Slingin Dirt is bringing a new spotlight to the racing world and today launches just that. Today we are going to get to know more about Ron Aurand, 305 sprint car driver.
Kristina got to ask Ron some questions and got more insight into Ron Aurand Racing and their driver. So enough small talk; lets get into the "meat and potatoes" of this and find out more about Ron.
1. What has motivated you to race?
We have been running sprint cars for a few years and my grandfather, whom I am named after, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and he started coming to the race shop almost every night we were working on the car to just sit there and enjoy spending time with us. We would have conversations about little things in life from family to just your typical shop talk. Later in the summer of 2015, he took a turn for the worse and as we were sitting there talking with him he turned and looked at me and said, " Boy, don't you think it's time you win something already"; I laughed it off and didn't think much of it ..just him ragging on me and later that night he passed away.
Those words stuck with me all night and the following week we won the consi at Port Royal Speedway on Military Night as my Pap was a Vietnam vet. Everyone and anyone in the pits that night would have thought that we just won the feature or something because of how excited we all were because I have never won even a heat race until this point. We thought that this was an awesome accomplishment at the time being military and with my Pap being a vet , we all thought of him right away.
A few weeks later, I won my first ever feature at Bedford Speedway and in victory lane on Labor Day and proudly dedicated my first ever win in anything to my Pap. I had rehearsed things in my head of what I could say if I ever won a race but that moment will forever be stuck in my head of being able to say "This one is for you, Pappy".
2. Why a 305 sprint car? What drives you to stay in this division?
Being able to run a full size sprint car on a very small budget that we have in place. Also, spending time with all my family and friends at the tracks as well. We would like to move up but financially it's not possible.
3. Which track is your favorite and why?
Bedford Speedway; it's just a very unique track that is always fun to race on. We always seem to run well there as well and I'm sure that helps as well.
4. Best memory racing?
Getting my first ever win at Bedford Speedway and seeing smiles on all my crew guys faces that have been with me since the beginning. And seeing how excited my dad was to be in victory lane with me.
5. If you could redo one race over again or moment which would it be and why?
I honestly don't know if there is one. There have been nights where I have done dumb things that have cost us a good finish or nights where I have torn up the car. But I have learned from each of those time and have become better because of those experiences.
6. How much of your team/career in racing is family inspired/driven?
My entire career, my Dad is my crew chief. My crew consists of life long friends. My one year old daughter comes to the shop and the track. She sweeps out the trailer and shop and she checks air pressure ; she drags a broom around and acts like she is cleaning all while laughing and clapping. She knows where the valve stem is on the wheel and will actually put the air pressure gauge on it and laughs. My crew usually brings their spouses/girlfriends to the track and shop to hang out while we work.
7. What are your hopes for the season?
Being a top ten car weekly and just having fun with family and friends while representing our sponsors in a professional manor.
8. Is there plans to move into a different division?
If we could secure sponsorship and funding I would love to run some URC wingless races or any other shows.
Ron's Thanks and Spotlights to crew and sponsors:
I would also like to thank my crew members and their families for the long shop nights and weekends at the track. Huge thank you to my wife, Ashley and my beautiful daughter Aubree.
Thank you: Duff Aurand, Dee Aurand, Adam Bailor, Jess Bailor, Scott Settle, Linda Settle, Bob Logan, Matthew "Big Sexy" Lefevre, Andrew Logan, Sean Fluke, Michael Gearhart.
Special Thank you to our Sponsors:
JD Byrider, Anthony Mccullough, Hickory Hill Farm, Magnum Motors, Top Flight Wings, ProCart LLC., Shaffranich Excavating, Bob Logan, Diven's Heating & AC Services, Parkes Auctions, F.O.E Post #4294, Kurt & Nancy Ferster, Lewistown Cabinet Center, Scott Baylor Racing Engines, Krawl Works, Dunhams Express, Toots’ Place
Slingin Dirt at Slicks and Sticks would like to thank Ron for taking time to talk to us and let us in on more of his career, and what makes the team! We are wishing you the best of luck this season and hoping that we can see your dream all come true with the racing season!