Trailblazing and creating his own legacy while having fun doing it, the dirt driver RJ Garay chases the checkered flag as he carries on the legacy of his grandfather. He has a passion for agriculture and finding ways to combine his love for racing and passion for Future Farmers of America.
Hometown: Garfield, New Mexico
Number: 27G
Division: Semi-Pro
Team: RJ Garay Racing
1. How did you get your start in racing?
I have my own business where I restore antique tractors, so about four to five years ago I did one and the owner of the local grocery store bought it from me. With that money my good friend Cale Riggs had an old Legend Car for sale and I said, “Eh, why not.” So, I bought the car from him and rebuilt it in my shop over the winter.
2. How did you pick the number 27?
I have three other siblings and we’re all born on the 27th of a different month. So, 27 is kind of our family’s lucky number. I went with 27 for good luck and put the “G” back there just to have a little different touch for my last name and when I go out to other tracks other people might have the same number as me.
3. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My grandpa Saul. He left a crazy legacy for my family. I never got to meet him. I’ve always thought he’s looking down and I’m making him proud right now because my dad told me that they always wanted to have their own race car. I feel like having this car and being able to go out and race is just kind of me creating that legacy and making him proud up there.
4. What is your favorite racing memory?
When I won my very first heat race Labor Day weekend in 2023. We always have a Hatch Chili Festival that weekend, because the next town over is called Hatch. I had just driven my car through the parade and loaded it up and people were like, “That car is so cool, and looks so nice.” So, I got out there and I started the race in fifth or sixth place and in the first two laps I went full steam ahead and was in the front position. I was having the time of my life and I hugged the bottom so no one could get around me. [Then] I saw that checkered flag and there was no one in front me. “Holy crap I won.” I come around turn four and I look up and everyone is cheering and clapping. As I'm walking into the stands everyone is giving me high fives and at the time I was still a rookie so I was like this is the greatest feeling ever.
5. How do you get focused before a race?
For me my mom always makes the best burritos. So, I always have a burrito before I hop in the car and you know it gives me fuel and has that green chili power. I take a deep breath and say a little prayer. As I'm putting my gear on, I'm listening to different kinds of music just to get me in the mode and hyped up. While I sit in staging, I start creating a plan in my head, what I’m going do different from previous races and as soon as we start taking that first pace lap, I’m making a plan and thinking about how I'm going to execute it.
6. Do you have any hobbies outside of racing?
Outside of racing I do a lot in FFA (Future Farmers of America). It is one of the greatest organizations to ever be in as a high school student. I’ve served three terms now as district officer and now currently serve as the New Mexico state FFA vice president. I get to travel the state and visit different high schools and give a leadership workshop to my peers. It's truly been amazing and FFA and racing have helped me build connections.
7. How do you balance your personal life and racing?
It is a lot. My schedule is left and right, but it takes a lot of planning and scheduling. I take pride in my racing and want to make sure I do things right. I allow enough time to be able to work on my car but if I can’t make it, I can’t make it. I’ve actually been finding ways to incorporate FFA with racing. I got with the general manager at our local track, at Vado Speedway Park, and we put together an FFA night at the race track. It was really cool to make that connection of my worlds there.
8. What is your favorite dirt track (and why)?
Vado Speedway Park. It’s the perfect setup for me. Three-eighths mile, semi-banked.
9. Who is your favorite race car driver?
Dusty Riggs. He’s a hometown hero. He is a good role model and I want to be like him someday.
10. How does the racing culture differ anywhere else from New Mexico? For example pennsylvania?
In New Mexico, all the classes we are buddy-buddy with each other. When I first got there as a rookie, I had all these people coming up to me and approaching me saying, “Hey, welcome to the Legend class, we’ll give you space, let us know if you need any help.” In those years I’ve progressed and now it [has] kinda flipped. So, any new rookie that comes along I’ll go talk to them and say, “Hey what do you need? Do you need any advice etc.” It's kinda hard in other places because we don’t know each other well, we haven't raced with each other for all these years but people are still friendly and people are still kind. Everybody helps everybody. Racing in general has such a welcoming community.
11. What dirt track would you one day like to race at? Even one you may not be able to race a Legend Car at.
I’ve always wanted to race a sprint car at Eldora Speedway.
12. What advice would you give to someone wanting to be a Legend Car driver?
Do it. Don’t have any doubts. Stay true to yourself and stay humble. No matter how much money you have, no matter how nice of a car you have, make sure to remember it's your first time. It's okay if you lose and spin out.