Femmefan Chats with Shane Huffman, Driver for Dale Jr.'s JR Motorsports Busch Team
A Femmefan Exclusive Interview
by Valerie J. Wood
Recently, Femmefan caught up with up-and-coming racer Shane Huffman, who drives for Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s JR Motorsports Busch team, piloting the #88 Navy Chevy Monte Carlo. This determined, capable young racer is quietly - and quickly - learning the ropes in racing in the Busch Series. Under the watchful eye of team owner Dale Jr., Huffman's race team is starting to come together, and looking forward to the start of the Busch season in 2007. With only one race to go for the year, it's obvious to those who follow NASCAR that this 88 team is starting to emerge as a quiet, strong contender for next year.
Huffman grew up watching short track racing at its best, at the legendary Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina . His lifelong ambition and desire has always been to race, and at age 23, Shane captured the Hickory Motor Speedway limited late model stock title for 1996. In 1999, he won the track title in the late model stock class, as well as the (former) NASCAR Blue Ridge Regional Championship. Shane also finished second that year, by a slim margin, in the NASCAR Winston Racing Series National Championship. In 2000, he moved up to USAR Hooters Pro Cup, and by 2003 he had won the USAR Hooters Pro Cup National Championship. Over the next 2 years, Huffman racked up 12 more wins and the 2005 Southern Division crown. Huffman's style, ability, and potential caught the eye of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and in 2006 Shane was asked to pilot the #88 Champion Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the Pro Cup Division. In the first 10 races this season, he racked up 4 wins, 7 top-5's and two pole awards. In July, he made his Busch Series debut in the JR Motorsports's #83 Make-a-Wish Foundation Chevy at Gateway International Raceway.
'Our plan at JR Motorsports has always been to move Shane up to the Busch Series. He's earned this opportunity with several wins in our Pro Cup car this year,' said team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. 'JR Motorsports and the U.S. Navy are going to give him the chance to show his talents starting at Bristol and from there he'll finish off the season with the Navy team.' In August 2006, Shane was named to take over the Busch car ride full-time for JR Motorsports, replacing Mark McFarland.
Saturday's Busch Race at Phoenix International Raceway found Shane starting the #88 Navy car in 4th, and finishing 8th -- his second top-10 finish in the last 3 races, and his best Busch Series finish to date. The season winds up on Saturday, November 18, at Homestead raceway in Florida .
This talented driver is definitely one to watch. He's not flamboyant or flashy. It's refreshing to find a down-to-earth, dedicated, serious racer who has that intangible element it takes to not only compete, but succeed in racing. There's always a learning curve in each series, as a driver moves up. Some never get past the curve in the series that they are in. Some come in over their heads, look like they've 'got it' then run out of talent. More exceptional are the ones that master the subtleties and move on. Shane Huffman is definitely oneto watch out for. A quiet, private individual, Shane was kind enough to take time out of his hectic schedule to answer a few questions for us about himself, driving for Dale, Jr., and upcoming racing plans.
Val: Obviously, moving up to the 88 car this season is helping to build for next year in the Busch Series. How has your comfort level increased with the team and your crew chief?
Shane: It's getting better each week. I'm learning the different tracks and tires. Getting to run a few races this year should definitely help us out going into 2007.
Will your team have any major changes internally next season?
I think the core of our team is set for next year.
Are there plans for a Cup start next season/Has anything been discussed?
No. Not really.
Do you have a timetable for moving up?
Not really. We want to work on our Busch program before we make any moves.
How 'hands-on' is Dale Jr. as an owner?
He's pretty active and accessible. He's always there for advice when I need to lean on him. He's got a lot of knowledge about the sport and all the tracks. He's a great resource for me as a rookie driver.
Does he stop in at the shop to see how things are going?
He comes by the shop on a regular basis and takes the time to go up to everyone to see how things are going.
What do you enjoy the most about driving in the Busch Series?
Well, so far it hasn't been a lot of fun, so I haven't enjoyed much yet. Check back with me next year after we get some good runs under our belt.
Who did you admire as a racer when you were growing up?
Davey Allison
Is there any driver you particularly enjoy racing against?
I haven't really found any favorites in the Busch Series yet, but I did enjoy racing against Clay Rogers in the Pro Cup Series.
Do you have any pets?
Yes. I just got a new dog, a Shih Tzu I've named Paris .
What's the strangest thing you've been asked to autograph?
There have been a few interesting requests and I have signed a few body parts over the years.
Do you use racing video games to help familiarize yourself with tracks you are new at? If so, does it really help?
No. I think it can help with figuring out the correct line to run, but I don't think it gives you the feel of being in the seat.
Do you cook?
Not really.
What's your idea of the perfect meal?
A ham and cheese sub from Sub Station No. 2 in Hickory, N.C.
When you're not racing, what other interests do you have?
I like to play cards and watch football and racing on TV. My favorite football team is the Miami Dolphins. I was a big fan of Dan Marino.
For more on Shane, check out his website at www.shanehuffmanracing.com and JR Motorsports, www.jrmotorsport.com
For information on Valerie J. Wood's novel about the lifestyle of a hockey fighter, Enforcer, visit:
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~14441.aspx
You'll Never View Hockey the Same Way Again
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