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The thrill of the sport keeps driver coming back for more
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| On your marks
Justin Schilling is pictured following a recent Street Stock main event at Tucson Raceway Park. The Benson driver sits in second in the points standings going into Saturday's main event. (Courtesy of Dan Hawk |
By Kristi O'Brien /For the Range News
TUCSON - Your spotter tells you its four wide, there are cars below you, cars above you - it's a thrill you can't describe, said stock car driver Justin Schilling.
Schilling, of Benson, has always been a race fan, so when he decided early this year to take the plunge and buy a race car, he said, "I knew I could do it and be good at it."
On Feb. 7, Schilling proved that to be true. He took his newly purchased Camaro to Lake Havasu to race - and he won.
When Tucson Raceway Park opened its gates under new ownership at the start of the season, Schilling was there with his No. 95 Lightning McQueen car in tow.
The famous Disney character paint scheme came with the car, and Schilling knew that the kid factor would help to get his wife, Melanie, on board with the whole idea.
The red and yellow paint scheme did its magic, and Melanie faithfully heads to the Tucson track to help her husband suit up for race day.
So what goes through a stock car driver's mind when he's gearing up for the big race?
"About 80 percent adrenaline, 20 percent nervousness. And, sometimes it's the other way around," he said. The number of cars in the race, how the car is handling and so many other factors can affect your outlook on the night, he added.
"Sometimes the adrenaline gets going, and you don't feel anything."
Schilling, 29, also has the support of crew members Jim Mosier and Phillip Sierra. Atlas Copco and Vortex Doors sponsor the car.
Though Schilling now calls Benson home, he spent numerous years in Willcox and attended high school there.
Coming into Saturday's championship night at TRP, Schilling sits in second in Street Stock points. However, with Dylan Jones of Tucson not far behind in third, anything could happen.
"I am amazed at how much good luck we have had, and I am so fortunate at how well we have done," Schilling said.
The Benson driver has a good shot at the Rookie of the Year title, which he would gladly add to his budding racing resume.
Schilling will compete alongside a field of Street Stocks on Saturday attempting to cinch second place in the final point standings.
Featured Saturday will also be the USLMA Tour competing with local Super Late Model drivers in a 101-lap race. Factory Stocks, Pro 4's, Legends and Hornets also will compete.
There will be a special admission price of $5 per person. Gates open at 4 p.m. Racing starts at 6 p.m.
For information, visit www.tucsonracewaypark.com.
Schilling, of Benson, has always been a race fan, so when he decided early this year to take the plunge and buy a race car, he said, "I knew I could do it and be good at it."
On Feb. 7, Schilling proved that to be true. He took his newly purchased Camaro to Lake Havasu to race - and he won.
When Tucson Raceway Park opened its gates under new ownership at the start of the season, Schilling was there with his No. 95 Lightning McQueen car in tow.
The famous Disney character paint scheme came with the car, and Schilling knew that the kid factor would help to get his wife, Melanie, on board with the whole idea.
The red and yellow paint scheme did its magic, and Melanie faithfully heads to the Tucson track to help her husband suit up for race day.
So what goes through a stock car driver's mind when he's gearing up for the big race?
"About 80 percent adrenaline, 20 percent nervousness. And, sometimes it's the other way around," he said. The number of cars in the race, how the car is handling and so many other factors can affect your outlook on the night, he added.
"Sometimes the adrenaline gets going, and you don't feel anything."
Schilling, 29, also has the support of crew members Jim Mosier and Phillip Sierra. Atlas Copco and Vortex Doors sponsor the car.
Though Schilling now calls Benson home, he spent numerous years in Willcox and attended high school there.
Coming into Saturday's championship night at TRP, Schilling sits in second in Street Stock points. However, with Dylan Jones of Tucson not far behind in third, anything could happen.
"I am amazed at how much good luck we have had, and I am so fortunate at how well we have done," Schilling said.
The Benson driver has a good shot at the Rookie of the Year title, which he would gladly add to his budding racing resume.
Schilling will compete alongside a field of Street Stocks on Saturday attempting to cinch second place in the final point standings.
Featured Saturday will also be the USLMA Tour competing with local Super Late Model drivers in a 101-lap race. Factory Stocks, Pro 4's, Legends and Hornets also will compete.
There will be a special admission price of $5 per person. Gates open at 4 p.m. Racing starts at 6 p.m.
For information, visit www.tucsonracewaypark.com.
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