DTGW

The Big Kid “Buddy Whitworth”
Written By: Robin Green

Whether Mr. Whitworth is helping out on his four wheeler, roller skating around the rink or racing at TR Speedway, he is having a good time one way or the other. A grown man of 40 years young is living everyday to the fullest. “I’m just a big kid,” he said.

The #45 in the Renegade class at Travelers Rest Speedway is one of several family members who have been involved in this sport for many years. Buddy’s dad Randy used to race back at Fountain Inn until a crash broke his neck and then just last year Bobby Whitworth flipped hard at TR Speedway causing some severe back problems that he is still dealing with to this day. Buddy knows first hand what the chances of getting hurt in this sport are but he also knows that his chances are far worse just driving down the road to get to the track every week. “The only bad crash I have really had was back at Riverside when I hit the wall and got knocked out.” he said.

Buddy started racing in 4 cylinders 15 years ago with his fathers number 45 that has been in use by the family since 1965, and has since raced everything in between. He did however take some time off between 2005 and 07 to take care of his parents during a tough time. “There is nothing I want do for my family. My parents have supported me in everything my whole life and I love them dearly. There was never a question about it, family comes first.” he said.

He loves to start in the rear of the field. “This way I avoid some of the messes that take place up front. Our budget is not like some others so every wreck I can avoid is more time I can spend on the track.” Buddy said. His entire family simply loves the sport. He has 7 wins and is already showing to be some strong competition in 2010.

“Money seems to have taken racing over” he and most other drivers I speak to say. However, the Whitworth family give back to the community by ridding for Toys for Tots, battered women projects, abused children and the homeless. This past weekend they also donated a lot of product that was given away at Travelers Rest Speedway to the kids in celebration of Easter at the Lyndsey Phillips Memorial Race.

Buddy Whitworth would like to especially Thank his fans and family: Wife Tammy, Daughter Shay, Son Buddy Jr., Grandchild Leomie Carver, grandchild to soon be Emma May who is due to join them April 18th 2010, Brother Bobby, Mother Sue, Dad Randy and Best Friend Joey Chastain

He would also like to Thank his crew of Bobby & Jennifer Whitworth, Wife Tammy, Son Buddy, Daughter Shay, Coco, Jean, Brian, Steven, Kim, Chuck, Chucky Jr., Zack, Brandon, Steve, Billy and Mom & Dad

His Sponsors are: Mean Jean Motorsports, Whitworth Garage, T’s World Computer Repair, Burnett Construction, Brown’s Tire & Muffler, Stegall’s Transmission and Gary Thomson’s Fuel

I would like to Thank Mr. Buddy Whotworth for taking the time to talk to me. He is an easy person to speak to and just as funny as they come. Good luck this season!

Click on this image to see more photos by April Westmoreland

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