CCRA Racer Spotlight

[Tabitha Draughon]

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association Racer Spotlight:

Korey Alexander of Maple Hill, NC (Jacksonville) is this week's racer spotlight. He is only 31 years old & has been racing for 10 years so far. Korey has both a Stocker & Super Stock car. His Stocker is a black 1978 Chevy Camaro aka "Black Jesus" powered by a 350 CI built by Victory Race Engines. His SS car is a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme aka "Gutless" with a SBC 327 built by Robbie Draughon Powertrain Development. You will mainly find him piloting his 78 Camaro in competition at CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association races. Korey finished in the 8th position in 2021 CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association points series missing our very first race of the year for a bachelor party. Korey states that his most memorable win was the 2021 NHRA Southeast Division 2 National Open race at GALOT Motorsports Park in Stock Eliminator. He would like to give Special Thanks to his wife, Kelsey, his business & employees at Piney Green Electric Company, Robbie Draughon, Redline Speed Shop, his family, & his fur babies! His sponsors include Piney Green Electric Company & Ronny's Muffler Shop. His most epic fail was being .270 on the tree for 2021 Gainesville J/SA Class Eliminations in Stock & losing by .007 to Eric Campolito.

Korey is a "special breed"! 🙂 (love you, mean it) He can't be missed at the track as all you've got to look for is his mullet! Korey & Kelsey are expecting their first child in November & we are all looking forward to welcoming Baby Alexander to the CCRA family! Korey is one of those guys that's always willing to jump in & help a fellow racer when in need. But don't ever expect him to be on time as he'll be late for his own funeral!
If you're planning to be at Virginia Motorsports Park this weekend for the Virginia Nationals, Korey will be debuting a whole new set-up in his Stocker. 🤐🧐 Be sure to stop by Korey's pits at the next race & strike up a conversation with him.

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association will be back in action on June 4th & 5th at KDS Motorsports. See y'all at the track soon!!

[Tabitha Draughon]

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association Racer Spotlight:

Hillarey Sloan Marshall is our racer spotlight this week. She is 42 years old, lives in Broadway, NC, & has been racing for 23 years. You will find her wheeling her 1971 Plymouth Duster powered by a 360 CI built by her dad, Tim Sloan of Sloan Racing Engines at CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association as well as NHRA Southeast Division 2 races. Her primary sponsor is of course Sloan Racing Engines! Hillarey's most memorable win is beating her dad in the finals of the CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association at Mooresville Dragway. One of her accomplishments is the NHRA Southeast Division 2 race win at Rockingham Dragway. She would like to give Special Thanks to her husband, Scott Marshall, mom & dad, & Sloan Racing Engines. Hillarey didn't enter the CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association points series in 2021 as she got a late start but still attended as many events as she could. She also got married to her husband, Scott, in November 2021. At our last race of the season at Coastal Plains Raceway Park Dragway, which was the week following their wedding, they had to leave the race early as Scott "misplaced" his new wedding band! Good news is it was found once they got home & that one is now in their safe at home for "safe keepings" 😉!

Hillarey & her family are always willing to help fellow racers at the track as their family business does engines for several of the CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association & NHRA Southeast Division 2 racers. Be sure to stop & tell Hillarey hi at our next race.

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association will be back in action in 2 weeks at KDS Motorsports. See y'all at the track soon!

[Tabitha Draughon]

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association Racer Spotlight:

This week we are staying in the Sanford/Broadway, NC area & keeping it in the Sloan Family as we focus on Mr. Tim Sloan. Tim is 70 years young & has been racing for 54 years. The car that you will generally see him in is his 1998 Pontiac Grand Am powered by a Sloan Racing Engines 302 CI. Occasionally you will find him behind the wheel of his daughter Hillarey's 1971 Duster or in Stock the other purple Duster. His primary sponsor is Sloan Racing Engines. Tim also runs CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association as well as NHRA Southeast Division 2 races. Tim's most memorable win is his last win which was in October 2021 for the NHRA Southeast Division 2 National Open Series race at Rockingham Dragway. He claims his most epic fail is running out of fuel & losing to Hillarey in the finals of the CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association at Mooresville Dragway. (I don't think these 2 incidents are the same run but I could be wrong.) He gives Special Thanks to his wife, Sheila, who is always be his side at every race. Tim didn't enter the CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association points series in 2021 as he got a late start but attended most of the races at the end of the season. He did however enter the points for the 2022 season so pay attention to where he will finish this year.

Tim owns & operates Sloan Racing Engines in Sanford, NC. He is a very, well-known engine builder & has been building tons of Stock/Super Stock engines for many years. At most races, you will find Tim & his family helping their fellow racers/customers whenever an issue arises. Stop by his pit area at the next race & tell him hello!
CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association will be back in action in just alittle over a week at KDS Motorsports. Hope everyone has a Happy & safe Memorial Day weekend. See y'all at the track next weekend.

