Even when he’s not racing the No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Ray Black Jr. is still a truck guy. The rookie driver has only owned trucks during his lifetime, with his most recent ride being a 2013 GMC Sierra Denali.
Black has always had an appreciation for trucks. His first one, a 1994 Ford Bronco, was bought off his dad about three or four years ago.
“I bought the Bronco off my dad. It was an Eddie Bauer Edition and a fun truck to have while growing up,” said Black. “I’ve updated since then to the GMC. It’s got a little bit of a lift to it, some bigger tires on it. It’s a nice truck.”
For Black, trucks are more than just a way around town. They’re a way to get out and explore. He has taken his trucks on road trips all around the southern region of the U.S.
“I’ve taken quite a few road trips with friends in my truck. I’ve gone to the Keys, West Virginia, Alabama, and North Carolina,” said Black. “It’s a nice way to see the country.”
His trucks also play a vital role in his job away from the track as a deep-sea diver in the commercial diving business. Jobs can range in location, and Black needs to be able to haul his boats to where they are needed.
“You just get more out of a truck than a car,” he explained. “There is always work to be done when I’m not at the track, and it’s so much easier to do with a truck at your disposal.”
Speaking of jobs to get done, Black is looking forward to making his debut start in the No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet at the Michigan International Speedway this weekend. After a disappointing finish at Pocono Raceway, Black is confident in his team’s ability to bounce back.
“I know my team is putting a really good truck together,” he said. “I know we can have a Top-10 truck if everything goes our way, which I think it will.”
Despite never competing at the two-mile track before, Black is not worried about his performance at the upcoming race. Of the 12 completed races this season, he had not previously competed at eight of them. Five of those first time tracks resulted in Top-15 finishes for Black and his team, including a season-best fifth at Daytona.
“I’m excited to visit Michigan for the first time,” explained Black. “We’ve always done good at first time tracks this year, so I’m not worried. Just ready to get back to racing!”
Watch Black make his debut start at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, August 15th at 1:00pm ET on FOX Sports 1. MRN will provide radio coverage of the race.
Ray Black Jr. PR
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