, and know exactly what

or the outside of their RV. If there’s any activity

to bring with them to the track in order to make

done at the race track that brings people

the most out of the weekend.

together, it’s tailgating – and we’ve sorely

On a typical NASCAR weekend, hundreds if

missed it.

The National Anthem & Flyovers

NASCAR FANS, DRIVERS AND TEAM

members tend to be some of the most patriotic

the track and witness it in person. While the singing of the anthem remained a

people you’ll ever find. It’s even fair to say NASCAR

staple of race day even when tracks weren’t

is hands-down the most patriotic of all sports.

able to host fans, it was typically performed by

Most of the people who attend races and work in the NASCAR garage all but bleed Red, White and Blue – and many of them have personally

someone at another location. And, sadly, military flyovers went away. But with most COVID-19 health restrictions

served in the armed forces, defending the

having been lifted, the in-person singing of the

freedoms and ideals of this great nation. One

anthem has returned – as have the impressive

of the ways this patriotism is seen on race

military flyovers, which are a tangible display

weekends is through the singing of the national

of our nation’s military power and strength.

anthem and, in many cases, other patriotic songs

To witness these is like nothing else, and they

during pre-race ceremonies.

put chill bumps on the backs of even the most

The anthem is usually followed by a flyover featuring some kind of sophisticated military

reserved NASCAR fans. With no flyovers and live performances of the

aircraft, which is always an impressive sight to

national anthem, race day never felt exactly right.

behold – especially if you’re lucky enough to be at

We’re so glad they’re both back and here to stay.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

NASCAR SALUTES

Air Force Veteran Keith McGee Shows Dreams Do Come True BY JOSEPH WOLKIN

ot many people discover their pas-

sion in life during their late 30s, but that’s exactly what happened to Keith McGee, who proudly served eight years in the U.S. Air Force. McGee didn’t start racing until he was 35 years old, but ever since he’s been on a rapid trajectory, thanks to his determination to succeed. Even though he understands racing is largely about funding, the resident of Alaska wants to make NASCAR history. Fortunately, McGee has the support of several people in the industry, including team owner Jordan Anderson. Anderson gave McGee his first chance to truly show what he is capable of following his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut with the underfunded Reaume Brothers Racing. When a sponsor backed out of supporting McGee’s drive in Anderson’s No. 3 Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway during Memorial Day weekend, he went straight to social media. Not shy about asking for help, McGee’s tweet went viral and Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports answered. Suddenly, not only did McGee have a sponsor, but he had the backing of one of America’s largest personalities. While the results weren’t exactly what McGee expects out of himself, he’s still learning. He is only starting his racing career, and the fact he is able to do so at 40 years old is simply a dream come true. NASCAR Pole Position recently sat down with Keith McGee to see what makes him go.

POLE POSITION 2021

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED ON THIS JOURNEY? Five years ago, I had never been inside a race car. It was a childhood dream of mine while watching NASCAR and growing up around sprint cars. It never panned out at a young age. I joined the military and set out for basic training on Sept. 11, 2001. From there, I was stationed in Alaska and fell in love with the state. I knew it was where I’d spend the rest of my life. I suffered a traumatic brain injury while I was on active duty. It made me look back on everything to realize my time here on earth is limited and not guaranteed. I need to make the most of it, so I started pursuing passions of mine. In 2017, an indoor go-karting track opened in Alaska. It was the closest I’d get to racing. I realized it was therapeutic for my PTSD. In the 15 minutes I was on track, I escaped all of my issues and the things that troubled me. I started going numerous times a week, and that made me realize I’m pretty good at driving a go-kart. I had 115 starts with 80-something wins. I won a karting championship and, one night, someone approached me and asked if I’d ever thought about racing in NASCAR. I told them it was a lifelong dream. They had a team in the Whelen All-American Series and they wanted me to drive for them. But I realized I was better off doing it on my own, so I bought my own car. In my second season, I was invited to run the K&N West Pro Series in California. That kept leading to more opportunities. My successful ARCA test led to more opportunities. On April 17, I became the first Alaskan and disabled veteran to make a national series start. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A DISABLED VETERAN, RACE IN NASCAR AND SHOW THAT NO MATTER YOUR STRUGGLES, YOU CAN OVERCOME THEM? It means a lot to me. It’s a lesson I learned from my mom. In the early ’80s, my mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She was paralyzed on the right side of her body and the doctors told her she’d never walk again. After a lot of physical therapy and luck similar to myself, in 1998, she won an Olympic gold medal in Calgary with the U.S. Ski Team. At an early age, I was shown this example that we’re limited only by what we think PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

