He was the kid seeking autographs. The son of the owner of a Ford
dealership, who would hire race teams to put their cars on display
in
the days leading up to the IHRA events.
He was the kid who dreamed that would day he would be just like Rickie Smith, Ronnie Sox, Roy Hill and “General” Lee Edwards.
Robert Patrick never wavered in his belief that a day would come when
he would be an IHRA Spring Nationals champion just like them.
Over the years the 38-year old, former IHRA Pro Stock world champion
from Fredericksburg, Va., has never let go of the dreams of his youth.
This weekend as the IHRA drag racing tour heads to the racing hamlet of
Rockingham, N.C., for the 38th annual IHRA Spring Nationals presented
by Advance Auto Parts/Castrol GTX, Patrick's youthful desire still
burns strong.
“I love coming down and racing with Steve Earwood at Rockingham
Dragway,” Patrick said. “I honestly believe the fans are in store for
one of the greatest IHRA Pro Stock events they’ve ever witnessed. I
hope we can win it all. It’s not going to be easy. Winning this race
never is.”