• Duty: Driver Car: No. 39 Chevrolet SS
  • Date of Birth: 12/08/77
  • Place of Birth: South Bend, IN
  • Hometown: South Bend, IN
  • Current Residence: Statesville, NC
  • Spouse: Krissie
  • Children: Brooklyn Sage, Ashlyn Olivia
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Ryan with a
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Ryan with Outback
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Ryan with wife
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Brooklyn and Ashlyn
at Outback

RYAN NEWMAN Ryan Newman is not your ordinary NASCAR driver. A graduate of Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, Newman not only has immense talent behind the wheel, but he also has an in-depth understanding of what a car is designed and built to do on the racetrack. It is that combination that has made Newman one of the most successful and respected figures in modern motorsports.

After graduating from Purdue in 2001 with a degree in vehicle structure engineering, Newman could have easily taken his knowledge and parlayed it into a successful career in any variety of industries. But instead, the native of South Bend, IN, followed his heart and his talent to the racetrack and NASCAR's premiere division?the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. It's a choice that has paid dividends for the driver, who is now entering his 10th full season in the Sprint Cup Series.

Newman has never taken his success for granted. Instead, his focus has been on how to improve his stats with each racing season and achieve his ultimate goal?a Sprint Cup championship. In 2009, the always-analytical Newman joined Stewart-Haas Racing?the team co-owned by two-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool builder...

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  • What kind of car do you drive?
  • 2013 Chevy Silverado.
  • What’s your dream car?
  • General Lee - and I already own it!
  • Did you pass your driver's license test the first time you took it? (The driving and the written part?)
  • Is there any doubt? (That's a yes.)
  • What is your personal driving style-for example, are you aggressive, defensive, or completely Zen-like?
  • A little crazy…
  • When your car needs to be tuned or repaired, do you trust anyone to do the work-or do you do it yourself?
  • I'm a D.I.Y. guy.
  • What other sport do you love?
  • Racing is still number one. I like the outdoors though, so I really enjoy hunting and fishing.
  • How did you get into racing? What makes you so passionate about it?
  • My parents got me into it when I was 4½ years old, during a Quarter Midget. Passionate about it because I like the competition.
  • What was the scariest moment in your racing experience?
  • That would have to be when I caught on fire in Michigan in 2003.
  • Who do you think is the best NASCAR driver, other than yourself, or Tony Stewart of course?
  • Whoever wins that weekend!
  • What's your dip reco for sweet potato fries: Creole marmalade, honey mustard or spicy signature bloom sauce?
  • Gotta go with the spicy signature bloom sauce.
  • Is your perfect Outback Burger served rare, medium or well-done?
  • Medium-rare.
  • Are you an Outback Signature Steak kind of guy, or do you prefer an Outback entrée straight from the sea?
  • Straight from the sea—especially the Norwegian Salmon.
  • Do you prefer mild, medium or hot Outback Chicken wings?
  • HOT!
  • Of all the Outback locations you've visited, which one was your favorite? Why?
  • Statesville, NC, because it's close to home.
  • Describe your Fantasy Outback Experience (for example, sharing a Bloomin' Onion with Miss NASCAR).
  • Having a good dinner with my family.
  • Shop Duties: Vice President of Competition/Crew Chief
  • Pit Stop Duties: Crew Chief
  • Date of Birth: 9/2/71
  • Place of Birth: Big Rapids, MI
  • Hometown: Haslett, MI
  • Current Residence: Troutman, NC
  • Spouse: Stacy
  • Children: Sammi and Alli

MATT BORLAND Joined Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), then known as Haas-CNC Racing, in May 2007 to lead the team as its director of competition … When the team transitioned to SHR in 2009, moved to team’s technical director … Two years later in 2011, promoted to vice president of competition … In October of last season, added to his role as vice president of competition when he climbed back atop the pit box after a more than five-year hiatus to serve as crew chief for Ryan Newman and the No. 39 Chevrolet …

