I think my interest in racing, and cars in general, can be traced back to two infamous gentleman who were best known for sliding across the hoods of cars with their doors welded shut. Yes, these men were the Dukes! As young boys, it was easy to see a clear resemblance between the Dukes and my brother, Tom, and I. Our dreams were close to theirs in what we could do, who we wanted to be, and where our hearts lied. The Dukes were always doing right, even if it sometimes meant doing a little wrong. Now that I'm grown up, I think I know why my dad watched this show...those shorts will never go out of style and I think everyone's garage has a poster of Catherine Bach. The Dukes entered most every house is some way or another and while the show was on our TV we had our very own version of the General Lee sitting outside in our driveway.

By combining his own ideas with those of a few good friends, my father began building cars in the early 1970s. With the help of my Godfather Barney and my Uncle Bob, he built his first real racer, the #128 mod, a 1967 Chevelle SS with a 396ci engine mated to a four speed tranny. He had some minor success on the track and his stories are still treasured, rehashed, and laughed over. With children on the way, however, he decided to hang up the wheel. Some twenty years later, I like to think that I picked up where he left off. We still probably share the same goal-to be faster than you!

My very first legal race (I had been playing around on the street since the state mistakenly gave me a license) was the Enduro at the 1995 North Dakota State Fair. I was driving for a local, retired racer, Marlyn Korslien. I put that old Mopar through the ringer, survived, and was hooked on racing! Two years later I stepped up to a Dakota Mod, later to an IMCA Mod, and 2008 will be my fourth year driving a winged sprint.

First and foremost, my father. As a kid he could build anything. He has strength and wisdom beyond his years and is without a doubt the reason I race today.

Doug Wolfgang-I have seen this man do some amazing things in a sprint car. One in particular is when he showed up at Red River Valley Speedway in Fargo, ND, for an Outlaw show in 1992. He proved that you didn't need a flashy rig or a ton of cash to be dominant.

My family and friends have my back each and every night, even when I stink it up out on the track. They take the good and the bad and having them behind me motivates me even more to do my best.

Tom, my older brother, believes in me sometimes more than I even believe in myself. He is always pushing me to be more competitive and try different things with the car and while out on the track. He is behind my every move and helps me keep my competitive edge.

Greg Nikitenko, a good friend and fellow sprint car driver, has helped take my career to the next level. The knowledge I gained while in the pits with him in 2004 led to me starting in a 360 car in 2005. I run hard, sometimes maybe too hard, and Greg's suggestions have helped me channel that effort into a presentable package.

Making the A Main at the inaugural Magic City Showdown here in Minot in 2006. We played like heck trying to make the show. We qualified with an ASCS 360 that was built in our own garage a week before the show. We fired the engine about two hours before we hit the track, only having time to check it for leaks and do a quick oil change before loading it in the trailer. A qualifying bobble and a poor heat race set us deep in the field. Luckily I made a pass on the backstretch that got us into the A! However, our night was ended early by a damaged shock.

I feel that I've been pretty lucky to have made it this far and my goals and dreams keep changing. This year I plan to hit more Outlaw events here in the Upper Midwest. My ultimate dream is to travel the country and race with the World of Outlaws.

Anybody not settling for second and anyone who is willing to fail first.

There's a boatload! First, my wife Annette for not rolling her eyes too much when I'm thinking and talking racecar. Next, my crew who supports my efforts, even when I pick the hottest days of the year to wreck things. I have some pretty loyal sponsors who have been with me for some years now. Without them I wouldn't be able to keep the ball rolling. And of course, thanks to all those who attend sprint car races across the country. Without their support we wouldn't have this wonderful sport that we love.