Name: Joel Collier
Year / Make / Model Car: Ford Mustang
Number: 71
Class: Mini Modified
Years Racing: 17
Job: Parts Salesman at Edwards Chevrolet
1. How did you get into racing?
JC: I’ve been around racing my whole life, my Dad is who got me into it. I started racing go-karts when I was 8 yrs old at Talladega Short Track and I’ve been hooked ever since.
2. What would you be doing if you were not driving a race car?
JC: I couldn’t picture my life without racing, but if I had to choose I would say buggy riding or something with an engine.
3. People who have inspired you the most while you have raced?
JC: My Dad is definitely the one who has inspired me.
4. What is the biggest obstacle you are facing in your quest to succeed in racing?
JC: MONEY MONEY MONEY!!!! Its hard to find the financial backing now days, and unfortunately that’s what it takes to move up instead of talent.
5. What driver are you a fan of?
JC: I’ve always been a huge Dale Earnhardt fan. Now I find myself pulling for Brad Keselowski, because of how aggressive he is and he will do anything to win.
6. Out of all the race cars you have driven, which one was your favorite and why?
JC: I haven’t had many opportunities to drive other cars than mine, so I would have to say my new mini mod. I love the way it handles and that makes it fun to drive.
7. Pick one : CD player, I pod, 8-Track or Record player, and who do you listen to?
JC: CD player, and Corey Smith
8. What have you been doing during the off season?
JC: Me and Courtney have been busy trying to get settled in our new house. Now its time to get started making the racecar faster.
9. Is there any other type of race car that you’d like to drive that you haven’t yet?
JC: I would love to drive a late model. Hopefully ill get that opportunity sooner than later.
10. Your best and worst moment in racing?
JC: My best moment would be when me and my Dad got the chance to race against each other and I was lucky enough to win. My worst moment would be 2010 when I demolished my car in practice only the 2nd race of the year.
11. Any local legends that you admired while coming up in Short Track Racing?
JC: I was always at the track with my Dad, so he’s the only local person I’ve pulled for.
12. What motivates you to be the best in your racing division?
JC: I hate losing!! The competition is so close in our class if you don’t stay on top of your game you wont win.
13. Favorite smell at the track : race gas or burning rubber?
JC: race gas.
14. What’s the funniest thing you have ever seen on the race track?
JC: I cant think of anything right off.
15. What local driver do you have the most respect for and why?
JC: Joe Bethea Jr, he has always went out of his way to speak and he is always helping someone if he can.
16. Do you have another sport you enjoy to watch or participate in?
JC: College football WAR EAGLE!!!
17. What’s more important … racing for points or racing for the win?
JC: Racing for the win.
18. Your favorite track and why?
JC: MMS because of the atmosphere at the track, the staff people are awesome and the speed of the track.
19. Which describes you best : calculating driver or kamikaze driver?
JC: calculating driver until the white flag.
20. Last Lap, you’re in a side by side dash for the win… who would you want to beat and why?
JC: Chase Spradlin, because he is always on his game and tough to beat.
I would like to thank: McKinney Tax Service, my girlfriend Courtney, my Dad Jack Collier(Dawn), my Mom Sheryl Johnson (Larry), James Morgan, and anyone who has ever helped me throughout my career.
Thanks Joel, for providing us with this information, and if anyone else would like to be featured here please contact me at ShortTrackTalk@gmail.com