The Kingsport Speedway season opener is just one week away on Saturday, March 30. This is the first in a series of racer profiles getting to know our local racing heroes throughout the season. Jamie Meadows, the defending Street Stock track champion, is the first of these racers highlighted.

Jamie Meadows

Age: 44
Hometown: Castlewood, Va.
Car: The No. 11 Chevrolet Camaro in the Street Stock class

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RACING AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
Meadows: “I’ve been racing around 12-13 years. I went with my friends and watched a couple of races and decided I could do this. I’ve been going wide-open ever since.”

WHAT IS YOUR FULL-TIME OCCUPATION AND WHAT DOES THE JOB ENTAIL?
Meadows: “I own Jamie’s Auto Repair in Castlewood so I work on cars for a living. But, it’s whole different set-up working on the race car and that becomes like a full-time job too.”

WHO WAS OR IS YOUR FAVORITE NASCAR DRIVER AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT HIM?
Meadows: “Dale Earnhardt was my favorite driver. I liked how he was aggressive, like lead, follow or get out of the way.”

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN RACING, WHAT MADE IT SPECIAL?
Meadows: “Last year, we won eight out of 16 races at Kingsport and the track championship. I had some great crew members helping me out so that made it more special.”

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE 2024 SEASON?
Meadows: “That’s easy. We want to defend the title.”