Are you a full-time racer?
Yes
The Story That Drives The Driver
The Story That Drives The Driver
Do you own your race car?
Yes
Age
62
Number of Years Racing
40
Height
5'11"
Married
Yes
Wife's Name
Linda Calder
Children's Names
Matt, Casey
Inquiring Minds Want To Know
Inquiring Minds Want To Know.
Favorite food
Anything that comes off a grill after midnight at the track. Bonus points if it's wrapped in foil.
Favorite movie
Days of Thunder - still holds up, even if Hollywood doesn't understand dirt racing.
Favorite TV show
Anything with engines, competition, or history. I'm not proud of how much Discovery Channel I've watched.
Favorite racing memory so far
Winning a big-money Late Model feature in front of my kids after they'd only ever seen me lose money for 20 years.
Racing superstition
Same gloves, same socks, same routine. Change one thing and the car knows.
Driver that inspired you growing up
My dad. He raced on Saturdays and fixed tractors on Sundays. Taught me how to work and how to lose with dignity.
Typical week balancing work, family, and the shop
Monday is cleanup, Tuesday is repairs, Wednesday is arguing with myself about setup, Thursday is loading, Friday is travel, Saturday is racing, Sunday is reflection - and sometimes regret.
Race day routine
Coffee early, walk the pits, check the car twice, sit quietly before hot laps, and try not to overthink things I can't control.
Life on the Road
Life on the Road
Typical week on the road
Haul in, unload, race, load up, drive overnight, repeat. You learn quickly which gas stations have good coffee and which ones don't.
Days and miles per season
Around 160-180 days and roughly 25,000 miles. The hardest part is being gone. The best part is still getting to do what I love.
Getting around away from the track
Truck usually stays hooked. If we unhook, it's because something went very right - or very wrong.
Toughest night on the road
Breaking a car in a heat race, fixing it all night, and still racing the next day with no sleep.
Downtime on the road
Stretching, light workouts, and telling the same old stories to the same people - because they still make us laugh.
Who travels with you and where you stay:
Mostly the team. Motorhome when possible, hotels when necessary.
Routines or workouts while traveling
Stretching, walking, light weights. You don't stay in this game 40 years by ignoring your body.
Who you hang out with on the road
Other drivers and crews. Everyone's competing, but everyone understands the grind.
Nights at home vs road
Home - maybe 25. Road - the rest.
Most memorable downtime moment
Fixing a carburetor in a hotel parking lot while a wedding party cheered us on like it was a pit stop.
Reflections & Stories
Reflections & Stories
Biggest career break
Getting a call to drive a top-tier Late Model in my 30s. Preparation matters - opportunity only works if you're ready when it shows up.
High - Best day or event and why
Winning a regional championship after nearly walking away from the sport. Proof that patience still pays.
Low - Most challenging or defining stretch or crash
A hard crash that sidelined me for months and forced me to rethink how I raced - and why.
Biggest obstacle overcome
Longevity. Staying competitive across decades requires humility and adaptation.
Mentors and influences
Crew chiefs who weren't afraid to tell me the truth - even when I didn't want to hear it.
After shelving the helmet
Helping younger drivers avoid mistakes I already made and keeping the sport healthy.
Let's Talk Sponsorship
Let's Talk Sponsorship
Sponsorship assistance needed
Travel support, tires, fuel, and maintenance resources.
Whale, sharks, and minnows
It doesn't take a fortune to be involved in racing. Minnows REALLY matter. This sport runs on small help, it really helps and adds up.
How sponsors are promoted
Social media, car displays, fan interaction, track mentions.
Personalized sponsor experiences
Pit access, signed gear, meet-and-greets.
Do you have a sponsorship packet?
Yes
How can it be accessed?
Race Fan Gear
Race Fan Gear
Merchandise for sale
Yes
Unsung Hero's
Unsung Hero's
Car Owner Name Link to Racerspedia Owners profile
Steven Rutherford
Crew Chief
Peter Toole
Pit Crew
Boby, Peter, Ratchet man
Rig Driver
Role on Briggs
Honorable Mentions
Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Pete and Silvia
Final Thoughts
A closing note from the cockpit
For drivers to use them exactly how they fit your personality and goals.
Rick "Iron" CalderDirt Late Model