The Success of “Sugar” Shane Carr

Bracket racer, Shane Carr of Bradenton, FL is in the DragChamp Racer Spotlight this week!

Featured Photo Credit: Lou Crouch / PicturesbyLou.com 

Shane Carr began racing over 30 years ago on a three-wheeler at Baileyton Good Times Dragstrip in Alabama. Since that time, he has found his way to the winner’s circle collecting big checks on a regular basis.

Shane currently chases big money bracket racing year-round. Recently, he’s also had the opportunity to become a crew chief for his nine-year-old son, Dylan.

So, why do they call him “Sugar” Shane? Well, “Sugar” actually has no real meaning. Someone at a race called him it once and it just stuck! His wife, Kari says “I like to tease him that the “sugar” part is retired since he’s married!”

DragChamp tracked Shane down to learn more about his successful racing career, his goals, and his son, Dylan’s Junior Dragster racing operation.

Define Success

One of the biggest take away from our interview with Shane was the way he defines “success” differently now. Although he still enjoys winning just as much as he used to, it now has more meaning doing it alongside his son and wife.  He says, “I think in this sport, it’s easy to get caught up in a certain environment and get side tracked. Once I focused on my family, the success in racing followed pretty huge”. 

Some of Shane’s major racing accomplishments include winning the Original Million Dollar Race in 2011, runner-up at the Vegas Million, $100K SFG race winner, $50K win at SGMP as well as many more bracket racing wins. He also has multiple NHRA event wins under his belt including a win at the U.S. Nationals and two NHRA Division titles. Shane was also the 1995 IHRA Hot Rod World Champion and won many national events there as well. 

About Shane

Shane Carr started drag racing in 1985 at Baileyton Good Times Dragstrip in Alabama. To our surprise, Shane got his start on a three-wheeler. His dad, Tommy and brother Danny got him introduced to the sport.

He currently competes in top bulb big money bracket racing but he has competed in several NHRA sportsman classes. He has taken a stab at some bottom bulb racing but, not as much as he would like to.

Fun Fact: Shane has raced in every state besides Alaska and Hawaii!

Shane has had the opportunity to wheel some pretty nice race cars over the years but his current ride is a Racetech dragster owned by Shane Thompson. 

“My current ride has been pretty sweet. It’s a bad unit! With a Madcap 540 blower motor, it’s capable of running well into the low 4 second range” says Shane.

Goals and Bucket List

Racing wise, the only thing left for Shane Carr to win would be an NHRA World Championship. His bucket list would definitely include being able to have the opportunity to drive a Pro Stock car.

As far as future goals, he would love to watch his son Dylan have success in racing and to be able to experience it alongside him.

Pros & Cons to being a “Hired Gun”

Shane explains that the biggest pro is not having to front the money or have the overhead for the racing operation. It allows him to have more opportunities to attend bigger races across the country.

He says the biggest con is the variables that come with having to constantly adapt to driving different cars. This requires constant adjustments as most cars aren’t specifically set up for him so. It’s something he must overcome when competing against people who are in their own cars week in and week out.

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?

Shane’s wife, Kari and son, Dylan have a lot to do with his racing success. He says, “They gave me the drive to turn the corner and realize there is more to life than racing, partying and drinking. They motivate me to be a better man, racer, husband and father.  I wouldn’t do this if I couldn’t have them involved.”

Danger Dylan Racing

Shane and his wife have just recently stepped into the world of Junior Dragster racing with their nine-year-old son, Dylan.

Dylan has already seen some success come his way in the junior ranks. Shane says the coolest part of watching Dylan in Juniors would have to be how ridiculously good his reaction times have been. He also says that he has caught on to everything involved in a run.

Dylan also has a great personality and has shown just how dedicated he is to the sport. Shane can’t express just how proud he is already.

Why “Danger Dylan” Racing? Well, the “Danger” part was something his good buddy Dan Northrup came up with when they were talking about him racing. It stuck. He also said, Dylan wants to start a YouTube channel for Junior Dragster racing and he probably will.

Shane’s racing has allowed him to have Dylan at almost every race. Dylan is VERY popular at the track and has a lot of buddies. He’s gotten some unbelievable support and sponsorships already. He’s got all the marketing skills that Shane wishes he had. He says, “I have no doubt he will be in the top 25 one day!” 

Giving Thanks

Shane says he has many people to thank for their support over the years. He says, “There’s not just one. Obviously, my wife and Dylan, my stepson Colton and my older son, Tanner. Over the years there have been many car owners who have given me rides and believed in me.

As of lately, Shane Thompson for sure. He gave me a ride for Vegas and really didn’t know me at all. That was a pretty big statement on his part and he’s a stand up guy with top of the line equipment.”

“I also have to thank Chris Reynolds. He gave me one of the best cars I’ve ever driven as well and we had a good time racing together. Being that I can’t name them all, I will just thank anyone I’ve driven for.  

Although my dad and brother both passed away, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been involved in racing.  I wish my Mom was in better health and could see me racing today.”

Shane Carr DragChamp Q&A

What is your favorite race car, and why? 

The modified car that I drove to the Indy win. A 2008 Cobalt.

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

Motorhome, stacker, 2 door cars, 2 dragsters, a golf cart, scooter and a junior! 

How often do you use a practice tree? 

Never

Favorite movie or TV show? 

 Movie is a tie between The Hangover and Wedding Crashers.

Favorite music, artist? 

I like Pop, rock, rap…don’t think I have a favorite. I like Elvis! ha

Where do you spend the most time on the internet? 

Various drag racing websites 

What is your favorite sport?  Favorite team? 

I like football. The Cowboys and Crimson Tide.

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

Work, golf, race with Dylan. He pretty much stays attached at my hip. 

What are you really good at? 

Aggravating my wife! I’m pretty decent at golf.

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

That I don’t drink anymore or that I don’t wear underwear! Lmao 

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

Steak & Baked Potato. I’m not scared of the fork! 

Are you superstitious?  If so, what are they? 

I kind of am? Just little things here & there, nothing crazy.

Do you love to win or hate to lose? 

Both but you’re obviously going to lose way more than you win.

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

Definitely the starting line.  I try to have a very tight window on the tree. 

What motivates you to continue racing? 

The competition and the big purses we race for today.

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

I don’t think there’s anyone. I race the same regardless of who my opponent is. 

What’s the hardest part of drag racing? 

Probably limiting mistakes made. 

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

One of the top ones would have to be having the chute fall out on a Super Comp time run and not knowing it. 

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

Let go, take nothing or give a lot!

What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack? 

Winning and getting to spend time with my family.

For more bracket racing news, like this interview with Shane Carr, and drag race results, click here.