When Eric Bailey graduated from mechanic school, he decided changing oil on Mazdas and minivans just wasn't for him.
"The travel around the country is a blast, the rewards and winning two races in a row here in Kansas has been a blast," said Bailey with #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford.
Final prep work almost complete. #TheChase practice coming up on #NASCARonNBC.| @NASCARonNBC @shellracingus @MillerLite @FordPerformance pic.twitter.com/hk7xysL2KE
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) October 14, 2016
So he took the road less traveled to fix engines and change tires. But these aren't your mama's Goodyears.
"We assemble and tune on the cars during the week, and then on the weekends we unload the cars and do a long inspection process, make changes on practice sessions and get their cars ready for the race," said Bailey.
While he was born in Olathe, Kansas, he spends his time on the road following NASCAR's Joey Logano as a team mechanic.
Cars getting inspected at @kansasspeedway. Lots of fans wondering if weather will put a damper on the weekend. #NASCAR #chasethecup pic.twitter.com/QdFPGj4mLj
— Terra Hall (@TerraHall) October 14, 2016
"I'm the front suspension mechanic," he said. "I will see the front end of the car through inspection this morning and through practice sessions, changes, Joey [Logano] will go out on the racetrack and tell us what the car is doing and we will make adjustments to the front end of that."
Which means that every time car 22 crosses the finish line first, Bailey's part of the success.
Bailey said what he's most looking forward to aside from winning this weekend is seeing his family.
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Terra Hall can be reached at terra.hall@kshb.com.
