World of Outlaws commentator Johnny Gibson caught up with myself to answer a few questions about his interesting career and a few of the hot topics surrounding the Outlaws upcoming season.
Ben Heneker: How did you first become interested in motor racing and in particular sprint car racing?
Johnny Gibson: I grew up in Pennsylvania, which has traditionally been a hotbed of sprint car racing. My father is a sprint car fan and began taking me to the races at a very early age.
BH: What led to a fulltime position as the commentator of undoubtedly the best travelling sprint car series in the world?
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The Outlaws go 4-wide before the feature race |
JG: As a race fan, I was able to meet several people involved in motor racing and that in turn allowed me to meet some people who worked for the World of Outlaws. I took a job selling souvenir programs for them in July of 1995, and in 1996 I worked as a camera spotter for the TNN World of Outlaws broadcasts (after program selling duties were completed). Bobby Gerould was working as a pit reporter for TNN and was also doing the commentary at Kings Speedway in Hanford, California. When the Outlaws raced at Kings in September 1996, Bobby asked me to come to the booth for an interview. I had kept records and statistics as a hobby and after the interview Bobby asked if I had ever considered doing commentary. I replied that I hadn't, but wasn't necessarily opposed to the idea. Bobby handed me the mic and said, "The first heat race is coming out, go ahead and give it a try." I called one heat race, and three weeks later I was informed that I would be the full time commentator starting in 1997. So I guess you could say that it was mostly a matter of luck and being in the right place at the right time.
BH: Over the many years you have been following the World of Outlaws is there any standout moments that spring to mind?
JG: There have been so many great races, spectacular moves and incredible finishes. I don't really know how to rank them. Calling the career first victory for a driver is always special, as was Steve Kinser's 500th career win and working the Knoxville Nationals and Kings Royal are always a thrill. But perhaps the most memorable was introducing Brad Doty when he returned to the cockpit of the #18 Coors Light Gambler to pace the four-wide parade lap at the Kings Royal. Brad was one of my favourite drivers and having worked with him on several occasions (and considering him a great friend) made that emotional moment even more special.
BH: If you had to describe to race fans what makes sprint car racing one of the finest motor sport categories in the world, what would it be?
JG: Sprint car racing is pure adrenaline. It's the motorsports version of Ultimate Fighting. There are no pit stops, no "pacing yourself" - drivers go as hard and as fast as they can from the drop of the green until the chequered flag falls.
BH: The World of Outlaws saw a slight increase in full time drivers last year and the coming season, which includes one of Australia's best, Brooke Tatnell. This should see an increased number of regular drivers in 2005. Can this be put down to the ownership and management that Boundless have put in place since they started at the beginning of 2004?
JG: I think that the DIRT Motorsports ownership and management has a lot to do with the increased car counts. They've brought a new level of professionalism to the sport and that in turn has increased interest from drivers and car owners. World of Outlaws sprint car racing is once again looked at as a sport "on the upswing" and a way for talented drivers to earn a very good living.
BH: Is there a favourite track and/or event that you enjoy travelling to most?
JG: I'm just very fortunate to be able to go to every World of Outlaws event and see the best sprint car drivers in the world perform their magic nearly 100 times a year. I suppose going to Lernerville Speedway (where I saw my first World of Outlaws race in 1980) will always be meaningful. It's a chance to "go back home" and realise just how far I've come.
BH: You will arrive in Sydney to commentate on the Outlaws in late January. With more drivers coming 'down under' this season is there anything in particular that you are in eager anticipation of seeing whether it be at Parramatta City Raceway or anywhere else in Australia?
JG: I think the field that will be assembled for the World of Outlaws Down Under event will be perhaps the greatest ever for an Australian sprint car race. I've been to Australia several times in the past and my experiences have been extremely positive. I'm just looking forward to seeing some great action on the track and renewing acquaintances over a few Crownies afterward!
BH: When listening to the brilliant job that yourself and the Sprint Car Network put together for the majority of Outlaws races across the USA we often hear mention of 'Workin' Woody'. For many people in Australia this machine is unheard of, how would you explain it so they understand why and how this machine became an icon of the Outlaws?
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Workin' Woody |
JG: Workin' Woody is the official push truck and safety vehicle for the World of Outlaws. It's a purpose-built vehicle designed, owned, and operated by Art and Carol Malies. In addition to push starting sprint cars, Workin' Woody carries fire and safety equipment and is equipped with a boom capable of towing cars and helping with the occasional engine change. Art and Carol were presented with the award for "Outstanding Contribution to the Sport" from the National Sprint Car Poll a few years ago.
BH: After the Knoxville Nationals there was a lot of discussion surrounding the event that next season the Outlaws may break away. The stories were eventually finished when Boundless signed a new deal to see the Outlaws continue in the future. Do you think this was fundamental to the success of the Outlaws, as many believe the event outweighs the series?
JG: I think the World of Outlaws and the Knoxville Nationals are mutually beneficial. There's no doubt that the Nationals is the biggest and most prestigious event in sprint car racing and I'm glad that the world's greatest teams will continue to be part of that event. One only needs to look at the situation with the Champ Car series and the Indianapolis 500 to see that a "split" can hurt both sides of the equation.
BH: The introduction of starter motors for the cars has been widely criticised from both point of views. The introduction could see events ran quicker and become a more television friendly commodity. Your thoughts on which direction Boundless should head?
JG: It's definitely one of the most controversial subjects to come up in quite some time. DIRT Motorsports has put together a committee to study the possible inclusion of starters for the 2006 season and I'm extremely confident that they'll reach a decision that's in the best interest of the sport.
BH: Thank you for your time Johnny and we look forward to hearing your voice calling the sport we love in the future.
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