Cody Barklage

Cody Barklage
Age
22 Years Old
Location
Lake Ozark, MO
Main Sport
Auto > Drag Racing

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Q&A - Competition

How did you get started?

I would have to give the credit to my parent Mark and Cathy, with out them constantly pushing and teaching me to want more I would not be where I am

List your competitive highlights:

• When I was 14 I broke the world record for the quickest and fastest Jr. dragster, with my own nitrous configuration. • At age 17 I made my Professional debut, Became the youngest to ever qualify at a National drag racing event, and Finished 7th in the world championship • At age 19 finished 5th in the world championship chase • When I was 20 I won my first world championship • Now at age 22 I competed in the National Guard ADRL and finished 6th in the championship chase.

What are you planning for next season?

I have very high expiations for next year. My goal for next year is to move up some what in points from where we were this year, and with the toughest competition found in drag racing that is almost a high hope, I will just be pleased with racing and keeping my name out in front of the fans. This year at the first race I wrecked the car and didn’t qualify. At the second race in Houston I qualified 16 and went out first round, in Valdosta Georgia I failed to qualify. Basically this past season they changed rules and most of us had stumbled before we got back up on our feet. With us being a family budgeted team we had no funds for testing and R&D work. Mid season we found our grove again and constantly moved up in the points chase.

What has been your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment came for me when I won the world championship, unfortunately our race transporter caught on fire on the way to the last race and we lost one of the cars. For 2008 we spent most of the time rebuilding and cleaning. The other car was salvageable, but took A LOT of work to rebuild. Another big accomplishment came for me this year to bounce back from the fire, and win one of the national events and even be in the championship chase.

Q&A - Personal

What inspires you to compete?

My love for motorsports inspires me to compete. Drag racing for me is number one. I also love competition there is not a better thrill than what you get when you have put the hard work in and win.

Why do you like this sport?

I love all types of motorsports not just drag racing, all though it is my favorite. I can get enough of the level of competition. Drag racing for me is more of a team sport than some of the other auto venues. With drag racing there is a ton of R&D that you have to do to stay competitive. Drag racing is also very mental to be a good driver you have to be able to completely clear your mind and thought process when you strap in, it is very easy for the whole aspect of "holy shit I am getting ready to go from 0 to over 200mph in just 3 seconds" that is enough to screw with anybody’s mind.

Describe your style...

To me my style is my attitude, if you are going to do it live it and love it. My style is very unique compared to most of your drag race community just by the look of our whole team you can tell that I am edgy, outgoing and defiantly not "strait laced” like the rest of the drivers.

Some Personal Information About Me:

I am 22 years young, and born and raised at Lake Of The Ozarks MO. I have been around all types of racing since I can remember and have loved each one. I started racing when I was 11 in the Jr. Dragster class, when I was 14 I broke both ends of the world record in the Jr. Dragster class. When I was 16 I acquired my advanced et. license and started driving a promod. When I was 17 I became the youngest to ever qualify at a professional national event, I also finished 7th in the NHRA/AMS world championship. When I was 20 I competed in the Super Chevy Show nitro coupe class, my team and I won the world championship. For 2009 I have competed in the National Guard ADRL series in the Pro Extreme class. This year I finished sixth in the championship and have very high sights for next year.

How's Life Treating You?

Life is treating me very well I am in great health. The best part about my life besides racing is my wife Lacey. I really can complain about my life right now I wake up every day and work and drive race cars, what more can I really ask for than that.