Brad Babb Confidence Grows with New Smyrna – American Racer Challenge
St. Petersburg, Florida – When Brad Babb begins the 1,415 mile journey from his Windham, Maine home to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, it’s going to tick a lot of first-time boxes for the young driver.
The third generation racer is coming south to compete in the American Racer Challenge; a three night (February15th-17th) Series of one-hundred lap events that will see the top twenty-nine racers from across the Northeastern Unites States and Canada racing for the checkered flag.
“There’s going to be a lot of new happening during this trip,” explained Brad Babb. “Getting as much track and seat time will be critical.”
The late last season teaming with ACT stalwart Joey Laquerre Sr. had already increased Babb’s optimism towards the 2015 season. But when ACT (American Canadian Tour) President Tom Curley announced the Challenge Cup, and an additional date to compete, Babb’s confidence hit the carnival bell.
“Having at first two and now three races to start the season is a great opportunity for our team, said Babb. It gives me the chance to raise my skill level, and the competitiveness of our team, in a compressed time.”
Babb will be piloting the Babb & Laquerre #15 Ford.
“Our#15 will have a Distance Chassis under it that we purchased last season,” revealed Babb. “It’s not brand new but it is new to our program. We’ve worked hard at preparing it and I feel like we’re bringing a very good piece to Florida.
“Florida will also start my first full season with Joey Laquerre Sr. and his Montpellier, Vermont program. Our family and his have been great friends through good and bad. His #15 Ford will be my Primary car in the 2015 ACT season. Oh, yes – Ford – that’ll be new for us too.
“Our families (Grandfather Robert – Dad Bobby) have always run Chevy. On the bigger tracks, or tracks were more grunt is needed, we feel Ford will have the advantage. It has shown so at Loudon in the past.”
We asked Babb if he was feeling added pressure switching away from Chevy and adding the new bits as he prepares for the American Racer Challenge at New Smyrna and the season as a whole.
“There is not much more (pressure) than I usually create for myself, said Babb. “ But sure, there’s added demands but added heart is there to fight-back. This is what I enjoy and there’s not much more that I want than to win for Joey Sr.
“I can’t wait to get to Daytona. In fact, I can’t ever remember being this excited for a season to start.”
Since 2008, Brad Babb has worked hard to pad his trophy case. He’s done that with wins, Driver of the Year awards, a State Championships and two Track titles. On his way south, he explained his rise to success has come from his ability to learn from family as well as others who have taught him well.
“I feel you can improve yourself as a driver many different ways,” added Babb. I’ve gained experience by helping other drivers at New Smyrna and by watching races from the grandstands. With the pressures that arrive, I’m fortunate. I can easily talk about frustrations or problems with my family. They were great racers and can relate.
Watch for Brad Babb and the #15 Ford at New Smyrna Speedway February 15th through the 17th.
Who: Brad Babb – 2012 NASCAR All-American Series Maine State Champion, Track Champion and Driver of the Year at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway
- Finalist in the Concord, N.C. Kulwicki Driver Development Program (KDDP) for the 2015 season
- 2008 “Rookie of the Year” at the Beech Ridge Motor Speedway
- Third generation driver as well as the brother of a sister who races
- Grandfather Robert was the 1976 and 1977 Beech Ridge Track Champion
- Father Bobby was the tracks champion in 1998-1999-2003-2005 and 2006
- Brad Babb was the Beech Ridge Track Champion in 2012
Sources: Rick Raducha/Driver Connection PR