Hoseheads Sprint Car Photos & News

Check Out These Other Pages At Hoseheads

Wagsworld Ken Wagner

Sooner Circles Don Hubbard

View From the Pressbox Stacy Ervin

Keeping Track Dino Oberto

Tri-State Outlook Duane Hancock

Western PA News Rick Rarer

Interrogation Gary Costa

Hawkeye Ovals Eric Arnold

Runnin The High Groove Paul Kuyawa

Hoosier Race Report Danny Burton

I Just Wanna Race Brad Vores

Butts In The Bleachers Rusty Rogerson

Broadsliding The Ovals Bob Altman

Not Just Another Racing Column Pastor Dudley Balmer

Dirt Divas Camisha Miller

Hoseheads Forum

the PITS 2010

2010 Schedules

Links

Hoseheads Classifieds

by Camisha Miller

One-on-One with Erica Meyer

How long has your dad raced?

My dad has been racing since 1989, so about 20 years.

How is it to work at all of the different tracks?
Working at all the tracks we go to, whether it be selling 50/50 or working the IRA t-shirt trailer it’s a blast. You meet so many different race fans whether it is a sprint car fan or even a late model fans, you get so many kinds of people. I have gotten a new found respect for late model racing just from going to the Masters in Cedar Lake and talking to their fans while selling 50/50. They ask you questions, and you ask them, and you learn something new at every track about anything, sometimes it’s not even about racing. Plus doing this, you also get to see the die-hard fans of the IRA which is always nice to see who supports our series.

What is your favorite track?
I definitely don’t have just one favorite track. I like Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wi because the facility is just spectacular. I love the speed the cars get and the racing is just awesome. And there is also the plus that dad always seems to have a good run there and the people there are nice people. Dodge County Fairgrounds is another favorite track. It is just a fast half mile that gives you chills when you watch sprint cars are on it. Others are Eldora, Elko Speedway, and Seymour.

Who is your best friend you gained from racing?

I never really did gained a “best friend” from racing. I gained more of a whole family rather than friends. When I was younger and it was almost a weekly event every weekend at Beaver Dam, there was a group of wives and kids that sat in the corner right by the grass on the big hill. It consisted of the Dodd’s, the Meyer’s and the Roe’s, and we all looked out for each other. Then as us kids grew up, we started working the t-shirt trailer. There were five of us, Jessica Dodd, Nathan Roe, Mike Uttech, Amanda Warm and then me. Then when Darrell Dodd and Joe Roe stopped racing with the IRA, I continued to do the t-shirt trailer when the Tennyson’s took over. But I never really had a best friend; I just gained a “summer family.”

Do you want to race?
When I was younger it was always my dream to take dad’s car and drive. When Jessica Dodd and I were younger and watching our dad’s race, we always said she was going to have the 11D and I was going to have the 85M car. Then our moms always said our cars would be pink and purple and all girly. And the driving suits and everything would match the cars. Then when Erin Crocker was in the World of Outlaws, she was my all time idol, I wanted to be her. I mean if I had the chance one day to hop in a car and see what I could do, HECK YES I would take the opportunity, but as for now I much rather watch dad race.

Who is your favorite driver besides your dad?

Besides my dad, that’s a tough one. I only say that because I know a lot of drivers between World of Outlaw, IRA and the regulars at the Plymouth dirt track. I like Kasey Kahne, before he went to Nascar. I have a picture actually of him winning a Gumout series race. Then there is Scotty Neitzel, he’s been a family friend since day one. His wife, Brendalee, and him have always been there for my family. Kim Mock, Joey Saldana, Brooke Tatnell are on the top of the list as well. I will say Craig Schueffner is my favorite late model driver at Plymouth though.

What is one thing you want people to know about your dad?
When I first read this question, I really had no idea what I was going to put but as I thought about it, it became quite easy. My dad is and always will be my hero. I know that’s a typical answer from any daughter who has a dad like mine. To people, he is shy, quiet and intimidating but I never see it. He has the look but not the attitude. But I will say this, don’t make him mad. I’ve already seen an incident at Deer Creek where dad threw the steering wheel out of the car as soon as the A-main was over. I have never seen him get that mad before and it takes a lot to get him mad and to yell.

