Freshman Brandon McCabe said he found his passion for dirt track racecar driving nearly five years ago after learning more about the sport from family and friends. McCabe raced every weekend in competitions in Batesville, Arkansas, and other surrounding states, receiving top rankings in numerous competitions. McCabe credited the influence of his father and grandfather as the reason he began racing in dirt track competitions. "It's something I've been interested [in] for as long as I can remember," McCabe said. "I grew up watching my dad and grandfather work on cars, and I just wanted to race and go fast. My friends helped me become involved in racing." Unlike many individuals, McCabe was the first person in his family to race. "Many people begin racing when they are only 5 years old, and their whole family is involved," McCabe said. "For me, it was not that way. It was a passion that I wanted to pursue, and I received help from my dad." McCabe said his family and friends helped him build and maintain his racecar, while also providing support and encouragement by assisting as his "pit crew." Jarrod Frazier, a family friend who assisted McCabe in the sport, noted McCabe's passion and work ethic in racecar driving. "He picked up the sport and ran with it," Frazier said. "Brandon is very passionate and enjoys racing. He is willing to put his work and effort into racing. I helped him get into racing, led Brandon in the right direction and helped him set up his car." Dirt track racing involved driving "dirt late model cars," which were cars engineered to pe1form as fast as possible during a 20-lap race around a dirt track, according to McCabe. McCabe said he chose to participate in dirt track racecar driving because of the uniqueness and adrenaline rush the sport provided. "I played football in high school and was all-conference in that, and I work just as hard at racing as I did in football," McCabe said. "It always been something different for me and not everyone does it. It's not for everybody." Connor Carlisle, a friend of McCabe, who was also involved in racecar driving and worked alongside McCabe before, during and after competitions, said he saw notable growth in McCabe during his first five years on the track. "I helped Brandon work on his car, and I've always been around for his races," Carlisle said. "Brandon has become more confident and experienced behind the wheel." Despite some of the dangers of the sport, McCabe said he hoped to carry his passion for dirt track racing into his future career. "As a mechanical engineering major, I want to combine my passion for racing and cars," McCabe said. "Working and designing cars is the dream and ultimate goal for me." Fresh11w11 lfrunclon McCubefcll in lot'e 1L1ith roci119 after watching hisfuther and yn111clfuther it·ork 011 ,·ors. and os ct mcclwnicol enyineering mujor. he hus decidC'd to make a career (lf his pussion. I Photo by Beccu Riley Caitlyn Ward Kalie Ward Bailey Warpula Sydney Warren Ahbey Watson Alec Watson Sydney Watson Alexis Watts Lindsey Webb Connor Whitaker Carson \"v'hile Zeke v\nitcside Ross Wilburn Taylor Wilkins Enoch Williams Jonah Williams Taylor Williams 17H PEOPLE
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