January 27, 2005

prapti85: Blake why did you decide to race??

Blake: My dad raced, so I was always at the track and I just always had the desire to drive anything that went fast.

48JJ48: I still don't know how this is working out. Are you guys splitting time on a weekly bases or are one of you driving the first half and the other the other half?

Blake: It's pretty much a 50-50 deal throughout the season. The entire schedule is not set in stone, but there's a lot of weeks when we'll swap back and forth.

Frankie Stickley: Blake, what is the most you learned last season running the few ARCA and Busch races?

Blake: I learned that the fast guys are fast in NASCAR because of their communication with their crew chiefs and how precise they can explain what the car needs to make it handle better.

MojoMel: Blake have you tested in the Busch car anywhere? And are you racing any other series this season?

Blake: My first race this season will be the ARCA race in Daytona, then we're planning on testing at Atlanta next month. Other than ARCA and Busch, I might try to run a World of Outlaws race or two. It all depends on what we can work out.

LCRicky: Who out of all your teammates has been the most helpful as far as advice and what to expect at the racetrack and all that?

Blake: Jimmie Johnson has been the most helpful for me. He taught me how to draft at Talladega, and answers questions whenever I have them.

Flames24Rulz: First off Blake, as an Illinois boy, theres a lot of us that are going to be pulling for you this year. Do you know if you are going to be racing at Chicagoland Speedway this year? Also, where will your first race be at? Thanks.

Blake: As of now, I think I'll be racing at Chicagoland, but things can change. If we do, that'll be awesome. As of now, my first race in the No. 5 is scheduled to be at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March. Thanks for the support!!

prapti85: Blake: which track do you think is best for you?

Blake: I think Lowe's Motor Speedway will be good for me, and not because Lowe's is my sponsor. We qualified fifth there in the No. 00 car last year, and I think it will be a lot of fun to go back there. I'm also looking forward to possibly racing at Chicagoland, if that happens for us.

GRXBOX: What are your 2005 goals in the Busch Series?

Blake: My main goal is to do a good enough job for Mr. Hendrick and our sponsors that they want to keep me around after this season. Winning races would be awesome, but I just want to do well.

LCRicky: What do you prefer, night or day races and why?

Blake: I prefer night racing, because I grew up racing at night. Sprint cars pretty much always race at night, and I think it puts on a better show for the fans.

Valerie: what is your favorite race as a driver? and as a fan?

Blake: From a fan's perspective, my favorite race is the Knoxville Nationals at Knoxville Raceway in Iowa. That's the equivalent of the Daytona 500 for sprint car racers. From a driver's perspective, I'm really looking forward to maybe racing at Chicagoland.

vagrneyes911: What do you both think of NC so far?

Blake: I like it, because it's a lot warmer in the winter than Illinois is. I'm still learning about the area, so I don't really have anything to compare it to.

RacingRockz5: Where are you from?

Blake: I'm from Saybrooke, Illinois, about 30 miles from the University of Illinois.

GRXBOX: What does it feel like to drive for someone such as Rick Hendrick?

Blake: It's a dream come true, without a doubt. There was never any guarantees that I would get the chance to drive in quality equipment, much less for a championship organization, so this is an incredible opportunity. I still smile when I pull into the Hendrick complex every day.

jimmielover48: What would be your favorite raceyou'vee ever raced in?

Blake: My first All Star win at Eldora Speedway back in 2002. Few drivers are able to win at Eldora, it's a tough track, and we lapped everyone that night, except for the guys in second and third place. I always wanted to win there, ever since I was a kid.

prapti85: Do u look up to any one?

Blake: I looked up to everyone when I was growing up, because I was short. Just kidding. I looked up to my dad, Steve Kinser (sprint car legend) and Michael Jordan.

msjj48: What's one experience you wish to gain this season besides a victory?

Blake: I just want to feel what it's like to consistently run up front every week in the Busch car. If you can do that, you'll get some good finishes and hopefully some wins.

vagrneyes911: What kind of cars do you drive off the speedway?

Blake: I drive a Chevy SS. I love it.

vagrneyes911: What other Busch drivers have offered to give you pointers?

Blake: It's amazing how many drivers are willing to help you. David Green, Jason Leffler, Kyle Busch. Anyone you go and ask for help, they usually are willing to give it to you.

jimmielover48: Have you ever read the team lowes racing message board, and if so what did you think?

Blake: My computer's been broken, so I haven't had the chance to yet. When I get another computer up and running, I'll log on and check it out.