How is traveling with your mom-sister- dad- a lot in the summer- does it get old?
Traveling with my parents and my sister during the summer does get old after awhile. When it’s a two or three day weekend and it includes a long road trip, it gets annoying really quick. When we owned the semi for traveling, Beth and I would have to be separated because we just fought constantly, but what sisters don’t fight. But it’s not always annoying, when we stop for lunch on long road trips the crew usually doesn’t get out of the truck anymore. If were at Subway, our usual stop most of the time, they all tell me the kind and I just go into order it. And like most families and crews, you get the interesting conversations going about whatever you can think of.

Favorite moment with your dad racing and outside of racing.

I guess my favorite moment with my dad racing is on the way home from certain tracks, when I get the privilege to sit up by him as he drives home and we just talk. Whether it’s about how the night went, or what is happening the next morning or what we could have done better, whenever I got the opportunity to sit up front and spend quality time with him while everyone else slept is the best. Also I can say on Sunday mornings, ever since I got my licenses, when I would go up to the shop and we would wash the car together. It was just our time. We crank up the radio, talk and wash the car. Outside of racing, I really can’t say what my favorite moment with my dad outside of racing is because the subject of racing lives within our family year around. I guess I could say when he comes home from work on those late nights and we didn’t save him dinner so I would cook him something and then we sit at the kitchen table and talk and I play secretary for the business and fill out paper work and sign him up for auctions or whatever.

What are you doing now- major in school, etc?
As for what I am doing now, I graduated last year from Howards Grove High School and now have almost completed my first full year of college at University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima. I’m studying for Marketing and Public Relations. My plans are to take the degree and hopefully apply it somewhere in motorsports. Other than that I’m just trying to have fun while I’m out here. Meeting new people, keeping in touch with family and friends from high school, and trying to succeed in getting a better education are my goals for out here. Also I have been exploring new tracks that people only dream about seeing. I finally have gotten the chance to see the “Big E” and Limaland and hopefully one day I can make the road trip across Ohio and see some of the Pennsylvania tracks. I have been going to the races since I was six months old, so I kind of have racing in my blood. My dad has won a total of five times and I have only seen him win was his first one when I was six at Beaver Dam. Now being in Ohio I make it home to see him race as much as I can but it’s still not enough I feel like I’m missing out!

I got the chance to really know Erica this year at Dodge County Fairgrounds. She was sitting in front of us and she was a riot the whole night she made me just as nervous for Steve as she was. We laughed about it after and if she could have funneled her energy to her dad it would have been great because she has a lot of it! He ran awesome that night and she was so proud- it was an amazing sight to see for me personally. I can appreciate her perspectives and being close with her dad- my dad is my best friend and I count my blessings everyday he is active in my life and with our race team. I would not love racing as much as I do or it would not be in “my blood” if it was not for my dadJ He is the greatest!

One-on-One with Misha Geisert

Program Manager

Tony Stewart Racing

True Speed Communication

Job Description: Misha oversees the day-to-day business for Tony Stewart Racing’s World of Outlaws Sprint Series teams and USAC National Sprint & Silver Crown Series teams. She also works with Tony Stewart during his ‘extra-curricular’ racing events, as well as some of his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events.

Drivers: Tony Stewart, Donny Schatz, Steve Kinser, Levi Jones, Bryan Clauson &

Jessica Zemken

How long have you been involved in racing?

I’ve been involved in the sport on a professional level since I completed an internship at what is now O’Reilly Raceway Park (ORP) in Clermont, Ind., during my junior year of college. I had been a race fan since my childhood but my interest in working in the industry really developed when I was around the age of 13. It was around the time that the USAC ‘Thunder’ Series was popular on ESPN when and I discovered that you could make a career out of the sport I loved. Originally, I wanted to be an on-air commentator, but as I got into college, I really began to enjoy the marketing and public relations side of the industry. I’m not one to enjoy being the center of attention – I get satisfaction from planning and executing projects. I realized I didn’t enjoy being on camera while in college and changed my focus. During my senior year, I was also awarded a ‘Rich Vogler Memorial Scholarship,’ which I was very excited about.

