My name is Travis Blackwood and I am 27 years old. I was born and raised in Everett, WA. As a kid I dreamed of being a race car driver. It wasn’t until 9 years ago I took the fisrt step at making my dream a reality. In 2001, I started out working the pits for a driver named Vern Dietz, Doing whatever I could to build enough knowledge to go out on my own. After one season I couldn’t sit on the side lines any longer and purchased my own car.
On April 8, 2002, I fired up the engine in my 1976 Les Schwab Street Stock Chevy Camaro and drove onto the front stretch of the track. It was then that I became addicted to the rush. 2002 was my first season; needless to say it was difficult! Having no prior knowledge of race cars and going off what little I had learned in the season prior, I managed to place 9th overall in a class of 30 drivers and was voted rookie of the year.
In the off-season I knew I needed to step it up! So I picked at the brains of every driver I knew and read lots of books. I also acquired a few sponsors and an amazing set-up man, Jerry Head, which helped me make my car more competitive. In 2003 I went out and finished 8th overall. That year, I was also voted best appearing for always keeping my car clean and the paint as fresh as possible.
In my off time before the 2004 season I sold my first car. I bought another 1979 Camaro from another driver, Ron Landry. I was also able to store and work on this car in his personal shop at Sky nursery on Aurora. I went out that year and lit up the track. I had 3 main event wins while also setting a track record for fastest time on the 3/8 track of 19.3 seconds! I finished the season off in 4th place overall.
2005 was the season I’ll never forget. It was the best of my young racing career. I went out that year with one thing on my agenda, to win the championship. It was a competitive field with many great drivers and fast cars. Although I only had 1 main event win, I did finish in the top five 16 times and placed second 8 times. On September 5, 2005 the last 4 seasons of late nights working on my car with my crew chief & dad, Steve, empty pockets after buying new parts to make my car faster and countless headaches from frustration, it all became worth it! I accomplished what I set out to do; I won the 2005 Les Schwab Street Stock Championship! I was featured in several newspapers, did 3 radio spots, including ESPN, and had a full page in the 2006 program at Evergreen Speedway, never once forgetting my sponsors, who helped me accomplish my dream!
Over the next 4 seasons I became what most would consider to be a “casual” racer. I have met the love of my life, my new bride, Emily. I also have started a new business venture with my Father. I have quickly come to the realization though, I yearn for the competition. I recently purchased a Limited Late Model Stock car and plan to compete in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series at Evergreen Speedway. I also plan to attend races in the ASA Tour Series that will take me to Oregon, Idaho, Montana and California during my off weekends from Evergreen Speedway.