Earl McRae building up reputation; Sits 3rd in current standings

Earl McRae has been a story for the ages.

McRae, 23, was deemed "hopeless" by AARO legend Fred Ritcher after the 2009 season when he was asked if McRae could amount to anything in the league. 5 years later, McRae sits 3rd in AAPT standings.

"I got my head on straight," said McRae after Watkins Glen practice this morning, "I got out of everything I was into and everything turned around. It really is a feel good story on my life."

For those who don't know, McRae struggled with addiction from age 15-21 after the loss of his grandmother, who he considers a huge role model in his life.

"Grandma-ma was my hero. She was always who I wanted to talk to. My parents weren't really around too much, so she was always there to babysit and take care of me, Sam and Zach. I just wish she was around to see where I'm at now, she's watching above."

McRae has her initials engraved into the dashboard of all of his racecars, and says he knows he has an angel above him every race. McRae now looks toward the future in building his reputation back up within the garage. He continues to chase Ike Durbin for the AAPT championship, and he says he looks forward to the challenge.

"Ike's one of those guys you would really hate to beat, cause he's always so friendly and offering any advice he has to everyone in the garage. But regardless, we're gonna give 'em everything we got, and I'm proud of everyone on this Subway team for the success so far, I owe it all to them. And Grandma-ma of course."