After my internship at ORP, I was fortunate enough to begin working with Larry Nuber. He was one of the original ‘Thunder’ series commentators and handled the Wynn’s Racing program, which included the legendary Steve Lewis No. 9 USAC National Midget team. The Wynn’s program also included teams that competed in the NHRA Funny Car and Top Fuel Series, as well as the ASA Racing series. I started working as an assistant to Larry during my senior year of college, handling event planning, public relations and various other tasks for him. He passed away not long after I graduated very unexpectedly and I assumed his role with the Wynn’s program. Unfortunately, the brand moved away from the racing industry later that year and I moved into the next chapter of my career.

Following my time with Wynn’s Racing, I worked for a couple of different agencies and did some freelance work in what was then the Indy Racing League. During this transition period, I worked as a freelance journalist for The Kokomo (Ind.) Tribune writing various motorsports features. I also spent a few months at Charlotte Motor Speedway working in the public relations department. In 2003, I was offered a position with the Mopar division of Chrysler through the brand’s agency of record, J.R. Thompson Company (JRT,) which is located in Michigan. My first role with the brand was on the public relations end of the spectrum and I worked with the ‘Team Mopar’ entities in the NHRA, USAC, World of Outlaws Sprint & Late Model Series and Formula D Series.

In 2005, I was moved into the role of program manager for the Mopar brand. I oversaw the motorsports programs under Michael Smith at JRT and Kevin Miller, who at the time was the Senior Brand Manager for Mopar. He’s since moved into a new role as the president of USAC. I was able to learn another skill set during my time as the Mopar program manager, as I began working in the management sector. During my time with Mopar, I worked closely with the Tony Stewart Racing teams, in addition to teams within the Don Schumacher Racing, Allen Johnson Racing and NuFormz Racing organizations.

In late 2006, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) announced that they would be switching their open-wheel programs to the Chevy brand. After conversations with Tony Stewart, Eddie Jarvis and others within Tony’s management team, I was offered a position with TSR. I began my new role as the public relations contact with TSR in January of 2007. It was an easy transition, as I knew the team and drivers from working with them during my time with Mopar. I was very flattered that Tony had the confidence in me to offer me a position within his organization and I’m very glad that I made the decision to become part of TSR.

When Stewart-Haas Racing came to fruition in 2008, I transitioned into the role of program manager for TSR. I oversee the day-to-day operations (along with TSR’s race director, Jimmy Carr,) for our USAC and WoO Sprint Series programs, as well as work with Tony on his Dirt Late Model, modified and open-wheel events. My role with the team also includes working as part of the True Speed Communications staff, which is a turnkey public relations firm also owned by Tony. In addition to overseeing the Ms. Eldora program, I am also involved with Eldora Speedway and its larger events, including the Prelude to the Dream. I’m also part of the IMIS Trade Show management team and work within several other aspects of entities that fall under the True Speed Enterprises umbrella. (True Speed Enterprises is the parent company for Tony Stewart’s business portfolio.)

What started out as a little girl’s dream has become a reality and I know that I’ve been blessed to be able to make a career in the sport that I love. I would’ve never thought that sitting in the stands at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at my first Indy 500 I would be where I am at this point in my career.

How is working for Tony Stewart Motorsports (your favorite and worst part of the job)?

I absolutely love my role as part of the Tony Stewart Racing team. No two days are ever the same and I love the constant change and challenges. I believe that in racing, you can never have too much experience or know too many people – it’s all about relationships. You should constantly be striving to meet the next goal, to take your program to the next level. The group of people that I have the privilege of working with every day is unbelievable, to have that much talent around you gives you the opportunity to constantly grow and improve your skill set. I don’t know that there is really anything I would change about my role – some people think that I’m off my rocker for the amount of work hours I put in but if you love your job, it doesn’t seem like work. People outside the sport don’t always understand that this isn’t a hobby – racing is a way of life. You have to be 100% all-in for it to work. I may give up a lot in their eyes, but in my eyes, the sacrifices I make allow me to do some of the coolest things. It’s definitely a lifestyle and I wouldn’t want things any other way.

