JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK – Making a Name of His Own
Michelle Hoskin – December 11TH, 2014
On December 7th of this year, John Hunter Nemechek won the 47th Annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola Florida; later the same week he was cramming for his accelerated finals in preparation for his High School graduation, which is also coming early for him! This week, however, John took some time out of his extremely busy schedule to answer some questions for us and give us a better understanding of what it takes to be a Nemechek!
JHN after winning the Snowball Derby
Racing and winning is in 17 year old John’s blood. From his champion racing Dad, “Front Row Joe” Nemechek, to his legendary name-sake Uncle, John Nemechek, John Hunter Nemechek has proven that it is more than just a name that has ‘brought him up’ to *Star* status within the racing industry at such a young age. John has right around “40 wins under his belt, with quarter midgets and moto cross included.” Growing up as a ‘Nemechek’, John saw first-hand the trials and tribulations associated within the racing community. “You see the good, the bad and the ugly. You see how to act, how not to act, and also how to respect people” said John when asked what it was like to grow up in a family of racing legends. It’s apparent that his strong family background and family values have made a great impression on him from an early age. “I got my first go kart when I was three and ever since then it’s all I’ve wanted to do”, he commented when asked at what age he knew he wanted to follow in the family tradition of racing.
When asked how many races do you compete in in a season, John stated that it “depends on what season and what series. This season we ran 10 truck series races and about 12 late model races. Next year we’ll be doing the full truck schedule after I turn 18 in June. We will still do some late model races as well, just not sure how many yet.” For a ‘kid’ of 17 years old, attending school and competing in the racing world, this is a busy schedule to say the least.
The Nemechek’s – The whole family together at Martinsville, 2014
A few questions posed to John:
Who is your racing role model? “Dad (Joe Nemechek) has been the one I’ve looked up to ever since I was young; Also, Ayrton Senna. He was one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time.”
Who’s your favorite NASCAR driver? “My Dad!”
You run under your Uncle John’s legendary #8 – any thoughts? “It’s a great number and one I want to keep in our family for sure.”
What’s your view on the new Chase format? “It was fun to watch. Definitely put you on the edge of your seat…that’s for sure.”
Your favorite track to run at? “The one I’m going to next!”
If you could race against ANY driver, who would it be and why? “Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He was a great racer, knew a lot about race cars and won a ton of races.”
If you weren’t racing, what would you want to be doing? “Working on race cars.”
Your favorite food? “Chicken Salad.”
Music? “I listen to a little bit of everything.”
Money or fame? “I’d rather have fame. I want to set records and go above and beyond what everyone else has already done.”
Advice to other young driver’s just starting out? “Never give up. Work hard and keep plugging away for your dream.”
What do you think about all your fans? “My fans are great! Having their support really means a lot.” One such fan is NASCAR Champion, Tony Stewart. After John’s win in the Snowball Derby on Sunday, Tony Tweeted him a congratulatory message:
“@TonyStewart @JohnNemechek great job kid. Drove like a veteran”, to which John replied, “@TonyStewart – Thank ya sir! Means a lot!” – The respect is definitely earned in the NASCAR family.
JHN – “ burning them down”, September 28, 2014
In closing, we asked John where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Hopefully winning races and championships in the Sprint Cup Series.” – We WILL definitely see you there, “Kid”!
Follow John Hunter Nemechek on Twitter at @JohnNemechek, Facebook John Hunter Nemechek, and at www.johnhunternemechek.com.
