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.

For more pictures from the race, visit our Flickr and Facebook pages.

And, in case you missed our last post:

A view from Quintin’s seat:

Quintin Crye Racing

Join us this Saturday, July 24th to cheer on Quintin as he races in the Nascar Whelen All-American Series at the All-American Speedway in Roseville.

Here’s the details:

Gate opens at  4pm, Saturday, July 24th, 2010

800 All America City Blvd.

Roseville, CA 95678

Click here for directions.

Pricing:

Adults: $13.00 (Ages 16-59)

Seniors: $7.00 (Ages 60+)

Juniors: $7.00 (Ages 6-15)

Children: Free! (Ages 6 & under)

Family Pass: $35.00 (Includes 2 adults and 3 juniors)

For more information click here.  We hope to see you there!

“This is one of the most exciting things that’s ever happened to me,” Quintin exclaims. “We’ve been working on it for a long time and now that it’s done I am so happy. I can’t wait to get out there.”

“I’m really excited to have my late model wrapped with the Exclusive and Montbleu logos this season,” Quintin says. “It’s been a great help to have their support and I look forward to working together throughout the season.”

“It’s been a goal of mine to be a Red Line driver,” Quintin says, “so, to be on the Red Line team is awesome. I’d like to thank them for their support.”