Driver Profile - CRAIG MINTZ


Craig in action at Attica Raceway Park
Name: Craig Mintz
Birthdate:
October 24th 1985
Hometown: Gibsonburg, Ohio
Marital Status: Single
Family: 0
Occupation: Graphic Designer
How did you choose your car number? It was 60 on my very first race, was involved in a crashed it turned upside down and have used 09 ever since.
Chassis: Ti22 GF1
Engine Builder: Kistler
Crew: Kemp Tyson, Brad Beck, Hogie, Dad, Kevin Shammo
Sponsors: Ti22 performance parts, DMI racing components, Erie Shore Propane, KS Sales and Service, Real-Geese Decoys, Design Graphics Group
Favorite Track: Fremont Speedway
Divisions competed in: 305's 410's
Years Racing: Sprints: 11
Wins: 13
Championships: 2
Regular Tracks/Series: Fremont Speedway, Attica Raceway Park, F.A.S.T
Hobbies: Golf and Coaching Basketball
Favorite TV show: Espn
Favorite Music: Alternative
Favorite Band: Theory of a Deadman
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Beverage: Pepsi
Favorite Restaurant: Frickers
Favorite Driver: Kasey Kahne
When and how did you get started in racing?

I started racing in 1990 when my father bought my first Kart and raced it at Fremont Raceway Park on a road course. Have been hooked since. My father ran dirt bikes and hooked me on the racing theme.

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

My father. He has helped and provided me with everything I need to compete and enjoy racing. He has pushed me through the tough times and rode by my side during the fun times.

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

I would try to get something along the lines of full-time coaching career. I love coaching or the thought of teaching younger players how to play the game of basketball the correct way. Or I would of found some way to be a crew-cheif on a sprint car.

What is your favorite aspect of racing?

Being able to compete. I am a very competitve person when it comes to anything. From monopoly to racing I hate to lose. I enjoy being around my friends inside the racing community and being able to provide a good entertainment for the fans.

What is your greatest accomplishment/best memory?

The F.A.S.T championship and Fremont Speedway championship are two of my biggest accomplishments. I can't put one infront of the other but both have meant a lot to me.

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

My worst season was when we ran for the ASCoC ROY and hurt a ton of motors and it about broke our family operation. I have learned a ton from that year, but it really hurt my confidence toward racing that year.

In your own words, describe your 2010 season:

Was a good season. We struggled at some times during the season. We should of finished better at ARP but I made a few too many mistakes and costs us some spots, but in all we were happy with the Fremont Speedway Championship and proud to be apart of history now.

What are your plans for the 2011 season?

Plans are to run the Entire F.A.S.T schedule, as well as the Fremont Speedway and Attica Raceway Park schedules, and hit and miss some ASCoC races with our new GF1 Chassis from Ti22

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

Hopefully doing some more traveling. I enjoy going to different venues and seeing and meeting new people. Getting out of the rut of running the same place week in and week out. Hopefully the economy picks up or I am able to find a ride and compete on the ASCoC level.

What is your ultimate goal?

To be able to run Sprint Cars for a living. I enjoy it and put my heart into everything I do when it comes to sprint cars. I live it and breath it and would like to make a living off of it someday.

Anything else you would like to add?

Would like to thank the following people: Mom and Dad, my Girlfriend, Cathy, Kemp, Earl, Brad, Hogie, Kevin, Ks Sales and Service, Kistler Racing Engines, Erie Shore Propane, Ti22, DMI, Real-Geese, Design Graphics Group,


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