Most people do not think of Nascar drivers needing or even wanting personal trainers. Fifteen years ago they probably didnt need one. But as the cars evolved so ,did the stresses that were put on a diver's body. Fast forward to 2018 when Hunter Smith opened FitStop Performance as a one-stop-shop for drivers wellness on multiple levels.
CT: What path did you take to end up where you are today? Hunter: I started my career in racing when I was 12 (2008) competing in Champ Kart races in Pennsylvania and New York. I won a good bit of races then transitioned into some bigger cars like Slingshots, 3/4 midgets, and modifieds. In 2014 I was brought in to a team as a driver in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. So I moved to North Carolina in 2014 (age 18) and ran on-and-off with that tour through the end of 2015. During my stint with that team I also dabbled in late models on both dirt and asphalt. At the end of 2015, I was informed the team would be shutting down, so I explored options to compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. Unfortunately, funding never came together and my full-time driving career was over. However, I was far from done in the industry. Through my entire career I was very serious about my fitness and educating others. So, I moved back to New Jersey and began coaching other drivers and in 2018 I moved back to North Carolina to open FitStop Performance. At FitStop Performance, we coach drivers on multiple levels which include, physical fitness, mental edge, and driving technique! I am a one man band in this business, and my dream was for FitStop to be a one-stop-shop for helping drivers become better athletes and better people, at an affordable cost to any budget. CT: What are some things people did to encourage you to keep chasing your dream? Hunter: There's a good handful of people who always encouraged me to chase this dream and not give up on it. It's a super tough industry to make a name in and it can really take a toll on you and your family. My family has always told me to never give up and if I want something bad enough I can make it happen. Hearing them believe in me is what keeps me motivated each day. CT: Who was/is your biggest supporter? Hunter: Hands down, my parents. My mom and dad have never given up on me. They have stuck behind me on every bad day and every good day I've had on this journey and I truly would not be in this position without their support, guidance, and patience. I am also fortunate to be surrounded by amazing clients and friends in the business. I moved 600 miles away from home with no family and knew no body who lived here. Greg Stumpff from Off Axis Paint has supported and challenged me everyday to build this business and this dream, while clients like Corey LaJoie and Spencer Boyd have become super close friends of mine and took a chance on some kid from NJ to help make them better athletes. I can't thank them, and all our clients, enough for that support. CT: What does a typical day consist of for you? Hunter: A typical day starts with waking up around 4 AM because clients start around 5 AM. The early-mid morning is generally full of client workouts and my own workout. The afternoon is typically when I take care of other business to-do's, then it's back to the gym floor in the evening for "after-work" clients. That'll run until about 9 PM. Finally, I come home, eat a little dinner then head to bed and get ready to do it all again the next day! I end up at the racetrack with clients on quite a few weekends, but the weekends where I am home, I generally use for catching up on sleep, honestly. CT: If you could give your younger self a word of encouragement what would it be? Hunter: I would tell my younger self to not get stressed so easily. Take things as they come and don't anticipate what may happen, simply deal with what does happen. Heck, I find myself having to tell myself this sometimes now! CT: Feel free to do any shout outs or self promotion you want to do so people will know where to find you. Hunter: I definitely have to thank all my family, close friends, clients and fans (the few out there) that have supported me all this time! I encourage everyone to go check out FitStop Performance on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@FitStopPerform), and my own personal accounts on Twitter and Instagram (@FitStop_Hunter)! Thanks again for allowing me to tell my story!
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