Whether it’s motocross, football, or racing, Terry Poore loves to compete. He’s been successful in many of his ventures, but a 604 late model win remains elusive. Poore hopes to change that this year as he once again follows the American All-Stars Presented by PPM Racing Products circuit.
Poore’s life has gone full circle. He began racing motocross at age six, competing at tracks such as the one that used to reside on the grounds of 411 Motor Speedway in Seymour, Tennessee. As a teenager, his father encouraged him to concentrate on football, where he could possibly punch a free ticket to college with his size and skills. His old man was right — Poore earned himself a scholarship to Appalachian State University, where he played as a center. After graduating with a degree in criminal justice, he came to a crossroads.
“It’s a 1% chance when you leave college that’s you’ll make it in the NFL, and the NFL stands for ‘Not For Long,’ even if you make it,” Poore, 56, of Seymour, Tennessee said. “I opted not to follow through with offers from the Bengals and Browns to go to their combine camps. I was healthy and ready to move on. Motocross had been a big part of my life, and I wanted to have some fun.”
For work, Poore entered the auto body industry and for play he returned to dirt bikes. However, he helped a friend on a late model at 411 Motor Speedway, when it was paved. There, he met his wife, Cindy, who raced mini stocks. Poore decided build a mini stock to join her and her brother, Danny Tullock, in 2003. Things didn’t necessarily always go smoothly.
“One night I spun my brother-in-law out to win,” said Poore. “We laugh about it now.”
When 411 Motor Speedway went dirt, Poore found his groove. He won the mod mini (aka mini stock) championship in 2007. Seven years later, Poore moved into the sportsman late model class, taking the championship in 2015.
“With the success I had and the way I am, I’m always looking to go to the next level,” Poore said. “Well, from 2017 to 2022, I’ve probably raced 150 to 160 [604 late model] features, and I’m still winless. Crate racing is so tough and you got so many great drivers. It’s frustrating … but I’m not ready to quit yet. Competitive, impassioned — those words don’t describe how motivated I am. I’m 56 years old and there’s not many people who will continue to do it after they get up in the years. I enjoy racing — it’s a lifestyle.”
Terry Poore has two chances to break into victory lane this weekend with the American All-Stars Presented by PPM Racing Products. On Saturday, May 28, the series heads to Smoky Mountain Speedway in Maryville, Tennessee. Then, the next day, Sunday, May 29, the tour goes to Wythe Raceway in Rural Retreat, Virginia.
Outside Groove Note of Transparency: Outside Groove is a sponsor of the American All-Star Series. The American All-Star Series paid for the production of this article. The content is not subject to the approval of the American All-Star Series.
The Outside Groove Executive Editor has covered motorsports since 2000. His many awards include the 2019 Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) Jim Hunter Writer of the Year and the 2013 Russ Catlin Award for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism.
