LeafFilter had a chance to sit down with race car driver Blake Koch at TriStar Motorsports in Mooresville, NC.
Blake Koch speaks to us about everything from his personal life and career, to his thoughts about LeafFilter as a company, sponsor, and product.
Koch competed on two wheels and was considered one of the top motocross riders in the state of Florida before transitioning to racing on 4 wheels. Although he is considered to have a “late start” to his NASCAR career, starting at the age of 20, Blake transitioned to NASCAR within 8 years. In 2011, Koch made his 1st Nationwide Series race at Phoenix and finished 17th and on the lead lap. He earned 4 top 20 finishes in 2011 and finished 18th in the final point standings.
When Koch is not on the racetrack, he enjoys hunting, fishing, being outdoors and spending time with his wife and two children.
Blake mentions that LeafFilter is the perfect partnership for him because of how encouraging and motivating the entire Leaffilter Team is. “LeafFilter, the company, is just special there’s something different about them – they’re a family… it takes every single person at LeafFilter to create what it is,” Koch mentions, saying that the relationship is “a natural fit.”
Watch the video and read the complete interview below to hear what Blake’s favorite race memory is, what he has to say to his fans, and more!
When did you start racing?
“I started racing dirt bikes when I was 8 years old; so, since I was just a little guy I’ve been around racing and competitive and disciplined and determined. When I was 18 years old I gave that up for college in marketing and management and I thought I wanted to enter a business world but then when I started working I realized I didn’t really want to work for a living and wanted to try something else. I got in my first race car when I was 20 years old, which is a pretty late start for most drivers these days, they usually start when they’re 3 or 4 years old in go karts. So, I got started when I was 20, quickly realized that this is what I would love to do for a living and for the rest of my life, so I did everything I could to make that happen.
I have over 100 starts in NASCAR now and I’m still here; to really get you to that next level is the sponsor behind you and with LeafFilter I can see that sponsor really taking me to the next level and I’m hoping as their driver to take them to the next level. So the partnership is great, we can grow together and I couldn’t be more excited for this year.”
What do you like most about racing?
“What I like most about racing is the competition, really. I get fired up to just run go karts at any old track just as much as I do at a NACSCAR race. It’s just about beating someone and competitors. A lot of people say you should race yourself and you should be motivated by beating yourself but I always want to beat other people. I’m extremely motivated by beating other drivers and other teams. The entire LeafFilter Racing team is that way; all of our guys are pumped up to start the season and we want to go to Daytona with a victory.”
What is your favorite racing memory?
“If you ask any driver it’s probably going to be the race where they finish the best; so for me, it was 2013 Homestead Miami Speedway Championship Race. I got done qualifying and I didn’t think I did a great job but the guys got on the radio and told me I was sitting in first for qualifying. One driver ended up beating me, Sam Hornish, so I qualified second at Homestead. I had a good race, got in a little bit of damage and ended up finishing 11th but qualifying second at Homestead in my home state, home track was very exciting and all my friends and family were there.”
What is the craziest thing you’ve seen at a race?
“The craziest thing I’ve seen at a race happened last year at Charlotte. I was done with the race, I pulled down pit road and all of a sudden I see this car slam it in reverse and back into the car behind him, and that car ran into him – it was like a demolition derby on pit road! I put my car in reverse and got out of the way because didn’t want any damage on my car – I had just finished the race without a scratch and I didn’t want that to change. But, it was pretty crazy to see that on pit road and I think they started fighting afterwards, but, that’s not something you see every day.
When you are not racing, what are you doing in your spare time?
“When I’m not racing, I love hanging out with my family – I have two kids and a beautiful wife, I am just away from them a lot in the racing season. So, playing with my little buddies, my 2 ½ year old and seeing my little baby girl, and spending time with my wife is definitely #1. Number 2 is hunting and fishing – I love being outdoors and I love fishing. I have been a part of Salt Life since they basically started a long time ago – I love deep sea fishing and hunting is awesome too. I get a big kick out of hunting, although I am not real good at it. I had an experience this past winter that is very embarrassing and I don’t like to talk about – I ended up missing this big deer – but, that’s what I like to do.
What would you like to tell your fans?
“What I want to say to all my fans is thank you for your continued support throughout the years – there have been ups and downs and you guys have been there for me all the time.”
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