So, that‘s very nice as a driver, to have somebody like that. And then, too, we don‘t really have an ego, I guess, when it comes to each other. I think we both know that each of us aren‘t as good without each other. So, I always try to keep him happy, cause (laughs) I don‘t wanna have to go race for somebody else.
But, it‘s just a lot of fun. And he‘s somebody I can talk to away from the race track about life decisions or business decisions, or whatever it may be. So, he‘s just a great guy and, obviously, a really great crew chief.
SC&M: One last question. There never seemed to be a moment when the short track world wavered. Everybody was with you all year long. How much of that did you feel, and did that help you get through, especially the earlier part, of this year?
KL: Yeah, no doubt. You know, in the beginning when we went back racing, I didn‘t know how it was gonna be. I didn‘t know if I would be accepted or…obviously, I hurt my reputation, but I didn‘t know how that would be once I got back racing, and being with fans in the pit area and things like that. So, no, I definitely felt the support. And, it‘s helped not only myself get by, but I think Katelyn, you know, selling the merchandise has been great, having that fan interaction every night is something that she‘s enjoyed. I think Owen, he‘s become popular at the race track too. So, he enjoys that a lot as well.
So, no, it‘s been good to see. And I think, just me racing more and more this year in front of fans and having success too…I think race fans like to cheer for somebody who‘s doing good. And there was definitely points throughout — you know, after we started winning a bunch — that you could see some fans start to turn the other way. But, for the most part, it‘s been amazing. And it‘s been a year that, obviously, for a lot of reasons, I‘ll never forget. But I guess the overall year — and I guess picture — has been great, and life-changing for the better. So, I look forward to continuing to race and building my fanbase back up and, hopefully, still having a Hall of Fame career.
I‘m still young, so I have a lot left to do.