Mixing Things Up in 2018

1/26/2018

Happy New Year and welcome to the 2018 edition of Rum Runner Racing and driver Joey Coulter (me). Yes folks, I really do write most of my own releases… That is exactly why this year I am going to change up the way I communicate with you all. I want to give you a more personal look into what things are like in this sport, on this team, and unfortunately for you all, in my head. 
Every racing season that I have been a part of had its mix of ups and down. For those of us at Rum Runner Racing, 2017 was full of higher highs and lower lows. Which, to be honest, was a little stressful at times.  Of course the highlight was our first Dirt Super Late Model win that took place at Crossville Speedway in Tennessee with the Ultimate Super Late Model Series. For me, this was HUGE. I mean first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win huge. One of the best side effects of this victory was how it us through the rest of the season. We were able to capture multiple top 10’s and top 5’s, as well as capture a starting spot for the 2nd year in a row in the Gateway Dirt Nationals. 
In 2018 we are going to change things up by tactically choosing when and where we race, rather than following a national or regional tour. We, as a team, feel like having as many race options as possible is what we need to have a successful 2018. Winning is the priority, and we think this is the best way to do it. I will update as much of the schedule as possible on my site, joeycoulter.com, very soon.
I can tell you that our season will start off with the Lucas Oil Series at Golden Isles Speedway for the Superbowl of Dirt, followed by the Winter Freeze at Screven Motorsports Park with the World of Outlaws. We will continue with the World of Outlaws at Voulsia Motorsports Park for the Dirt Car Nationals to round out speedweeks 2018. March 2nd-4th you will find us at Cherokee Speedway with the Southern All Stars Series and on March 9th & 10th we will join the Outlaws again at Smoky Mountain Speedway. 
With some things changing in 2018, there is a lot that will remain the same. We are proud to be back with Longhorn Chassis, along with Cornett Thunder Engines cooled by Race-fan, Willy’s Superbowl Carburetors, and Wiles Drive Shafts. Veteran crew chief, longtime friend and our resident old guy, Harold Holly, will return as the crew chief on the No. 2. With “silly season” in full swing and people moving from team to team, Harold and I have found ourselves being the only employees currently at Rum Runner Racing. Since that is case, I thought it would be cool to come up with a nickname for our partnership kinda like the “dynamic duo” or something. After much deliberation I have decided that we shall be known as the “old guy” and the “idiot.” We’ll see if that sticks…
We have always been fortunate to have great partners at Rum Runner Racing. Those partnerships will continue to grow through 2018. Broward Armature and Generator will reclaim the primary sponsorship spot on the hood of our Rum Runner Racing No. 2. We are proud to announce that both Airshok and Race-fan will be increasing their support for 2018 and will provide us with parts and service capabilities at the track for their customers. To my fellow competitors, sorry we aren’t sharing Harold’s magic notebook of go-fast. Molecule and Simpson Race Products will continue as associate partners in 2018 and provide us with the equipment we need to stay safe, as well as the products to keep them clean and in the best condition possible. Fishwithme.net will also be returning as an associate partner on the Rum Runner Racing No.2. I am continuing talks with Black Rifle Coffee and am looking forward to having so news for you all soon. The entire team at BRCC have been great to work with, and of course, we love their coffee and the causes that they support. 
My goals for 2018 are simple. Be a threat to win every race that we enter, and win every race in which we give ourselves the opportunity to do so. This year, small setbacks will not set the tone for the remainder of the race. We will continue to build on the success that we will have and learn from the mistakes that we make. The first 2 years of full time dirt late model racing have been challenging but rewarding at the same time. I expect 2018 to be a breakout year for both myself as a driver and Rum Runner Racing as an organization. Harold doesn’t need any more help, he’s already famous in more ways than one.
Thank you for your support and we will see you at your favorite track in 2018.
 -Joey “CIV” Coulter-