Erik Grigsby Joins World Of Outlaws Late Model Series As Race Director
Story By: KAYLA MAY / WORLD OF OUTLAWS – CONCORD, NC – The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series welcomes Erik Grigsby as the Series Race Director for the 2018 season. For the past six years, Grigsby has served as Race Director for the DIRTcar Late Model Summer Nationals and the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals.
“When I started working in racing I didn’t think I would ever get to this step,” said Grigsby on his new position. “Working in racing full-time is something many people dream about doing, but only few have the opportunity to do so. To think I have actually accomplished that is pretty neat. Every day I will get to do something that I truly love. I am exciting for the 2018 season and look forward to working with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series.”
The Canton, IL native became passionate about racing at a young age. Like many, Grigsby began attending races at a nearby dirt track when he was a kid. As he grew older his passion for watching the sport grew into a role at the track on race day. In the ensuing years, Grigsby served as a scorer, a flagman and even as a photographer. His dedication to the industry did not go unnoticed as he built on his success at local tracks to become an integral part of one of the most grueling race tours on the schedule with the DIRTcar Late Model Summer Nationals and the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals tours.
Growing up in Illinois, in the same dirt short track environment, Grigsby often crossed paths with the new World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series Director, Matt Curl.
“I was able to see Erik’s experience first-hand as a person and his race directing skills with my former position at Fairbury [American Legion Speedway],” said Curl. “I had known that Erik had been a big part of the World Racing Group family for a long time, and I know that he deserves this opportunity to show what he has built for himself. The Race Director is a key piece to our team, and we have to have to make our Series strong. We have to have each of our positions at the top-level. Erik has been through the grind to get where he is today; he’s going to fit really well into our Series, and I’m very excited for the opportunity he has to be with us.”
With the addition of Grigsby to the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series, the majority of officials are now Millennials, which also reflects the majority of the drivers committed to the Series for 2018.
“I think there is going to be a lot of energy, which is good,” added Curl. “For us, I feel like I have the best traveling staff from top to bottom. It is going to be a new sense of energy for us to go out there and run what is the best traveling sanctioning series in the country. I think promoters will see that, drivers will see that, and the people from the outside world will see that with the energy we are bringing in and putting into each event.”
In 2018 the Series is endowed with a unique blend of stability and boldness brought on by the mix of field experts and industry up-and-comers. Traveling with the Series will be seasoned industry professionals like Series Director Matt Curl, Series Announcer Rick Eshelman, Technical Inspector Kenny Kenneda, and veteran drivers like Rick Eckert, Shane Clanton and Chris Madden. Adding unique spunk and youthful energy to the Series will be the likes of Race Director Erik Grigsby, Safety Director Tyler Bachman, and Timing and Scoring Specialist Jeff Olson, alongside dominant wheelman Brandon Sheppard, the always entertaining driver duo Tyler Erb and Timothy Culp, and other young guns who will be kicking the dust up in 2018.
For more information on the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series upcoming season follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website at WoOLateModels.com.