In four races, led Newman to two top-five finishes, and the team did not finish lower than 12th place … Prior to joining SHR, briefly worked at Michael Waltrip Racing with former NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Dale Jarrett … Before that, worked at Penske Racing … Was hand-picked by Roger Penske to join his organization at the end of the 1999 season … Originally joined Penske Racing as a design/simulation engineer for the team’s two-car Sprint Cup operation but was soon tabbed to oversee the development of NASCAR “newbie” Newman as his crew chief for an aggressive A-B-C (ARCA, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series) campaign in preparation for a full-time Sprint Cup schedule beginning in 2002 … Earned his first points-paying Sprint Cup win as a crew chief in September 2002 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon … Guided Newman to the 2002 All-Star Race win and Rookie of the Year honors … In six seasons together (2002-2006), the Borland-Newman duo earned 12 wins, 37 poles, 54 top 5 and 83 top 10 finishes … Borland came to Penske Racing after a stint in the IndyCar Series … Worked with PacWest Racing in 1998, where he served as race engineer for driver Mark Blundell … Before that, Borland had worked at Pi Research, a well-known engineering organization that has supplied engineers to assist teams in numerous racing series … Through Pi Research, Borland’s name became familiar in many garages … Earned his engineering degree from General Motors Institute in Flint, Mich., in 1994 … Spends time with his family in his spare time.

  • What kind of car do you drive?
  • Chevrolet Volt.
  • What’s your dream car (current or classic)?
  • 1967 Big Block Corvette.
  • What was the scariest moment in your racing experience?
  • 2003, Daytona 500. I watched Ryan flip through the grass!
  • Who do you think is the best NASCAR driver—other than Ryan Newman or Tony Stewart of course?
  • Ayrton Senna.
  • Of all the Outback locations you’ve visited, which one was your favorite? Why?
  • I really enjoy the Outback in Huntersville with family.
  • Describe your Fantasy Outback Experience (for example, sharing a Bloomin' Onion with Miss NASCAR).
  • Sharing an Outback dinner with Robert Redford; I think he would have some cool stories.
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  • Shop Duties: Car Chief/Engineer
  • Pit Stop Duties: Car Chief
  • Date of Birth: 1/6/78
  • Place of Birth: St. Louis, MO
  • Hometown: Zionsville, IN
  • Current Residence: Mooresville, NC

LAWRENCE BURCH Joined SHR at the end of the 2007 season, when it was known as Haas-CNC Racing … In his tenure at SHR, has held a variety of positions, including member of the test team, lead engineer on the seven-post rig and wind tunnel, engineer, drive-line engineer and others … Prior to joining SHR, held a variety of positions in both the NASCAR and IndyCar ranks … Began his racing career in IndyCar in 1998 with Panther Racing when he was still a college student at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN …

First job in racing was cleaning the wheels for the Panther Racing team … Moved up the ranks at Panther Racing from cleaning wheels to changing tires to fueling the car to mechanic to data engineer … Ended his tenure at Panther Racing following 2003 and was at that time the lead mechanic for the Indy Lights program … Moved to Sam Schmidt Motorsports for the 2004 and 2005 seasons, serving as the lead mechanic for the team’s Indy Lights cars … In 2006, made the jump from IndyCar to NASCAR when he moved to Penske Racing to work as the tire specialist for the No. 12 Sprint Cup entry with driver Ryan Newman and crew chief Matt Borland … Penske marked his first time working on stock cars … Following the 2006 season, returned to IndyCar and Sam Schmidt Motorsports for 2007 … At the end of the 2007 season, rejoined Borland at Hass-CNC Racing (now SHR) … Racing and cars have been his first loves since he was just a young child … At age 8, built his first engine for a 1971 Volkswagen Beetle–just by reading a manual … Still owns that car … Has never held a job outside of racing, and his dream job is to work for the McLaren F1 team … When not at the racetrack, he still focuses his attention on cars as he considers himself a huge Mercedes junky and enjoys watching the car show Top Gear UK.

  • What other sport do you love? Did you play it in school? Do you play it when you’re not working?
  • Formula 1.
  • How did you get into racing? What makes you so passionate about it?
  • I took a job in open wheel Indy car racing cleaning and assembling the race wheels.
  • What was the scariest moment in your racing experience?
  • 2004, the Indianapolis 500. Two cars crashed in our pit stall just as I was back over the wall from making a pit stop.
  • Who do you think is the best NASCAR driver—other than Ryan Newman or Tony Stewart of course?
  • Joey Logano
  • Describe your Fantasy Outback Experience (for example, sharing a Bloomin’ Onion with Miss NASCAR).
  • Going to Outback with Stig.
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  • Shop Duties: Vehicle simulation, build sheets, tire data analysis, test plans, weekend prep
  • Pit Stop Duties: Calculate fuel mileage
  • Date of Birth: 12/21/1978
  • Place of Birth: Charlotte, NC
  • Hometown: Charlotte, NC
  • Current Residence: Charlotte, NC
  • Spouse: Nicole

