In our regional area there are a few names that are well known in the racing community. Brown is more than a color to those of us who follow racing, it's a name known for excellence in building some of the most popular race cars around and for a driver who can be dominant at most every track he attends. Russell Brown Jr. is one of the most well known drivers who can hit the track with his black 00 or orange 22 and people know he's there to be a dominant force. Being a hard charger says that he can and will do what it takes to make it to the front at every track he attends and watching Russell throughout the years I have seen him do it more times than I can count. He has talent and some of the best cars behind him.
Russell Brown Jr. started out in the racing world before he was even born, he just didn't know it then. His dad, Russell Brown Sr. was a driver at race tracks in the area and a builder of the popular Russell Brown Chassis. Russell Jr.'s first experience at the race track was at only 2 weeks old when his mom brought him out to Thunderbowl to watch his dad race. From 2 weeks old until now it has stuck with the 34 year old driver. It was a gene his dad passed down to him. The knowledge and know how was a gift that dad has imparted to his son and together it has created dominant cars and a fiercely competitive driver. Russell got into his first race car at the age of 23 in a clip car at Watermelon Capital Speedway, but before then he traveled the area doing different jobs until he decided racing was what he wanted to do. His dad never pushed him but instead decided to let his son grow up on his own terms and gave him the roots and wings he needed. The roots were what brought Russell Jr. back home and something more important, the sense of family that only the racing community could provide him.
In his other jobs he only felt like a number checking in day after day but in racing he felt a belonging and felt he could get respect for what he brought to the whole of racing. Fabricating is another talent he has in spades. At the young age of 13 he created an interior for Tom Jones that was gold and showcased his artistic talent. Racing isn't just an on track deal for him, it's an off track, all encompassing love and passion. This life long love has brought him to some very successful seasons in the past with many accomplishments and proud moments. Last season, one of his favorite moments was going to the Talladega short track which he's never been to, in a super late model he had only driven 3 times before and raced into the Southern All Stars race Friday night by finishing third in the consi and starting 8th in the Saturday feature. It is quite a feat when there are over 40 plus cars there to make the show.
Last season was capped off with 7 wins and travels to GIS, Waycross, Needmore, Albany, NFS, Cochran and Talladega. What keeps him going hard at every race making him the hard charger is the competition and the drive be the best at what he does. It makes him want to be a better driver and get to become a successful regional driver. He has hopes of a National 100 win and to run some more super late model races. He has the drive and also the support of Robinson Recycling, Davey Johnson of EAG, Ga811, Byron Koury, Russell Brown Sr., Russell Brown Racecars, and Derek Williams. They all contribute to each and every success he has. Russell is humble in the respect that he knows without a shadow of a doubt it couldn't be done without these people, the fans, the promoters, and the other drivers. He is very serious on this subject. In his words "It takes all of us to be a success". To win this award Russell says it means a lot to him and lets him know he must be doing something right. Right indeed. He has such a bright future ahead and looks to on track idol Ivedent Lloyd for what he wants his career to be modeled after. Ivedent is a respected driver by everyone and when he comes to the track everyone knows they better be on their A game. This is what Russell hopes for his future and to be a household name. I don't think he knows he's already there. His name is well known and when he comes to the track he will always be a driver to contend for the win with. I think without Hard Chargers like Russell, racing wouldn't be what it is today and he shows me each and every race what we should all strive for in life. To be a success in all we do, to never give up, and most importantly never forget those who have gotten us to where we are today.
