Do not let anyone tell you that racing is not addicting, because it is! It all started when I was nine and I helped my uncle Kent build a street stock. As the years went on I continued helping but I seemed to just be in the way. I broke my share of parts and supplies and often screwed up. They told me to do something else.

Then when I turned sixteen, the Highland Speedway started a Bomber division half way through the season. I knew I had to get involved! I drug out an old Monte Carlo from the weeds and built a homemade roll cage. The seat I used came out of a Freightliner and when I started the motor, it smoked. Therefore, I went and tried to find some sponsors who could help get me started on the right track. Then, I had to select a number for the car. The number 78 was the year I was born and the number I had while playing high school football. Between finding people to help support my decision and trying to get started as a racecar driver, it wasn’t always easy. Although my first car was not the prettiest and didn’t always run the best, I was able to win the Bomber Championship in 1994.

After my first taste of racing, I knew I wanted to continue driving a racecar. Although I was still in high school, I found time to build a Street stock from a new Monte Carlo in 1995. I continued playing football in high school and on devoted my Saturday nights to racing. I was fortunate to have half of the football team as my pit crew on the weekends. As the year went on, the track announcer, Mike Muerer, gave me a nickname that would stick with me throughout my racing career. He called me the Highland Bulldog, which suited me because of my devotion for football. As the year ended, I knew that I wanted to move up and begin racing a Late Model for the 1996 season.

It is quite a leap to go from a Street stock car to a Late Model. Beside from the bills jumping dramatically, the time and effort it takes to run a Late Model is extensive. It requires a lot of research on parts and setups but when it is your passion, these things are not an issue. My first Late Model was not a new car but it provided an opportunity to race and try out new things. My first year driving a Late Model was a challenge! There were so many new things to learn and try; I wasn’t sure where to start. At this point, I encountered a person who was willing to help and give advice from his own personal experiences. Randy Korte was the man who helped through these difficult but learning experiences. He was so helpful and he informed me of what things worked for him. To this day, Randy has played such an important part in my racing career. He has given me the confidence to try new things such as driving a GRT racecar.

Now as look back on my racing career, I am glad that I learned from my experiences and used them as an opportunity to become a better driver. With the help and support from my family, friends, and sponsors, I have been able to succeed as a racecar driver. I appreciate all of the dedication and support from all of these wonderful people and I know that I would not be where I am today without them.

 

Brad held - Full time student at SWIC

 

Blake Rinderer- Part owner of Rinderer Farms LLC.

 

Cale Schmitt- Machinist at Bachman Tool and Die

 

Jason Zobrist- Full time student at SWIC

 

Matt Gelly- Shop Technician at Rural King

 

Nic Gould - Sales Manager at Gould Flooring Services

 

Steven "Whiz" Bartlett - Full time Student at SIUE

 

Travis Zobrist- Union Operator

 

Darren "Woody" Rottmann- Prosthetic Assistant at Shriner's Hospital

 

Craig Ammann - Mechanic at Auffenerg Ford and part time farmer at Ammann Farms

 

Aaron Gelly- Owner and Operator of Gelly Construction and Excavating and Part Owner of Gelly Farms

 

Derek Zobrist- Mechanic at Auto-tech Inc. Rob Zbinden - Electrician at Cooper B-Line Chad Zurliene - Plumber at Houseman Plumbing and Supply