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CJ Rector, a name drivers and fans will want to start remembering. CJ drives the red and white No. 28 truck at Thunderbird Speedway in the Mini Stock division. This 15 year old has accomplished a lot in just a few years behind the wheel. CJ’s hopes for the 2009 season are high and maybe not too all out of the question. He hopes to win both championships at Thunderbird and Winston speedways along with a state championship and maybe a national. This will mean a full schedule for him this year and doing whatever it takes to accomplish his goals.

CJ’s 2008 season was his first full racing season and taking the championship at Winston is quite a way to start your career. The competition in his division was strong since CJ was on top of the leader board over twenty other drivers who posted points that season. As of points posted from May 22, 2009 CJ holds the lead in the points at Winston. His lead is only eight points over Brandon Tramper No. 21, and ten points over last years second place finisher Luke Near No. 2.  CJ’s lead in the standings as of May 23, 2009 at Thunderbird was forty points over Mark Farber No. 6.

CJ’s father used to race but had steeped out from behind the wheel years earlier. CJ is no stranger to fast paced vehicles since he used to ride dirt bikes. When dirt bikes were not enough he asked his dad if he could start racing. With the support and guidance from his dad and family CJ got behind the wheel. When asked what he started racing in his first year CJ said, “That” and pointed to his truck already loaded in the trailer. Most drivers his age have come from racing series such as karts or quarter midgets. There has been no other form of racing to build CJ’s knowledge and skill but the truck he currently drives.

While talking about competitors CJ was asked who do you most respect on the track? “Probably Mark (Farber), he always races me http://www.thunderbirdraceway.net/images/Sponsors/UMPdirtcar.gif clean and we have good races.” Mark Farber is a veteran to Thunderbird and has nothing but good things to say about CJ. “He’s got a fast truck, young kind, new at driving but he’s a good driver.”

CJ had a chance to reflect on his first race and said, “I just didn’t want to mess up. I was kind of nervous because I didn’t want to break anything but I finished in fourth.” His first feature race was one to remember. “I was so excited I wish I could do back flips like Carl Edwards.” CJ’s last few years only leads one to wonder what the future hold for him. When asked what he sees happening he said, “We’ll probably race in this truck through the end of this year, and maybe get into a Sportsman or Modified.”  CJ added to his future plans and stated, “If I get to Sprint Cup I think it would be cool to drive for Hendrick Motorsports.” Even with big goals CJ is focused on his 2009 season and there is not telling how far he will go.