As the real grind of the racing season kicks in, I wanted to take some time to talk about the real heroes of really any kind of motorsports: the hauler drivers.  We couldn’t do what we do if it wasn’t for the guys that hop behind the wheel of these 80,000lb race shops on wheels.  Some of these guys put on 70,000 miles a year or more running back and forth to races, tests, and other stops.  And along with the race team trucks, there are also support trucks for the all the series, merchandise trucks, TV trucks, marketing display trucks, and more that travel to each race.

It takes a special type of person to do this job.  For a lot of teams, the hauler drivers have to be sort of a jack of all trades.  Not only do they have to drive, but a lot also help out as mechanics, many cook meals, they have to keep their trucks clean and presentable, some are pit crew members, and they are responsible for making sure all the equipment and racecars are secure and safe.  One complete hauler, with everything loaded on it for a race weekend is worth well over a million dollars.

On race day, the truck drivers show up at the same time as the other crew members.  They work all day like everyone else, only when we are all loaded, most of us take off to the airport where we jump on a plane and are home in a matter of hours.  The drivers close up the tailgate and then have to take off down the road, sometimes not getting back to town for a couple of days.  Most return to the shop only long enough to switch out racecars, replenish supplies, and clean up before they are off to the next track.

The community of transporter drivers is a very tight knit group.  Many run together on the roads from track to track, and they all watch each other’s backs.  They also all have nicknames, or handles, which they use to communicate with each other over their CB radios.  Some include Peter Rabbit, Barbwire, Scooter, Montana, Bubba, and Rabbi.  Each driver is as unique as his handle.

The next time you are sitting in the stands at your favorite race, or happen to see a hauler running down the freeway, don’t forget the guys behind the wheel.  They are the backbone of our sport.  And be sure to give them plenty of room and respect on the road. 

*In memory of Jimmy Sprinkle (Red Bull Racing & Evernham Racing Truck Driver) and Scott “BudMan” Kircher (PPC Racing & Ginn Racing Truck Driver). 

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