Take A Peek Inside A Weekend at the Track with the NCTWS Rookie
FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. (September 22, 2015) – Every race track is different, especially for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series rookie driver Ray Black Jr. Almost every track has been new to him this season, making this season full of new experiences. However, the driver of the No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet still manages to find somewhat of a routine when spending a weekend at the track, helping him to find success both on and off the track.
Spending 23 weekends out of the year visiting different tracks can be tough for some drivers, but Black has become accustomed to all the travel.
“I’ve got the airport down to a science,” Black explained. “I get around there pretty good. I know where everything is and know exactly how long it takes to get there, so that part of the weekend isn’t as stressful as some might think.”
Once Black arrives at the track, he first talks with team owner, Bobby Dotter, and crew chief, Jason Miller before catching up with the rest of the team and checking out the truck he will be piloting during the weekend events.
“I always go talk with Bobby and Jason right when I get to the track to go over the weekend’s strategy and the track’s characteristics,” said Black. “Then I’ll usually go check in with the team, catch up with everyone and see what they did during the week. From there, it’s just focusing on getting ready for practice and getting into race mode!”
When Black is not behind the wheel of the No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet, he spends time during the day attending media interviews, fan events and autograph sessions.
“I like walking through the midway where all the booths are set up before a race to see all the fans who came out,” he said. “It’s fun to sign autographs and take pictures with them. We usually try to eat lunch in a fan zone during some part of the weekend. It’s fun to just hang out with the fans, hear their stories and how they got interested in the sport.”
As race time approaches, Black focuses more on the task ahead. He’s often seen walking around the track with his headphones on and music playing just minutes before hopping in the truck.
“It helps pump me up before the race,” Black explained. “I normally listen to Eric Church, Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks and Drake before a race.”
Black also has one other pre-race ritual – making a quick call to his dad.
“I always call my dad before every race,” said Black. “I missed out calling him at two races, and they both turned out to bad races so now I make sure to call him before getting in the truck. He just gives me a nice extra boost of confidence. It’s great!”
This week, Black will have a little bit of familiarity with the track as the series visits New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which he visited last year during his part time schedule with SS Green Light Racing. Black is confident in his chances to run well, despite the track’s difficult nature.
“It’s a good learning track. It’s tough. It took me a little bit to catch on to it last year,” Black explained. “You have to be really patient, but also know when to charge the corners. You have to have discipline. It was a lot of fun towards the end last year once I had gotten the hang of it.”
“I think we have a better truck this year so that will help us out too,” he continued. “Plus we ran really well at Chicago so everyone is looking to carry that momentum to New Hampshire. I think we’ll have a great run there!”
Race coverage for the UNOH 175 will begin at 1 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1. MRN will be providing radio coverage of the event.
Fans can keep up with Ray Black Jr.’s New Hampshire race weekend by following him and his sponsor, ScubaLife, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TeamScubaRacing and @RayBlackJr.
