Official Interview with Quintin Crye
The following is a transcript of Natalie Grinnell’s interview with Quintin Crye on Friday, August 20th, 2010. Quintin tells us about his life as a race car driver, what inspires him, and what his goals are. Enjoy!
Natalie (N) & Quintin (Q):
N. How long have you been racing?
Q. I’ve been racing since 1996, so it’s been 14 years!
N. What kind of cars have you raced?
Q. I have raced Outlaw dirt karts, USAC Ford Focus Midgets, USAC Western Midgets, Western Late models, and I have also been in other forms of cars, testing and practicing.
N. Growing up around racing, who was your biggest inspiration for racing?
Q. Bill Elliott has always been my biggest inspiration.
N. What is your biggest challenge as a racer?
Q. My biggest challenge as a racer would have to be that I’ve always been under the gun my whole life. What I mean by that is I haven’t had the best equipment and haven’t been as well funded as other drivers. But, my team and I always find a way to make me better as a driver and find a way to make our older cars work so we can perform at the top.
N. What is your fondest racing memory?
Q. My fondest racing memory would have to be my last Ford Focus win. We didn’t have the money to make the race, but with the help of 3 sponsors coming together I was able to make the race a win for them. It was amazing.
N. Racing is both mentally and physically challenging. What do you do to stay in shape outside the track?
Q. Well, mentally it’s very hard on me as a driver sometimes. I am always thinking of ways I can be better as a driver when I’m with friends, family, or I’m laying down to sleep. I’m always trying to find ways to make my car, myself and my team better.
Physically, I am running at least 2 1/2 miles a day, but when I’m really busy it’s about every other day. I just work on my endurance, which has proved helpful on the track as well.
N. What Nascar driver are you watching this season?
Q. Definitely, Kasey Khane.
N. What track are you dying to race on?
Q. I’ve always dreamed of racing at Bristol.
N. You seen like you’ve grown as a racer over the last year. In what ways do you think you’ve improved as a racer and as a person?
Q. I have learned so much about myself and about how much I love to win and love racing itself. I think I have improved with my focus and drive. I’ve learned to never give up these past few years more than anything.
