Ladies and Gentleman welcome to this week’s Q&A. I had the opportunity to talk to Street Stock series driver Bryan Sykes. While Sykes has picked up lots of trophies from the figure 8’s he has a total 45 of them and 2 championships. He has 5 wins at the stadium. Finished 2nd in points in his 2nd season. He’s hoping to finish better this year although he’s more interested in picking up wins this year and really doesn’t care about the championship. “I have the best sponsors and they back me for all my decisions so checkers or wreckers”
Q: What was it that got you interested in racing?
A: Growing up with Billy Gregg, Casey Kepley, and Tim and James Triplett; that’s all I know. Then Jeremy went and bought a racecar… and here we are.
Q: What’s your favorite meal to eat before and after the race?
A: Naturally Kermit’s before the race, and after the race I like to eat the nacho tots at Earl’s downtown.
Q: Other than racing what do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Spend time with my wife, kids, family and my friends. Play in the woods.
Q: You’ve made it known in the past that Jeremy Warren, Billy Gregg and The Kepley’s have had a big role in your racing career, what kind of advice have they given you and what does it mean to you to them in your corner?
A: I learn so much from all of them but the best advice they have given me was to go have fun. At the end of the day we’re family. I believe I showed y’all that last summer.
Q: With the Street Stock 50 coming up, what would it mean to you to win it?
A: To win the 50 lapper would have meant almost as much as that first race, but I would like to see Billy, or Jeremy win it. being they have never.
Q: In your opinion, who is the biggest competition in your series?
A: Definitely Billy (Gregg) Jeremy (Warren) , Gerald Robinson, and Jac Creed.
Q: Over the years, you have been known to move a car out of the way if need be, some fans would say you can be over aggressive at times, but at the same time Earnhardt would do the same thing and fans love it. What would you say the difference is other than racing around a football field?
A: There’s no difference. Some people love it and some people hate it. There’s always a villain and I wear the black hat proudly. I’m not there to make friends.
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: To be intimidated by the intimidator himself would be the coolest.
I want to take the time to thank Bryan Sykes for taking time and doing an interview with me! I also want to wish him good luck this weekend and the rest of the season! Be sure you check out this week’s action as it is the Twin 25’s for Modified, Twin 20’s for Sportsman along with Street Stock and Stadium Stock races, also it will be the first Chain race, Skid Race along with the 109 U-Pull-It Demolition Derby. Rain checks from May 4 will be honored for admission at the gate.
