ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - Patriotism isn’t a word used lightly around the Buck Baker Racing School. In fact, they consider themselves the most patriotic school there is. Every morning, the Buck Baker Racing School team participates in the Missing Man formation for servicemembers currently still missing in action, as well as observe a moment of silence to honor the fallen.
American pride is widely on display in each of the team members, whether they themselves served in the military or had a Family member or friend serve. The team ensures that each veteran who goes through the driving course knows that he or she is appreciated.
Buck Baker Racing School was founded in 1980 by Buck Baker, the first, two-time Sprint Cup Champion in NASCAR. Baker wanted a school that would teach young drivers how to race stock cars and ultimately win championships. The school has instructed beginning drivers who have become NASCAR champions; drivers such as Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Jeff Burton.
The school started out as a three-day instruction in which the instructors taught the students all about the car and how to drive it effectively. Over time, the school was opened to public so that NASCAR fans could experience the thrill of being in and driving a real NASCAR stockcar. Long time employee and lead instructor, Jeff Boyer, now owner and president, bought the school from, Baker’s wife, Susan, after Baker’s death in 2002.
Boyer, whose father served in the Air Force as a B-29 navigator, admitted that he really didn’t understand or appreciate what the military did on a day-to-day basis. It wasn’t until after the death of his father that Boyer truly understood the sacrifices servicemembers make and he wanted a way to honor his father’s life and service, as well as the country’s past and present servicemembers. Boyer decided to thank them by painting the racing school’s stock cars to symbolize the military and American pride.
“I just wanted them (servicemembers) to have that reminder that we still care about them and appreciate what they do for us,” Boyer explained.
Currently, the school has a car to symbolize the Army, Navy, National Guard and Marines. It also has a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action themed car and a “Don’t Tread on Me” car in which the driver’s door has the signature of George Washington and has the number 76 (representing the year 1776), as well as the number 4 on the roof to symbolize July 4th, Independence Day.
“The troops who go through (the school) really enjoy seeing the themed cars,” smiled Boyer, who ensures they ask at the beginning of the course who has served or is currently serving in the military. “It boils down to " we are a very patriotic school and not only are we the most patriotic, but the most heavily armed as well.”
Boyer went on to explain that recently a military group went through a four day course at Rockingham Speedway and after the long days in the sun racing, they’d head out to the woods and practice their marksmanship.
Expanding on his school’s patriotism and hosting private group instruction for veterans, Boyer noticed that not many disabled students/veterans came through the doors of his racing school.
“It makes me believe that these guys think they can’t drive, which is completely wrong. It is very possible for someone who can’t use their legs to drive a stockcar,” explained Boyer. “My team and I came up with the idea to build a hand-controlled stock car.”
With the ability to shift without using a foot clutch, Warrior on Wheels was born. Currently still in the works, the hand-controlled racecar will host not only wounded servicemembers and veterans, it will also be opened up to the public.
“We want to be more than just a company that shows our military pride, we want to actually do something about it,” explained Ray Ledford, vice president and instructor.
For Geneva Manke, a military spouse and mother of a visually impaired son, the school’s effort to help the disabled is wonderful.
Her husband, chief warrant officer 3 (retired) Rod Manke, participated in the class June 9 held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The 24 year, special operator veteran spent his career jumping out of airplanes and considered the chance to ride in and drive a stockcar would give him the adrenalin rush his missed.
“I think this is a great opportunity for (wounded veterans) to have the ability to experience this, it will definitely build their confidence back up,” Rod said. “It’s really awesome that this school supports our military.”
Geneva also participated in the class and was hesitant at first to get into the stockcar, but after the ride-along, she was thrilled.
“This was awesome. I thought I was going to tip on the corners, but it was just awesome,” Geneva said. “Everyone and anyone needs to have the chance to come out and experience this.”
The racing school offers the thrill to experience riding in a NASCAR stockcar, as well as the chance to drive the powerful machine.
The experience is designed for beginner drivers as well as for the more advanced drivers. Students receive classroom instruction prior to going out to the pits. The instruction explains safety while around and in the car, how the car operates, hand and flag signals, and tips on how to properly handle the car.
The instructors will also answer any questions before, during and after the experience. The school travels and operates at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, North Carolina Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Discounts are available for military, police officers, and firefighters. For more information on pricing and dates, visit the school’s web site at www.buckbaker.com.
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