PRESENTED BY

we’re capable of. To represent other military veterans and disabled veterans has been really humbling. It was never a goal of mine to be the first disabled veteran (in NASCAR), but it’s part of the story. I have the honor of having other veterans looking up to me and possibly getting inspired by me, and it’s pretty heartwarming. WHAT’S YOUR GOAL BY RACING IN NASCAR? If I can change one veteran’s outlook on what they’re capable of, that’s my goal. I want to inspire people who feel they’ve given the best years of their life to their country. You’re capable of so much, and it’s about what your mindset is. If you feel you can do it, you can achieve it. Don’t listen to the naysayers and know you can do it yourself. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO KNOW THAT OWNER JORDAN ANDERSON AND MANY OTHERS BELIEVE IN YOU? It’s a dream come true. You have this idea of where you want to go and what you want to do, especially in a sport like NASCAR. To see all of those things unfolding in front of you is amazing. I’m just an ordinary guy who got lucky, had an opportunity and ran with it. I’m interacting with people I’ve looked up to for years, and it’s pretty unreal. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH BARSTOOL SPORTS?

It all came together with having a sponsor back out at the last minute. A lot of times, we tend to focus on the negative things that are happening and we don’t think something good is going to come out of it. For me, having a sponsor pull out was very stressful. It made me discouraged. I really wanted to race at Charlotte during Memorial Day weekend. To have so much support from everybody on social media to make that happen and get the attention of Barstool wasn’t even something I was anticipating. To have Barstool on my truck for that race was incredible. When you look at the other drivers Barstool has gotten behind and sponsored, I’m in pretty good company. It was pretty awesome. MOVING FORWARD, WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE A NAME FOR YOURSELF IN NASCAR? It all comes down to seat time. I definitely don’t want to rush my progress because, when it comes down to it, I’ve only been racing for five years. I don’t have a ton of seat time. The more seat time I get, the better I’ll be able to hone my skills. The ultimate goal is to make it to the Cup Series one day. But for now, I’m grateful for where I am and for these opportunities. I’ll keep going as long as the opportunities are there.

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NASCAR SALUTES

CELEBRATING AMERICA! Patriotic paint schemes were on display in the Jockey Made in America 250 Presented by Kwik Trip at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, over the Fourth of July weekend.

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PRESENTED BY

DID YOU KNOW?

Made in the USA … Or is It?

The Worlds Simplest Stud Finder

What’s more American than hot dogs, apple pie and the Star-Spangled Banner? You might be surprised. Plenty of “American” favorites have foreign origins like frankfurters, fruit pies or British drinking songs. Likewise, uncovering other products’ roots reveals an unexpected view of red, white and blue. Here’s a list that’s unexpectedly American and un-American. BY MICHAEL WILLARD

TOP 5 UNEXPECTEDLY AMERICAN LaCroix: Reminiscent of the famous French water Perrier, LaCroix was originally made in La Crosse, Wisconsin, at family-owned brewery G. Heileman. With “La” from its hometown and “Croix” from the nearby St. Croix River, the carbonated beverage was one of the first “Anti-Perrier” brands intended to appeal to American sparkling water drinkers.

Häagen-Dazs: There’s an umlaut, a hyphen and … how do you say that? The ice cream doesn’t come from Europe, however. Born in the Bronx in the 1960s, Häagen-Dazs was created by Reuben and Rose Mattus, who named it in honor of Denmark’s efforts to save Jewish people during WWII.

GINSU KNIVES: It may sound Samurai strong – and that’s the idea – but the knife with the Japanese-like name comes from Fremont, Ohio. Originally produced as Quikut knives by the Scott Fetzer Company, the name change was a marketing ploy intended to make buyers think of durable, sharp swords.

Video Game Consoles: Forget Nintendo, the home video game console was created not in Japan, but in the U.S. Engineer Ralph H. Baer came up with the concept for Magnavox Odyssey while working for military contractor Sanders Associates. Released in 1972, it was the first device you could plug into a TV to play games.

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Wave 2 Support Arrives from Forney

Forney’s support of Jordan Anderson Racing continued with the delivery of a second wave of premium items that will keep the Jordan Anderson fab shop outfitted with the best products available. Jordan Anderson took time to discuss how Forney products make his race team go.

