Buckle up, because we’re about to put the spotlight on some of our most interesting (and maybe slightly crazy) drivers! From tire-screeching legends to the rookies who still can’t figure out the brake pedal, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on who’s tearing up the track. Get ready for some laughs, some racing tips (maybe), and a peek into the personalities that make our league the place to be. Let’s see who’s behind the wheel and dive into the minds of the drivers and see what really fuels their need for speed.
Where are you from, and what do you do for a living?
I live in Huntington, New York, which is located in Long Island about an hour east of Manhattan. Currently, I’m working as a high school paraprofessional for a third-party staffing agency that connects people with job opportunities in school districts.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sim racing?
I’m a multi-talented musician and primarily play piano and saxophone. I’ve played in multiple groups and organizations throughout high school and college.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I was a gold rated solo pianist for 4 years in a row at NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association), which provides performance opportunities for students to be assessed by certified music educators across New York State. I was also the social media manager for a year during my time with the University of Akron Athletic Bands.
What got you into sim racing, and how long have you been racing?
I have played console NASCAR games on Xbox since I was 8 years old. I later found iRacing clips all over YouTube and couldn’t stop watching them. When COVID started in 2020 and I saw all the real cup series drivers run that Pro Invitational, I thought to myself, “If the professionals can do well in iRacing, then maybe I can too.” So later that Christmas, I first subscribed to iRacing as a gift to myself. At the time, I was having a hard time getting through my very first college semester in the midst of a global pandemic and iRacing was my escape from all of that. I still enjoy it to this day!
Do you have any real-life racing experience, or is sim racing your main focus?
I don’t have any real-life racing experience whatsoever. It has been all been on the sim.
Do you have a favorite car or track to race on?
My favorite (and most successful) car in iRacing has been the Indycar. I’ve won more races with it than any other car. I’ve also been really enjoying the GEN6 ARCA cars and I can’t wait to race them in a league setting.
What inspired you to join this online racing league?
I found Crown Jewel in the fall of 2023 back when it was known as The Show. It was through a YouTube broadcast network that I’ve been associated with for a few years now.
Do you have a particular racing style (aggressive, strategic, defensive)?
I try to be more strategic than anything. I’ve found that if I try to do anything else, I’m likely going to crash.
Are there any real-life drivers or teams that influence your approach to racing?
Not a driver, but a crew chief actually. I’ve always liked how Larry McReynolds would explain things that pertain to pit strategy on the FOX broadcasts.
What has been your most memorable race or moment in the league?
My favorite race that I’ve been in was last year’s ARCA finale at Texas. Our team at KDR had our best performance between me and Henry and I made the best 3-wide pass in my life during that race. It was that very race that made me decide I was going to run for this year’s ARCA championship.
Have you won any championships or notable races in the league?
I have 1 single win in my time racing leagues…..that was over 2 years ago.
What do you think makes this league special compared to others?
Crown Jewel is as authentic of a NASCAR league that you’ll find on iRacing, especially when all 4 top series are covered and have full race distances and encourage custom setups.
What kind of equipment do you use (wheel, pedals, rig, etc.)?
I use a Logitech Xbox G920 wheel and pedals. It’s been the only equipment I’ve had since I started.
What’s your pre-race routine or superstition?
I don’t do this for iRacing, but on my commute to work every morning, I listen to the same 3 Greta Van Fleet songs in a row in the hopes that I just get through the day and have a good time doing what I do. Most of the time, things work out in the weirdest way.
If you could race on any real-world track, which one would it be and why?
Pocono – it’s a very unique track and I’ve historically done well there in the sim.
What is your favorite track to go to or that you want to go to?
Dover – it’s my most visited track. After checking Indianapolis off my bucket list a couple years ago, and Talladega, New Hampshire, Pocono, Riverhead Raceway (which is in Long Island), Mid Ohio (Indycar and IMSA), and Toledo Speedway (ARCA) well before that, I really want to go to Daytona and Charlotte.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new racers joining the league?
You can’t win the race on the first lap but you sure as hell can lose it. Be patient and let the race come to you
Do your friends and family support your racing hobby?
Yes – they understand that I run in leagues at night as a way of relaxing my mind after work.
Have you ever introduced someone else to sim racing?
Only that I do it as a hobby, but that’s it.
How do you balance racing with work, family, or other responsibilities?
Family and work come first. I try to prioritize that now that I’m out of college. At the end of the day, I play on iRacing because it’s fun for me. If I start taking it too seriously, it doesn’t become fun for me anymore.
Would you rather win a race by a photo finish after an intense battle or dominate the entire race with a huge lead from start to finish?
If dominating the race is like having an easy stress-free work day, I’d take those all the time!
Think you’ve got what it takes to be in the next Driver Spotlight? Fill out this form to have a chance to be selected! Whether you’re a racing pro or just really good at pretending to be one, we want to hear from you!
