TJ stretching in the UPS pit
TJ Hamilton is the rear tire carrier for the No. 6 UPS team. TJ took some time to talk with UPS Racing about his job at Roush Fenway Racing.
How did you get into the sport?
I took a welding class in high school. After I graduated, Roush needed someone to be a welder, and I got the job.
What’s your favorite part about being on a NASCAR team?
The adrenaline that comes with it.
What’s the coolest thing that you’ve gotten to do since being a member of the No. 6 team?
The PBR Bull Riding Event. The riders came to the shop and learned about what we do in the pits.
What’s your normal ‘run of show’ during the week?
It is always really busy in the shop. Sunday is the big race day, typically. Monday is the resting day, and on those days, I love taking naps with my dog. On Tuesdays I try to make it up to the lake after work and do a little surfing. Wednesdays I hangout with my 11-year-old daughter, Makayla. After that, the race cycle starts all over again.
What are your normal responsibilities once arriving to the track each weekend?
At the track, my main responsibility is cleaning tires and getting them ready to race.
What are you responsible for during the actual race?
During the race, I am in the pits as a tire carrier. The adrenaline you get from the race gets you focused and you can’t think of anything else but what you have to do during the next pit stop.
If you weren’t working in racing, what do you think you would be doing?
I think flying fighter jets would be pretty cool.
Where did you grow up?
Greensboro, NC
What’s your favorite thing to do on an off-weekend?
Go to the lake for wakeboarding and surfing.
Something interesting about yourself?
I am very superstitious.
Favorite movie: Rudy, Rocky Movies (except the last one), and of course, Days of Thunder
Favorite TV Show: I don’t really watch TV.
Favorite cartoon as a kid: Transformers
Favorite pizza toppings? Ham
Favorite place to eat? Mexican
Favorite music: Country
TJ during a UPS pit stop
