Dixie Motor Speedway Street Stock Rookie Brad McGeathy started out sponsoring cars a few years ago when his son, Buddy McGeathy, decided he wanted to race.
“I told him (Buddy) that if he bought the car I’d sponsor it,” McGeathy said.
McGeathy owns Brad’s Auto Care near Flint, MI and is the proud sponsor of several vehicles at Dixie Motor Speedway.
“That’s kind of what got me in to it,” McGeathy said. “Then, last fall I got some not so great news from the Dr. and decided I needed to get out and do a few things that I’ve always wanted to do before it’s too late. I’ve always thought racing looked like fun, I had an extra car and tranny, so I decided to go for it.”
McGeathy drives the beautiful 1966 Chevelle No. 69 in the Street Stock class.
“Everyone seems to really like the car,” McGeathy said. “They seem to like that it’s a classic and the paint job’s not bad either.”
Racing is a family event for the McGeathy’s.
“What really gets me out there racing is my son,” McGeathy said. “I really enjoy the time with my son and the rest of the family that come out, too. It’s really great bonding time for all of us. I love spending time with my family at the track. It’s good wholesome fun and everyone gets involved; my wife Jean, my daughters Cricket and Shawn, my son-in-law Kevin and even the grandkids, Kayla, Cassie, Ryan, Sarah, Ethan Bradley, Eddy and and Nicholas. Nicholas is about nine now and he gives me my helmet, makes sure I’m buckled in tight and keeps track of my times for me.”
McGeathy knows he has a lot to learn and is grateful for the support and patience of the other drivers in his class.
“I’m lousy at it,” McGeathy laughed. “But, I’m having such a great time! The guys in my class are really great. It’s really cool that they have enough tolerance for me being in their way. I’m hoping to improve my skills this year, so I’m not a thorn in everybody else’s side out there. They’re experienced and I don’t want to be in their way or bend their cars, I’m really trying to learn everything. My goal is to stay with the back of the pack this year and improve my skills.
Rick Osborn, Jr. is my mentor. He is trying to teach me the trick to making that car go in circles! I owe him a lot of thanks.”
When McGeathy is not racing or running his business he volunteers through the Elf Khurafeh shriners in Clio, MI.
“In 1998 we lost my grandson Christopher to brain cancer,” McGeathy said. “The community support my family received during that time was unbelievable and part of the reason I decided to volunteer with the Shriners was to give a little back. I drive children to a hospital in Chicago and to the Burn Unit in Cincinnati. We take the kids and the families, take care of their needs while they are there and then drive them back home. I make close to a dozen trips each year. It’s a lot of fun and helping people is kind of like a recharge for the soul.”
Why does McGeathy race at Dixie?
“I really love the staff at Dixie,” McGeathy said. “Dixie has a great atmosphere and Jeff and Pam Parish are good people. Jeff told me he has a great set-up for the car. I’m gonna have to pin him down and get that from him!”