DANIEL KNOST Joined SHR (then known as Haas-CNC Racing) in 2008 after earning a doctorate degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) … Served in a variety of positions since joining the race team … Ran the team’s seven-post shaker rig and assisted with at-track computer support from the 2008 to 2011 seasons … Worked as the race engineer for SHR’s No. 10 car for eight races during its limited schedule in 2012 … Moved to the No. 39 team as the race engineer in 2012 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway for the final four races of the season …

Charged with compiling weekly track simulations, tire data analysis and designing test plan while in the shop and calculating fuel mileage during the race ... Decided on a career in racing while in graduate school after extensive training in mechanical engineering … Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University in Raleigh in 2001 and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering (a Master of Science and a Doctorate degree) from Virginia Tech in 2003 and 2008, respectively … Enjoys spending time with family, playing tennis and skeet shooting.

  • How did you get into racing? What makes you so passionate about it?
  • I have a friend that started as a pit crew member in college and gave me the idea. I was doing jet engine research as a graduate student, but didn’t think I wanted a career in that field. I thought racing seemed like a good combination of my education/skill set and my passion for competition and team sports, so I set my sights on a career in racing. My favorite part is going to compete and measure ourselves against the best competition in the country.
  • What was the scariest moment in your racing experience?
  • Probably the day I threw a car off of our seven-post shaker rig. That was a bad feeling.
  • Who do you think is the best NASCAR driver—other than Ryan Newman or Tony Stewart of course?
  • It is pretty hard to argue with Jimmie Johnson. I think there may be a few guys with more talent, but no one matches his dedication and professionalism. He is a tough competitor, but I have a ton of respect for him.
  • Is your perfect Outback Burger served rare, medium or well-done?
  • Well-done. No pink for me.
  • Of all the Outback locations you’ve visited, which one was your favorite? Why?
  • East Blvd. in Charlotte. I always have a great experience there. The tables are big, the staff is friendly, the food is good, and it is in one of my favorite parts of town. Second place is Christiansburg, VA. I ate there often as a graduate student.
  • Describe your Fantasy Outback Experience (for example, sharing a Bloomin’ Onion with Miss NASCAR).
  • I enjoy going with my wife and with a few of my friends and co-workers. It’s a nice place to kick back and share stories (a.k.a. lies and half-truths).
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  • Shop Duties: Race Engineer
  • Pit Stop Duties: Document Driver Feedback, Call Fuel Mileage
  • Date of Birth: 8/11/84
  • Place of Birth: Ann Arbor, MI
  • Hometown: Saline, MI
  • Current Residence: Concord, NC
  • Marital Status: Jasmine

BILLY KUEBLER Joined SHR (then known as Haas-CNC Racing) in June 2007 … Performed a variety of roles and duties during his tenure at SHR … Spent first two seasons as an interior mechanic, traveling with the Nos. 66 and 70 teams … Served as the support and data acquisition engineer for the No. 14 team from 2009 to 2011 … Worked as a seven-post shaker rig engineer and as a race engineer for the No. 10 team for eight races during its limited schedule in 2012 … Moved to the No. 39 team as the race engineer last season at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway for the final four races of the season …

Charged with preparing and organizing information for upcoming events while in the shop and responsible for recording driver comments, vehicle change tracking calculating fuel mileage during the race … Came to SHR after earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a Motorsports concentration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in May 2007 … While working toward his degree, began his career in motorsports with an internship at Hendrick Motorsports with the No. 25 team … Began in the parts department and even cleaned floors and worked his way up the ladder … Worked at Hendrick through his graduation and filled a variety of roles, including working on engineering projects and traveling to the racetrack … At track, was pit support for the No. 25 team, running gas and also assisting the tire specialist … When not racing, enjoys golfing, go-karting, boating, watching college football, and playing with his two “fur kids,” Chewy and Leia (both Shih Tzu).

