FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. (August 26, 2015) – No matter where he is, it’s hard to find Ray Black Jr. sitting still, as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) rookie driver always seems to be on the move. Between road trips with friends, hanging out at the beach, and sponsoring a hockey team, the driver of the No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet is constantly keeping busy.
“When I’m not at the track, I’m definitely a little more relaxed but still always doing something,” said Black. “Most of the time I’ll take my boat out for some fun or go on a road trip with friends. Other times I’ll visit the Jacksonville dive school and help train some of the new divers.”
Living in a smaller beach town, Black appreciates being outside, whether he’s surfing, camping on the islands or just exploring around town on his four-wheeler.
“Flagler Beach has been a great place to live. It’s grown more over time with tourists finding out about it since they drive through it on the highway, but it still gives off that small beach town feel,” explained Black. “The beach town lifestyle is a fun one.”
Black and his sponsor, ScubaLife, not only have ties to the ocean but also to frozen water, as they have come together to sponsor a hockey team that a pit crew member plays on at the Space Coast Iceplex in Rockledge, Fla.
“I wasn’t really into hockey before we got the team, but since then I’ve been to a few games. I support them whenever I can while I’m in town,” said Black. “It’s a really nice facility and a good league down there in Florida. They’ll probably be going to play-offs in Daytona, so I’ll go support them there. It’s a fun sport to watch. I really like it!”
Even with the glaring differences between hockey and racing, Black still is able to find ways to connect the two sports.
“Those guys are like a big family. It’s the same with my race team,” Black explained. “They all look out for each other and are there to have a good time. They enjoy it. Same with us! Different playing fields but the same kind of passion.”
It’s that passion that Black will use as he gets ready to make his fist ever start in a road race, as the NCWTS heads north to compete at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Even when he was just starting his racing career, Black only competed on ovals, making the upcoming race a unique one filled with possibilities.
“I’m aiming for a Top-10, Top-15 coming out of Canada. I feel like there’s a lot to gain up there,” said Black. “I’m really excited for it! I’ve never done anything like it before. I could be really good at it and not even know it until we get up there!”
Black’s road race debut will occur on Sunday, August 30 at 1:30 p.m. EST. Both Fox Sports 1 and MRN Radio will be providing live coverage of the event.
Fans can keep up with Ray Black Jr.’s race weekend by following him and his sponsor, ScubaLife, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TeamScubaRacing and @RayBlackJr.
