Not many names are as synonymous with Caraway Speedway as Travis Swaim. The four-time Caraway Speedway Late Model Stock Car champion plans to hit the ground running in the first of three events on the 4/10 mile track this weekend.
Swaim will be in somewhat of an unfamiliar situation though as he’ll be just showing up with spotter Travis Jarrett and buckling into an unfamiliar car. Swaim will pilot a car owned by Jamey and Jeff Caudill as he awaits his new Hedgecock car to be completed.
“We talked with Jamey and we came together on a number and thought we could do good together,” Swaim told RACE22.com. “It’s a new experience for me. I’m just bringing my spotter, Travis Jarrett along and climbing in their car.”
Swaim is confident however that the Caudill’s will have the car ready to chase after a win this weekend.
“I’ve always had a lot of respect for Jamey and I know when they go to the track they’re cars are usually in contention for the win. I feel really comfortable getting behind the wheel of one of their cars even though we haven’t tested together and I haven’t had any input in the setup like I usually do.”
Swaim is excited about the new format of Caraway’s three races but is surprised they cut back so much.
“I’m surprised they cut the schedule back so much but it’s a good purse. They’re paying some good money and I think they’ll have some good cars there for these races. It gives us a chance to look at running some races other places when we get the new car done.”
The new shortened schedule fits with his life as a new dad. His daughter Olivia is just nine months old and he says he’s happier than he’s ever been.
“It’s different being a dad and not just living for yourself. It’s a big responsibility but if something is going to take away from racing, this is it. I’ve never been happier in my life and I just wish we would have done it sooner.”
Swaim is hoping to get off to a fast start this weekend in the Money Madness 99-lap Late Model Stock Car race and if he does he might just continue to run all three Caraway races in Caudill’s car.
“If this goes good we might run all three races in their car and get Travis (Jarrett’s) new car ready and go run some other places. I’m really looking at Richmond. I’ve run Martinsville, Bristol, and Rockingham but I’ve never been to Richmond.”
Swaim will no doubt be a contender in this Sunday’s season opening race.
