Heading into the Appalachian Sucker Punch 250 at Dominion Raceway, we were able to catch up with PepperJack Kennels Rookie of the Year driver George Phillips, from Charlotte, NC, and learn more about the 16-year old driver.
How did you get your start in racing?
It all started when Jeff Gordon, who is a family friend, came over to our house and myself and his daughter Dottie had a playdate and Jeff wanted to see this jeep trail I had made. I ended up going through 7 battery powered vehicles as a kid. I was driving it in between trees and sliding it through the corners. Jeff was watching and he suggested I join him and his kids at the Quarter Midget track to try it out. I immediately fell in love with it. Jeff’s stepfather John Bickford suggested I try out bandoleros. My first car was Jeff’s bandolero car that the Atlanta Motor Speedway gifted him when he retired.
When I was 12 years old I had the opportunity to race legend cars for 2 years. When I turned 14 I moved into the Pro Late Models and raced in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series driving for the Setzer family. We ended up getting 6 wins that season and won the Championship.
Who was your racing inspiration?
Growing up I was a huge fan of Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.
What was your biggest win of your career so far?
That’s a hard one. I’d have to say either the Fall Brawl at Montgomery Motor Speedway when I held off Gavin Graham or the Governor’s Cup last season at New Smyrna Speedway in the Pro Late Models.
What is your favorite track?
New Smyrna Speedway is my favorite track. I love the high speeds and the tight close side by side racing that the track produces.
Who was your neighbor growing up?
I had the great opportunity to live two houses down from Bruton Smith growing up. I’d go over to his house and talk about racing. I also had the chance to live close to Humpy Wheeler. I’d ride my bike over to his house and we’d talk about racing and we’d talk about old NASCAR and he’d tell stories for hours.
What is your overall goal in racing?
My overall goal in racing is to make it to NASCAR. Someday I want to race on Sundays in the NASCAR Cup Series.
What do you do for hobbies?
I really enjoy running, playing basketball, swimming and being outdoors. My sister and I are always active outside. I also consider myself a NASCAR historian and love to collect the old cars and other items that highlight NASCAR’s history.
Why the number 55?
In college my mom was a 4-time ACC Cross Country Champion runner at NC State and her number was 5 for her gear bag. When I was growing up in kindergarten I drew pictures at school all of the time of my quarter midget with the number 55. So growing up I wanted to keep the family tradition of number 5 going so I decided to be 55.
How have you gotten to know your teammates?
I’ve gotten to know them really well. Cole has been a huge mentor for me and he sat down with me and talked about things I can work on to get a better feel for the car and overall as a driver. Gavan and I are really good friends as well and we share information and data to try and help each other out.
Who is your main sponsor?
My main sponsor is the family business Ross and Witmer. It is a heat and air conditioning service and installation company out of Charlotte, North Carolina. It all started with my Great Grandpa and then was passed down to my Grandpa who passed it down to my Father who owns the business today.
How did you get to know Misty with PepperJack Kennels?
Well, we were at the track and I started talking to her about labradors since I have a yellow lab named Winston that we named after the Winston Cup and he is really important to me. So we were able to talk about our dogs for a while. I’m really thankful that PepperJack Kennels has come on board as the Rookie of the Year Sponsor and their support towards the series.