FORNEY & MICAH

or some, do-it-yourself projects are just another item on their to-do list. But for Micah, (@

overlandunderbudget) DIY is a passion. Forney Industries began a partnership with Micah mid-2020. Company officials were immediately interested after seeing his DIY skills and, arguably more

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impressive, his raw talent and willingness

WELDING HELMET

“To keep the fab shop rolling with every air tool

to learn the trade of metalworking.

“Featuring the Forney green in a racing design, this

Micah explained, “Being able to work

imaginable, the JAR team will get plenty of use out

helmet has become a favorite of the guys at the JAR

with an American company that’s been

of the Forney Air Hose. The team uses the air hose

shop for its ease of use and manageable settings.

designing and providing tools to people

on the setup plate at the shop, and at the race track

Whether they are welding sway bar arms or making

just like me for almost 100 years is

for setting air pressure in the tires.”

an at-track repair, it’s their go-to.”

something really special to me.” Recently, Forney Industries sent Micah a Forney 40 P plasma cutter, and it became obvious he was destined to own this machine. “It’s incredible how effortless and easy (this machine) is to use,” Micah said. “It’s nearly the same as gently tracing your design on a tabletop with your pointer finger.” With the Forney 40 P in hand, Micah

TIRE REPAIR KIT

is in the process of creating a custom

MIG WIRE

“With so many transport vehicles on the road at

flatbed and removable camper. He uses

“To go along with our Forney MIG welder our guys

the machine for several aspects of this

any given time, we don’t leave the shop without a

wanted nothing but the best, so the 10-pound

project, including the mounting feet,

Forney Tire Repair Kit. Just recently, our dually was

box of Forney MIG wire was a perfect fit. All of our

fenders, body panels and more. We can’t

pulling our tag trailer back from the chassis dyno

fabricators love working with the entire line of

wait to see the final product.

and, after running over some debris, our driver was

Forney welding products and Forney has no doubt

able to patch the flat tire, get back to the shop and

helped us increase the quality of the product we are

to discover all that the Forney line of

keep us on schedule.”

able to put out on the race track.”

machines has to offer.

Visit your local dealer or forneyind.com

JORDAN’S WAVE 2 PRODUCT LIST ■■ FORNEY’S SUPPORT OF JORDAN ANDERSON RACING CONTINUED WITH THE DELIVERY OF AN ARMADA OF PRODUCTS FOR HIS FAB SHOP. Amped Welding Helmet

C-clamp

Cutting Fluid

Galvanized Wire Rope

Mini Burr Set

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Grit Discs

Drill Bit Set

Grit Sanding Sleeve

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Pressure Washer Cleaner

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Single Flint Striker

Wheel Brush

Football Rotary File

MIG Welding Pliers

Pocket Blow Gun

Stainless Steel Brush

Wire Fitting Brush

Flap Wheel

SIDEBAR WORDS: RACHEL BIGUM, MARKETING GENERALIST PHOTOGRAPHY: FORNEY, JORDAN ANDERSON

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DRIVER Q&A

Q&A WITH

AUSTIN CINDRIC

DEFENDING XFINITY SERIES CHAMP PREPARES FOR THE NEXT STEP BY JOSEPH WOLKIN

ustin Cindric is a workhorse. He is grinding day-in and day-out to prove he is

ready to compete full time at NASCAR’s highest level next year. Cindric, 22, is also gunning for his second consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series championship. The goal of winning another title is doable. His No. 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang is as fast as ever, continuing to show Cindric is capable of winning each week. But the challenge of running for the Xfinity Series championship – a tough task already – is only harder when focusing on multiple divisions on some weekends. Cindric’s limited Cup Series schedule with Team Penske in the No. 33 car is helping him prepare for next season when he’ll drive the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing. Thankfully, his fitness level continues to improve as he readies for the longer, more grueling Cup Series races. As Cindric mentally prepares for the next stage of his career, he is also reflecting on how he’s made his way to this point. His father, Tim Cindric, is Team Penske’s president, but it is very clear the younger Cindric wasn’t handed these opportunities. His hard work, determination, willingness to learn and impressive skills on the race track have combined to create a budding star, one who shows appreciation for those who have helped along the way. HOW BUSY IS LIFE AS YOU SPLIT TIME BETWEEN THE XFINITY AND CUP SERIES? The double-duty weekends are interesting, especially because almost all of them have been done with no practice. I’m learning a lot while trying to prepare for a lot. I don’t want to take anything away from either program. Obviously, we’re trying to win a championship on the Xfinity side and trying to prepare for next season on the Cup side. It’s definitely been an evolving process, knowing what’s going to work for me on both teams and figuring out how we can maximize each weekend. It’s been a fun challenge, but it’s more involved than I imagined.

