Getting to know Bart Apple, interior mechanic on the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet

CONCORD, N.C. - As interior mechanic for the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet, Bart Apple does everything from preparing Jimmie Johnson's helmet to providing the driver with a drink during a NASCAR Sprint Cup event. Meet Bart Apple:

Full name: Bartholomew Walker Apple

Hometown:  Baltimore, Ohio.

Education: Liberty Union High School in Baltimore, Ohio.

Team/job duties: Interior mechanic for the No. 48 Lowe’s team in the shop and at the track.

Time at current job:  Two years.

Years in racing: Seven years.

First racing job: Kevin Harvick Inc. I was the tire specialist and interior mechanic on the No. 33 (NASCAR) Nationwide Series team.

First job overall: My uncle’s contracting company, T.J. Young Contractors.

If I wasn't in racing I would: Own a tree removal business.

Best racing memory: Winning the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship with Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 Lowe’s team.

Favorite track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Favorite Hendrick Motorsports win: Winning at Texas Motor Speedway in 2009 with Jeff Gordon and the No. 24 team.

Hobbies outside of racing: My old go-karts, spending time with friends, family and mostly with my wife, Gigi.

Favorite sport other than racing: NCAA football and NFL. My favorite teams are the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns.

On an offweekend you can find me: At home, in Ohio or on a weekend trip to the mountains or beach with my wife.

Pet: Roo, a three-pound Chihuahua. She is totally crazy and thinks she’s the biggest dog around. 
 
Favorite movie: "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation."

Favorite book: John Grisham’s “The Rainmaker.”

Favorite music: 70s and 80s classic rock.

Best concert you’ve ever been to: AC/DC, I sat in the fourth row.

What you’ll find on my iPod: I have 2,500-plus songs on my iPod with 60s, 70s, 80s rock and classic country.

Favorite phone app: The Flashlight.

My current cars are: a 1991 Chevy S10 and a 1995 Chevy K2500 4x4.

Dream car: 1955 Chevy Nomad.

If I could meet anyone, I’d meet: Vince Lombardi.

Favorite food: Bacon.

If I ran NASCAR, I’d: Shorten the schedule.

One thing most people don’t know about me:  I’ve known my wife since I was seven.

Before the race, I always: Eat something.

During a pit stop, I’m thinking: About what I have to do - catch a tire or give Jimmie a drink.

I knew I wanted a job in NASCAR when: When I raced and worked on my go-kart at the age of 11.

Favorite Hendrick Motorsports paint scheme: Any one with champagne on it.