What did it feel like getting such a prestegious win, The Gatornationals ?
" It is one of the races that has such a rich tradition associated with it, making it a race a driver really wants to win. It was a great day, the Pitch Energy Dodge Tuned by Co-Crew Chiefs Rob Wendland & Rip Reynolds was flawless in its performance, I couldn't have been more prouder of the guys and the awesome tune up they had on the car. Granted, we have had issues during eliminations, but during final eliminations, Rob, Rip and everyone on the team made the car run great E.T's and fast speeds, All around a fabulous day for the DSR Team."
Your Co-Crew Chiefs Rob Wendland and Rip Reynolds have had such a great set up on the Pitch Energy Dodge Funny Car, evidence by the fact that you have doubled up twice this season with your team mate Antron Brown:
"Yes, no doubt that it is amazing. The fact that Antron and I have doubled up twice in the last 2 seasons is a testament to the success of the entire Don Schumacher Racing organization as a whole. One of the amazing pieces to the puzzle is being able to share information amongst the teams, that helps us perform to the best of our ability. Rob, Rip and everyone on the Pitch Energy Dodge Charger Team have really come together to give me a shot to win with the car week in and week out, and it performs so well that even I can't mess it up sometimes (laughter)
What is the dynamic like between your Co-Crew Chiefs Rob and Rip:
" Not only do they help one another, they are such great friends away from the track. Rob and I have had a great relationship as driver and crew chief, dating back to my time as an alcohol funny car driver. He tuned against me for a number of years, and we've built a strong friendship that has blossomed into the success we as a team share. When our team gets itself ready for an event, we feel so relaxed, that there isn't this feeling of anxiety from the guys. We are having fun, enjoying ourselves, and if it works to where we can put us in a position to win each week,we will win as much as we can. But we are going to enjoy the season, regardless if we win or lose."
What was the inspiration behind the amazing paint scheme on your Pitch Energy Funny Car?
"My Dad really loved to play the game of "Pitch"(Rules explaining the game of Pitch) The reason is the fact, he wasn't much into racing in general. When I became involved in the fuel classes in Drag Racing, my dad really took to liking to watching all the action. During each run, my Dad and some of his friends would set up a table and play "Pitch" as the team prepared the car for the next run. But before each run, they would set their cards down, go and watch our team make a run, and return to each game where they had left off."
Did you ever wonder to yourself why your Dad always played cards after each and every run?
" Well, to be honest, my father just loved to play the game. It wasn't something that he or any of his friends made any great amount of money from. They would sit between rounds, drinking their Crown Royal and playing cards. To them, that was a lot of fun"
Talk about your feelings as you embark on the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello, which will be your final season as a full time driver:
" As a driver, I try not to think about it, I would go crazy if I did so (laughter) beings that it is so early in the season. Of course there are emotions for sure, but the feeling of doubling up with Antron twice this season are the feelings one tends to remember as a driver. Those are the ones I will remember the most."
What were your feelings on doubling up twice this season with teammate Antron:
" The feeling of not doing it once but twice, I cannot help but wonder how honored it is to be part of not only those wins, but to be part of such an organization like Don Schumacher Racing. Having a teammate such as Antron is amazing. He is one of the nicest, most caring individuals to have not only as a friend, but as a teammate as well. As I was told just a few days ago, the win in Atlanta marks the fourth time that both Antron and I have been in Victory Circle together, that is something that both he and I hope to continue doing a few more times this season."
Antron and you share such a bond between each other, what is that like:
" What makes it a great friendship is that each of the crews are so relaxed, joking around with each other in many ways. That in turn loosens the atmosphere, making it easier to work together as a team. Mark Oswald, Brian Corradi, Rob and Rip are such good friends, bouncing ideas between the Pitch Energy and the Matco Tools teams, though they are two different types of vehicles. When you work in an enviornment such as that, it makes everyone come together as a whole, making every event so much fun to be a part of."
And the meet and greets that DSR shares must be such a laugh fest:
" On raceday, each of the drivers at DSR has the opportunity to share with the fans insights into the race weekend. But the trouble is, when I get the chance to talk to the fans, none seem to understand how to play the game of "Pitch". At some point, I will have to come up with some funny jokes to tell because my teammates have such a great sense of humor. Antron, Ron, Matt, Jack, Spencer and Tony are the best to be quite honest, you would be hard pressed to find such a wonderful group of drivers to be teammates with."
As you embark on the "Last Go Around" what does the support of the fans mean to not only you but the sport of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing:
" What makes the fans such an intergral part of our sport is the interaction. The feeling that comes over a driver when a young child asks for an autograph or picture with their favorite driver is a very humbling experience. For example, In Gainsville, a young fan loves to come to the Gatornationals, comes our pit area and helps pack the chutes on my funny car. In both 2012 and 2013, that same young was with our team as we won Back to Back Gatornationals. That type of fan interaction energizes not only myself, but the entire DSR organization, and the sport of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing as well. That will be a memory that I will carry with me, sharing the thrill of winning in Victory Circle with him and his family."
