RPW’s “The Ten” With Courtney Crews

Column By: RYAN HILL / RPW – ADAMS, MA – 19-year-old Courtney Crews is a second-generation driver out of Adams, MA who is in her 5th season of kart racing. Courtney is the two-time stock lite class champion (2014 & 2015) at Lebanon Valley Kart Speedway.

In 2015, she got the chance to race a crate sportsman at Lebanon Valley Speedway from the Curtis family and is very thankful for that experience. She learned a lot and would never have had such an opportunity if she had not crossed paths with the them. Courtney enjoyed that opportunity and hopes to someday move up to stock cars.

1- WHY ARE YOU THE #5?
I am the 5 because my father was that number when he raced stock cars at Lebanon Valley Speedway.

2- WHAT TYPE OF RACE CAR WOULD YOU LIKE TO DRIVE?
World of Outlaws Sprint Car.

3- WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST RACING MOMENT?
That was when I qualified for my first ever Pro Kart race at Caroga Creek Raceway on September 25, 2016 at the Greg Simmons Memorial event.

4- WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING RACING MOMENT?
When I was racing two classes at Lebanon Valley Kart Speedway with two different karts, and we put double the amount of oil in one motor and nothing in the other, Needless to say it resulted in a blown motor, and a very unsuccessful day.

5- WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE DRIVER BEFORE YOU RACED?
My father Chris Crews. When I was growing up I always saw how much dedication and time he put into the sport, which inspired me to be the driver I am today.

6- WHAT RACE DO YOU WANT TO WIN?
“The Insane One”, which is a kart race in Missouri that is $50,000 to win.

7- HOW DID YOU START RACING?
Both my father and my uncle raced their entire lives. My Dad gave up racing in 2008 so I could start racing. Even though I had a kart waiting for me, I did not start right away because I was playing softball year round. In 2012 I woke up one day and said “Dad I want to start racing” and his reply was “Okay let’s do it!” The following week we were at Lebanon Valley Kart Speedway watching the race, and the following week I hit the track for the first time.

8- HOW WAS YOUR OFF-SEASON?
The off season was crazy. I am currently a full time college student at The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, I work three jobs, all the while still traveling down south to race, or traveling to watch racing, because who can go without racing for that long? I can’t.

9- WHAT IS YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES AS A DRIVER?
My strongest trait as a driver is to try to inspire younger female racers. I know it can be very intimidating to compete in a sport that has mostly boys competing, but I try my best to mentor all the younger girls in the right direction for their success. My weakness would be that my mind is my worst enemy.

10- HOW HAS RACING AFFECTED YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?
My racing life IS my personal life. Growing up I missed many birthday parties, sporting events, and even family events because of racing. I skipped my senior prom to go racing. I tried to miss my high school graduation for racing, but my mom wouldn’t let me. My racing family is everything to me, it does not matter where I am, or what track I am at, I know I have someone there for me if I need help. The best part about my racing family is not only that they support me on the track; they support me in my everyday life. I have learned many valuable life lessons from all of them.

Courtney would like to thank her Mom, Dad and both sets of grandparents, because without them I would not be where I am today. She would also like to thank her marketing partners: Rice Builders, Snap-On (Scott Hamlin), Adam Lackey, Webster Electric, O’Connell Oil, Fisher Auto Parts, McDonald’s, Needjig, C&C Plumbing, Sawyer LLC. , Custom City Cycle, Berkshire County Construction, and Befit Co.