[Tabitha Draughon]

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association Racer Spotlight

This week we are travelling down to Lexington, NC (The BBQ Capital) to introduce everyone to Mr. Lee Truell. He is 58 years old & has been racing for 21 years. Lee's car is a 2008 Chevy Cobalt powered by a SBC 300 CI built by none other than Sloan Racing Engines. This car was an old Arnie Martel car. You've also seen him in the past little while behind the wheel of both of the Sloan Racing Engines cars as he drove Tim's at the Saturday Farmington Dragway race & then drove Hillarey's at the recent NHRA Southeast Division 2 race at Rockingham Dragway where I'm pretty sure he is down to the finals with plans to complete at an upcoming race. His sponsors include his own business, Truell Grading & Sloan Racing Engines. His most memorable win would be his last win which was in November 2021 at the CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association finale at Coastal Plains Raceway Park Dragway. Lee says his most epic fail is his runner-up finish at the World Finals at Rockingham Dragway when he redlighted. He gives Special Thanks to his wife, Jamie, his family, & of course Sloan Racing Engines! Lee battled all year in 2021 & finished in the 3rd place position for the CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association. Like always, he is hoping to improve that finish this year.

Lee is somewhat on the quiet side but once he gets comfortable around you, he opens up & is a great person to have not only as a competitor but also as a friend. He is always willing to jump in to help a fellow racer in need. You will find him riding his doggie on the golf cart at the track & I think the doggie has him just a tad bit wrapped!!! Lee is finalizing the rebuilding of his engine as we currently speak & will be putting it back in later this week with plans to make it to KDS Motorsports on Friday evening so be sure to stop by his pit area this weekend & give him a shout!!

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association is back in action for our 3rd stop of the season this weekend at KDS Motorsports. Gates will open on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. with time runs beginning at 2 p.m. We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend & be sure to come hungry so you can enjoy the 🐷🐽 picking on Saturday evening!!!

[Tabitha Draughon]

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association Racer Spotlight

Lambert Ridings, 51st Birthday Boy today, is this week's racer spotlight. Lambert lives in Columbus, NC & has only been racing a short 4 years but hoping for more years here very soon. His car is a 1985 Chevy Camaro, known as Li'l Aggravation & is powered by a SBC 350 CI built by CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association racer, Mr. Billy Plage. Everyone should be very familiar with this car as his wife, Stacie, has been the driver in the past but she now has a new car. Lambert used to race in the North Division during the old IHRA days & he won several rounds but took a hiatus to be the crew chief for his wife so he doesn't have any wins yet but I'll sure he'll be able to add a few to his resume as soon as he gets back comfortable in the seat. Lambert will tell you that his most epic fail is telling Stacie to drive her car like a man & it then breaking but Stacie has a different story for his most epic fail 😉! Stacie says it is getting beat by a pregnant lady in a station wagon (Emily Stott) & she was even tapping the brakes on him at the finish line. It sounds like Lambert wants to forget about that run 😀! He gives Special Thanks for his wife Stacie & daughter Julia whom is his 2 biggest supporters!!! Lambert & Stacie doesn't attend all of the CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association races due to distance (& of course fuel cost nowadays) but when they do, they are always very friendly riding around on their golf cart & stopping to talk to fellow racers & I'm sure always willing to help if needed. They even load a fellow racer their new car at the last race of the 2021 season as he was battling for the points championship.

Be sure to stop by Lambert's pit at the next race & tell him hello!
We hope to see both Lambert & Stacie behind the wheel of both cars at our next race in July at Farmington Dragway. More details on that race coming very soon.

[Tabitha Draughon]

