Late model driver Zane Powell readily admits he doesn’t race that much. Between juggling a family of seven and a business, he competes about 15 times a year when many of his competitors do double to triple that. That’s what made his recent race in the Dirt Rich TV American All-Star Series Presented by PPM Racing Products so special.
Powell qualified second among a stout field of pro late model competitors during last Saturday’s American All-Stars event at Lawrenceburg Speedway. He led laps during the feature, too.
“It was the first time being in the top five in a touring race,” Powell, of Junction City, Kentucky, said. “I remember one time [during the race] I could literally hear myself breathing. After that, I started laughing. I’m like, ‘Dude, just laugh and have fun.’”
Unfortunately, contact from another car ended his run for the top spot, relegating him to a 13th-place finish.
“It seems like always something happens or we struggle,” said Powell. “[AAS competitors] have so much seat time. That’s the hardest thing about racing.”
Powell readily admits that racing does takes a back seat at times. He makes sure his five kids, ranging from 19 to 5 years old get ample time from him. Likewise, Powell runs a business, The Muffler Shop, that commands his attention, too.
“It’s something I pride myself on,” Powell said. “I have five kids, and I’m very active in all their lives. It’s not like I pick racing over them.”
Yet, Powell still wins local races, with a victory coming this year at Mudlick Valley Raceway. This week, Zane Powell intends to compete with the Dirt Rich TV American All-Star Series Presented by PPM Racing Products once again. He’ll venture to Lake Cumberland Speedway on Saturday, August 23, a place he finished fifth in a local race earlier this year. Powell will be looking to do a few spots better and hold onto a lead until the checkers — and you can bet he’ll remember his lessons from Lawrenceburg — to breathe easier, laugh, and have fun.
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.
