Bowman Gray Q&A: Stadium Stock Driver Grayson Keaton

Ladies and Gentleman I had the pleasure of interviewing the “Slim Reaper” Grayson Keaton driver in Stadium Stock. Grayson has an impressive career at Bowman Gray in just 73 starts he’s racked up 65 top 10s with 47 top 5s including 14 wins. He also has won a race in 7 of the last 8 seasons.

Q: What was it that got you interested in racing?

A: My dad raced growing up at friendship speedway and i grew up around and have been around it my whole life. It always intrigued me and something I was always interested in since I can remember. So when I became of age it was only right I gave my try at it.

Q: Of all your wins what one stands out most?

A: Of all my wins, the biggest one to standout is probably at a dirt race actually. I’ve won a modified race at Cherokee speedway and that one probably means the most to me because of how stout the competition is and having me, my dad and brother not knowing too much about it to start off and build it into a race winning car is something special for us. 

Q: You’ve raced against some of the best in Stadium Stock history (AJ Sanders, Chuck Wall, and Brandon Brendle) who would you say you enjoy racing with more? 

A: I’m going to say I enjoy racing with Chris Allison the most. He was my mentor so to say growing up and my belief is that he is the best wheelman in the mini stock pits. So to learn from him and be able to share our moments and stories after the races makes it a really cool experience for me.

Q: I know your dad is a former driver, so I’m sure he’s always been your go to guy for advice, but What is the best advice you have ever gotten and from who?

A: The best advice I got is honestly from my dad. It was the simple words of “just go have fun”. We as racers get so locked into the moment of trying to compete and win as many races as we can that we often forget to look back and realize what is going on. Especially when you have your family and closest friends supporting you in every aspect they can.

Q: For those who don’t know, where did the nickname Slim Reaper come from?

A: It came from the dirt track. I don’t really know why but at the time we were winning a lot of races and one time I elected to start in the rear for more money to win the race and we did. Ever since then, the track announcer at the time gave it to me and it’s been something to stick since then.

Q: What is it about Bowman Gray that stands out to you compared to other tracks you’ve been to?

A: The atmosphere of the place can not be compared to any other place. It is simply mind blowing of what we get to experience on a Saturday night from the highs being high and lows being low. You’re either loved or hated and that is what builds such an intense environment.

Q: Some drivers have a story behind the number they run, Is there a story behind the 1?

A: My dad would take care of a car during the week and his number at the time was #1 (rob young). Rob was a really cool young guy that had a positive attitude with kids along with the characteristics of the way he drove. He sadly had a shortened life, and for that is the reason why I race with the #1. 

Q: Obviously, you have the same goals and expectations as every other driver. But is there one in particular goal/expectation you have set for yourself this season?

A: I think every driver can safely say they are there to win and get all the can. Do not take it wrong, I will give 110% to do what I have to do to compete and excel in order to win races, but the bigger goal at the end of the night is to influence young people and make kids happy when they come and see us after the race. You never know what a kid is going through outside of the race track, so them coming to talk to you might be the highlight of there week. Make the moment worth it.

Our goal is to win as many races as we can as well

Q: Do you see yourself possibly moving up to another division? If so which division?

A: We have talked about moving divisions. Do not be suprised if you see something come up in the next year but we are working on something. Hopefully we can pick it up quickly and compete for wins no matter which division it may be.

Q: You do some racing on dirt, how does it help you run the Madhouse? 

A: Dirt has helped me tremendously with throttle and car control. With dirt, planting the gas pedal down will only hurt and not help you. You have to let the car hookup and gradually increase your pedal. Compared to asphalt, it is not as bad with those 2 senses. I’d recommend everyone try it one time

Another thing with dirt is how the race track adapts as the night goes on. With that you have to read the track and change your line up depending on where the tacky part is on the track

Q: What motivates you to be a better driver each race?

A: I am a competitor, I will compete. I want to win every race I can, even if it’s just a foot race. Winning and seeing my crew guys hard work pay off is what drives me to be better each and every week. And when you feel like you’re on top and have worked hard to get there, you better keep your head down because people are right behind you working just as hard to pass you.

Q: What would you enjoy racing more on dirt or asphalt? 

A: Dirt 100% is better to race on. You have multiple lines you can run, throw slide jobs, and simply get after it. Asphalt you’re limited to what you can do in the car and can only get so much out of the car. The cleaning is pretty bad when it comes to dirt though lol.

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: That is a tough question. I’d probably want to race against Davey Allison. I always thought the way he could drive up through a field and never really rough anyone up was cool.

I want to thank everyone of my sponsors for what they do for me. Without them, none of this will be possible for me to go after it each and every weekend. I have the best crew and sponsors around!