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association Racer Spotlight

This week's racer spotlight will travel down to Greenville, NC & focus on Mr. Monnie Morris. He is 74 years young & have been racing for 55 years! His daughter, Wendy, has helped me with some valuable information & pictures for the one. Wendy was able to attend our last race at KDS Motorsports & this is the first race that she has been able to attend in AGES. Thanks again Wendy, very appreciated!!! His car is a 1973 Ford Maverick powered by a SBF 302 CI built by Richard James & Jesse Benson (recently deceased). His most memorable win was when him & his partner, Mr. Tommy Hussey, won Stock Eliminator at the the 1974 IHRA Pro-Am Nationals at Rockingham Dragway. He claims that one of his accomplishments is winning the CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association race at Coastal Plains Raceway Park Dragway in 2020. Mr. Monnie would like to give Special Thanks to his son & crew chief, Kelly, as well as Johnny Rouse & Troy McLawhorn for all of their help. His most funny racing story will be from May 1984 (article included in pics) when he raced against his daughter, Wendy for 1st place. Monnie came out victorious on this run & Wendy says it was "embarrassing for her". Wendy states "she started following her dad around the track, toting tools, running to the fence to see every run, etc. from a tot in the early 70's". Then he taught her to race & gave her a car at a pretty young age. Wendy continued to race until her college years & then she also worked a couple seasons at KDS Motorsports. Due to the age difference between her & her brother, Kelly, he came along much later in the game. Kelly's experiences have been different & he has been the "crew master" for a long time. Mr. Monnie has been reluctant to "turn over the reins" however, he is FINALLY going to let her PLUS 40 year old brother get his training wheels 😉 & they are going to start working with Kelly to get some driving experience. Looks like some of the roles may be reversed soon & Mr. Monnie will be helping Kelly in the burnout box. We all at CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association & your fellow racers are excited for you & here to help anyway possible! Kelly, you can do it!! 👊👊👊

Mr. Monnie is an all around quiet competitor but don't take him lightly as he is very deadly behind the wheel of his Maverick. CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association appreciates Mr. Monnie & Kelly racing with us & hopes that they are able to continue to support our association. Our next race is in July at Farmington Dragway. More details on that race next week.

[Tabitha Draughon]

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association Racer Spotlight:

Clinton, NC is home of this week's racer spotlight as we put the focus on Curt Smith Jr. He is 31 years old & has been racing for 12 years. His car is a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro powered by a SBC 350 CI built by his dad, Curtis Smith & known as Shakedown 2. His sponsors include Deacon Jones Automotive Group & Curtis Smith Trucking, LLC. Some of his notable accomplishments include being a Third Generation NHRA driver. As well as being the grandson of multi-time NHRA Record Holder & IHRA National Event winner Earl Smith & son of Curtis Smith, IHRA World Champion & All Time Winningest IHRA Stock Eliminator Driver. Curt Jr. gives Special Thanks to his Curtis Smith, Ingrid Smith, Catherine Smith, Earl & Christine Smith, & Eugene & Dotty Carlsward. You will find Curt Jr. competing in the CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association as well as NHRA Southeast Division 2 races. In 2021, Curt Jr. finished in a 4 way tie for the 23rd points position as he was unable to attend several of the events. He is looking to better himself for this season's points tally. Not only is Deacon Jones Automotive Group one of his sponsors, he works at Deacon Jones Chevrolet Buick GMC of Clinton so if you're ever in the market for a vehicle, be sure to give him a shot!

Curt Jr. & his entire family are familiar faces around the local tracks & have been for many years due to their success. Curt Jr. is looking to follow in his dad & granddad's footsteps by winning a NHRA National Event. He just recently competed at the Four Wide Nationals at zMAX DRAGWAY and was interviewed by Joe Castello. CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association appreciates the support of Curt Jr. & the entire Smith Family & hope to see y'all at our next race. Be sure to stop by their pit area & chat racing with them. You can also follow his racing on his 2 websites which are posted below. CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association will be back on track in a little less than a month on July 16th & 17th at Farmington Dragway.

http://www.curtjr.com
http://www.curtissmithracing.com

[Tabitha Draughon]

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association Racer Spotlight:

Let's take a road trip down to Wytheville, VA & talk about Homer Carty. He is 43 years old & has been racing for 27 years. His Super Stock car is a 1967 Chevy II Nova known as Dynamite Deuce. His sponsors include his own personal business, Homer's Custom Paint and Body and his family (which I think means his wallet). Homer recalls his most memorable win being the first time he beat his dad, Gil, in the finals at Farmington Dragway. Most racers will remember his dad from years ago driving the "Boot, Scoot, & Boogie" wagon that has just made its way back to the track after about a 15 year hiatus & is being driven by Howie Adams. Mr. Gil passed away in September 2011 but is remembered by all racers. RIP Gil! Some of Homer's racing accomplishments include: he was the first No Box car to win the Moser Engineering Axle Shootout, many IHRA wins in Super Stock, Stock, & Hot Rod, won CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association Champion several times (2019 & 2020 Back to Back Champion), as well as winning other races, & lastly his 2 girls, Miss Sierra & Miss Gracie. If you're at the track & don't know these 2 girls, you're definitely missing out as they are the "life of the party" in The Carty pit area! Homer would like to give Special Thanks to his mom Sandy, his wife Sara, kids Sierra & Grace, his many friends & family, as well as the Good Lord. He states that his most epic fail in losing the World Championship. Homer competes in CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association, NHRA Southeast Division 2 races, & bracket races at basically any track he can find open. He typically brings 2 cars to our CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association races where he competes in both Pro & Footbrake bracket classes, as well as CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association races. He is one busy feller at the track! In 2021, he finished in the 9th position as he was unable to attend the final race at Coastal Plains Raceway Park Dragway in November. Of course he is hoping to better that position in 2022. Homer's business, Homer's Custom Paint and Body is also one of our CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association sponsors. So if you're need any paint, body work, &/or powder coating, be sure to check his business out.

