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Post by Mike Kattan on Mar 19, 2005 19:55:19 GMT -5
Alright, I have asked Mike, a volunteer worker for DCT Motorsports to allow us to have a Q and A session with him. DCT Motorsports runs the #36 TUCSON Chevy run by Stanton Barrett in the Busch Series.
EDIT: Mike is now working with Paul Menard in the Busch Series as a Part-Time Fabricator and Chassis Specialist.
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Post by DupontChev on Apr 2, 2005 16:32:51 GMT -5
If this one is still available:
1) For how long are DCT's sponsors signed on, and are they pleased with the progress of the team?
2) What do you help the team out with?
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Post by dj11 on Jun 19, 2005 9:39:44 GMT -5
Mike went to DEI a few weeks ago. He now works for Paul Menard.
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mike
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Post by mike on Jul 20, 2005 18:26:08 GMT -5
Well, sorry for not checking in on this link lately, as it has mentioned in the link, I am not with DCT anymore so I will not comment on any of thier going ons. Things at DEI are awesome, the culture is so much different, since they have the resources to win..the attitude is that we are not satsified unless we win! I am willing to answer any questions here and will try to check in once a week (usually Tue/Wed)
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Post by jcat on Jul 20, 2005 19:35:59 GMT -5
Hi Mike, Thanks for checking in. And you have to know what questions we will be asking... I understand you are with Paul Menard, there has been a lot of talk about that open 15 car some of the talk has Paul stepping up and into that ride, are you able to give us a hint? I'm aware that if you knew you probably couldn't say so please don't think I'm trying to pin you down. OK? I just thought I'd ask.  . Also with all the rumors, the stories, and inuendos is it difficult to work side by side some of the people involved in these situations? I was wondering does DEI feed you guys lunch or do you brown bag it? And do you guys get free Budweiser? I know stupid questions but inquiring mind's want to know. If you can say...What is your take on the Michael Waltrip/ DEI split? |
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Post by mike on Jul 20, 2005 20:26:52 GMT -5
HI JCat, thanks for your questions and support, here is the best I can do for you. NO Paul Menard will NOT be in the #15 next season, the plan for Paul is to run a handfull of Cup races this year and next year, and a Full Busch effort in '06, I seriously believe we will be a contender for the Championship, do not be surprised if Ryan Moore takes over Martin Truex's Busch car, or atleast a partial schedule with a DEI busch car. As for Mikey, he is a very nice fellow, I have only seen him around the shop a few time, and at the track he is usually preoccupied, so I don't know him very well. We (ALL DEI TEAMS) were called in for a meeting in the shop when it was announced the Mikey would not be returning next year, and rumours have run wild since, but nothing has come down from the top. As far as I know we will run the 8,15 and 1 in Cup and the 8,11 and maybe 81 in Busch. Earnhardt Jr, Truex, Mendard and Moore are all sured up for next season. DEI usually is pretty generous when it comes to feed, when we are at the shop a "runner" picks up food from local take out places, when we are at the track (Busch guys, don't know about CUp) we get a "Perdeum" of $100 per day for meals, rental cars, and hotel rooms are also comped, unless you start with the extra's. I have been bringing my Wife to the track with me, so I do not share a room with another crew member when we book a hotel, so I pay for any overage above the $100 per night all the other guys get. I don't drink much, but I am sure If I got caught with anything other than a bud, I would be in hot water!!! They do not dish it out like candy, but frequently give sponsor perks to the crew, I recieved 2 Gallons of Premium Pittsburgh Paint last week as a "Spiff". As for Michael Waltrip, I wish him the best of luck in the future, as does the rest of DEI. Again, thanks for your questions and support.
Mike
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Post by Mike Kattan on Jul 20, 2005 20:57:52 GMT -5
How did you get the job with DEI? More specifically, how did they find you? Did you contact them, or did they contact you?
