March Big Check Racer Spotlight: Nicole Talbert

Big Check Bracket Racing March Racer Spotlight: Nicole Talbert

Nicole Talbert of Inwood, West Virginia was voted the March Big Check Bracket Racing favorite racer of the month. Nicole finished tied with Chris Gulitti in the voting. Nicole’s most recent Big Check win came at the Loose Rocker St. Patrick’s Classic where she captured the $10,000 Footbrake win.

Paige Hamlin at Big Check Bracket Racing caught up with Nicole to learn more about her racing operation.

How long have you been racing?

Nicole Talbert: 15 years, started racing junior dragsters in 2004

How did you get introduced to the sport?

NT: My dad has raced for over 30 years, so I grew up around all things racing. When I was 11, I asked dad if I could race too after watching one of The Fast and Furious movies. (LOL)

Which class or classes do you compete in? 

NT: I mainly race in the Footbrake class, but have competed in the Top ET/Super Pro/Electronics class as well. I am definitely more competitive in the Footbrake class. This year, I am planning to race mostly at Maryland International Raceway and Capitol Raceway.

Tell us about your current race car.

NT: My race car (truck) is a 1991 Chevy S10 with a 421 SBC and a powerglide transmission. It’s black with a pink pin-stripe and has looked the same ever since I started racing it about 10 years ago! It started out running 8.70s or so in the eighth and now runs 6.20s. It may look the same, but it’s definitely undergone a lot of changes mechanically!

Please list your major racing accomplishments.

• 2019 St Patrick’s Day Classic Footbrake 10K Winner
• Semi-Finalist at 2013 Fall Footbrake Frenzy 25K Race
• 2010 Mod ET Runner-Up at Maryland International Raceway
• 2009 Jr Dragster Champion at Mason Dixon Dragway
• 2009 16-17 Year Old Division 1 Jr Dragster Champion
• 2005 12 Year Old Jr Dragster Eastern Conference Finals Runner-Up

What’s on your bucket list, future goals?

NT: I’d like to win a track championship in a “big” car and the Summit Super Series. I’d also like to catch up to my dad in the number of big checks he has.

Check out Chris Gulitti’s Racer Spotlight Article here.

What is your favorite race car, and why?

NT: My truck, of course. After that, I love 1969/1968 Chevelle’s, preferably with black vinyl tops – they are just gorgeous cars!

Tell us what you do for a living?

NT: I am a Commercial Insurance Account Manager.

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

NT: My dad because that means we both can’t win!

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

NT: There’s plenty – one time I drove eighth mile stripe in a quarter mile race, another time I didn’t have the truck in low gear when using the delay box, and my seat has gone all the way back when I left the line and my foot came off the gas pedal.

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

NT: Be green! Or better yet, I try NOT to think because that just causes problems.

What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack?

NT: Everything – the competition, the people, the cars.

Are you superstitious?  If so, what are they?

NT: Yes – my dad and I both try to stand the same place/do the same thing every round if we are doing well. We also are superstitious to the point of saying we lost because we wore different shoes or hat or forgot to put on a watch. LOL

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

NT: I guess I would say “love to win.”  Winning a race is an amazing feeling, but even if I don’t win, I am just happy I am racing and learning how I can improve.

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

NT: I would say I’m pretty decent at both… sometimes.

What motivates you to continue racing?

NT: The feeling of winning – there’s nothing else like it.

How often do you use a practice tree?

NT: Not enough! Once a week if I’m lucky – I need to work on that…

What is your daily driver?

NT: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Favorite movie or TV show?

NT: Shameless, The Walking Dead, Orange is the New Black

Favorite music, artist?

NT: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee I don’t really have a favorite – I listen to everything from rap to classic rock!

Where do you spend the most time on the internet?

NT: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Instagram, Pinterest, Amazon, shopping

What is your favorite sport?  Favorite team?

NT: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee There are sports other than drag racing? I don’t really watch any sports at all.

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

NT: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee I like to work out and shop when I’m not racing.

What are you really good at?

NT: I’m not really sure how to answer that one!

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

NT: I don’t know – I’m pretty boring. I graduated high school a year early, at age 16.

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

NT: I am definitely a homebody!

What’s your favorite thing to eat?  Individual item, meal, or restaurant?

NT: I LOVE pizza, but my favorite restaurant would probably be California Tortilla.

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

NT: My dad definitely helps me the most – he is the best mechanic, teacher, friend, and father around. I could never thank him enough.

About the Author: Paige Hamlin is the founder of South Central Drag Racing and Big Check Bracket Racing. Through her sites, Paige works to promote big money drag racing events. In addition to her media endeavors, Paige enjoys footbrake racing in her S-10 pickup.

You can connect with Paige on Facebook at @southcentraldragracing or email at paige@dragchamp.com