Getting to know Kip Wolfmeier, rear-tire changer for the No. 5 Chevrolet

CONCORD, N.C. - Kip Wolfmeier knew he wanted to work in NASCAR ever since he was 12 years old. With a passion for racing, Kip now is pulling double-duty in the Sprint Cup Series working as the mechanic for the No. 24 team and as the No. 5 rear-tire changer on race day. Meet Kip:

Full name: Kip Wolfmeier  

Hometown:  Kingdom City, Missouri

Education: North Callaway High School in Kingdom City, Missouri.

Team/Job duties: Mechanic on the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger team, and rear-tire changer on the No. 5 GoDaddy.com team.

Time at current job: Four years.

Years in racing: Eight years working in NASCAR, but I’ve been racing since I was 12 years old.

First racing job: HAAS CNC Racing. I worked on the No. 00 Nationwide Series team.

First job overall: On a farm in Missouri.

If I wasn't in racing I would be: Farming or building log homes.

Best racing memory: I used to hide inside the cars on the trailer in order to sneak in to dirt tracks before I was of age so I could get credentials.

Favorite track: Infineon (Calif.) Raceway. 

Favorite Hendrick Motorsports win/moment: Winning the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway with Mark Martin and the No. 5 GoDaddy.com team. It also was pretty neat to win the Daytona 500 pole with Mark in 2010.

Hobbies outside of racing: Hunting, fishing, four wheelers, dirt bikes and bonfires. 

Favorite sport other than racing: Hunting.

On an off weekend you can find me: In the woods or with family.

Favorite vacation spot:  Somewhere in the mountains.

Pet(s): Deer (they don’t know it) and a triceratops.  

Favorite movie: Smokey and the Bandit.

Favorite book: Merle Haggard's "My House of Memories."

Favorite music: Country.

Best concert you’ve ever been to: AC/DC.

What you’ll find on my iPod: Everything from Waylon Jennings to Lil Wayne.

Favorite phone app: Sprint Navigation.

My current car is: 1938 Rat Rod.

If I could meet anyone, I’d meet: Jamey Johnson.

Favorite food: Whatever is hot.

When I’m training, I always: Need good music.

If I ran NASCAR, I’d: Shorten races.

One thing people don’t know about me (fun fact): I have a triceratops.

Before the race, I always: Expect to win.

During a pit stop, I’m thinking: I don’t really think too much. I’m mostly anticipating the unexpected.

I knew I wanted a job in NASCAR when: I was 12 years old.

Best part of your job: Meeting people.

Favorite Hendrick Motorsports paint scheme: 2011 No. 5 Quaker State Chevrolet.