DRIVER Q & A
Q&A WITH
SHELDON CREED
DEFENDING TRUCK SERIES CHAMP HAS LOFTY GOALS BY JOSEPH WOLKIN
Sheldon Creed is one of NASCAR’s bright young faces. The 2020 Camping World Truck Series champion is known for his laid-back personality, walking around the garage area calm, cool and collected. On the race track, though, the GMS Racing driver is as intimidating as it gets. The Californian methodically drives his way through the field just like one of his mentors, Jimmie Johnson. Now, as Creed looks to make a name for himself and advance through the NASCAR ranks, he believes he is capable of becoming a champion at a higher level. Here’s how he plans on accomplishing his goals.
WHAT’S IT BEEN LIKE FOR YOU THIS YEAR AS THE DEFENDING NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES CHAMPION? I feel like last year at this time we were in a little bit better of a position. Our trucks were more consistent and more competitive. This year, we’ve shown speed and we got a win, but I feel like we were in a better spot. I think we can be a threat through the playoffs. We’re capable of winning more races this year, and that’s our goal. That’s what we plan to do. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE DIFFERENTLY THIS SEASON? I feel we’re pretty similar to last year. I want to be calmer in the truck when it’s not doing what I want.
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POLE POSITION 2021
I take what it gives me. Over the last couple of years, we’ve had fast trucks and got good finishes. We’ve struggled more this year than we have in the past. I’ve tried to get better with that and take a truck that’s not doing what I want and still get a good finish out of it. When we get those good trucks, it becomes easier to win. HOW DO YOU USE YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE TO TURN THIS TEAM AROUND? I try to relay information, what it’s doing and when it’s doing it. We need to figure out why. We’re going to places with setups where we dominated last year and we’re running 15th this PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES
