4/3/2014
Willamette Speedway
Getting Up To Speed With…Kevin Roberts
Getting Up To Speed With…Kevin Roberts
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of Doc's Photos)
Imagine being a dad to a house with teenagers, operating a full Kage Kart program that runs in the summer and winter seasons, and also competing on Saturday nights in your own race car. Sound tough? It is, but Kevin Roberts has managed to do it for the last few years. Originally from Radersburg, Montana, located about 50 miles east of the state capital of Helena, he got his start in racing about six years ago.
Roberts, who calls Gresham, Oregon his home now, tows his daughter Talyn’s Kage Kart not just to Willamette Speedway but also to tracks all over the Pacific Coast. For several seasons he has regularly competed in the Late Model division and occasionally will race in the Street Stocks. But this year will be a little bit of a change for him as he prepares Talyn to make the jump from Kage Karts to Street Stocks. We got the chance to talk to Kevin about his start in racing, why he utilizes the #88, and what is in store for him in the future. Now let’s get up to speed with Kevin Roberts.
Driver: Kevin Roberts
Home Track: Willamette Speedway
Hometown: Gresham, Oregon
Occupation: Owner/Operator at Big Sky Landscaping
Age: 48
Years Racing: 6
Classification: Street Stocks
Car: 88
Chassis: 1978 Chevy Camaro
Sponsors: Big Sky, Tony Caubaugh Racing
Special Thanks: Nancy (Girlfriend), Noelle, Justen, Talyn (Kids), and Friends
BD: Kevin what are your plans for 2014?
KR: Well I’ll be running a lot more of the Street Stock. With Talyn racing Karts and trying to get in the Street Stocks I’m not going to have as much time in the Late Model.
My main plans are to come down on Fridays to practice with Talyn and get in as much practicing as she can. I don’t plan on her racing this year but if she gets to where she is comfortable I will probably let her run. Also we’ve got a lot of friends and family in Montana so we plan to race some Kart tracks around there this summer.
BD: How did you get your start in racing?
KR: I’ve always enjoyed racing. What got me going is I used to own a Dodge Dart and used to race on the gravel roads back home when I was young. Once I got out to Oregon I had people work for me that raced. My mechanic, Rich Speer, used to race at Portland Speedway and I asked him how to get going. Eventually we got a Camaro together and my first race was at Sunset Speedway in Banks about six years ago. My first race I had a major electrical fire but once I got behind the steering wheel I was hooked.
I went to the Late Models a few years later. That is a big commitment for me especially being preoccupied with my kids’ lives. I’ve had a ton of fun and there is nothing better than to feel the power of eight-hundred horses. Nancy has really supported me my whole career and makes it all happen. She’s one of the only people in my pit, and is one of the first people to get in and get dirty.
BD: Is there a reason you race the #88?
KR: I could tell you it’s because I’m a big Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan or something like that but it’s a different reason why I run the number. 1988 is a time in my life where I decided to turn my life around. It’s a reminder to me of my sobriety and when I decided to grow up.
BD: Your daughter has really kept you busy the last few years running indoor and outdoor Kage Karts. Now it sounds like you’ll really be busy she gets into the big cars?
KR: It’s pretty much a full time, year-round gig. We have so much fun as it’s a family atmosphere and nothing better than your child wanting to hang out with you in something that we both enjoy doing. When we do get a break we’re out in the shop testing and tuning thing and trying to figure stuff out. It’s been a handful but it’s been a good experience. Jim Scofield and Ron Starr have been a big part in helping us out with the Karts.
Jim Scofield and his wife, Melissa, sells parts at the track, I don’t know how we would make it without them there. I think the karting stuff has and will really help Talyn for when she moves up not just racing but maintenance and taking care of the car. Also Jimmy Schram is great at Lebanon with all that he does for the Karts. He’s all about the kids it is super cool that he does this for them and has all the cool trophies, checks, and giveaways.
BD: You seem to be a very popular guy in the pit area. You seem to help quite a few teams out even ones that race against you. That’s pretty unique in a sport where everyone is trying to beat each other.
KR: That’s one thing that has been super cool in this racing business. It’s a lot different than the landscape business with other companies competing against one another and trying to get an edge. I love sharing information and all you have to do is ask the right questions and show interest and you’d be surprised on what answers you’d get. There isn’t a one person you can’t go up to and ask them how to fix a problem with your car down there. We are all there to race and have fun. That’s really cool.
The 2014 season is quickly approaching and Willamette Speedway is the place to get your racing fix. Saturday April 5th will kick things off with the test and tune open practice while the “Cabin Fever Season Opener” will be held the following Saturday on the 12th. Be sure and log on to www.trophymotorsports.com for the latest information regarding Willamette Speedway.
Submitted By: Ben Deatherage