Q&A: Erin Crocker, first woman Outlaws winner

10:53 PM CST on Thursday, December 23, 2004


By TERRY BLOUNT / The Dallas Morning News



Erin Crocker, 23, became the first woman to win a World of Outlaws sprint car feature event earlier this year, but her future may be in NASCAR. Crocker recently signed a developmental deal with Evernham Motorsports.

Crocker will drive full time in the Silver Crown sprint car series in 2005, but she also will compete in ARCA and Busch Series events in cars prepared by Ray Evernham's team. She has moved from her hometown of Wilbraham, Mass., to Charlotte, N.C., to start her program with Evernham.

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What does this deal with Ray Evernham mean to you and your future?


I want to be in NASCAR. I believe this provides me all of the ingredients I need to become successful. This is the path I want to take.


What are you long-range goals?


My ultimate goal is to be successful in the Nextel Cup, but I want to take the right steps to get there. I think Ray has the same plan in mind for me. It's truly a dream come true.




FILE 2003/AP
Erin Crocker was a regular on the World of Outlaws tour this year. Her ultimate goal is to drive in the Nextel Cup. How familiar are you with what Evernham has accomplished in NASCAR, first as a crew chief and now as a team owner?


Growing up in Massachusetts, I watched what Ray did, winning championships with Jeff Gordon. And this past year, I saw what he accomplished with a rookie driver, Kasey Kahne. Seeing what he has done with young drivers is why I believe this is a perfect fit for me.


How did you get started in racing?


I started racing when I was 7 years old, and I grew up watching my two brothers race.


What did you learn from your brothers?


They taught me a lot about earning respect from the men and understanding how to be competitive. I've always been very competitive. I've played every sport in the book. I've played hockey and all the other sports my brothers played. I've always had a competitive fire inside me.


You have a degree in industrial engineering from Renssaelaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. Would you be working as an engineer if you weren't racing?


I'm sure I still would be in the racing world, possibly putting my engineering degree to use for a big team or a manufacturer. I've been offered those opportunities in the past.


Do you have any heroes among female racecar drivers?


I wouldn't necessarily consider them heroes, but I certainly watched what they did and tried to learn from it. And I give them a lot of credit. Women like Lyn St. James, Janet Guthrie and Sarah Fisher have opened people's eyes to the possibility of a female being successful in this sport.


How much of a transition will it be to go from dirt track racing to paved tracks?


That's definitely going to be a big learning curve. I've run a little bit of pavement in the past, and it's a lot different.


Some top Nextel Cup drivers – Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne – came from the sprint car ranks. What do you learn driving sprint cars?


I think driving a sprint car teaches you so much about car control. So once I get the feel of these bigger, heavier cars, I'm confident it will go well. I'm sure I'm ready for the challenge.


You competed in more than 60 World of Outlaws events this year over 10 months. How will your 2005 schedule, racing in three different series, compare?


I think I'll keep just as busy, but maybe not as much time on the road. That could be a good thing. I think that I'll have enough things going on between spending time at the shop, testing, and the races I'm going to run. Hopefully, I'll get to do some midget sprint car stuff as well.

I'm excited to see her!

Wayne!

Erin Crocker is so kool and i luv that Ray has signed her adn she will be driving fir Kasey.!! That is awesome.

:na I'm so excited for her and for Ray! I can't wait to see her race and meet her sometime.

It should be great. She will be a great addition:)

I'm Excited For Her This Is An Excellent Opportunity...And I am Proud That It Is Ray And Kasey Giving Her The Chance :clap...It Must Feel Great To Be Able To Give Back To Other People The Same Chance Someone Gave You...

A local girl! No one from this end of the state gets cool things! i'm psyched for her! a girl racer from MA!!

Thats awesome! I cant wait to see her race! I hope she does fulfill her dream of being a successfull driver in Nascar!