Welcome to this edition of the Spoiler Report, where we sit down with motor racing's most exciting up-and-comers. Today, we're getting personal with a rising star in the ARCA Menards Series East, Presley Sorah. Despite being a rookie, Presley has been making waves and turning heads on the track.
Track Bar Media: Presley, for you and your team, what is the most demanding track on the ARCA schedule?
Presley Sorah: This will be my rookie season in ARCA East, so all of them will be very demanding and challenging for me this year!
Track Bar Media: How long have you been racing and how did you get started?
Presley Sorah: I have been racing since I was 10. I started in go-karts and soap box derby and transitioned through sim racing into asphalt/dirt late models and now ARCA this year.
Track Bar Media: Do you keep a mental list of drivers who race you a certain way?
Presley Sorah: of the good and the bad. Racecar drivers never forget.
Track Bar Media: If you could ask any NASCAR driver a question who would it be and what would you ask?
Presley Sorah: I would ask Brad Keselowski for tips on how to be successful and ways to gain better attraction from potential sponsors. Brad is my favorite cup series driver and has been for over a decade. He’s a very smart driver and business man, and knows how to run a team. I’d be confident knowing that whatever he’s telling me is true and helpful.
Track Bar Media: What's one of the largest challenges of getting the car ready for race day?
Presley Sorah: I would say the setup. ARCA races everything from short paved ovals to dirt miles, road courses, superspeedways, and everything in between. You never really know what you’re going to get!
Track Bar Media: What do you think about during a long green-flag run?
Presley Sorah: Typically on a long green flag run you get so concentrated on what you’re doing that you get into a rhythm, and your body is almost doing everything for you without having to think about it.
Track Bar Media: When fans come up to you and mention a moment or a race from your career, which one comes up the most?
Presley Sorah: It’s typically the Monday Night Racing championship of mine on iRacing. I bested a field of mostly NASCAR drivers, crews, and media to become the champion. It shed tons of light on me and really helped kickstart my career.
Track Bar Media: If someone paid you $5 million to design a new track somewhere, what kind of track would you make and what elements would it have?
Presley Sorah: I would make a short track very similar to that of Winchester Speedway, but with modern amenities that would make it capable of hosting a race in one of NASCAR’s national series.
Track Bar Media: If you had one day off to do anything in the world – but you couldn't race – what would you do?
Presley Sorah: I would probably go Trainspotting with my girlfriend. I’m just as much of a nerd for trains as I am racecars, so Trainspotting is one of my favorite hobbies.
Track Bar Media: When you have a bad day on the track and you go home, who do you talk to about it? Or do you just keep the frustration to yourself?
Presley Sorah: Typically I would talk to family, friends, or girlfriend. I might not even talk about the bad day on track at all, potentially just something to keep my mind off of it.
Track Bar Media: When drivers are standing around shooting the bull and telling racing stories, what is one of your favorite stories you like to tell or have heard told about someone else?
Presley Sorah: Probably the funniest story to talk about is the ARCA Pensacola trip from 2023. If you know you know (lol).
Track Bar Media: What is a TV show you're really into right now?
Presley Sorah: 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomy are my two favorites. I’m hooked.
Track Bar Media: If you could give the younger version of yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
Presley Sorah: I would tell myself to just keep doing what I’m doing, and to trust the process. I’m happy with the decisions I’ve made to get to where I am and a lot has fallen into place for me to be here.
Track Bar Media: What was your first win in any form of racing?
Presley Sorah: My first race win was in a go kart series at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Track Bar Media: What is a quality or skill you envy in other drivers?
Presley Sorah: Really the biggest one is just experience. I definitely don’t have the same level of experience as many of the other drivers, but I’m confident I can overcome that.
Track Bar Media: If you could race any car/track combo in the world tomorrow which would it be and why?
Presley Sorah: If I could race any car at any track, it would be an IndyCar at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I’m from Indiana so that’s a no brainer!
Track Bar Media: Tell us a little bit about your sponsors.
Presley Sorah: A sponsor of mine that you’ll see a lot of is the Layin Coin Podcast, which is run by Mark Harris (SKYBOX NASCAR) and Rory Gibson (Rorypicks). They provide betting odds and strategies for races and sporting events, and their podcast details a lot on that! Another sponsor of mine is my friend Bobby from B Blaze Vintage. He sells tons of vintage and retro streetwear, primarily Motorsports.
Track Bar Media: Why have you chosen the car number you have?
Presley Sorah: I primarily race #98, whether it’s IRL or on iRacing. 9 was always my “lucky” or favorite number, but I prefer two digit numbers on racecars. Several years ago I made the decision to make the 9 a 98 instead, and I’ve continued it ever since.
Track Bar Media: What tracks can we expect to see you at this season and which one is your favorite?
Presley Sorah: I have the opportunity to race the full ARCA Menards Series East season. Although I’ve never driven at any of the tracks IRL, based on my competitive sim racing background I’m most looking forward to Dover. It’s one of my favorite tracks to race on the sim. Honorable mention is Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) since it’s my home track.
Track Bar Media: When you are not working on your car or at the track, what are your most enjoyable pastimes/hobbies?
Presley Sorah: Typically I’m spending time with my family, friends, or girlfriend. Going back to what I mentioned earlier, I’m a major nerd for trains, so I love Trainspotting. I also love video games, so I play a lot of Call of Duty Warzone with my friends.
Stay tuned for more Spoiler Report interviews, as we continue to provide you with exclusive insights into the world of motorsports. Until then, keep your eyes on the track and your foot on the gas!
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