Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 23, 1995 TAG: 9508230035
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The 26-year-old Zock is already a hardened stock car racing veteran and his story isn't an unfamiliar one. Zock grew up near Erie, Pa., and realized that his dream of becoming a stock car racer necessitated a move to the South.
Upon graduation, Zock, despite the concerns of his family, opted not to take over the family business but to pursue his goal. He moved to Richmond to work as a fabricator for Rick Townsend Race Cars at the age of 18. That was not Zock's first move, nor is it likely to be his last.
Over the past eight years, he has moved 11 times and worked at NASCAR's every level.
In 1992, he was the crew chief for Ward Burton's Busch Grand National team. The following year, Zock worked as a fabricator for Terry Labonte's Winston Cup team and, in 1994, he worked with New River Valley alumniJohnny Rumley's BGN crew.
The experience Zock gained working for high-profile drivers was certainly valuable, but his reason for moving to the South was to race cars. Barring a five-race stint in 1989, Zock had not fulfilled that goal.
``The first goal I ever set was to be a driver," Zock said. ``I stayed involved in racing by working as a fabricator because it is tough to land the right sponsorship."
After taking a job at CJR Racing in Winston-Salem, N.C., he decided this would be the year to start racing. So Zock, with limited finances, started his own team. After landing the sponsorship of White House Apple Juice, the primary sponsor of Rumley's BGN car in 1994, Zock put together a Late Model and began what he hopes will be a ride to racing's pinnacle.
After building his car with the help of only one other person, Roger Puffinberger, Zock came to NRVS nine weeks ago and has raced amazingly well, especially when one considers that he had little prior experience.
``The biggest thing is getting used to everything that goes on," Zock said. ``You have to mentally concentrate."
After qualifying and finishing fifth two weeks ago, Zock has raised a few eyebrows in pits.
``I think he has done real good," said Jeff Agnew the series points leader. ``He is real bright working with the chassis and he holds his cool on the track and that's what it takes. I know one thing, if he keeps going the way he is, he will be a force."
The biggest obstacle Zock may have to overcome is one of finances. Owning his own car is not the easiest proposition financially but Zock feels it is a burden worth bearing.
``I don't have any extra money," said Zock. ``But I don't spare any expense in the car and I know it is set up the way I want it."
After reaching stock car racing's top as a crew member, Zock now wants to get there behind the wheel. Whether or not he will be successful has yet to be determined, but this much is certain: Zock will do it his way.
YOUNG'S GUNS: In his pursuit of a track championship, Ray Young named Ralph Wingfield as his crew chief and it appears to have been a wise decision. Wingfield was a shock specialist on Ward Burton's BGN crew last year.
In Wingfield's first five races with the team, they have finished second four times and Young captured his first pole at NRVS last weekend.
Young seems poised to win his first race of the season. More importantly, his recent success has allowed him to remain in the hunt for the track championship. Despite winning the last five races, Jeff Agnew's lead over Young in the track championship standings is only 22 points.
ON DECK: Next Sunday will be the RGM Erectors/ Wicker Basket 200. In addition to the 100-lap LMSC race, there will be the 25-lap New River Valley Mall Ladies Enduro.
There will be a 35-lap Limited Sportsman race and 25-lap Pure and Mini Stock races.
Chris King covers auto racing and community sports for the New River Current.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB