DragChamp Racer Spotlight with Corey Saint

Bracket racer Corey Saint, of Lexington, Ala., is in the Racer Spotlight this week!

Corey Saint began racing 30 year ago running a ’76 Nova in the Footbrake class. Since that time the Alabama native has been tearing up dragstrips across the south. Just this season, Corey and his ’67 Nova have made several trips to the winner’s circle collecting big checks on a regular basis.

Racing has been a family affair for Corey as his wife, kids, and in-laws have all competed throughout the years. Growing up around cars instilled a love of hot rods and racing. Other than a love of bass fishing, racing is life for Corey Saint!

Learn more about Corey Saint, his love of racing, and why he continues to race in the Q&A below.

DragChamp Racer Spotlight with Corey Saint

How did you get introduced to the sport?

I have always had a passion for tinkering with junk. My father owned a garage as I was growing up and I have been working on cars since I was old enough to crawl over the fender.

A friend/business partner of my fathers, that later became my father-in-law, introduced me to drag racing. I soon became acquainted with Mr. JD Leatherwood, my now wife’s grandfather, who had been drag racing since bracket racing began. Mr. Leatherwood has recently passed away. But, we spent endless hours over the years discussing the in’s and out’s of bracket racing.

Which class or classes do you compete in? 

It all began running local tracks from Thursday to Sunday in footbrake. As I began to learn more and pick up a few wins I spread out a little. But I have always been limited due to funds, other commitments, and just the fact that it is a hobby.

I enjoy bracket racing simply because the simple man with limited funds can compete and make a showing on the “Big Stage”. I have always took pride in showing respect to the racer with the open trailer and pick up. Simply because that is how most bracket racers get started in the sport.

I have been fortunate enough to be blessed with an older Ford Dually and living quarters enclosed trailer. But I still have an open trailer and pick up truck daily driver that gets used from time to time simply because it is my roots.

Tell us about your current race car.   

I currently have a 1967 Nova square tube chassis 4-link car. I have owned this car for about 10 years. It is powered by a Huntsville Engines 540 and a Performance Torque Converters transmission. The ole car runs from 6.0’s to 6.40’s just depending on the weather and tune-up. I actually have a ’76 Vega I like to piddle with also. It is a work in progress but has scored this season a few times as well.

Please list your major racing accomplishments.

I have won events from Thursday night gamblers races to larger bracket races. 2019 has been a good year for me. In the recent weeks I have been in 5 finals out of 7 races with 4 wins.

What’s on your bucket list, future goals, what do you hope to achieve?

I have been so blessed to be able to get do the things I have done in life I really don’t think about a bucket list.  I would like to win a Million Dollar race in the future. Not necessarily for the money but to simply to win. I enjoy tinkering with the cars to make them consistent. 

What is your favorite race car, and why?

I can’t say I have a favorite. I have owned numerous race cars over the years from dragsters in the early 90’s to the door cars I have today.

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?

My wife has probably made the biggest impact simply because she is so supportive and has spent countless nights at the race track over the past 30 years.

She knows what it feels like to drive a footbrake car to the track in August with no air conditioner to a 40’ diesel pusher motorhome. Over the past 30 years we have experienced both ends of the spectrum. But we will always remain humble and thankful for our many blessings.

Tell us what you do for a living?

Shop Operations Manager at Tennessee Valley Authority Power Service Shops. It is a very large machine shop that performs major maintenance on Power Generation Equipment.

Who do you hate to see in the other lane, and why?

I really don’t care who is in the other lane. They all got to be beat for you to get your picture made.

What’s the hardest part of drag racing?

Lining up in the staging lanes right. Bracket racing has got to the point anyone can be .00 and dead on anytime. I feel like it comes down to being as consistent as you can lap after lap and hope you don’t catch the guy that has his best lap of the day on you.

What’s your most embarrassing moment in a race car?

Probably staging to the wrong dial in or early in my career an opponent’s car broke leaving the starting line and I went on to make a full pass resulting in a breakout.

What are you saying to yourself just before you stage the car?

This is simple just let go on the top yellow.

What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack?

The comradery and fellowship with family and friends.

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

I love to win. I enjoy the excitement and memories made due to a victory.

Which are you better at the starting line or the finish line?

Funny you ask, it just depends on the day. Some days I couldn’t run over the tree in the tow truck much less be competitive and there are other days where I can be low .00 most ever hit. On the other hand there are days where I can see like a hawk on the finish line and days where it appears I am legally blind.

What motivates you to continue racing?

My daughter is currently moving from a Jr. into a big car and my son races from time to time. So that is the main motivation that keeps me racing. I mean heck, my daughter was created at the dragstrip between rounds. I really don’t know anything else.

If money were no object, what would your racing operation look like? 

I would hit more big money bracket races and have a rig that would haul multiple cars/dragsters. Although I would still use a pick-up truck and an open trailer when possible.

How often do you use a practice tree?

Near never. If I am in the shop with the kids and they are playing with it I may hit it 3 or 4 times for grins and giggles.

What is your daily driver?

2000 Chevrolet Silverado regular cab

Favorite movie or TV show?

I don’t watch much TV.

Favorite music?

I’m not into music.

Where do you spend the most time on the internet?

Researching racing related stuff.

What is your favorite sport?  Favorite team?

I’m not much on sports. Although I did enjoy watching my son play high school football.

Besides racing, what do you do in your free time?

Spend time with the family. I have a passion deep down inside me for bass fishing I have to constantly fight that demon.

What are you really good at?

Jack of all trades and master of none.

Name one thing most people don’t know about you?

Father-in-law nick named “Slick” when he found out about me and his daughter.

Would you rather hang out with a crowd or have a quiet evening at home?

I enjoy spending time with my bride. I also enjoy the comradery of hanging with family and friends at the drag strip.

What’s your favorite thing to eat? 

Mexican.

Who would you like to thank, who helps you the most?

My wife for all the support and endless long nights at the drag strip. Kenny Ford @ Performance Torque Converters and Andy Anderson @ Huntsville Engines.

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