SHOOTIN’ THE SHIFT WITH KEVEN WOOD

JW Martin

History can be your best friend-or your worst enemy.

NASCAR’s modern era seems to have little space for antiquity. Treasured tracks like North Wilkesboro and The Rock have been left to decay. Cigarettes have been replaced by cell phones as the ‘poster-sponsor’ of the sport, bringing about permanent instability concerning the title of the pinnacle series. Drivers hailing from the good ole’ days have disappeared, as well as the fabled owners and teams that catapulted them to stardom.

One such legendary organization, perhaps the most storied program in all of NASCAR, is currently in a downward spiral. The Wood Brothers, monotonously treading water while their multi-million dollar competition sails ahead at an alarming rate, are having to come to grips-along with their fan base- with the possibility that prosperity may not return; a victim of their own success.

But one member of the clan, carrying the namesake with the prideful hope of restoring the last name back into its proper context, is in an upward spiral. Following track laid for him through the hard work of grandparents, fathers and friends, Keven is racing to put a Wood back in victory lane.

Competing in only five events at the Motor Mile Speedway, Keven Wood is focused not only on his Late Model program, but seat time in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he will be representing the Wood Brothers in eight races this season.

And while history has shown his family ties bleed black and white, the lack of success of late is warranting added pressure on the young Wood to bring home the checkered flag.

JM: JW Martin

KW: Keven Wood

JM: How much added pressure do you feel is put on you because of your last name? Do you think it’s a good thing or a bad thing?

KW: I get asked that a lot. There is pressure, but it’s never a bad thing. I just brush it off, do my own thing, and make my own name.

JM: I read an article on ESPN.com by David Newton awhile back about the Wood Brothers organization. Mentioned was the fact that you help out around the shop. What’s your role there, and do you learn anything that transfers over to your Late Model program?

KW: Um, not really. What I do, pretty much, is run the chassis dyno with my Dad. I mean I can put a Late Model on the chassis dyno but it doesn’t help out goin’ around the track. But that’s pretty much my job during the day.

-So what do you gain from working there, just experience?

Yeah, it teaches you not only how to check the horsepower and torque, but to make sure you don’t have any electrical problems or mechanical problems, and if you do you learn how to diagnose what’s wrong.

JM: What does the number 21 mean to NASCAR, and how significant would it be to loose such an historic team like the Wood Brothers from the sport?

KW: Well I don’t know how historic the number is, but to loose the Wood Brothers-that would be pretty major. But it’s not what you did for me, it’s what you’re doin’ for me now. And I hate to say that’s the way it goes, but that’s the way it is now.

JM: Comparing driving styles- are you more like Kyle Busch or Mark Martin?

KW: I’d like to say I’m closer to Kyle Busch. I mean, I’m a little ‘outta control, but I do like to think that I’m a “thinking” driver. But, Kyle Busch, he’s out there on a level of his own.

JM: Which driver racing on the cup circuit did you boo growing up?

KW: I didn’t really care (laughing). When I was growing up, I played soccer, baseball; I really didn’t care about racing at all. I never cared about our team or watched them-it wasn’t until I was sixteen and started drivin’ and gettin’ speeding tickets before I decided I wanted to race. But I never really booed anybody- I always admired Jimmy Johnson; he seems to be the wonder kid.

JM: You mentioned the fact that you are slated to compete in eight events in the Craftsman Truck Series this year. Who will you be racing for and where will you be racing?

KW: Our team-it’s my cousin’s truck. I’ll be at Mansfield, Milwaukee, ORP, Phoenix, Loudon, Memphis, Nashville and Gateway.

-As far as the short tracks go, how much of an advantage is it to have raced on a track like Motor Mile Speedway, and how well does this track prepare you for those bigger venues?

All the beatin’ and bangin’.

JM: If you only win one cup series event your entire career, at what track would you want to win on and why?

KW: I dare say most people would say Daytona, but I’d say Texas or Indianapolis. They’re both big payin’ tracks, but it’s a whole different style of racing.

JM: Do you play any NASCAR video games, and can you learn anything on them that translates over to real-world racing?

KW: I’ve played NASCAR 08, but it’s not quite as realistic. I’ve heard the ARCA simulators are pretty realistic.

JM: What’s your favorite thing to do when you have down time?

KW: Hangin’ out with my friends or ridin’ a four wheeler-anything I can get hurt doin’ (laughs).

JM: Let’s say you’ve just won NASCAR’s Cup series Rookie of the Year and you’re going to the best restaurant in the world for supper. The folks in administration have set it up where you can choose any five people, dead or alive, to eat with you. Who would you chose and why?

KW: Wow. I’d probably just take my family and friends. My Mom, my Dad, my girlfriend, and two of my best friends. Just keep it simple-that way I don’t hurt any feelings.