12/22/2018
Wild West Shootout
Retiring X-mod racer Scott Bintz named Grand Marshal of 2019 Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout
SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. — The Grand Marshal of the 2019 Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts at FK Rod Ends Arizona Speedway won’t exactly fit the typical mold for the honorary position.
But actually, that’s sort of appropriate when one considers the person set to fill the role during the Jan. 5-13 miniseries in the Southwest. Scott Bintz of Jamestown, N.D., the X-mod racer and Wild West Shootout sponsor named Grand Marshal of the event by co-promoters Chris Kearns and Kevin Montgomery, is a unique individual indeed.
A preternaturally positive 47-year-old e-commerce entrepreneur and author among other off-track pursuits, Bintz was offered the Grand Marshal title not only because he’s been a valued Wild West Shootout backer through one of his businesses, RHR RacingSwag, but also the fact that he’s a perennial X-mod contender in the annual motorsports meet who’s announced that he will retire from driving after its 2019 edition.
“As an on-track participant and event sponsor with his marketing brands, Scott Bintz has been a big part of the Wild West Shootout,� Kearns said. “We found it very fitting to honor him as the 2019 Grand Marshal as a way to thank him for his support of the event while he makes his final starts before hanging up his helmet and retiring from racing.
“We hope to see Scott back year-after-year as a fan of the event as his presence is always a welcomed sight, but it will for sure be different not seeing him in a firesuit. We wish him nothing but continued success with his brands and writings in the future.�
A native of Minot, N.D., Bintz is best known as the founder of RealTruck.com, an online pickup truck accessories store that he launched from his basement in 1998 and turned into a company boasting over $100 million in sales and numerous customer service and Best Place to Work awards. He has also been an adjunct professor at his hometown’s University of Jamestown, an investor in several tech start-ups and earlier this year published a book, Principles to Fortune, about his humble beginnings, his character values and the principles he used to change the work culture and rocket RealTruck.com to success while having a good time and helping customers, employees and partners.
Bintz flashed some of his self-deprecating humor when commenting on his Grand Marshal’s position for the Wild West Shootout, an event that he asserted “is sure to blow your mind, excite your heart and warm you soul.�
“When asked to be the Grand Marshal for the Wild West Shootout — one of the premier dirt track events in the country — I was honored and flattered,� said Bintz, who is known as the ‘Red Headed Rebel.’ “Then I looked up what the word (‘Grand Marshal’) meant on Urban Dictionary and it made sense — Urban says it’s, ‘The oblivious, slow driver that no one can pass leading a long line of aggravated drivers behind him.’
“But in all seriousness, this is quite an honor to do this for an event and sport I love so much. Dirt track racing has been really good for me on and off the track. I’ve experienced many things I never thought possible — learning to overcome obstacles quickly, create a good attitude on bad days and keep a watchful eye on those who need a little help and guidance along the way. My racing career has been very rewarding and credit goes to those who have helped me along the way. I hope I am able to give back to our sport as much as it has given me.�
As for his decision to retire from active competition after just over a decade behind the wheel, Bintz feels the time is right. He also is hopeful that he can add another Wild West Shootout victory lane visit — or more — to his resume during his visit to the 3/8-mile oval outside Phoenix.
“Heck yeah, I’m going to miss racing,� said Bintz, who has enjoyed success in open-wheel modified action throughout the Dakotas and surrounding states. “Since this is my last racing event, I don’t think it has fully hit me yet. I wanted to retire on an up note, and I just had my best season ever. I started racing at 36 and could hardly make a lap, so it feels good to retire as a contender.
“I wanted to race the Wild West Shootout one last time because it is some of the best racing around with drivers from all over the country — plus, it wouldn’t hurt to get another win or two to keep a better cushion on being the winningest driver of the Wild West Shootout! One last win (in Arizona) will be icing on the cake.�
Win or lose, though, Bintz will enjoy his swan song at the Wild West Shootout.
“I know the memories made last longer than a win, so let’s make some memories,� Bintz said. “And let’s be great to each other — and if I forget that, please remind me.
“As for the next chapter,� he added, looking ahead to his life without driving a race car, “hold my coffee and watch this …�
That certainly fits Bintz’s favorite saying: “Anything is possible.�
The 2019 Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts will pay out over $200,000 in purses over six nights of Super Late Model, Modified and X-Mod racing. Action begins on Sat., Jan. 5, and continues with events on Jan. 6, 9, 11, 12 and 13.
The Wild West Shootout also features the Keyser Quarter-Million Challenge, which for the fourth consecutive year offers Super Late Model drivers a blockbuster $250,000 bonus for sweeping the six features. In addition, winning five of six features will earn a racer an extra $100,000; capturing four A-mains offers a $25,000 prize; and topping three headliners will provide a $10,000 check.
More information on the Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout can be found at www.wildwestshootout.net or by calling the Wild West Shootout office at 520-664-2074.
The Wild West Shootout is made possible by Keyser Manufacturing, O’Reilly Auto Parts, FK Rod Ends, Black Diamond, M&W Transport, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Border Tire, Sport Truck RV, PFC Brakes, Arizona Differential, RHR RacingSwag, Barnett Harley Davidson, Hoker Trucking, Total Seal Piston Rings, Shaw Trucking, San Tan Ford, Toste Construction, Swift Springs, Pro Power Engines, Five Star Graphix, Beaver Stripes, VP Racing Fuel, Penske Racing Shocks and Hoosier Tires.
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