Drew Bowers: Chasing the Grassroots Dream

The faithful fans at Tri-County Racetrack in Brasstown, NC have become very familiar with the name Drew Bowers over the last few years. Bowers has dominated the Street Stock division at the Ray Cook promoted track with two championships and multiple wins. He's not only won races in his #27 Camaro, he's also won fans.

Now the Drew Crew have another reason to cheer. Drew has decided to move up to the Crate Late Model class in persuit of small town glory. LooseLug recently caught up with Drew to discuss that decision and the upcoming season.

LooseLug: "Drew, first off, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions."

Bowers: "No, thank you for the opportunity."

LooseLug: "Let's just jump right in. So why now? What makes you think the time is right to move up to Crate?"

Bowers: "Crate has always been my goal. I remember the first time I saw the Crate Series race at Brasstown, I knew then that I needed to get started in Street Stock and get as much seat time as I could so I could eventually move up. After three years in street stock, I feel like I've got the basics down and that I'm ready for something new."

LooseLug: "What about the Crate class intrigued you?"

Bowers: "Crate seemed to have the most action of all the classes. The motors are basically the same in each car so a lot of it boils down to set up and driving skill. I can remember watching action packed races as a kid and that's really what got me hooked."

LooseLug: "So what kind of chassis did you decide to go with?"

Bowers: "It's a Mastersbilt Gen X."

LooseLug: "Why Mastersbilt?"

Bowers: "'I've seen a lot of success from the Mastersbilt chassis. A lot of the local drivers also have Mastersbilt, so I thought it would be good to have the same type stuff while I'm starting out. I have a lot to learn about set up and adjustments and most of the local drivers are willing to help you out on that kind of stuff."

LooseLug: "What engine are you dropping into it?"

Bowers: "I'm going to be starting out with a 602 crate engine. I'm hoping that by the middle of the season I'll have a 604 to go with."

LooseLug: "You mentioned leaning on other drivers for advice. Who are some of the guys you hope to learn from?"

Bowers: "There are a lot of guys like Jason deal, Charlie Parker, Jacob Anderson, Kip Cochran and Ray Cook that have had a lot of success over the past few years. They all know their stuff when it comes to these cars."

LooseLug: "What do you feel your biggest unknown will be in 2016?"

Bowers: ""Probably just getting the car to work the way I want it to. The track conditions are different every night and I'm going to have to learn how to make changes. My goal is just to finish as many races as I can and get as much time behind the wheel as possible."

LooseLug: "Do you think the veteran Crate drivers will respect you because of your two championships or will you be just another rookie?

Bowers: "I think I'll be just another rookie to those guys. And I'm OK with that. I'm a firm believer that respect is something that has to be earned. I haven't raced against these guys before so I don't expect a championship in another division to mean anything."

LooseLug: "Now, rumor is your fans may get to cheer for you twice each race night. Care to confirm or deny that rumor?"

Bowers: "I will be driving again in the street stock division as well for 2016."

LooseLug: "How beneficial do you think that will be to you?"

Bowers: "I think anytime you can get some seat time it's a good thing. It's a new car so there's going to be some challenges to get use to in that car as well, but we will get it figured out."

LooseLug: "One more question, what tracks do you plan on visiting this season?"

Bowers: "I'm going to try to make every race at Tri County for sure, but we're planning on going to I75, 411 and Toccoa as well. It really just depends on our budget as the season progresses."

LooseLug: "Well Drew good luck and thanks again for your time."

Bowers: "No problem. And thanks again for the coverage."

To follow Drew's progress, follow him on Facebook.