A 10 Questions trifecta awaits you good readers – a sprint car racer who delivers the goods, spent time in Pennsylvania and has a darn good sense of humor. Those three qualities describe our kind of driver, and in this case it is the one and only TJ Winegardner.

The pride of Pierson, TJ has spent the vast majority of 2009 hanging around Port Royal Speedway, deep in the heart of Pennsylvania Posse country, slugging it out with some of the baddest of the bad. TJ finished the year eighth in points, just ahead of…Keith Kauffman. Not too shabby if you ask us.

Without further ado, once again bringing out the oddball questions for the drivers, we present to you, the one, the only…TJ Winegardner!

So how has Pennsylvania life treated you this year? The Amish make some mean apple butter if you haven’t had any yet. Pennsylvania is great!  We have built a good strong team this year and we are really excited for next season.  And so far the Pennsylvania residents have been more than accommodating to me.  However I must admit I’ve not yet tried the apple butter, but I did have a nice Amish man fix my shoe, nice craftsmanship I must say!

What has been harder to adjust to in Pennsylvania – the level of competition or the bigger and faster tracks? Definitely the competition, without a doubt. Although it is hard to say when you can’t run in the front spot, you start to question both…or perhaps it’s the extra 250 hp. Hard to say I guess.

How did you get started in sprint car racing? That’s easy – my Dad!

Have you thought about getting together with Bryn Gohn and making a nickname for Florida drivers so we can say things like, “at Port Royal the Pennsylvania Posse is squaring off against the Florida Faction in 410 action!” That rhymes… You know we did have the “Florida Young Guns” thing going for a while. As for teaming up with Bryn, it only takes $1500 cash and a credit card with no limit.

What do the initials TJ stand for? Ryan Partin says it stands for “Total Jerkoff,” but we find that hard to believe. You seem like a nice guy and a respectable member of society. TJ stands for Thomas Jr. actually, but  it has had worse acronyms than “Total Jerkoff” tagged to it, truth be told. Me, a member of society? That’s the other teams in the pits right?

What was the highlight of your 2009 racing season up in Pennsylvania? I would have to say not destroying any race cars.  As Forrest Gump would say, “that’s about all I have to say about that.”

How long can you hold your breath under water? As long as I have to.

Where can we find you racing in 2010? Florida in February, after that only time will tell I’m afraid.

Have you ever thought to yourself, “you know I really should be a wine gardener, open up my own vineyard, grow some grapes and start selling wine. Hell, even Richard Childress has his own vineyard.” Naahh. My ancestors already covered that base. I suppose if I am ever as successful as Richard Childress, I might consider expanding the family business though.

Let’s say we need some components and such for a sprint car…who should we call? Don’t make me be a salesman in an interview! But I did hear of this really great speed shop in Florida called W.R.P. and it’s your total sprint car connection 386-749-1683.

So there you have it kids, the one and only TJ Winegardner. Thanks to TJ for being a good sport and representing our state up in Pennsylvania Posse country. If you want to learn more about TJ, hit up his website at www.tjwinegardner.com .