  • What’s your dream car?
  • 1950s Corvette.
  • What is your personal driving style—for example, are you aggressive, defensive, or completely Zen-like?
  • Passive-aggressive!
  • What other sport do you love?
  • Ran track in high school and college; I love Michigan football!
  • How did you get into racing? What makes you so passionate about it?
  • Internship during engineering school at Hendrick. I love winning!
  • What was the scariest moment in your racing experience?
  • Standing on the pit wall as the cars came to the checkered flag at Daytona. The wreck sent cars towards me at the pit wall.
  • Describe your Fantasy Outback Experience (for example, sharing a Bloomin’ Onion with Miss NASCAR).
  • Sharing a Bloomin’ Onion and a few beers with Greg Norman.
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  • Shop Duties: N/A
  • Pit Stop Duties: Spotter
  • Date of Birth: 10/14/75
  • Place of Birth: Hickory, NC
  • Hometown: Newton, NC
  • Current Residence: Hickory, NC
  • Marital Status: Christina
  • Children: Ford

JASON JARRETT Joined SHR beginning with the 2013 season … As the son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Dale Jarrett and grandson of two-time NASCAR champion Ned Jarrett, racing is in his blood … Has worked as a spotter for a variety of drivers and teams in the Sprint Cup Series since the 2006 season, beginning with his father during the 2006 (Robert Yates Racing) and 2007 seasons (Michael Waltrip Racing) … Worked with Germain Racing and driver Casey Mears from 2010 to 2012; Penske Racing and driver David Stremme for the 2009 season; and at Haas-CNC Racing (now SHR) with Scott Riggs in 2008 …

Prior to being the “eyes in the sky” for other drivers, was a driver himself … From 1997 to 2005, raced in a variety of series, making 114 ARCA starts, 40 NASCAR Nationwide Series starts and even two NASCAR Sprint Cup starts … Enjoyed the most success in ARCA, earning one pole (Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn in 2001), two wins–Kansas Speedway in Kansas City in 2001 and Salem (IN) Speedway in 2004–and 67 top 10 finishes in 114 starts … Enjoys running, biking, swimming, and various sporting events in his spare time.

  • What’s your dream car (current or classic)?
  • 1969 Camaro.
  • What is your personal driving style—for example, are you aggressive, defensive, or completely Zen-like?
  • Right down the middle of the spectrum.
  • What was the scariest moment in your racing experience?
  • Unfortunately, seeing fellow driver and friend Eric Martin lose his life in a crash at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2002.
  • Who do you think is the best NASCAR driver—other than Ryan Newman or Tony Stewart of course?
  • Kyle Busch.
  • What's your dip reco for sweet potato fries: Creole marmalade, honey mustard or Spicy Signature Bloom sauce?
  • The spicy signature bloom sauce.
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  • Shop Duties: Paint and Body/Teardown
  • Pit Stop Duties: Front Tire Changer
  • Date of Birth: 5/4/80
  • Place of Birth: Sterling Heights, MI
  • Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI
  • Current Residence: Salisbury, NC
  • Spouse: Michelle
  • Children: Ayden

SCOTT BRZOZOWSKI Joined Haas CNC Racing (now SHR) in 2008 as a front tire changer for the No. 70 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car … Began his career at Hendrick Motorsports in 2006 in the pit department as a developmental tire changer, which gave him the opportunity to serve as a pit crew member on a variety of teams from 2006 through 2008, including Billy Ballew Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2006, Kevin Harvick, Inc.’s Camping World Truck and NASCAR Nationwide Series teams in 2007, and JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series and Haas CNC Racing in Sprint Cup in 2008 …

Pulls double duty each weekend as the front tire changer for JR Motorsports’ No. 88 Nationwide Series car … Hobbies include online gaming, playing paintball, riding dirt bikes and camping.

  • What other sport do you love?
  • Hockey & baseball. I did play in school, but it’s kinda hard to play hockey in North Carolina due to lack of frozen lakes & ponds.
  • How did you get into racing? What makes you so passionate about it?
  • I started in 2006, and stayed with it because it’s always so different and exciting. Love going over the wall—and the paycheck!
  • What was the scariest moment in your racing experience?
  • A wreck in Atlanta. It happened in turn 4. A car actually came down, spinning, into the pit-row.
  • Who do you think is the best NASCAR driver, other than Ryan Newman or Tony Stewart of course?
  • Brad Kesolowski.
  • What’s your dip reco for sweet potato fries: Creole marmalade, honey mustard or spicy signature bloom sauce?
  • Definitely the Creole marmalade!
  • Of all the Outback locations you’ve visited, which one was your favorite? Why?
  • They have all been excellent!
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  • Shop Duties: Paint and Body
  • Pit Stop Duties: Front Tire Carrier
  • Date of Birth: 9/23/81
  • Place of Birth: Salisbury, NC
  • Hometown: Salisbury, NC
  • Current Residence: Salisbury, NC
  • Spouse: Gwynne

