DRIVER PROFILE - Judi Bates


Judi at the Port

Name: Judi Bates
Birthdate: 10/16/58
Hometown: Barto,Pa.
Marital Status: Married
Family: One daughter,two step daughters&four grandchildren
Occupation: Self employed roofer at J.A. Bates Roofing & Siding
How did you choose your car number? My husband's car # when he ran sportsman at Grandview Speedway in the mid 1970's. It was his first racecar[number1] & he was 21 yrs. old at the time[number21] 121
Chassis: Shaw
Engine Builder: Kriner/HG/Jereco
Crew: Jack, Carl, Mitch, Jim, Jimmy, Robbie, Kelly
Sponsors: Zern's Farmers Market & JA Bates Roofing
Favorite Track: Port Royal Speedway
Divisions competed in: Quarter midgets, 125 & 250cc Micros, 305 Sprints, URC Sprints, 410 Sprints
Years Racing: 39years
Wins: Too numberous to count in quarter midgets & micros, twenty 305 sprints & one URC
Championships: 8 Micro & 1 305 Sprint
Regular Tracks/Series: Port Royal Speedway / 410 Sprints
Hobbies: Snowmobiling & boating
Favorite TV show: ER
Favorite Music: Country
Favorite Food: Steak & salad
Favorite Beverage: Iced tea
Favorite Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse
Favorite Driver:?
When and how did you get started in racing?

At age nine in my fathers quarter midget, youngest of seven,so I had to wait my turn.

Who had the biggest impact on your racing career and why?

My father, he got me started and kept me going until I got married and he became ill.

What would you be doing if you weren't racing?

Saving money, ha ha, Spending more time at Raystown Lake with the family.

What is your favorite aspect of racing?

Racing on the track & meeting great people.

What is your greatest accomplishment/best memory?

coming back to 311 Speedway to win a race in my rookie year, after destroying a car there the month before.

What is the worst thing that has happened to you in racing, or your worst season?

Crashing at 311 Speedway & landed in the hospital.

In your own words, describe your 2004 season:

We were pleased with our performence on the track, but our season ended early because of three engine failures, used up our budget.

What are your plans for the 2005 season?

Run weekly at Port Royal Speedway, not for points, going for my first 410 win, we were close a couple of times last year, hopefully we stepped up our program enough this year. We have 3 new cars & 3 fresh motors. If the engines hold up this year,we are going to run Susquehanna Speesway on Thursday nights & the three Thunder on the Hill Shows at Grandview Speedway; Grandview is only four miles from our house & shop.

Where do you see Sprint Car racing five years from now?

410 Sprints slowly dwindling, mainly because of the engine costs, and there are too many different sprint car classes starting up which will only hurt in the long run.

What is your ultimate goal?

Win several 410 races, then in three years run the Masters Classic at Knoxville, after that I'm going to semi retire, so I can spend more time with the grandchilden.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank You for your time & Sponsors are always welcome.


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