Driver Profile - Corey Michalek

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Driver: Corey Michalek

Car: Champion Spark Plugs A/Fuel Dragster

Age: 26

Hometown: Louisville, OH

Residence: New York City

Occupation: Art director, Wondersauce

Family: Parents John and Lisa Michalek, brother Kyle Michalek, and girlfriend Christine Kotter

Accomplishments: Won TAD debut at 2014 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, first “Search for a Champion” contest winner, 2007 IHRA AFC world champion as a Mark Thomas crew member

First race car: Super Comp dragster

Favorite movie: Inception

Favorite music: It’s always changing depending on the mood. I spend about 45 minutes a day listening to music walking to and from work and I have something on pretty much all day when I’m there.

Favorite TV shows: NHRA ESPN2 broadcasts, Big Bang Theory, and Moonshiners

Favorite sports teams: Louisville Leopards, Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Cleveland Browns

When I'm away from the racetrack I: Work 10 hours a day at my normal job and then I go home and work into the morning on preparing for our upcoming races and sponsorship presentations for next season.

Favorite racing memory: Getting to be out at the track with Kyle

Top accomplishment in racing: Winning the 2014 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. The drivers that we had to go through to get there are some of the most respected wheelmen in the business and it was awesome even to just get the chance to line up against them.

Toughest opponent: I’m still way too new to single anyone out. I respect anyone that can bring a car to the starting line.

Favorite opponent: I haven’t had the chance to compete against Kyle yet, but I think we’re both looking forward to that.

Favorite drivers outside TAD: Clay Millican, Mark Thomas, Pat Dakin

Personal heroes: Both of my grandfathers for their service to the country.

I race because: I’m an adrenaline junkie, I love the competition, and the racetrack brings our family together.

I race TAD because: It is the premier class of sportsman drag racing in the world and it’s one step away from our ultimate goal.

Pre-race rituals or superstitions: Checking the throttle stop, wheelie bar, and parachutes and stretching my lower back one last time before hopping in the car. Racecars aren’t built for tall people!

Nobody knows that I: Eat at least a half of a pack of Oreos at a time, sometimes the whole thing.

If I didn't race I would: I really enjoy my job outside of racing so I think I would be able to function…but let’s not eliminate racing.

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/michalekbrothersracing
Twitter username: @michalekracing
Instagram username: @michalekracing
Website: http://www.michalekbrothersracing.com

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