POLE POSITION 2021

HOW PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING IS IT TO RACE IN TWO SERIES? I feel like I prepare quite a bit on the fitness side, so I’ve done the necessary things while knowing I’ll have longer races. I wanted to put on more muscle mass than I’ve had in the past and still be as light as I can possibly get. It’s fun to compare the two cars. The Xfinity car is quite hotter on a lot of tracks, especially the mile-and-a-halves, because you’re a lot more involved with braking in the corners and the handling challenges with the race car. Some days, you feel like you worked a lot harder on Saturday than you did on Sunday for a longer race.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET IN EVEN BETTER SHAPE AS YOU PREPARE FOR THE FULL NASCAR CUP SERIES SEASON NEXT YEAR? As far as a 600-mile race, I try to give myself a perspective every time. Each stage in the Coke 600 is 100 laps and our longest stage is 110 laps, so a 110-lap run is one of four stages in a Cup race. You have to do this four times, and that was helpful for me when I did Atlanta. The long run is what you have to do every run. HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR TIME BETWEEN LIFE OUTSIDE OF RACING AND DOING YOUR JOB? I try to have fun while doing my job, and maybe that’s different from most. I don’t have anything else that’s more important than my racing. That’s what I commit myself to during the week and on the weekends. I put the rest aside, but I also have my personal life in order. I can’t say there’s much I do during the week that doesn’t involve racing. SO WHAT DOES AUSTIN CINDRIC DO WITH HIS FREE TIME? It comes as no surprise that it has to do with cars and racing. I have a project car that I’ve been working on for a couple of years. I have a go-kart at GoPro Motorplex and I go out there. I probably enjoy working on my kart as much as I enjoy driving it. I PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

play Xbox every night and hop on with a couple of my buddies just to decompress at the end of every day. Other than that, it’s working out, race prep and the grind never stops if you don’t let it. WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO IN LIFE, NOT JUST IN RACING? I’ve had a lot of significant individuals who have helped me in my career. I’ve leaned on a lot of people, whether it’s within our company, other drivers and my parents. I’ve been very fortunate to be surrounded by good people. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO SUCCEED ON AND OFF THE TRACK? It’s in between going to the next step and trying to be successful. I’m a competitive person and I don’t like losing, whether it’s in a go-kart or on the biggest stage. The best thing about this sport is you can never be perfect. You can strive to be perfect and look for the perfect setup, but you’re never going to get it because there’s always somewhere you can improve. IS THERE SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU THUS FAR? When I was young and going to IndyCar Series races, Helio Castroneves was my hero. Guys like Sam Hornish Jr. and Rick Mears and being around guys like them growing up was cool exposure for me. I got

to know them on a personal level. Growing up around those guys had a big influence on me. I want to be my own person. If there’s anything I’ve learned in my career, it’s do what suits you best and embrace your strengths and weaknesses. You can learn from others and not be close-minded, but you need to embrace what makes you you. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? I can’t really pick and choose. I got to talk with Mario Andretti about a year ago, and he was very complimentary. I didn’t realize Mario Andretti was watching any of my races or Xfinity racing in general. He told me to just stand on the gas. Don’t worry about anything else. The man himself.

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IS THERE ANYTHING THAT SCARES YOU ON THE TRACK? Nothing really scares me, but fires aren’t cool. That happened to me during the Daytona 500. I was very hot. I wouldn’t say I go around the race track hoping I don’t catch on fire. But it’s probably the most nerve wracking thing I’ve had happen to me in a race car. You have to have situational awareness and understand where it’s coming from, why is it happening and is it even from your car. Things seem to really slow down for me in those moments so I can process it.

