Christian Eckes-“It’s driven us to really work together”

2019 has five different drivers competing for the championship, Michael Self, Travis Braden, Bret Holmes, Joe Graf Jr., and Christian Eckes. Come follow each of their journeys this season where each week we set the timer for five minuets  and sit down with them to find out what’s been going on both in and out of the race car.

Next up, Christian Eckes! 

ARCA: So what have you been up to this past week? 

Christian: Not much, just crashing at Talladega. And then tested Nashville yesterday- just kind of hanging out other than that. 

A: Nice! Testing going well? 

C: Yeah I think so. We tried some things we don’t normally run and I think it definitely helped. Just trying to get back on track here. 

A: Right. Obviously, Talladega didn’t end the way you wanted it to. What kind of things were going in your head when you got out of the car and what was the mood in the garage like? 

C: You know, really we just ruined an opportunity. I felt like that was the worst thing. I really haven’t thought about points. We were leading before Salem and…yeah the biggest thing is to stay positive and keep on keepin’ on! 

A: Exactly! And after something like that happens, are you one that processes things on your own?Or do you go to your friends and family and kind of vent? How do you deal with it? 

C: No. The day after I had an angry workout session by myself, and it was really nice. Relieved a lot of stress- just kind of screamed a little bit in the gym and that was about it. It was really nice! 

A: I bet! So I of course don’t want to focus too much on the negative. What has been the high point since we talked a week ago? Maybe Racing scooters with the kids at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind? Or I see on your Instagram that you have a new paint scheme for your helmet? 

C: Yeah, it honestly it hasn’t been a bad week. You know, other than crashing at Talladega. 

I had a lot of fun. It really puts it in a perspective when you go to those schools. And it’s really cool to go hangout with all the kids, and learn about them, and learn about the program that they’re in…. (as my dog’s licking my face right now)

A: Haha! Cutest pup too, by the way. 

C: Yeah! But yeah, it’s been a pretty good week so far. Going to pick up the helmet tomorrow too! 

A: Nice! Yeah it looks really cool! So, I have to ask, you’re sponsored by JBL Audio, last year Tommy (PR Manager) sends me videos of you doing a jig before qualifying. Clearly you’re a music fan. And you go on trips all the time. So do you have a road trip playlist? 

C: Absolutely! A lot of people don’t like my playlist because it’s today’s greatest hits- but if today was anywhere from 1970 to now. It’s all over the board. 

A: What’s been your favorite song as of late? 

C: As of late, I don’t know. It’s all over like I said. There are so many songs on there, I don’t really listen to one per-say. A lot of people don’t like it! If you ask people they say I’m a terrible dj! 

A: Haha oh I’m right there with ya, I’ve been told the same thing. 

So the next race is in just a few days. What’s going on in your head at this point? Is it excitement? Or just checking off the boxes of things you need to do? Nerves? 

C: You know it’s just a deal where we’ve lacked a little bit all year just as a whole. I feel like we did a good job the first two races. It’s just we haven’t capitalized on our opportunities these past two (obviously Salem was out of our control). To be honest it’s kind of gone down hill quick here. I think we’re really motivated to turn it around and this is a breaking point for us. The test went really well, I think we’re close enough to turning it back around. We just really got on a bad foot here these past two races. It’s been really unfortunate, but at the same time it’s driven us to really work together and to get back to where we’re use to. 

A: Awesome! Well I will see you in a few days, thats’s been five minutes. 

C: Sounds good! Thank you!