Josh Shine isn’t like most Bandolero drivers in U.S. Legend Cars. He’s old enough to vote! He’s a self-funded driver who simply loves racing, which has captivated his attention since he saw a commercial for the 2007 Daytona 500. He had a hard crash at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway during the Nashville Spring Series, but will be back in action for the 2023 Cook Out Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway that begins next week (June 12), with the goal of a couple podiums and maybe a win!

Hometown: Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Division: Outlaws
Car Number: 28
Team: Josh Shine Racing
Favorite Vacation Spot: Charleston, SC
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Movie: Avengers Endgame
Favorite Food: Fried Chicken

1. What sparked your interest in Racing?

Back in 2007, I was watching a commercial for the Daytona 500 for that year. I just figured ‘let me see what this is.’ I watched the 500 that year and I’ve been hooked ever since. The speed and since I was a kid then, the crashes [hooked me]. I know the finish from that race had [Clint] Bowyer sliding over the start/finish line on his roof. I still remember that to this day.

2. What all types of racing have you competed in?

Besides Bandolero racing, just go-kart racing. At the time it was called Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix in New Castle, Delaware. Now I believe it’s called Xtreme Zone. They used to have rental leagues when I was younger. Then Victory Lane Karting where I currently work at, I race their league, too.

3. What do you like about the Bandolero and why do you continue to race them?

It’s basically like a go-kart with a rear suspension, so some of what I’m used to. Then also the financial aspect since I’m self-funded. It’s the only thing I can really afford. A friend of mine a few years ago gave me a piece of advice saying, ‘Race the most what you can afford.’

4. What’s it like racing with kids that hard less than half your age?

It can be fun sometimes. Sometimes it can be a wreck fest, so in that aspect it can be frustrating. They can go back to the pits and have their parents just write a check where as I can’t. You still have some fast kids that you can learn from.

5. What is your favorite racing memory?

I forget what year this was, but the go-kart track I raced at in Delaware their leagues are eight weeks [long]. In one of the leagues I [was in] I won all but one race.

6. Who is your biggest inspiration?

When it comes to my driving style, I’d say Joey Logano. I like to be an aggressive racer – take no prisoners. When it comes to off-track stuff, Josh Berry, since he’s an older guy trying to make it in NASCAR and I’m an older guy racing in Bandoleros with all these kids.

7. If you pulled into victory lane right now who all would you thank?

I’d have to thank God, my parents for helping support me and my dream when I was a kid. I’d have to thank all the people in the Bandolero and Legend Car community who have helped me out. Then a bunch of people I’ve met at Victory Lane Karting because they’ve definitely helped improve my race craft over the years since I’ve [moved to Charlotte].

8. Outside of racing, what other hobbies or activities are you involved in?

Now that it’s summer time, the only thing I might do is go for a bike ride. Charlotte has some nice parks and greenways I like to go on.

9. Anywhere special you want to race at in 2023?

If I could pull it off, possibly Atlanta Motor Speedway. That’s one track that is similar to Charlotte Motor Speedway that I’ve always wanted to race at. I’ve just never had the chance to.

10. Who is your favorite race car driver?

In NASCAR, Joey Logano.

11. Do you have any pre-race rituals or something you must do on race day?

I don’t have anything that I must do, but the one thing that I don’t do that I know is going to sound odd to a lot of people is that I do not listen to music. I tried to use that as a pre-race ritual and whenever I have it seems that the day doesn’t go well for me.

12. What is your dream street car?

One that I would actually go after would be a Porsche 911.

13. Do you remember that crash at Nashville Fairgrounds this year? What went through your mind when you slammed into that tire on that first lap, first turn wreck?

I was just mad to have an accident on lap one, turn one and was out of the race already. I couldn’t even make it out to the second race because I got a nasty bruise on my leg. It was like a golf ball size bruise. If I’d gotten in a similar wreck, that definitely wouldn’t have been good for me.

I was basically going to try and ride the wall all the way around turns one and two around the wreck. I saw one car dart to the inside of me and I tried to avoid hitting them. Then the 41 and 3 just killed [my car].

14. What is one random fact about you that others may be surprised to learn?

Back in middle school I played football for a year and my primary position I played was offensive and defensive line. I know people look at me and go, ‘What? You played on the line?’

15. If you could go back and tell your rookie self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes and try and learn from it. That is one thing I do when things go wrong is sit and stew in it when I should have just been like, ‘Okay, this is what happened. This is the solution for next time and move on.’

16. What is your ultimate racing dream?

Ultimate dream would be a NASCAR Cup Series driver.

17. What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in the racing world?

Finances. Being self-funded and not having any sponsors.

18. What are your 2023 racing goals and what do you hope to achieve?

Getting a win and a couple podiums at the Cook Out Summer Shootout. Get top five in the standings for the Shootout.