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DRIVER Q&A

Q&A WITH

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK

MOVE TO THE TRUCK SERIES REJUVENATES SECOND-GENERATION STAR BY JOSEPH WOLKIN

herever NASCAR racer Joe Nemechek went, it seemed his son, John Hunter, was

always by his side. Whether it was walking on pit road before a Cup Series race or in Victory Lane at Kansas Speedway in October 2004, John Hunter was strutting around in his U.S. Army driving suit, just like his dad. Following in his father’s footsteps, the younger Nemechek has been racing in one of NASCAR’s top three divisions since he was 16, winning six Camping World Truck Series races and one Xfinity Series contest prior to the current season. Now, though, Nemechek is in a whole new stage of his young career. The 24-year-old is happily married to his wife, Taylor. The couple celebrated the birth of daughter Aspen in April, and life suddenly became completely different. Nemechek’s daily routine is no longer the same, but he still finds time to make calls with Aspen in his arms, and he can even squeeze in some time to work out. As a young father, it is quite ideal that Nemechek doesn’t have to travel each weekend like he did as a Cup Series rookie in 2020. His offseason decision to return to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in a Kyle Busch Motorsports entry was not only a great strategic move for his career by adding wins to his résumé, but it allows him to spend more time at home as he adjusts to his life as a husband and father. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO KNOW THAT KYLE BUSCH BELIEVES IN YOU? It’s pretty neat knowing that Kyle believes in me. To have the opportunity to come back to the Truck Series and race for Kyle is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. To have him as an adviser, mentor, friend and a boss, I feel like it’s truly a winning combination. I can go to him to ask questions and I know he’s going to give me the straight answer because he wants his team to win. It’s a lot of fun to race against him as well.

POLE POSITION 2021

WHAT’S LIFE LIKE NOW THAT YOU’RE A DAD? Well, right now I’m actually bouncing her in one of her swings. It’s been really, really neat. For me, it’s changed my perspective on a lot of things. We had a bad day for one of the races at Bristol and we got wrecked. Knowing I was coming home that day and Taylor and I were going to the hospital to have Aspen makes you forget everything that’s frustrating. When you’re having a bad day and you come home and she smiles, it turns your whole day around. It makes you forget all of the

bad things that have happened. For myself, it’s changed me as a person and it’s made me grow as a person. It made me realize a lot. We’re happy to have her in this world. She’s awesome. Hopefully, she’ll be a little mini-me. HOW EXCITED IS YOUR DAD AROUND HIS GRANDDAUGHTER? He was pretty excited (when she was born). It’s pretty cool. He came over to see her not long after we got home from the hospital. It’s been a really neat experience with our families. We’re just having fun. Our goal is to smile and have fun. OFF THE RACE TRACK, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH YOUR FREE TIME? Well, there’s not much free time. But when we do have free time, I’m big into the fitness side of things. I enjoy getting out on a road bike or a mountain bike, riding and getting away. I love running as well. I’ve also done Ironman in the past. I’m at the gym all the time. We live on Lake Norman in North Carolina, so we’re big wakesurfers, snowboarders and all of the extreme sports. WHAT DRIVES YOU TO SUCCEED ON AND OFF THE TRACK? For me, it’s knowing that I’m putting a lot of hard work in and giving it my PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

best effort. I’ve always been taught to do something 100 percent and never at 50 percent. When you work hard at something and it ends up paying off, that is succeeding. I want to be the best person I can be off the race track and the best race car driver I can be on the race track. You want to go and set records, winning as many things as possible. On the home side, it’s the same and I just want to be the best husband and dad that I can be. ON THE TRACK, WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHO’S GIVEN YOU THE BEST ADVICE OVER THE YEARS? I credit a lot of the advice I’ve been given in my whole career to my dad. He was my mentor, my boss, my adviser, my dad, my everything for quite some time. I was driving for NEMCO Motorsports, and being able to win races there let him teach what he learned over a 20- to 25year period to me in a two- to three-year period. That helped speed up my learning curve from when I was really young. At the same time, I’ve looked up to Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt and those guys are the true legends of the sport and the greats. Everyone has a different personality and everyone has different traits that they’re really good at. Jimmie won seven championships, Dale was the “Intimidator” and Kyle is just so good that he wins in just about anything he gets in. If you can take one thing from those three guys and mix it all in one,

you’re going to be a pretty dang good race car driver. WHAT SCARES YOU ON THE TRACK? I don’t think much scares me. I feel like I’m pretty in tune with what’s going on, or I at least try to be in tune with what’s going on. I’m not one that freaks out or gets scared about something. When you’re in the race car, that fear goes away and you don’t realize what can necessarily happen when you strap in. For me, when I strap in, all of those thoughts go out. I focus to be the best that I can and try to make the most of the opportunity. YOU’RE RUNNING FEWER RACES THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF THE SHORTER TRUCK SERIES SCHEDULE. HOW BENEFICIAL IS THAT AS YOU SETTLE IN AS A HUSBAND AND FATHER? It’s been nice to be home a little bit more, especially being a dad and getting into the routine with Aspen. At the same time, if I could be racing every single weekend, I would love to do that. I’ve always been that way since I was younger, racing in the Truck Series when I first started. We would leave on a Friday night from a Truck Series race and go run a late model race on Saturday. It’s definitely been nice, and there’s been some adjusting this year by being home more after the Cup Series deal last year. At the same time, I’m enjoying it and I think Taylor enjoys it as well.

