Ladies and Gentlemen, I had the opportunity to interview 2021 Stadium Stock Champion, 5 time Stadium Stock 50 winner (2015-2016, 2018-2019, 2021), and two time Top Gun Award Winner Brandon Brendle.
He currently sits 2nd in points, only 22 points behind points leader AJ Sanders.
Brandon is one of two men to win the Stadium Stock 50 5 times. He is only the only driver to win the Stadium Stock 50 3 years in a row. In just 91 starts, he’s picked up 74 top 10s, 60 top 5s, with 22 of them being wins. Thanks to Justin Mincey for all those stats.
Q: What got you interested in racing?
A: Robbie Brewer and Glenn Hamilton. Always helped them and enjoyed the atmosphere
Q: How would you describe the new asphalt compared to the old? What are the pros and what are the cons?
A: I would say the pro is obviously more grip and the drainage system helps with rain outs, cons are the bumps in the track right in the bp as braking zone. It’s caused a lot setup changes in every division I feel, but I over all like it more.
Q: You’re currently second in points just 22 points behind AJ Sanders, Where is your mindset at knowing that there’s still enough time left, with two double points nights left, including one coming up the first race back.
A: I honestly only have one mindset when I show up to a race and that’s to try and win. It’s all luck of the draw and we’ve not been very lucky this year haha!
Q: Seeing the recent success of former Stadium Stock drivers (Junior Snow and Wesley Thompson) Do you see yourself possibly moving up to another division? If so which division?
A: I’ve genuinely thought about moving up a few times but financially and time wise I’m not sure if I could manage it and be competitive. Would love to move to Sportsman if I had my choice.
Q: I know you’re a baseball dad, but have any of your boys asked about one day having a race car?
A: They pick and cut up about it but they enjoy their four wheelers and dirt bikes enough, hopefully we can keep them away from it haha.
Q. Over the years you’ve drove the number 9 and 43. Is there a special meaning behind it?
A: No, the 43 car belongs to Todd Barnhardt and he’s a big Petty fan and as far as the 9 goes I just like the number
Q: You’ve won three consecutive Stadium Stock 50 lappers. But in total you have a total of five wins in the 50 lapper. Would you say being able to win the 50 lapper five time or the three consecutive means more?
A: I’m going to go with 5!! That was the first time it has been done and that’s something I’ll always have with me. I really enjoy the long races
Q: Who would you say you enjoy racing beside most out there on the track?
A: Honestly have to say Chuck Wall. He is the man who races how he is raced and nothing else!!! You know what to expect and I trust no one more!
Q: Last question, it’s something I like to ask drivers. “If you could race against any legendary driver (BGS or NASCAR) who would it be?”
A: I’m going to say Brandon Ward. A lot of people think I joke when I say this but I’m a Brandon Ward super fan lol! I’ve always pulled for that guy in everything he drives!
Last but not least Brandon would like to give a special thanks to all of his sponsors; Todd Barnhardt with Infinity Insurance Group, Kevin and Lori Neal with Lindley Plumbing, and Kendall Griffin with Gengineering.
Remember there won’t be any action this Saturday at the Madhouse in celebration of the Fourth of July weekend. Racing returns Saturday, July 9. The racing that night will be highlighted by the second 100-lap race of the season the Brad’s Golf Cars Modified Series presented by Real Rock 105.7. In that race, the Fans’ Challenge will be in effect, meaning the top four qualifiers in the Modified Series will have the opportunity to take the Fans’ Challenge and go to the back of the field. If any of those drivers finish in the top four they will split a $6,000 prize pool.
In addition to the 100-lap Modified race on July 9, there will be double points in all four divisions. There will also be twin 20-lap races in the McDowell Heating & Air Sportsman series, a 20-lap race in the Law Offices of John Barrow Street Stock Series, and one or two 15-lap races in the Q104.1 Stadium Stock Series.