Where did you attend college? What is your degree in?

I graduated from Indiana State University, which is located in Terre Haute, Ind. ISU’s claim to fame may be Larry Byrd, but it’s also where Tony George graduated from. People may not realize how much racing history is located in Terre Haute – from the Terre Haute Action Track, being the home of the Hulman family and base for Clabber Girl Baking Powder, the city is really ingrained in the sport’s history. I have a Bachelor of Science in Radio-TV-Film with concentrations in marketing and public relations. I had a really great advisor while I was there; his name was Dr. Joseph Tenerelli. He really gave me the extra encouragement I needed to pursue my goals of working in the sport. ISU now offers a Motorsports Management minor – something that’s developed since my time there. One of my True Speed Communication colleagues, Joe Crowley, also graduated from ISU. I’d recommend it to anyone exploring their college options.

What is your favorite race you have ever seen?

I really don’t know that I can name one single race as my favorite. I’ve had the privilege of seeing several drivers that I work with win some really big races. I’d say that the 2008 & 2009 Knoxville Nationals (won by Donny Schatz) rank right up there. Levi Jones’ run at Eldora Speedway in the 2005 USAC 4-Crown Nationals is also a favorite memory. He really likes the high-side and he’s always up on the wheel…and the wall. One of my proudest moments was when TSR swept three championships in one night in 2009. Donny Schatz won the 2009 WoO Sprint Series championship, Levi Jones clinched the 2009 USAC National Sprint Series title and Josh Richards (Rocket Chassis house driver/affiliated to TSR) won the 2009 WoO Late Model Series championship within hours of each other on November 7, 2009. We don’t own Josh’s car (it’s owned by Mark Richards Racing) but he’s part of our program. That night was definitely a standout in my mind. We were taking the stage with Donny & Josh in North Carolina and Levi was taking the checkered flag in California. We were a nation apart but TSR was definitely together that night – it was an awesome feeling.

Who is your favorite driver- besides your boss?!!!

Tony is, of course, my favorite driver. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anyone who is more naturally gifted behind the wheel of a racecar. His talent is unquestionable. I actually really enjoy all of the drivers I’ve worked with -- the group we have in 2010 is a lot of fun. I really admire A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti. I’ve had the opportunity to meet both of them and I really have a tremendous amount of respect for both of them. What they’ve been able to accomplish in their careers is unbelievable. As a teenager, my favorite drivers also included Buddy Lazier and Kenny Irwin, Jr. To watch Buddy Lazier win the Indianapolis 500 with a broken back was unbelievable. I have a photograph of he and I together at Indy from the year I was an Indianapolis 500 Festival Princess. It’s one of my favorites. I had gotten to know Kenny a little the year he passed away through my position with Wynn’s. He was fun to watch in the USAC ranks – I loved the battles between him and Tony.

Your favorite thing to do besides working and going to the races?

Honestly, I’m most happy when I’m at the race track. If I’m not working, you can usually find me at the track somewhere – and it’s almost always a dirt event. I try to take care of myself and I enjoy working out, kickboxing, running and Zumba. I have a personal trainer that I see several times a week or as my schedule allows. Staying healthy is very important with the schedule I keep. Our race season actually runs from January to November and December is spent prepping for the next season. I do have a bit of a shopping habit, though, and I love a good mall…or a good online shopping adventure. I like to read and I have a couple of TV shows I try to keep up with. I also love music and keep my IPod capacity maxed out most of the time. Some of my favorite bands include Chevelle, Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Red, Muse, Dead By Sunrise and Linkin Park…my playlist is full of hard rock and alternative but I also like some rap and pop thrown in there too.

Favorite vacation spot?