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Crossroads with the Burtons

NASCAR OUTDOORS

TV SHOW COMBINES RACING AND THE OUTDOORS

or most of his life, Jeb Burton has loved racing and the outdoors. That’s

not surprising when one considers how passionate his father, Ward, is about these things. But Jeb Burton’s dad is 31 years his elder, so the two NASCAR drivers never had the opportunity to share a race track. They have, however, spent many days and nights together in the woods – including on many occasions over the past three years as co-stars of “Crossroads with the Burtons,” a popular TV show now in its third season with more than a dozen annual episodes on the Sportsman Channel. Joining Jeb and Ward as a regular on the program is Jeb’s wife, Brandi, whose culinary and hunting talents have created even more viewer interest. Together, the three Burtons take memorable adventures into the outdoors to hunt, fish and promote a conservationist lifestyle. Most episodes are filmed by a three-member crew at The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation’s 1,200-acre farm in Halifax, Virginia, but “Crossroads with the Burtons” has ventured as far away as Montana to film an episode. The show has also featured special guests, including NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney and Cooper Bishop – a teenager battling a congenital heart disease. In an episode that aired in May, Ward Burton helped Cooper harvest his first deer and, in the process, fulfill a longtime dream. While Jeb Burton was the one who initially approached the Sportsman Channel about launching a show focused on his life away from the track and affinity for all things outdoors-related, “Crossroads with the Burtons” has become a true family affair. “I really try not to be the star of the show,” said Jeb, a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series driver who earned his first career victory in April at Talladega Superspeedway. “We’re taking other people hunting and fishing, and we show my efforts on the track and stuff, and we show what dad’s doing, and my wife who is quite the hunter also has a cooking segment, and it’s really not all about me, for sure. I kind of like it that way. I like just being a part of it and having fun with our family.” Much like her future husband, Brandi Burton grew up in a family that spent a lot of time in the great outdoors. So when “Crossroads with the Burtons” hit the airwaves, it was only natural for her to “tag along.” “For me, I think it’s very important to get more women in the outdoors,” she said.

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“I feel like women think that’s just more of a male-dominated thing, and it doesn’t have to be that way. So for us, we just like to show people that there’s more to being in the outdoors than just killing something. We like to show how you harvest the animal, and then anything that we harvest I cook on the show, too, in my cooking segment. I just like to show how everything comes full circle like that.” Ward Burton – a five-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner and passionate advocate for conserving America’s land and wildlife through wise stewardship – has added an extra layer of intrigue to “Crossroads with the Burtons,” which boasted more than 33,000 followers on Facebook alone at press time. “Jeb and Brandi, it’s their child they created,” Ward said of the show. “They’ve done a really good job having good partner support, really just filming outdoor lifestyle and conservation and things we’re very passionate about.” While the program is designed to serve a serious purpose, there are plenty of times when the three Burtons enjoy lighthearted moments both on and off camera. “We try to make filming Crossroads fun,” Brandi said. “We don’t like for it to be a sit-down and you have a bunch of lines. We like people to see actually how we live our day-to-day life. So I think that’s really important with it, too, and we just have fun with it, honestly.” Even with all the TV exposure he received as a full-time Cup Series driver for more than a decade, Ward has needed some time to adjust to his role on “Crossroads with the Burtons.” “It’s certainly taken some getting used to, in order to feel comfortable with the camera around you in the outdoors,” the 2002 Daytona 500 winner said. The Burtons hope to keep “Crossroads with the Burtons” going as long as possible – all while learning and finetuning the show along the way. “I see this as a very long-term project for all the right reasons,” Ward concluded. To see and hear more from Jeb and Ward Burton, be sure to check out www.statewaterheaters.com/racing WORDS: JARED TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY: CROSSROADS

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NASCAR Pole Position | August-September WG

Articles inside

NASCAR Outdoors Crossroads with the Burtons

NASCAR Builds with Jordan Anderson

Austin Cindric Q&A

For the Record: Geoff Bodine

Celebrating America

Kingsport Speedway Profile

NASCAR Salutes Keith McGee

Backstory Leading Every Lap

NASCAR News & Notes