Racing Around Links Driver Interview

Andy Carroll

Andy Carroll is from Sandusky Ohio. Andy is a 1992 graduate of Sandusky High School and a 1996 graduate of Terra Community College (Fremont, OH) where he earned an Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Andy Started racing go-karts in 1994, then in 1996 he started racing in the Street Stock division at Sandusky Speedway. He has raced Late Models, American Race Truck series and now the USAR Hooters Procup Series.

Questions

1. Of all the tracks that you have raced on which one is your favorite track and why is it your favorite?

This question brings back many fond memories of my experiences at different tracks. I grew up as a fan at Sandusky Speedway and began my stock car driving career there. It will always be home to me, but there are many other tracks that I have enjoyed racing at. I have always figured that as long as we're all racing on the same track, it doesn't really matter which track it is. I just love the competition.

2. What is your most memorable moment in racing?

June 26th, 1999. I won my heat race in the Late Model division and then followed it up by winning the feature after driving one of the best races of my life. Then I jumped in my friend's Sealmaster Sport Truck at feature time, after not driving it all night. We started dead last and won that feature also. It was just one of those nights where everything was perfect!

3. If you could change something about racing what would it be?

I would like to take the money aspect out of the sport. There are many talented, marketable, and determined racecar drivers that can't get the "big break" because they are being overlooked for less qualified candidates that have $$$. If you are a star athlete in football you can make it to the NFL strictly based on your ability and determination. That is no longer the case in auto racing.

4. What is the biggest change from racing in Hooters Procup than racing at a local track every week?

The biggest change is getting used to being at different race tracks. Most of our events are 1 day shows and you have limited practice time. It is very important that you surround yourself with a talented team. Perhaps the most important aspect of all is that the driver must be able to communicate to the crew so that adjustments can be made quickly in practice to dial the car in.

5. What would you tell kids who want to race how to get started in racing?

I really value the lessons that I learned racing karts for the first couple years of my career. Karts will teach you to be smooth and you will learn how to maintain your momentum. The nice thing about racing Karts is that you can travel anywhere with them. Quarter Midgets also look like a great place to start but they are much more expensive.

6. Do you play any computer racing games? If so do you think people can learn anything from racing games?

I have played the NASCAR games on the Sony Play Station 2. I think there is some merit to them. They really teach you how to concentrate. They seemed to do a great job of teaching Dale Earnhardt Jr. the tracks when he was a Winston Cup rookie.

7. If you had to compare yourself to one Winston Cup Driver who would it be and why?

I would like to compare myself to guys like Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick. I have a clean, but agressive driving style and I love to race. I would race 7 days a week if I had the opportunity to. I give 100% every lap of every race and always have. I could never come back into the pits and face my father if I felt I gave less than my best effort.

8. If you could meet one person in the world, who would it be?

Of all the questions, this may be the most difficult because there are so many people in this world that I have the utmost respect for. With all due respect, I would spend my "meet one person" token on Joe Gibbs. Who could argue aginst the integrity and leadership skills of a man that can win a Superbowl and a Winston Cup Championship. It would be an honor to drive for him.

Andy and the Carroll Motorsports team are currently seeking sponsorship to run 5-8 races in the USAR Hooters ProCup Northern Division in 2003. The team has intentions of racing the full series in 2004 and can offer custom-fit sponsorship packages to a prospective sponsor. For more information please visit www.andycarroll.com or call 419-625-2082.

Make sure you watch Andy Carroll in the USAR Northern Procup Division on SPEED Channel on Thusday nights this summer. Also check out www.andycarroll.com for alot more about Andy Carroll and his race team.

Racing Around Links wishes Andy Carroll good luck on the 2003 season.