Interview with Ricky

Question: How hard was it to get back in your racecar after your surgery?

The guys have done a great job with research at Delphi to help improve his suit, net and seat. All these improvements are comforting to the driver which made it easier for Ricky to get back in the car.

Question: What has been the hardest thing in the BGN series so far?

The wheel base is smaller and isn’t as smooth or stable to handle.

Question: What is a realistic goal for you in the next few years?

Ricky used to set a lot of goals but doesn’t really set many goals now because he feels that if you accomplish the goals that you have set you are satisfied and he doesn’t want to be satisfied as easy.

Question: Who has been some of your greatest role models in your racing career?

When Ricky was younger his role models were Tim Richmond and Geoff Bodine, he even named a dog after him. As Ricky has gotten older his role models have become Jeff Gordon and Jack Sprague, who are both great drivers and have taught him a lot. He also looks us to Jimmie Johnson, Ricky wants to be like him when he gets to the Winston Cup series.

Question: How supportive has been your family been of your racing career?

They have always tried to turn him against racing but they finally realized that racing is what he wanted to doing.

Question: What race track have you most looked forward to competing on?

The tracks that he did well at like Kansas and Nashville. Also he is a big fan of the tracks 1 ½ miles or longer.

Question: What other drivers do you consider close friends?

Shane Hmiel, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Casey Mears, and Kerry Earnhardt.

Question: What’s the biggest difference in the Craftsman Truck series and Busch Grand National series?

Experience, most drivers have been driving longer than Ricky has been alive.

Question: What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Try to stay in stock cars if you want to be in Nascar. Learn the chassis, work on car, and learn what certain things do.

Question: What had been your greatest accomplishment/disappointment so far in racing?

Winning the Craftsman Truck race at Kansas in 2001 (accomplishment). Messing up as a driver, not winning the ARCA race at Daytona. He takes total responsibility for not winning the race.

Question: What inspired you to race?

Ricky knew when he was conceived, he had no choice it was in his blood from the get go. His father had always done it and loved racing. He said it was destiny.

Question: What are you most grateful for early in your racing career?

He has great sponsors like GMAC and Carquest, he had a great team and good equipment.

Question: What is one interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

He never wants to get married; he just wants to have fun. He also loves boats and being on the water.