Getting to know Matt Ver Meer, rear-tire carrier for No. 88 team

CONCORD, N.C. - The sports world is nothing new to Matt Ver Meer. As a former wide receiver for Central College in Pella, Iowa, Matt helped his school secure three Iowa conference titles in four years. At the end of his college football career, he changed directions and now is the rear-tire carrier for the No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard team. Meet Matt:

Full name: Matt Ver Meer

Hometown:  Montezuma, Iowa.

Education: I received my Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and Exercise Science at Central College in Pella, Iowa.

Team/Job duties: Rear-tire carrier on the No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard team.

Time at current job: Two years.

Years in racing: Two.

First racing job: I started working in the development pit crew department at Hendrick Motorsports in 2009. While training here that year, I worked as a tire carrier for an ARCA Series team and for Phoenix Racing's No. 1 NASCAR Nationwide Series team.

First job overall: I worked at Vannoy Chevrolet in Montezuma, Iowa.

If I wasn't in racing I would be: Teaching physical education.

Best racing memory: When the Nos. 24/48 pit crews teamed up at Texas Motor Speedway in 2010.

Favorite track: Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

Favorite Hendrick Motorsports win: When Jimmie Johnson won the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.

Hobbies outside of racing: Playing with my dog, playing basketball, boating and ice fishing.

Favorite sport other than racing: Football.

When I’m not at the track you can find me: Ice fishing in Iowa during the off-season.

On an off weekend you can find me: Relaxing with my dog.

Favorite vacation spot: Honolulu, Hawaii.

Pets: Rocky, who’s a yellow lab.

Favorite movie: Dumb and Dumber.

Favorite book: Bible.

Favorite music: Country.

What you’ll find on my iPod: Country music.

Favorite phone app: Brick Attack.

My current car is: 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

My dream car is: Red Corvette.

If I could meet anyone, I’d meet: Johnny Cash.

Favorite food: Sweet corn.

When I’m training, I always: Focus on getting better.

If I ran NASCAR, I’d: Race every weekend like the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race – 50 lap segments with mandatory pit stops after each segment.

Before the race, I always: Take a nap.

During a pit stop, I’m thinking: Relax and have fun.  

I knew I wanted a job in NASCAR when: I watched races with my dad.

Best part of your job: Seeing all the little kid NASCAR fans.

Favorite Hendrick Motorsports paint scheme: No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet with the flames.