I’m torn between the heat and the cold. My family and I really enjoy Hawaii – especially Waikiki. I love to be outdoors and the weather is as advertised – it’s paradise. We love climbing Diamondhead Mountain and I really enjoy going to Pearl Harbor. It’s such a sobering experience, to realize that the men entombed there died so that our country is free. My Grandfather fought in WWII and I was very humbled to go to the USS Arizona Memorial and pay my respects. I also like the other end of the spectrum and enjoy climates where there is a lot of snow. I like to be outdoors – whether it’s warm or wintry.

If you had to choose one dirt track besides Eldora (boss owns) which one is your favorite?

Eldora Speedway will always be my favorite dirt track – it’s a legendary facility that is a cornerstone of modern-day dirt track racing. It’s really exciting to be part of the track’s history and you never really get over the feeling that comes with competing on the high-banks of Eldora. It’s the place that every driver wants to win at during their career. I also really enjoy Knoxville Raceway and The Dirt Track @ Charlotte. Both of those facilities hold really great memories for me and I am always excited when we go to those events.

Your best friend you have got out of racing?

My Mom is my best friend – hands down. She’s my confidante, cheerleader, sounding board and inspiration all rolled into one. I am very lucky, the day they handed out parents, I got two of the best anyone could ask ever ask for. My Mom and Dad have always supported my dreams and goals – they’ve always believed in me and encouraged me to reach even further when I thought I couldn’t go beyond where I was. I owe them a lot and I am very lucky to have them in my life.

Worst moment you have had to deal with from a PR side with racing?

Anytime any of your drivers are involved in a serious crash it’s a tense moment. Accidents aren’t something we dwell on in the sport, we always know they can happen but you can’t let it stop you from competing and going for the win. Most of the time, you can see the wreck unfolding, it’s kind of like watching a train wreck – you can see it coming but you can’t do anything to stop it. The moment the car lifts into the air, your heart stops – and then it breaks. You know that the driver in the car is one of ‘ours’ and you hope that they’re okay. A split second later, professionalism kicks in and you go into crisis management mode. Your job is to make sure the situation is not only under control, but being handled in the best possible manner for all involved. You have to be prepared for anything, expect the worst and hope for the best – and at all times, and be in control of the situation.

How do you handle the pressure of being with a high-profile boss and teams?

The racing industry is a business and TSR operates our organizations with the upmost professionalism. It’s no different than any other role or position, how you present yourself and how you’re perceived plays a big role in your career. I expect a lot from myself and from those around me. I am always aware of the fact that whatever I do, whether its work related or not, is a direct reflection not only on myself, but on Tony, TSR and my colleagues. I am very proud to be part of the TSR organization and I would never want to jeopardize this opportunity. I think everyone in business, racing-related or not, is in control of their own professional destiny by way of how they handle themselves and the situations they come across.

In closing, I’d like to thank Camisha and Dirt Diva’s for their time. We’ll see you at the races! ~Misha

It was interesting when I was first introduced to Misha I was taken back that we share almost the same name. Usually people call me “Misha” as my nickname and we laughed about how weird that was and that we both love doing PR and marketing and of course racing! In the time I have known Misha, she has inspired me as a PR professional. Her passion and love for her job is apparent any time you see her at the track. I didn’t ask her what makes her a Diva in this interview because I think you all can see she is one HANDS-DOWN J We have developed a wonderful friendship and I appreciate her insights on a lot of things that I have worked with her on. Thank you Misha for being an inspiration to all women who want to be involved in racing whether a sponsor- PR/marketing director, etc- you truly are a role model!

Greetings and Happy Racing Season!

I wanted to sincerely THANK everyone for their support of the Dirt Diva interviews. It has been a great deal of fun interviewing wonderful woman in motorsports, and I am looking forward to even more interviews coming soon. I wanted to take a moment and thank the wonderful, brilliant women that took this journey with me thus far. I COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITH OUT YOU and I am blessed to call each of you my family but most of all my friendsJ

As I reflect back on this- I need to say thank you to Shannon Saldana who took this big step with me and agreed to be my first Dirt Diva interviewee. She did a great job on answering the questions, and I am blessed to call her one of my best friends- and Joey as well. We joke a lot that Reece will marry my step-daughter someday- one can only hope J we all have a lot of fun when they get to see each other- and we wish we got to see them more.