JEFF SHOAF Joined the No. 39 pit crew at SHR in August 2012 and was paired with former teammate Scott Brzozowski as the front tire team for the No. 39 car … Currently works full-time in the paint shop at JR Motorsports, also serving as the front tire carrier for the team’s No. 88 Nationwide Series car … Has worked at JR Motorsports since the 2008 season … Started at JR Motorsports as the front tire carrier for the No. 5 Nationwide Series team …

Before joining JR Motorsports, worked at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) in the paint department … Got his first job in racing at DEI as a pit setup specialist in 2005 … Enjoys radio-controlled airplanes, playing video games, weightlifting, spending time with family, working outside, and watching college football in his spare time.

  • What’s your dream car?
  • Ferrari 458.
  • What is your personal driving style—for example, are you aggressive, defensive, or completely Zen-like?
  • Aggressive!
  • What was the scariest moment in your racing experience?
  • I was skimmed by a car turning into their pit at Dover. Knocked the tire right out of my hand.
  • Who do you think is the best NASCAR driver, other than Ryan Newman or Tony Stewart of course?
  • Kyle Busch.
  • Of all the Outback locations you’ve visited, which one was your favorite? Why?
  • Salisbury. It’s just a few minutes away and always very friendly.
  • Describe your Fantasy Outback Experience (for example, sharing a Bloomin’ Onion with Miss NASCAR).
  • To be at an Outback in Australia, on the beach, with a plate full of steak!
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  • Shop Duties: NA
  • Pit Stop Duties: Jackman
  • Date of Birth: 10/03/81
  • Place of Birth: Concord, NC
  • Hometown: Albemarle, NC
  • Current Residence: Locust, NC
  • Spouse: Summer

WES HERLOCKER Joined SHR beginning with the 2013 season … Has served as jackman on race day for various teams in the Sprint Cup Series since 2010 … Previously worked as a jackman for Hendrick Motorsports, working on the No. 51 Phoenix Racing team for the 2011 and 2012 seasons … Prior to that, was part of Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing’s developmental squad that pitted the No. 36 Tommy Baldwin Racing entry in the Sprint Cup Series … Before entering the NASCAR ranks, worked in collegiate athletics after playing college sports and earning his Bachelor’s degree …

Attended East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, from 2000 to 2003, where he was a receiver, defensive back, and punter for the Pirates football team … Transferred to Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, in 2004, where he was powerlifter … Won the USA Powerlifting Junior National Championship in 2005 … Graduated from Appalachian State in 2005 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in exercise and sports science … Following graduation, became the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s football team and women’s basketball program from December 2005 through November 2006 … Left for Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC, in November 2006, where he landed a head coaching job … Worked as the head strength and conditioning coach for a variety of sports, including football, men’s basketball, men’s soccer and baseball … Stayed at Wofford until January 2010 … Currently works as a personal trainer ... Enjoys working out, fishing, and playing cornhole and darts … Also enjoys playing with his three “furry children,” Pit Bulls Tank and Punkin, and Herk the Doberman.

  • What’s your dream car (current or classic)?
  • BMW M3.
  • What is your personal driving style—for example, are you aggressive, defensive, or completely Zen-like?
  • Very defensive and cautious.
  • What was the scariest moment in your racing experience?
  • When another race car came flying into our pit stall at Daytona.
  • Who do you think is the best NASCAR driver—other than Ryan Newman or Tony Stewart of course?
  • Jimmy Johnson.
  • Do you prefer mild, medium or hot Outback Chicken wings?
  • Mild.
  • Of all the Outback locations you’ve visited, which one was your favorite? Why?
  • Spartanburg, SC. I used to live in the area and I ate there often. They have awesome food!
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  • Shop Duties: Mechanic, Assembly Shop
  • Pit Stop Duties: Rear Tire Changer
  • Date of Birth: 6/19/78
  • Place of Birth: Monroe, LA
  • Hometown: Monroe, LA
  • Current Residence: Terrell, NC
  • Spouse: Ashley
  • Children: Caroline and Jackson

JONATHAN SHERMAN Joined SHR in July 2011 and worked his first race as the No. 39 car’s rear tire changer at Indianapolis Motor Speedway … Prior to working at SHR, spent 10 seasons at Joe Gibbs Racing, serving as a tire changer on various Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series teams and working with a variety of drivers … Spent the 2000 season as a tire changer and mechanic at Herzog Racing and driver Jimmie Johnson in the Nationwide Series …

Began his NASCAR career as a rear tire changer and mechanic for GTS Racing in 1998 … Worked on dirt Late Models in his hometown of Monroe, La., while in high school … Lifelong involvement in racing propelled his move to North Carolina and the NASCAR ranks … Enjoys hunting and fishing during his spare time.

