Recently, TCF had the opportunity to have a chat with Brayton Laster, the current ARCA Menards Series driver for Mullins Racing. Earlier in the year, he made his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start for Reaume Brothers Racing at Knoxville. Along with stock cars, he also has experience on dirt.
Below is the full transcript of the interview.
Transcript
TCF: First off, what was your reaction when you were given the opportunity to race in the ARCA Menards Series with Mullins Racing?
BL: That entire deal was definitely a surprise, particularly for two reasons, one for how quickly it all came together, and two for how unexpected the entire experience was. I’m just a dirt track outlaw figure 8 late model driver from Indiana, it’s not often guys like me get a chance to even practice at Daytona. So getting the opportunity to go down there and actually practice in January was quite the experience and I would have been content with retiring just then and there. Needless to say, when the deal to race Daytona with Mullins Racing was put together I was beyond ecstatic, it was definitely a dream come true.
TCF: Now, you mentioned that you drive outlaw figure 8 late models, how did you get interested in driving these cars?
BL: It’s a family thing, my dad mainly got started into racing by helping out Figure 8 guys, before he eventually became an owner of one and eventually an owner driver. He’s been around Figure 8 racing since the 80’s and I grew up racing at the Indianapolis Speedrome, home of the World 3-Hour Figure 8 Championship.
TCF: If you could race for any team in the NASCAR Cup Series, what would it be and why?
BL: Stewart Haas, I’ve always been a Stewart fan, and getting the opportunity to drive for someone I look up to greatly would be spectacular to say the least.
TCF: I understand that you have a big interest with pizza. You even have your own nickname, “The Pizza Man.” How did you end up liking pizza so much?
BL: I just really like pizza, like really really like pizza.
TCF: If possible, are you willing to get back behind the wheel of an ARCA car during the end of this year?
BL: I’d love to always get back behind the wheel of any racecar, especially at that level, but there’s always a lot of moving wheels at that level too.
TCF: Most importantly, what are your goals or future plans for the 2023 season?
BL: I can’t quite announce what’s in the works but we’re hoping to announce something big here shortly.
TCF: Who was your favorite driver growing up? And or did they give you motivation to start racing?
BL: Jimmie Johnson by far, and not really, my dad raced before I did and he was truly my biggest motivator.
TCF: Closing question: What are some interesting facts about you?
BL: I like pizza. I’m also a sophomore at Liberty University Online, and i’ve also raced a school bus in a Figure 8.
TCF: Thank you for your time Brayton, and good luck with 2023.
