GRANVILLE-Brandon Michael always knew that racing would be an integral part of his life – starting when he was seven riding go karts with speeds up to 60 miles an hour.
A look inside Brandon Michael’s #74 Monte Carlo.
“A love for racing has been in our family for a long time,” said Michael, noting his dad, Bill Michael, raced at the Lebanon Valley Speedway in the 1980’s, and his mother, Lorraine (Caruso) Michael, has a brother, Art Caruso, and uncle, Ernie Caruso, who were also avid racers.
“Mom has always loved racing too,” said Michael.
Now at 21, he just placed sixth out of 22 racers last Saturday during the 45th annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler opener at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Conn. Racers complete 15 laps on a half-mile track with speeds up to 85 miles an hour.
“We were having motor issues,” said Michael, adding that the new motor was “running hot all day so we were a little off on the set up.”
Michael entered the Speedway’s DARE Stock Division with five career DARE Stock victories and is setting his sights on being a championship contender this season with his rebuilt #74 Monte Carlo. He also won his division in the Fall Final at Stafford last year.
“It’s the first full body stock car I’ve been able to win with,” said Michael, adding that in 2015 he had two wins out of seven races, had three podium finishes, and two top 5’s.
By day, Michael is a mechanic at Bovat’s Power Equipment on Southampton Road in Westfield, and during his free time, he and his crew are always tweaking the mechanics of his race car. His crew includes his father, Bill Michael, John Berardi, who originally owned the car and serves as crew chief, and Ray Kocum. Michael is a 2012 graduate of Westfield Technical Academy, where he majored in carpentry and construction.
Brandon Michael and his #74 Monte Carlo that he races at the Stafford Motor Speedway.
Michael has invested approximately $7,000 this year into his #74 for a new motor, transmission, suspension and rear axle, as well as for tires, rims, and brakes, and is gearing up for his next race on May 6.
“I’m in it to win it,” said Michael, adding, “The car should be a lot better by then.”
When Michael brought the car home after last weekend’s race, he was pleased he only had a couple of scratches on it. Taking a closer look at his sponsors’ logos, one also notices some special recognitions that show how appreciative and grateful he is for all of the support he receives. There is a heart with wings recognizing his grandfather, William Michael, with a decal that reads “Grampa Rides With Me, 1932-2011, We Miss You,” as well as recognizing a cousin who was killed in a motorcycle accident in Bloomfield, Conn., last year. That decal reads “In Loving Memory, Joey, Race the Heavens,” with the Harley-Davidson logo front and center. On the back of the car there is a special thank you recognizing important people in his life that reads: “Special thanks – John, Ray, Jim, Mom, Dad, Shannon, Alyssa.”
Michael is also thankful for the sponsors who are supporting him in his race to be a championship contender. Sponsors at press time include Bovat’s Power Equipment, Whip City Cleaning Service, Rock Solid Stone Works, Tradesmen of New England, Steve’s Glass, Rte. 10 Tire, Gary’s Connecticut Lawn Care, Hub International Insurance, Bet-Rock Farm, Basement Screen Printing and Berardi Transmissions.
“I couldn’t have done this or gotten to where I am without my family, friends, sponsors and everyone who helps make this possible,” said Michael, adding he also knows his family will always be at the finish line waving him on.
As May 6 fast approaches, Michael and his crew seek to be consistent with each race and run up front each week. Also, Michael never loses sight of the big picture.
“I plan to be driving someone’s SK Modified open wheel car in the next two years,” said Michael.
