Getting to know Josh Yeakley, information technology specialist

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Nov. 21, 2009) -- Every weekend two members of Hendrick Motorsports' information technology staff travel to support the race teams. They're primarily responsible for keeping the team networks afloat, but they also are on hand to solve technological crises. Meet Josh Yeakley, one of three IT specialists who shares in the travel schedule. Full name: Joshua Scott Yeakley Nickname: Geekley. I am guessing that’s a play on geek and my last name Yeakley. Hometown: Locust, N.C. Education: Two associates degrees in computer science from Stanly Community College in North Carolina. Team/Job duties: IT/track support. I am responsible for Internet connection at the track and allowing all the race engineers to share data. One other guy and myself travel to the races every week to make sure this is done. In other words we “make the internet work.” Time at current job: Two years Years in racing: Two years First racing job: This is it. First job overall: Working for my dad at Carolina Wholesale, a warehouse over in Charlotte, N.C. I was responsible for pulling and boxing orders. After a while I ended up moving into a sales position. I was doing this while in high school and then into college. If I wasn't in racing I would be: Either furthering my education or at another IT-related position at a different company. Best racing memory: The first race I was actually working at Hendrick. Dale (Earnhardt) Jr. won the Bud Shootout in Daytona (Fla.). Pretty exciting -- everyone ran to Victory Lane to celebrate. Favorite track: Las Vegas. The nightlife is awesome. Tons of things to do, places to go and good food to eat. Some of the best clubs I have been to and getting to visit the Hoover Dam was cool. Hobbies outside of racing: Dirtbikes, videogames, paintball, bowling, running and going to the gym. Favorite sport other than racing: Running. I try to run 5K races when I have time or remember to practice for them. One day I would like to run a marathon, but it will be a while before that happens. When I'm not at the track you can find me: Out with some friends riding bikes, or at the beach. During the offseason I like to go snowboarding, I am not really good but it a lot of fun. Favorite movie: “Office Space” and “Grandma’s Boy.” I have been hooked on the “True Blood” series off HBO recently. Favorite music: Rap/Hip-Hop What you’ll find on my iPOD: A bunch of older alternative (1999-2004), and then newer rap songs. Favorite food: Sushi. Ru San's in Charlotte has my favorite sushi. I usually order eel rolls -- lots of them. One thing people don’t know about me: A coworker and I run a bike club www.centralpiedmontriders.com. I created the Web site and most of the graphics. We use it to host bike rides and events. Before the race, I always: Double check the timing and scoring feeds, network connectivity and that everything is working properly. During a pit stop, I’m thinking: Usually about how many laps are left, and when I need to take down the garage network. Usually after halfway through the race it gets taken down along with our weather station. I knew I wanted a job in NASCAR when: I got hired to work for Hendrick Motorsports. Before that I was still in school working towards another degree, and the job offer caught me by surprise.