Damon Steinke of Damon’s Photography has decided that it’s time to get out from behind the camera and back into the seat of his 1998 Mustang GT. Steinke, who competed in the NMRA’s Modular Muscle class a few seasons back, has taken some time off to expand his photography business, but the allure of NMRA‘s Coyote Stock spec-engine class has proven too much to ignore. We recently caught up with Damon to chat with him for a little bit about his plans.
What made you decide to build a car for CS?
DS: As some may know, in 2008, I stopped racing, gutted the car and picked up a camera. I really had no interest in racing at that point. It just wasn’t fun anymore. It was costing too much and I couldn’t afford to go heads-up racing. So instead of doing the racing I decided to start photographing the action and started attending numerous events in the south such as the radial races that Donald Long puts on. I could never get racing out of my blood. As I photographed race cars, I dreamt about getting back in the driver seat and pulling into the water box. In March of 2011 I attended the NMRA season opener in Bradenton, and while I was there I was taking to Ken Bjonnes and Steve Gifford and they were discussing the idea of a stock sealed motor class. As I listened to them discussing this I couldn’t help but to be intrigued by the idea. When 2013 rolled around, instead of three cars in the class it just keeps growing and growing. With a push from Mike Galimi, I decided to come down to the Super Bowl race at Route 66 in June, and again I was hooked more than ever.
Since you have never raced heads-up before, what do you think the biggest struggle will be?
DS: I think the layoff of five-plus years since really being behind the wheel will be the biggest adjustment. You don’t forget the principles of how to leave on a tree, how to stage, the basics like that. As far as it being heads up, the struggle that I see myself having is being consistent against racers like Joe Charles, Jacob Lamb, and Shane Stymiest because of the seat time they already have. I am an all-out, all-the-time, put-it-on-the-limiter type of guy, and sometimes you have to know when not to be like that.
When do you expect to have the car out?
DS: Isn’t that the million dollar question? I would love to be ready for the 2014 NMRA season opener. I will be honest though, while I have the time to get the car built and I can make all six races next season, because we are starting from the ground-up, it is going to take some sponsor help to bring it all together. We are in the process of getting sponsor proposals out sooner than later. I do have to thank a couple of people for their help already in the process. Rick Riccardi from Downs Ford for all the help so far, Deda from PTC for answering all my questions day or night, and Hank “Ding” Dingfelder for the support and the emails. Lastly for all the haters, see ‘ya in 2014!