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mike
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Post by mike on Jul 20, 2005 21:50:58 GMT -5
Hi Mike, great job with the board so far. When I decided to leave DCT Motorsports, I began my search of the garage area. Essentially I made my way from stall to stall, dropping pointers and hints, without actually saying I was interested in a job, it's really networking more than anything else. After a short period of time I recieved a few phone calls. One from Davis Motorsports (#0) which was a team I had worked for in the past (volunteer basically) and is actually where I met Morgan. I told Johnny I appreciated the offer but was looking for something to pay the bills. I also got a call from Tad Geschickter (Spelling?) the owner of the 47 and 59, in the busch series. I was considering that offer until I got the call from DEI. A man named Dave Carpenter gave me the call, and asked if I was interested in a part time fabricator job in the shop at Mooresville. I took it right away, after about two weeks I began traveling from the shop to the track, and was promoted to a Chassis Specialist, at the track...I am still a fabricator in the shop. Hope that helped.
Mike
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Post by Mike Kattan on Jul 20, 2005 21:53:39 GMT -5
Yes, mike that helped alot, can you get Paul Menard on here Thank you for the compliment. |
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Post by jcat on Jul 21, 2005 19:19:28 GMT -5
Mike, Thank you for your more than generous reply. I am a true "RED" hard core DEI supporter since the 80's. I became a Jr. fan the first time I saw him back when he was 8-9 yr's old. I think it was either Buddy Baker or maybe Neil Bonnett who first introduced Jr. on one of the old TNN broadcast. Junior was sweeping dads garage area...LOL Too cute.
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Post by vickersguy on Jul 24, 2005 17:22:29 GMT -5
Mike- I live near the Concord NC area and would like to know where you went to FAB school at. and how you started your career. please Private Messenger me with that info as I am intrested in being a fabricator. thanks in advance, Nick.  |
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mike
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Post by mike on Jul 26, 2005 21:28:15 GMT -5
Hi Vickersguy, thanks for the question...here is the answer to the best of my ability. I began my career racing at Riverside Park in agawam Mass, and Stafford Speedway in Stafford Springs CT. I was a reckless rocket!! I spent more time fixing equipment then I did driving it. Eventually my family owned team ran dry on funds, and I tooled around the pit looking for odd jobs. I kept up on the local scene for the next several years. I attended Cheney Technical Institute in Manchester CT (High School) and then obtained a Bachelors in Engineering from Central Connecticut State University in the spring of 1998. I packed up my things and moved south shortly there after (NOT due to racing). again I attended local tracks and picked up odd jobs. One night while I was at a hickory I met a beatiful young lady, who I would eventually end up dating...she turned out to be the niece of Busch owner Johnny Davis..I got my first "Nascar" job with the #0 team right as Morgan was coming on board with the team (which is how we met). Coincidentally after Morgan left the team, I did as well...because I broke up with Davis' niece. I have since met and even more beautiful girl and married her. I spend a bit of time in the engineering department at Tyler Jet Motorsports, and about two years at Bosch in the manufacturing and engineering department in Charlotte, NC and then about six months in Michigan in the Motorsports Development program, and tried to help Morgan whenever he needed it. I worked with DCT for nearly a year, and have since worked with DEI for the past several months. I would recommend that you check out the Universal Technical Institute they have a program specifically for Nascar, I believe they have a campus right down the road from me on Byers Creek road in Mooresville, check them out for sure. Also try to visit some local short tracks and find a team that has no money, and no crew. The likelihood is that they will take whatever help they can get, and show you the ropes at the same time, it is win win. hope this helps.
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Post by vickersguy on Jul 27, 2005 11:51:01 GMT -5
thanks mike!!!
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Post by dj11 on Jul 27, 2005 17:48:45 GMT -5
Mike, is Cheney Technical Institute a school you apply to or is it a public high school? Thanks
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Post by jcat on Aug 14, 2005 13:50:27 GMT -5
Hi Mike, I was wondering if there have been any discussions among DEI employees as to why it is Michael Waltrip is able to adapt to Jr's old cars, and do so very well? And why Jr just can't seem to get it together at all in Michael's old cars? What is your opinion on the subject? I was thinking it is because MW has driven for so many different owners that the experience gives him that much of an edge? And finally, do you think there is anything MW can tell JR about the car that would help JR adapt quicker? Thank you for your participation in this forum.
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