Jan McMahan- I enjoy Paul and her very much. She is outspoken and I think that is truly what makes her a Diva, and one of the reasons we get along so well is we have a bit of the same personality. She is one of the neatest ladies you will ever meet and smartest, but watch out when you sit next to her during a race…LOL!

Robyn Meyers- CONGRATS ON THE BIG NEWS! We are so thrilled for Jason, Delany and you! I wish you the best of luck and I enjoy visiting with you when we can- your sweetness is contagious and that is a great trait to have when you are a Diva.

Carla Herrera- This was one of the toughest interviews that I have done- and she was the one that made it less difficult. I think it was supposed to be the other way around- but her peace and love for her husband is amazing, and she simply is a Diva for many reasons but the one that I find most appealing is her ability to put into perspective how things really are!

Mandy Pittman- Thank you for your dedication to racing and your attitude and desire to learn about the sport is something that I admire. I enjoy reading your updates on your blog and good luck in the near future with Daryn’s racing.

Lorri Whitney- I hope I get to see Travis and you at some races this year. It has been a long time I feel since I got to visit with you- and we need to remedy that quickly...LOLJ I do wish you all the best.

Melissa Reinke- I am excited I will get to watch you several times at the race track this yearJ I wish you guys good luck and keep doing what you are doing-it sure is working with all the new and exciting things going on in your life.

Erin Johnson- Good luck with your golf lessons! I appreciate all of your support and for always getting back to me when I need something and you continuously have a good answerJ

Stephanie Harvey-Statler- I hope to make it to California someday to watch Jason race and visit with you. I enjoyed our time together dearly “down under” and I wish the best for you both and good luck this season!

Jamie Melis-Your interview was amazing! Jim and you have been through so much and I am so glad that he is in remission and back on the race track. We enjoy watching him and now we will be racing with him- which is so awesome!

Kristine Hartman- Thank you for shedding a new light on being a woman sponsor in a predominantly male sport- and you do great things in the community too. We appreciate everything that you do!

Kimberly Stewart-You continue to amaze me with all of your horses and work ethic with those great shirts you design! I want to meet the horses soon and best of luck this season.

Amy Coons-I was excited to actually type “Coons” instead of Clearwaters now that you are officially Mrs. Coons! I enjoyed getting to know you in that interview and thank you so much for the updates on how things are going and for the pictures of your wonderful family! I hope to see you guys soon at the races- good luck to Jerry!

Lori McCarl- Good luck to Terry and you this season. I hope he heals soon and I wish all the best to Austin too with his racing. Hopefully we will be able to catch up sometime this summer-and tell Terry “Kenosha” says hello.

Nicki Fassbender- You are a riot and I laugh so hard when you are around. Lance and you are perfect for each other- and I am excited to see you all the time this racing season. Keep up the good work with the mini-softball team…HA-HA J

Cayla Klumb- I am the luckiest person in the world to have sister like I have. You are my rock and I enjoy having you a part of everything that we do in our lives J you make me laugh when I need it the most-I love you!

Ange Miller- my sister-in-law- thank you for your family’s support of our racing venture. Although we live in different states- and will be at different tracks sometimes-we are cheering for you guysJ HAMMERDOWN!

Sharon Symoens- Your interview was one of the most heart-felt, down-to-earth interviews that I was grateful enough to take part in. You have been around racing for many years, and I know it will be hard for Joe and you to sit in the stands this year-but “Smokin Joe” will always be in our hearts!

This has been an incredible journey for me- and it is not done yet! I was asked when someone gets to read my interview- let me say you do get to read mine every time you read the rest of these wonderful women’s storiesJ they are all such a big part of my life!

Good luck to everyone this season and remember:

Make it a Diva Day!

Camisha Miller: camisha@highflyerspr.com

Visit: http://dirtdivas.yolasite.com

Join Dirt Diva’s Fan Club on: www.facebook.com

Follow on Twitter: jcmiller15

A Hosehead Production

Hosehead's Sprint Car Photos & News,PO Box 42, Drums PA 18222-0042