Clint Bowyer explains why he doesn’t jump behind the wheel of one of his own dirt cars
Clint Bowyer is deeply invested in the world of Dirt Late Model racing. He currently fields two cars in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Pilots of his machines are Don O’Neal and Darrell Lanigan.
In his day job, Clint Bowyer drives the #14 machine for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. In his off time, you’ll find him at the dirt track, supporting his dirt racing team.
The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has hosted events at two tracks so far in 2018. The first was at Golden Isles Speedway in Georgia and the second was at East Bay Raceway Park in Florida. Clint Bowyer made an appearance at both.
You own two dirt late model teams. But, I never see you drive one. Why is that?
“Man, I got two of the best in the business with Don O’Neal and Darrell Lanigan,” Clint Bowyer tells RacingNews.co. “You know, over the years, it’s surpassed all that. You can’t just show up and race against these guys, like you used to.”
You’re saying that you need to be able to win?
“The competition, the equipment, it’s just evolved way beyond just showing up and being able to compete, with anybody. That being said, this is my satisfaction.”
“This is what I love to do. This is what I grew up doing. This is the level of racing that for whatever crazy reason my career has surpassed. To be able to be involved in it and own a couple cars is satisfaction for me. I’m just having fun.”
You can’t just show up? You know, just to have some fun?
“No, hell no. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving it, owning it or if you’re the tire guy — It doesn’t matter what you’re doing. If you’re racing, you’re in it for one reason, that’s winnin’.”
“We have good partners on these cars that have been with me a long time. I’m proud of that. Building those relationships and keeping those relationships, more importantly. Using this tool as a profit margin for them.”
“The fans that these guys race in front of, the eyes that are on these cars, week in, week out — All across the country. It’s not just at a local race track. These guys are touring and their reaching a lot of fans. The numbers are actually staggering when you get down and look at it.”
“It’s worked for me. It’s been a great program for a long time. There’s been a lot of sponsors that we build with and even carry on to be on the Cup level. This is a great platform for any kind of sponsor to get involved with and get their feet wet, in a world that they don’t know.”
“It’s fun to be back here. This is where my racing season starts. Whether I’m in the seat or not, it’s in my blood. This is what gets me fired up.”
Clint Bowyer now has his focus on Daytona. Yesterday, NASCAR hosted their first official practice session of the year at Daytona International Speedway.