Homer & the entire Carty Family are well known around all tracks. Homer & his sister Chelsea were both raised at the dragstrip as both his dad & mom raced. Homer is one of those racers that doesn't mind jumping in at any given time to help a fellow racer get back on track. Likewise when one of his racecars are broken, many racers are at his side to get him back going. If you don't know Homer & his family, you're missing out on some good friends so do yourself a favor & go meet them at the track next time you see them there.

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association will be back in action for a triple on July 16th & 17th at Farmington Dragway. Hope to see everyone there. BTW, Homer mentioned bringing a swimming pool for the girls & I told him he better bring a big one 😉!

[Tabitha Draughon]

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association Racer Spotlight:

This week we are heading to Sanford, NC; home of Gerald & Sammy Thomas. Gerald is the driving & this duo has been racing for 56 years. His Stock Eliminator 1991 Chevy S-10 known as "Six Pack" is powered by a 4.3L V6 engine built by Mr. Gerald himself. His sponsors include Reliable Plumbing & Kelly Mobil. Their most memorable win was in Norwalk, OH. They both agree that one of their accomplishments is getting a S-10 to run in Stock Eliminator. They would like to give "Special Thanks" to Mitch Edmonds, Kelly Mobil, Reliable Plumbing, & Thomas Way. The most epic fail that they recall is a wreck at Piedmont Dragway. Also pictured is another car that they race, a Chevy Vega, which is in the Winner's Circle at Piedmont Dragway. They weren't able to compete at all of the CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association races in 2021 due to some unforeseen circumstances & was hoping to start 2022 off much better, but unfortunately that hasn't been the case. Mr. Sammy was recently in the hospital with some medical issues & is now home recovering. We had hoped to have them back with us but as of yesterday, the truck has been posted "For Sale". Anyone interested can contact Mr. Sammy Thomas at 919-499-7359 for more information.

The Thomas's were always a fun crowd to be around & they always made the best of being at the track. They are both missed dearly & we hope to see them soon.

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association is back in action for a Triple header next weekend, July 16th & 17th at Farmington Dragway. We will be running 2 races on Saturday & 1 on Sunday. Hope to see everyone there.

[Tabitha Draughon]

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association Racer Spotlight:

Let's take a road trip down to DeLand, FL (approximately 7 hours & 22 minutes/493 miles from Redline Speed Shop), home of Mr. John Meinelt. He is 75 years young & has been racing 59 of those years. His 1967 Chevy Camaro, known as Midnight Rider, is powered by a SBC 350/295 combo built by Mr. John himself. His sponsors are Billy Chilson (The Body Shop). He would like to give "Special Thanks" for his wife & travelling partner, his children, & all of his friends whom have helped him out over the years. His recalls his most memorable win being the SCRA race in Hollywood, FL in 1989. Some of his accomplishments include NHRA Southeast Division 2 Runner-up in Stock Eliminator in 1980 & 1985, Top Stock Hot Rod Reunion in 2017, & the 1970 IHRA Winter Nationals Modified Eliminator. He states that his most epic fail is blowing a powerglide gear set 1st round of the Hot Rod Reunion in 2018. When asking Mr. John for something funny, he says getting lost looking for race tracks. Mr. John's first race with CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association was in July 2021 at Mooresville Dragway. He also won the Dash for Cash on his first race participating with our association. He competes in NHRA Southeast Division 2 as well as typically following our CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association schedule. He didn't enter our points program in 21 due to getting a late start but he did enter for the 2022 race season. He got himself a Winner Circle photo & a big check at Coastal Plains Raceway Park Dragway at our final race weekend of 2021!

Mr. John & Mrs. Pat are typically our longest distance travelled racers. On most weekends, you will find them camped out in their Chevy ramp truck (Mrs. Pat needs a gold metal for that one). They have both been very appreciative to all of our CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association officials & racers for welcoming them into our association! I hate that they are going to miss this weekend's triple header but Mr. John has some repairs to do to their hauler but we're looking forward to seeing them at KDS Motorsports in August.

CCRA-Carolina Class Racers Association is back in action this coming weekend at Farmington Dragway for our 1st ever triple header. We will be running 2 races on Saturday & one of Sunday. See y'all soon!!!