It all started with a quick message on Instagram. Initially we thought it was an automated message that we receive so often, looking for solicitation. It was after some conversation that we realized, hey this is really who they say they are! Spencer Boyd, a NASCAR Driver, and he is serious!! With some background research and a conference call with Spencer and his Manager there was no doubt in our minds that this is someone who we would like to be represented by.
Boyd has a unique and dedicated background. This was evident from our talks and when researching him in a professional aspect. From as young as five-years Boyd was racing and competing. Boyd’s entire family moved, just to provide a better racing environment. Boyd won a number of races and championships before his teenage years, including an amazing 12 World Karting Association (WKA) Championships. This dedication and commitment to racing and winning continued throughout the years and lead us to present day, where Boyd, just as he dreamed as a kid is now a Driver of the 76 Grunt style Chevy Camaro in the NASCAR Xfinity Cup series.
This is only the beginning for the eager and determined 22 year old man. Boyd has his goals in and out of the sport, and we firmly believe he will conquer them. This is truly a story of chasing your dream and staying focused through the ups and downs. There is a lot to be learned from Boyd and his will to rise to the top.
Hunt’n Buddy and the Spencer Boyd Racing Team had their first official introductions on June 2, 2018 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. We had some butterflies not knowing what to expect, wondering if this was just going to be a professional meet and greet or a relaxed and fun environment, until we met Boyd’s PR Manager, Josh Aultice. We were getting our credentials for the race, when a jacked up Grunt Style golf cart pulls up and there's nothing but smiles. We make our introductions and immediately we feel welcomed and treated as part of the team. Aultice gave us a private tour of the grounds and we learned all the inner workings of what goes on behind the scenes on race day. This was an invaluable experience, and we cannot express enough our gratitude for Josh taking time out of his insane schedule to give us this tour.
It's now 8:45 AM, yes we were the first sponsors there to ensure we had ample time to plan, assess the situation and adapt to our surroundings. Our ride concluded at the hauler, which is essentially the command center on race day, where Boyd can relax and focus his mind. The car and engines are all stored here along with the crews equipment and all the tools of the trade. The initial meet was a quick one, as Boyd had about 10 minutes to get his gear on and set off to his qualifier run for the race. That being said, Boyd made it a point to stop and introduce himself to us, and spend a few minutes talking when we all knew he did not have a few minutes to spare. That right there showed his character and who Boyd is and what he stands for. The late basketball legend John Wooden once said “be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are”
This small act of respect and humbleness spoke volumes to us about who Boyd is and what he is all about.
Its Race Time…
After spending the morning learning the ins and outs at the tricky triangle, we were on our way to pit row, where for anyone experiencing this for the first time, was something out of a movie. We were accompanied by Hunter Smith, a Motorsports Fitness Specialist and personal friend of Boyd. Hunter raced the day before and stayed to give Boyd and the team a hand, which also speaks volumes about this team, all dedicated to each other. Everyone helps each other and they are a solid family. Hunter also gave us some inside knowledge of the whos who and what's what within NASCAR. Cars flashing by at 200 plus mph, Each pit crew preparing for battle, crew chiefs as focused as ever ensuring every calculation and plan will be implemented as practiced. Boyd’s pit crew is pretty awesome... These guys were on point, and some strong human beings, we were told the nicknames for them were the Grunt Style Gladiators, and that they were, fighting to be the fastest pit on the track! Some being former pro athletes the explosive actions and timing while running the pit was amazing in itself. We were given the privilege of standing on the track for the National Anthem, along with a photo opportunity with the Grunt Style 76 car and Boyd himself. This alone was the most humbling experience to be standing on a NASCAR racetrack next to a sea of professional drivers saluting our flag together and paying our respect to our great nation and all that has been sacrificed to give us the freedoms we possess today. Minutes before the race, we were talking to Boyd and one question that was asked by our team was “What are you thinking and feeling right now minutes before the race?” Boyd’s reaction was one for the record books and to us, determined he is a true champion. Boyd looked at us, shrugged his shoulders and said “I’m relaxed, in the zone but relaxed and calm.” As a former Law Enforcement Officer, along with an upbringing and passion in martial arts, this made me proud. It was also the answer I was looking for, Boyd was not nervous or anxious, he has trained every day his whole life for this, racing is a part of his soul, and racing is an extension of himself. This is a ‘warrior mindset’ which many struggle to conceive.
“You must train day and night in order to make quick decisions. In strategy it is necessary to treat training as normal life with your spirit unchanging.”
Miyamoto Musashi - The Book of Five Rings.
Boyd Finished the Pocono Race advancing to P28 gaining 8 positions overall.
As the owner of Hunt’n Buddy App. what was once a question of how does NASCAR align with a Hunting App, turned into much more than that. As a whole, NASCAR fans are involved in some aspect of hunting, and this has been an experience and friendship like no other. The hard work, planning, and dedication that goes into each and every race is what makes this so closely related to our aspirations and goals. With hard work and dedication comes great success and this is a lesson that we tend to forget, or at least the first part of it… In closing we would like to thank the whole Boyd Racing Team for their hospitality and welcoming us in as part of the family, this was truly an experience of a lifetime and we cannot wait for the next one.
We have big things to come so stay tuned!
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