SRL: How many years have you been competing in the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series? Prior to the SRL what other racing experience did you have?
Brennan Newberry:
Three years. I started in the tour in 2007. I took a year off to run in the Ford Focus Midget California Paved Series, where I finished 4th in points. Prior to the tour, I had only really run go-karts in the Bakersfield Kart Club and two dirt races at Ventura Speedway in a Ford Focus Midget.
"...even though everyone (in the SRL) is such fierce competitors, it still has the sense of family and having fun. "— Brennan Newberry
SRL: Your dad, Bob Newberry, owns NTS Motorsports, how is it driving for him?
Brennan Newberry: Racing for my dad began as a way for the both of us to spend more time with one another. Still to this day, we are involved in racing for that same reason. Obviously the racing has become more and more stressful and a lot more commitments from my parents and myself, but we are still having fun with it.
SRL: For 2010, you are running the entire SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series and selected K&N Pro Series events. Which type of car best suits your driving style?
Brennan Newberry: I like to think of myself as an aggressively smooth driver. The SRL car is one that I must drive “outside my comfort level,” whereas the K&N car I can be as smooth as I please. I have been conditioning myself to be able to be fast in any car that I get in, whether I need to drive outside of my comfort level or not. I love racing…it is my life, if I’m offered to drive anything from a late model to a K&N car I strive to be the best on the track.
SRL: Being a young driver in the SRL and having so many tough veterans to compete against, do you see that as a positive or a negative?
Brennan Newberry: I see it as a very big positive. It makes every single driver competing with them on the track to step up. With the veterans and racing legends that we have racing with us in the SRL, in order for me to beat them I have to learn quickly by watching and listening. Due to the stature of the drivers in the series there isn’t any room to relax. This is what has made the SRL one, if not the best, series for drivers young or old to see how they stack up to the best drivers on the west coast.
SRL: NTS Motorsports recently signed the Metal Mulisha’s Brian Deegan to a developmental program. How is that going and how is it having Brian Deegan as a teammate?
Brennan Newberry: Brian is very determined to be the best in whatever he does, whether he is racing his Lucas Oil off road truck, motorcycle, or the circle track cars. It’s awesome to see how he wants to learn and has picked up substantially in the few times he has been in the car, as well as working with the team.
SRL: What do you enjoy most about running in the SRL?
Brennan Newberry: I love how competitive the series is. The series so tough with so many good drivers that almost anyone there is a threat to compete for the win. Also, even though everyone is such fierce competitors, it still has the sense of family and having fun.
SRL: How did you get started in this sport?
Brennan Newberry: Well when my dad started racing a Super Late Model at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield when I was 9 years old, it really sparked my interest. I talked to my dad and he got me into a go-kart about a week later. Its all just history from there, but I do owe everything I am in racing today to my dad. He is such a committed guy, whether it’s to myself, my mom, my sisters, his company, or anyone he comes in contact with, he really deserves a lot more credit than he is given sometimes.
SRL: What other sports are you good at?
Brennan Newberry: Well before racing I tried baseball, football, karate, swimming, and golf. I still enjoy golfing from time to time, but I feel that racing is the only sport that I have really set my mind to and really want to succeed in. So I don’t really focus on other sports besides racing, it’s my life.
SRL: How do you relax?
Brennan Newberry: Definitely spending time with my family: my dad Bob, my mom Monica, and my sisters Stephanie and Devan. I like movies, long walks on the beach, and Jeopardy at midnight. Nah, hanging with family and friends is the best way for me to relax.
SRL: Favorite activity away from the racetrack?
Brennan Newberry: The only real activity I do outside of racing would have to be working out. Even though it isn’t very relaxing, I feel it’s a necessity to stay in shape whether it’s for racing or just personal benefit.
SRL: One sport you would never try?
Brennan Newberry: Soccer. I don’t have that kind of endurance and I am not that good with kicking a ball in the direction I want it to go. Plus, I would probably put my Mexican heritage to shame.
SRL: Favorite racing moment?
Brennan Newberry: So far it would have to be between two. Leading and contending for last year’s SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series, “NTS, Inc. 100” and the K&N Pro Series race at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale on the 4th of July (2010).
SRL: Worst household chore?
Brennan Newberry: Definitely cleaning the pool.
SRL: Who has made the most impact in your life?
Brennan Newberry: In my life, aside from racing it’s my parents Bob and Monica Newberry. Even though they are both a big impact in my racing, Gary Collins and my 2010 NTS Motorsports crew has made the most impact in my life on the racing side. There is so much commitment from every single one of my crew guys. They have taught me to strive to be the best, work harder, and never give up. I couldn’t have asked for a crew with a greater chemistry then mine. We have become such a good team and I consider each and every one of them a part of my immediate family.
SRL: If you could chose anyone in the world to be your crew chief, who would it be?
Brennan Newberry: Until I drive him crazy and give him more gray hair than I’ve already given him…I wouldn’t trade Gary Collins for the world.
SRL: Most embarrassing moment in racing?
Brennan Newberry: Spinning out at Irwindale before I took the green for qualifying or causing the first caution at the 2010 Toyota All Star Showdown due to a single car spin off of turn 4.
SRL: Words to live by?
Brennan Newberry: Never give up, Strive to be the best, don’t forget where you came from and who has helped you along the way.
SRL: Racing goals for 2010 and beyond?
Brennan Newberry: To try and win a lot of races as I aspire to NASCAR’s highest levels…
