The 12-year-old Brock Pinkerous continues his ascent through the ranks of the sport with his latest endeavor, 604 late models. In that class, he’ll receive coaching from multi-time crate late model champion, Max Blair.
(For more on Pinkerous, read “Brock Pinkerous: Birthday Surprise for “Bam Bam””.)
“It’s really fun,” Pinkerous said of working with Blair. “He does an awesome job. I’m happy to be with him and it’s an awesome opportunity.”
It’s been an adjustment for Pinkerous, who has raced Northeastern-style sportsman modifieds.
“The steering and you can’t get out of the gas,” said Pinkerous of the differences between modifieds and late models. “The steering is so much faster. If you do [get off the gas], the car just wants to go right into the wall.”
Blair understands what it’s like to be a young phenom in the sport, as well as a being a rookie. He started racing at age 15, under the tutelage of his father, Rob Blair, a multi-time late model champion. This year, Blair’s campaigned for rookie of the year in the World of Outlaws Late Models.
“Be patient,” Blair said of the biggest advice he gave Pinkerous so far. “He’s doing a heck of a job for sure.”
(For our most recent story on Blair, see “Max Blair: A Congrats from His Rival”.)
The World Short Track Championship at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway was only the third race for Pinkerous in a 604 late model. A total of 41 cars attempted to make the 26-car field. Pinkerous raced his way in through the Last Chance Showdown, and finished 22nd in the feature.
Brock Pinkerous said to expect him to race more late models in 2023. If his record in modifieds offer any indication, expect the seventh grader to be a quick read in fendered competition.
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.
