Driver Profile - CAMERON DODSON


Cameron at speed

Name: Cameron Dodson
Birthdate: July 28, 1988
Hometown: Greenfield, IN
Family: Parents; Thomas & Cindy, brother; Tad, pet; Dachshund Millie
Occupation: Student / Driver
How did I choose your car Number? I was a Dale Earnhardt fan and wanted the #3 but it was already taken in quarter midgets. My lucky number is 7 so I combined the two for the number 37.
Chassis: Maxim
Engine Builder: Gaerte
Crew: Troy Hollingsworth, Crew Chief; Ryan Langston, Thomas Dodson, Cindy Dodson
Sponsors: Hoosier Tire, Simpson, The Joie of Seating, Weld Racing, NGK, Penske Shocks, Hedman Hedders, JE Pistons, Doty Graphics, Olson Paint & Body, Benic Enterprises, Auto Meter, Fastener Specialties
Favorite Track: Spoon River
Series Competed: Mid American Sprint Series (MASS), also raced with the All Stars & WoO
Years Racing: Seven
Wins: 300 plus
Championships: 2004 MASS Champion & Rookie of the Year, 2002 Pike County Speedway National Champion, 37 Quarter Midget Grand National Championships.
Regular Tracks/Series: We raced with the MASS series. Prior to that our focus was racing differeent tracks and drivers.
Hobbies: Four Wheeling, Snowmobiling, skiing, and hanging with my friends
Favorite TV Show: One Tree Hill
Favorite Music: Country, Alternative, Rap
Favorite Band: Tim McGraw, 50 cent
Favorite Food: Steak and Salad, Strawberries
Favorite Beverage: Powerade, Water
Favorite Restaurant: Outback Steakhouse
Favorite Driver: Kasey Kahne

When and how did you get started in racing:

Quarter Midgets. I was eight years old. It started out as a family activity and grew into a career goal.

Who had the biggest impact on your racing career and why?

My dad because he believed me when I told him I wanted to race and he's supported me all the way. Actually, my mom and dad have both worked and sacrificed to help me build a career and support everything I want to do in the sport.

What would you be doing if you weren't racing?

"I don't know, it is hard to imagine my life without racing, but I guess I would be finishing high school then college and planning on what to do after that.

What is your favorite aspect of racing?

"Speed first. I love to go fast. I really enjoy the mental challenge of figuring out new tracks. I love the competition as well and trying to think ahead of the other drivers on the track to make the right moves when I need to, but my favorite is the speed.

What is your greatest accomplishment/best memory?

"My greatest accomplishment so far is winning the MASS Championship and Rookie of the Year. It is an honor to be a series champion. My best memory so far I think would be my first win in a 410 Winged Sprint Car followed closely with winning the D main at my first Knoxville Nationals in 2004. I have lots of great memories from mini-sprints and quarter midgets as well."

What is the worst thing that has happened to you in racing, or your worst season?

That would have to be the 2004 MASS Series race at Mercer. I had won the heat and dash and had lead 33 of the 35 lap race. With a half a straightaway lead I was too patient in getting around a lap car allowing Jamie Smith to catch up and collect the win on the checkered lap. I really wanted the 3 for 3.

In your own words, describe your 2004 season:

"This past season has been pretty remarkable for our rookie season in 410 winged sprint cars. We won some races, got to race at the Knoxville Nationals against the best of the business and race on a variety of different tracks. I got to race a couple of World of Outlaw races as well as All Stars which was pretty cool. For our rookie season, we had a lot of things go our way and our hard work really paid off."

What are your plans for the 2005 season?

"We are scheduled to race the Chili Bowl and then go to Florida for the East Bay and Volusia Series. Then we are working on more pavement racing and will fill in with the 410 winged dirt sprint car all over the Midwest."

Where do you see Sprint Car racing five years from now?

"I think there is a great future for sprint car racing to continue to grow. From everything I read, there is more and more national exposure for our sport as a whole. I think there are more and more people who are learning how exciting sprint cars are to watch and be around."

What is your ultimate goal?

"My ultimate goal is to be a professional racecar driver in NASCAR Nextel Cup. I know it will be a great deal of work to get there but I am prepared to do what I need to do and I have great people and family to support me and guide me.


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