RPW’s “The Ten” With Bobby Hackel

Column By: RYAN HILL / RPW – RENSSELEAR, NY – Bobby Hackel straps in for today’s installment of THE 10. Bobby is a 22-year-old driver from Rensselaer, NY. He drives the # 97 PMC Chassis Modified for his family-owned racing team, as well as the # 24 Eagle Chassis 305/360 Sprint Car for Brandon Wright Motorsports.

1- WHY ARE YOU #’S 97 AND 24?
My modifieds are # 97 because I am a fourth generation driver and it all started with my great grandfather. He had many accomplishments in his career, making his #97 well known all over the country racing in the mini stock division. My father continued that tradition in his career racing around the Capital Region. I am proud to keep our family’s name and number in the record books for years to come.

Brandon Wright’s sprint car is the #24 because the team was originally owned by Brandon’s grandfather local racing legend Cliff Wright. After Cliff’s passing Brandon wanted to continue his grandfather’s legacy of the Toll Gate 24 that so many people know.

2- WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DRIVE?
If I could choose anything to go race full time I would have to choose to race with the World of Outlaws Sprints. I just feel that is the top touring series in the country.

3- WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST RACING MOMENT?
That is a really hard one to choose … as of right now I would have to say winning in the Modified and the 360 Sprint Car in the same night at Devil’s Bowl Speedway was really special.

4- WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE DRIVER GROWING UP?
My favorite driver when I was younger was always my father when he raced Sportsman. In the Modifieds I never had one favorite, but I always rooted for Kenny Tremont, Brett Hearn, Donnie Corellis, and Billy Pauch.

5- WHAT IS RACE DAY LIKE FOR YOU?
My race day normally starts off early by going out to eat a good breakfast with my girlfriend. Then it is right to the garage to start preparing for the day by scaling and loading the car into the trailer.

6- WHAT RACE WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN THE MOST?
The race that all modified drivers dream about winning… the Big Block race at Super Dirt Week, it is northeast modified’s crown jewel.

7- WHAT IS A BUCKET LIST TRACK TO RACE?
The Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, OK. To say I competed in that event would mean alot.

8- WHAT IS YOUR STRONGEST TRAIT AS A DRIVER?
I have always believed that one of my strengths as a driver is giving good feedback, and being able to explain what I was experiencing during the race, which helps us improve every week.

9- WHEN DID YOU START RACING?
I started racing when I was 5 years old racing Karts at Dodge City Speedway, in Howes Cave, NY.

10- WHAT IS YOUR OFF SEASON LIKE?
My off season usually is not much slower than the race season. If it was a good previous season we get to a banquet or two, then we like go to the motorsports trade shows and see what new for the year to come. Most of the time I am working at PMC Racecars and Parts, and when I am not there my crew and I try to work on rebuilding my own cars and update my racing program. It is also great to spend time with my girlfriend and our families around the holidays and to relax before things really pick back up.

Bobby adds…
“I have to thank all the great people behind both of the teams I drive for, without any of them none it would be possible.”

Bobby’s partners and sponsors are:
Modified- Full Throttle Rc Raceway, Big Block and Crate engines powered by Godgart Motorsports, PMC Racecars, KillerCrate, Bob Hackel’s Used Cars and Buff O Matic Transmission.

Sprint Car- Full Throttle RC Raceway, PMC Racecars, Toll Gate Ice Cream, The Zautner family, No Limits Fitness ( Jojo Donato), Bob Hackel’s Used Cars, Adirondack Powder Coating, and DL Photography ( Darron Leddick)