Through the 2008 season, we will be featuring a weekly column spotlighting a driver on the Rolling Thunder Modified tour. To start this special series off, we have asked reigning RTM Champion, AJ Winstead to be our first driver in this series:

1.) How did you get your start in racing?

AJ: I raced motorcycles for a while, and then I started help my friend Tony Culley when he built his first Late Model. I worked on his crew for 4 years before getting a chance to drive one of Pop Moore's' old cars. One of my good friends that was Tony's crew chief passed away, and he was scheduled to drive one of Pop modifieds the next year for fun. SO, we fixed one of the old cars up in Chris' honor and Tony drove it the last race of the year at Southern National with his Latemodel motor in it. The next year Tony asked if anyone wanted to drive it, and of course I jumped at the chance. I brought a used motor from another Modified driver and bought a new seat and we went at it, as best as we could at the time.

2.) Why did you get into racing?

AJ: I basically grew up around racing. My Father worked on several teams when I was a kid. I can remember going to South Boston and Martinsville, when they ran the Late Model Sportsman cars (now the Nationwide series) and my Dad would sneak me in because I was to young to get into the pits . I would have to hide in the sleeper cab of the truck when to officials came around. Back then my dad was working on Sonny Hutchins racecars owned by Emmanel Zervakis. The Matinsville race was the deal; Sonny, Tommy Ellis, Ray Hendricks, Dale Earnhardt, Jack Ingram, Sam Ard, Bobby Issacs and Daryll Waltrip all would race along when many others.

3) Besides winning the 2007 RTM championship, what other honors have you earned in your career?

AJ: I won two Virginia State Motorcycle Championships in 1994 and 1995. In 1996 I tried to race both motorcycles and started racing a modified. In 2003 I finished 10th overall in the nation in my class in the GNCC (Grand National Cross Country Series) That was pretty cool because we raced from Texas to Ohio and Indiana and everywhere in-between. Broke my leg that year so being able to still finish in the top ten after having a rod and screws put in during the middle of the season was quite an accomplishment.

4) Do you compete in any other forms of racing besides RTM?

AJ: Not really, these days with work racing the RTM is about all we can handle. We have travelled to Florida and raced Speedweeks the last two years, but it is a different game down there. Big horsepower and 4 barrel carbs!
It is a lot of fun.

5) What has been the most rewarding experience in racing thus far?

AJ: I would have to say the relationships with my guys and being able to run well enough to win some races last year!

6) Can you explain why you have a plaid #19 on the side of your car?

AJ: The Plaid 19 is a non-profit organization the supports Autism Awareness through racing, and I help them in that cause. Last year they donated thousands of dollars for autism research, of which a small portion was donated from Winstead Motorsports race winnings. Through the Plaid 19 we have been involved many different fundraising activities like Toys for Tots. For more info visit the website at: http://www.plaid19.com/home.asp

7) What do you do for a real job?

AJ: I am the Director of Sander Sales, North American for Clarke American Sanders. That is a fancy way for saying I am a sales manager who travels a lot!

8) What do you enjoy to do when you are not racing your car?

AJ: Working on the car, hanging with the guys, is a lot of fun. If not that, I am usually working. During the summer I enjoy heading down to Deltaville and hanging out with my wife Susanne. We boat, sail, fish, and generally just chill with the family.

9) How has being crowned an RTM Champion changed you?

AJ: What, I won a championship? I don't feel has changed me at all, other than it helps with the sponsorship deal, and the contingencies were a big help. Free stuff is great!

10) What goals do you have for the 2008 season?

AJ: Have fun and win some races! Hopefully we can do as well as we did last year. I am looking forward to all the new competition that 2008 brings, and I would to wish everyone the best of luck as well as a wish of being safe through out the year.