  • What kind of car do you drive?
  • Ford truck.
  • What’s your dream car (current or classic)?
  • 2013 Chevy Corvette.
  • What other sport do you love? Did you play it in school? Do you play it when you’re not working?
  • Hunting, fishing, and skiing.
  • What was the scariest moment in your racing experience?
  • In 2000, working for Jimmie Johnson. There was fire in our pit box and I saw a couple of people on fire.
  • Who do you think is the best NASCAR driver—other than Ryan Newman or Tony Stewart of course?
  • David Pearson.
  • Describe your Fantasy Outback Experience (for example, sharing a Bloomin’ Onion with Miss NASCAR).
  • Eating at Outback with Johnny Cash.
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  • Shop Duties: Rear Tire Carrier
  • Pit Stop Duties: Windshield/Driver Support
  • Date of Birth: 9/27/84
  • Place of Birth: Fair Play, MO
  • Hometown: Fair Play, MO
  • Current Residence: Mooresville, NC
  • Marital Status: Jennifer

JAMES HOUK Joined SHR at the end of 2008 … Worked at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) as a fabricator and rear tire carrier on the No. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry … Before moving to DEI, served as fabricator and rear tire carrier with Red Horse Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series from 2004 to 2005 … Got his start in racing after attending the 5 Off 5 On pit training school in Mooresville, NC, in 2003…

Began working as a front tire carrier in 2003 with a variety of teams using graduates of the pit school … Enjoys playing volleyball and softball and working on his 1946 Chevy pickup truck.

  • What kind of car do you drive?
  • ’03 Dodge diesel.
  • What’s your dream car?
  • 1972 Chevy Suburban.
  • What is your personal driving style—for example, are you aggressive, defensive, or completely Zen-like?
  • All of the above, just depends on who is around me…
  • How did you get into racing? What makes you so passionate about it?
  • Moved to NC out of high school and attended Pit School. I love the rush I get jumping off the wall and how much we travel.
  • Are you an Outback Signature Steak kind of guy, or do you prefer an Outback entrée straight from the sea?
  • Steak! Nothing like a ribeye straight off the grill.
  • Describe your Fantasy Outback Experience (for example, sharing a Bloomin’ Onion with Miss NASCAR).
  • My fantasy would be to have Outback at every race! Game-time meal?a nice steak before every race to get me energized.
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  • Shop Duties: Mechanic
  • Pit Stop Duties: Gas Man
  • Date of Birth: 8/2/83
  • Place of Birth: Janesville, WI
  • Hometown: Whitewater, WI
  • Current Residence: Huntersville, NC
  • Spouse: Jessica

ROBERT SMITH Joined SHR at the end of the 2012 season as a mechanic and over-the-wall crew member for the No. 39 Chevy … Came to SHR from Roush-Fenway Racing, where he was employed for 10 seasons (2003 to 2012) … Had a variety of roles at Roush-Fenway and its associated teams at Richard Petty Motorsports during his tenure, including setup, shocks and underneath and front-end mechanic … Also worked on various teams’ pit crews as the gas man and catch can man …

Prior to that worked at Jason Schuler Racing, doing a variety of jobs with the team that ran cars in the ARCA Racing Series, ASA Series and various Late Model races … Got his start in racing as a youngster when he helped various Late Model teams at local short tracks in Wisconsin … Earned his Associate’s degree in engineering from Milwaukee Area Technical College in Mequon, WI … Enjoys playing poker and fishing in his spare time.

  • What kind of car do you drive?
  • 1985 GMC truck.
  • Did you pass your driver’s license test the first time you took it? (The driving and the written part).
  • Yes.
  • When your car needs to be tuned or repaired, do you trust anyone to do the work—or do you do it yourself?
  • I do it myself.
  • What other sport do you love? Did you play it in school? Do you play it when you’re not working?
  • Fishing.
  • Who do you think is the best NASCAR driver—other than Ryan Newman or Tony Stewart of course?
  • Joe Shear, Sr.
  • Is your perfect Outback Burger served rare, medium or well-done?
  • Medium.
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