Interview with Brian Leppo

Brian Leppo   

Driver of the Swope Salvage and Recycling, H & H Contracting 71.

So far in the 2011 Season, Brian has 2 wins and 4 other top 5 finishes.

Brian's win at Williams Grove Speedway
4/15/2011

Interview

-What made you want to drive race cars and particular sprint cars?

Growing up in the Central PA area and watching sprint cars made being part of the POSSE something that I think every young race fan would love to venture into. They are light, the pull wheelies, they slide, they get dirty, and they are wicked fast too.

-So this is a common debatable question, time trials or handicapping?

I'm personally bias to the time trial format, due to the fact that I feel you earn the right to be fast all night long...but I also think the handicapping system is good for the fans too. If I had to choose I'd go time trial racing, we had a pile of good shows so far under the time trial format this season already.

-Do you think your fans are a big part of what keeps you going every race?

That question is a very true statement. I know my mom takes a lot of pride in Leppo fans and trust me, we appreciate all of them and it does make winning feel a whole lot better when the guys, girls, and kids are yelling at the fence. Central PA drivers have the best fans there are, they are out if it's in the 20's or in the 90's...they love sprint car racing and I thank them.

-Have you ever though about joining the World of Outlaws tour and would that be something you would like to do in the future?

I have thought about racing with the Outlaws yeah, I mean they are the best. I would like to, but realistically I'm 31 and have an awesome family that I like to be really involved with and that would be hard for me to do since I'm a big sissy. I'm a fan of both Lucas and Cody, I raced with both of them for years and consider them friends of mine and wish them luck pursuing the dream of being an outlaw. I would have to think about it hard if the opportunity ever arose...but being part of the PA POSSE is pretty sweet too. 

-What is the toughest part about being a driver? 

That question can be a little tough to answer. There are a lot of things that can make being a driver hard, but I think all the hard work is put in during the week getting the car ready with the dedication it takes. Driving the car is one thing, the hard part is the way you have to keep digging and digging to run that guy down and pass him...stay after your race car for the entire evening...stay focused.

-Have you learned anything from the veteran drivers that has helped with your setup on the car or how you drive on the track?

In my situation I have worked along side some reputable names in racing. Jim Siegel is a close friend of mine outside of racing, and when I first got started in sprint cars his dad Steve was the only guy I called on...all the time. He helped me considerably and still does really. I had the opportunity to work with such people as Barry Jackson, Matt Anderson, Dave Yingst and Lee Stauffer over my career and like I said...they are all very reputable names in racing. Now my current crew chief is a Hall of Fame driver with a future Hall of Fame son as well...between Steve and Stevie I can ask just about any question and can get an answer that will help me in one way thats' for sure.

-What do you think has been your biggest accomplishment so far in your career? In addition, is there any particular race you would like to win?

For me winning the only Outlaws race I've won back in 07 over Steve Kinser is my biggest accomplishment and I think it should be so far. Our race team would like to win every race we attend...but the Gobrecht Memorial is one we gun for and this season the Hilly Rife Memorial as well.

-You are off to a great start this season, 3rd in points at Williams Grove and 2nd at Lincoln. Does this give you a confidence boost going into such races as the Keystone Cup and Speedweek?

I have to thank my race team, Floyd Swope and my sponsors for the year we having so far. We worked pretty hard this winter and stayed determined to prove that we have a consistent front running team. I feel that our Mach-1 chassis with Cappetta Competition Engines and Penske Shocks are pretty racy right now and we are determined to keep that focus going.

-Your running second with 2 laps to go in a race. What do you do to win it?

With 2 laps to go I really like to be about a straight away ahead just driving away, that sounds like a better plan. With 2 to go running second you gotta just sit up in the seat and let it all hang out if winning is what you want to do. Look for your opportunity and do your best to make something happen. 

-If you look ahead, say 10 years, do you still hope to be racing? 

Like I mentioned earlier in the interview I have a family consisting of my 5 year old son and my soon to be 11 year old daughter that my wife and I stay pretty busy with like all parents. I'm hoping to still be involved with racing honestly. I know my parents and grand-parents have stayed really close because of racing. If my son is interested (which I don't think will be a problem) we will start small and work our way up if possible. My daughter plays basketball too and I know the older she gets the more time that will wrap up...but our families love racing so in 10 years I hope to be involved for sure.

I'd like to thank Brian for taking the time to talk with me and I hope you guys enjoy the interview!