Column By: BILLY HODGES / RPW – GLOVERSVILLE, NY – In 2023, EJ Gallup will be piloting the #5EJ Limited Sportsman at the Utica-Rome Speedway for a second season.
He’s now living a dream.
After years of going to the races and helping championship racer Rocky Warner, the 41-year-old decided it was time to make his dream a reality. Last year, it was time.
“Being around it more last year, I bought a car and ran whatever weekends I could in Limited Sportsman,” Gallup said. “I had never raced anything in my life…not even karts…nothing.”
It was definitely a learning curve for Gallup, but one he excelled in.
“We ran at Utica-Rome Speedway last year and finished sixth in points,” he said. “We actually ended up with two wins and four second place finishes there.”
Then came the end of the season, and it was a great one for the first year driver.
“I went to Fulton Speedway for the Outlaw 200 Weekend and we won the Limited race,” he said. “Then, Tanner Warner got behind the wheel and we won the big $5,000 Sportsman race at Outlaw Speedway.”
When he wanted to race, there was only one place Gallup wanted to begin his career.
For all of promoter Brett Deyo’s tracks, starting this season, drivers will be eligible for NASCAR Weekly Racing points. Thoughts?
“Honestly, I don’t know much about how the NASCAR sanctioned stuff works,” he said. “I’m sure it’ll have its benefits for the track and the drivers. I dont know all the in’s and out’s of racing and how everything works but I do know Brett has done a great job at Fonda and Utica. I’m sure whatever direction he has us going in will work out just fine.”
For this season, Gallup is thinking a little bit of a change may be in order.
“It may be time to possibly go up to Sportsman during 2023,” he said. “However, getting seat time is important. We’ll see. With only 10-12 races under my belt, this is still all still new to me.”
Is that the plan? Are things set in stone?
“Our plan is to be back at Utica-Rome since we love it there,” he said. “Brett and his team do a great job so I don’t see reason for a change.”
While 2022 was a great year for Gallup, and with the new season on the horizon, many will be interested to know that his competitive nature isn’t confined to the four corners and two straightaways of a race track. He also loves the game developed by Mr. James Naismith.
“I’m head coach of the Fulton-Montgomery Community College basketball team,” he said. “Basketball and coaching truly are my life. Racing is a fun summer hobby, but my love is on the hard court.”
While basketball is primarily a winter sport, that doesn’t mean Gallup’s summers are free to put the pedal down.
“People may be confused as to why I miss races for basketball in the summer when I coach in the winter,” he said. “When the season ends, I coach Floyd Mayweather’s Money Team on ESPN in the $1 Million Summer Tournament.
Back to the steering wheel, Gallup is grateful for the sponsors that have helped him live out his racing dream.
“I have to thank all of my sponsors for their continued support,” he said. “Gallup Storage and Trucking, Omeis Industries, Eggan Excavating, Capital Region Digital, LM Mason, Big Dawg Towing, Teds Auto Body and the Seimbor Family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
He didn’t want to forget his crew for their dedication.
“I have to thank my guys,” he said. “From Rocky to Buckwheat, Tanner, Corky, Frankie, Scotty, Towner, Renda, Tom and Big North, they make our car go around and be as successful as can be.”