I hope racefans everywhere have had a chance to watch “Madhouse” on the History Channel. This new series is action packed with the rivalries of the top 5 drivers of the 2009 Farm Bureau Insurance Modified Series Championship at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC.
I thought our readers might enjoy a chance to get a more private glimpse into the lives of these hard charging competitors. So, here is a ” Q&A With The Drivers Of The History Channel’s New Series “Madhouse”.
Tim Brown:
Q. It has been said you may be the most dedicated driver at Bowman Gray. Why do you, personally, think that statement may be true?
A. That statement is true because of several reasons. I eat, breathe and sleep those racecars. The time I put into my racing career takes away from my family and friends. I get up at 4 AM and drive 160 miles to MWR and work till 5, 6 or 7 PM then drive 75 miles to my race shop and work till 11 PM then drive home which is another 40 miles. I have dedicated my whole entire life to racing and sacrificed so much. I spend every dime of money I make every week on these racecars and I honestly can’t afford to race at the level I race at. If it were not for Hayes Jewelers and my product’s sponsors I would be sitting in the stands watching the races. I live in a small house and drive a 1996 Honda Accord with 200,000 miles on it. I had rather have a nice racecar with the best parts I can buy than to have a fancy house and expensive cars. I live to race.
Q. Has working for Michael Waltrip Racing contributed to your “conservative” approach to racing such as “taking care” of your equipment? And how has it helped you in other possible ways?
A. Working for MWR and the Cup teams in the past have greatly helped my career. I have learned how to build and maintain racecars and how to get the most performance out of the pieces I have to work with. It also keeps me in the racing world in such ways that vendors may see an opportunity to help me with some parts for my cars. Working in Cup also pays very well and it is a great help since I don’t come from a family with any money. I spend every dime of my money to race . I have also learned how to service and maintain the parts I have and that saves money.
Q. You are obviously doing something right, Tim, in a BIG way with 8 Championships to your credit. Do these titles belong to you alone or do you truly believe the team has earned them and if so, why?
A. These 8 Championships in no way shape or form belong to just Tim Brown! I owe everything in my career to my race team, my sponsors and my family. My TEAM deserves the entire credit for all the success we have had in the 17 years of racing. Once again I owe everything to my crew, my sponsor Hayes Jewelers, and my family. I am so thankful for everything I have and that we have accomplished as a team. I firmly believe without my team I would be a spectator in the stands and would not have 8 Championships
Q. “Old School racing” is………………………. (finish this statement as long or short as you wish)
A. Old School racing is what we do. Work as hard as you can with what you have. Spend your own hard earned money and taking pride and being passionate about racing.
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Chris Fleming:
Q. Chris, as far as the billed stars of this show, you are the second oldest. Is that a good thing or is it a bad thing? Either way, why do you feel that way?
A. I don’t think it matters either way. The way you come across to the fans of the show is all that matters. My goal is to somehow, someway, reach out to all the underdogs and give them the hope that, if they work hard, they can run with the big dogs and be successful.
Q. You’re a Christian. I personally love that, Chris. Some people may say spinning out other competitors without provocation is not very Christian like. I personally think racing against each other is reason enough, rubbing and spinning being a racing given. Your thoughts.
A. I never spin anyone out intentionally. I come to the racetrack to win and if I do spin someone out it is because I have tried to pass them clean and they would not give me any room to race, or it is payback from a previous incident, or it’s simple, it was just an accident. I know being a Christian, payback could look really bad on me but in this sport you can’t let people push you around.
Q. Your sons are young racers. What is the most important racing advice do you give them?
A. Work hard, focus on your goals, live your life for Jesus who died for you, and go and get the things you want. Nothing good is ever easy
Q. You are one of those nearly extinct owner/racers. There are pluses and minuses. Your thoughts as to each?
A. I have driven for other car owners before. I do not like the idea of having to satisfy someone else’s wishes when a sport such as racing involves so many different opinions. Driving my own car, if I decide to leave it at home, I can; If I decide to run it through the wall, I can. It’s my choice.
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JR MILLER :
Q. Jr. you may be the one driver who many, if not most, race fans at Bowman Gray on one hand love and on the other hand love to hate. There are many reasons for that, but tell me your view on that statement.
A. I’m an aggressive driver and most of the fans love to see that. I”m there to get the job done and win races.
Q. Have you set any time table for retiring?
A. When I quit winning races and having fun. That might be 5 years or 10 years. Time will tell. I’m not looking forward to that day.
Q. You sure make racing look easy, but, we all know it isn’t. What do you attribute you racing longevity to?
A. Winning races and enjoying the sport has kept me racing all these years and the heated competition and the great race fans at Bowman Gray Stadium.
Q. If you can pick just one, who is your biggest rival at Bowman Gray and why? Is it truly Burt Myers or could there be someone else that runs a close second or third?
A. Anybody that is between me and that checkered flag. I will have to admit, when I see that # 1 and that # 4 its gives me a little more energy to bust their ass!!!!
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Burt Myers:
Q. Burt you have a reputation for using “dirty tactics”. Why do you think other drivers and many fans say that? After all, all is fair in love and racing. Right?
A. First of all, I don’t think I use dirty tactics. I race people the way I want to be raced. My saying is, “If you’re using your back bumper to keep me behind you, it’s my job to use my front bumper to get by you”.
Q. There had to have been good and bad times racing against family members, so, what has growing up in that amazing racing family meant to you…good, bad or both?
A. I have raced against my father and brother at the same time. There is a feeling of comfort knowing my family is on the track with me, but I also knew I had to beat the best.
Q. What one thing is there about you that most BG fans don’t know that you want them to?
A. I enjoy going to church, eating lunch with my family and playing golf on Sunday.
Q. Jr. Miller is reportedly your biggest rival? In one sentence, tell Jr. something you haven’t said yet.
A. Why can’t we all just get along? (that was supposed to be funny) : )
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Jason Myers:
Q. Jason tell me about the racing legacy your father and grandfather have left you and your brother.
A. It’s a really big deal because we are carrying out a family tradition that has existed for so many years. It makes being a race car driver more meaningful to know that you are continuing the legacy.
Q. Anytime there are brothers racing against each other, people wrongly in my opinion, compare them. What do you find good and bad about that?
A. The good that comes from being compared to my brother is that Burt is one of the best and anytime you’re put in the same category, it’s an accomplishment. The bad that comes from it is always having someone to be compared to. I don’t want to be known as Burt’s brother, I want to make a name for myself.
Q. If you are side by side with Burt heading to the finish are you willing to do anything to win?
A. I wouldn’t do anything dirty but I wouldn’t make it easy on him either. I want to beat Burt as much as anyone else.
Q. Is it a plus, minus or both driving for your dad?
A. It’s a plus because we can both be honest with each other about everything and it’s a minus because it’s hard to drive for someone who has accomplished so much in a modified. He can always tell me what I am doing wrong.
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Thanks guys! So, there you have it racefans, some thoughts of tough drivers on some aspects of the tough job of racing. This truly is enjoyable viewing that almost leaves me feeling like I am trackside and cheering for, well, my particular favorite. There are several episodes left, so, don’t be one of those fans who misses out completely. Be sure to tune in, or set your TIVO, for the History Channel Sunday night at 10 PM. And for more infoprmation check out the shows website at :
