Wrenching Your Way In: How Brad Perez Built a NASCAR Career Without the Traditional Path
About this episode
Brad Perez’s NASCAR path starts with “blind exposure” to motorsport rather than a traditional racing upbringing. He gets hooked early—then learns to wrench through YouTube, building and rebuilding spec Miatas from a shell. Karting and LO206 teach precision, while his NASCAR climb leans on shop work, tire logs, and relentless organization. Along the way, he navigates financial barriers, leans on community support, and defines success as running full-time—staying “nervous” instead of scared.
What does it actually take to break into professional motorsports when you don't have the budget, the backing, or the blueprint? In this episode of the BeDifferential Podcast, we sit down with Brad Perez — NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver, ARCA Menards Series competitor, high-performance driving instructor, and one of the most compelling stories in racing today.
Brad is a first-generation racer who didn't start karting until age 17. From there, he built his own Spec Miata from the ground up, stacked internships across NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, and NASA, and made the leap to North Carolina in 2019 with no guaranteed seat — just a belief that getting inside the sport was the only way forward. He's worked as a tire specialist in the Truck Series, earned his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2021, and has since racked up NASCAR Truck Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series starts, most recently driving the No. 42 Chevrolet for Young's Motorsports with support from Bubba Wallace's Live to Be Different Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County.
In this conversation, Brad gets real about what he learned wrenching on his own car, what each internship taught him that the others couldn't, and what it felt like to finally transition from the pit box to the driver's seat. We talk about the difference between oval prep and street course prep, what a more stable team home means after years of one-off rides, and what he would change about how NASCAR develops new talent. And when we ask him where he sees himself in five years, his answer might surprise you.
If you've ever wondered what it looks like to build a motorsports career without the traditional ladder — this episode is exactly that story.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss out! https://www.bedifferentialpodcast.com/
LO206
"But I was still a fan. Like every week I was watching whatever races that were on, whatever discipline, F1, Indy car, World of Outlaws, NASCAR, whatever, NHRA. ... And he told me about this class called LO206 and I just kind of went with it and we won a bunch of races and it was awesome."
LO206 is a type of go-kart racing category where the rules keep the engine pretty much the same for everyone. That means you can race to improve your driving instead of spending a ton of money on performance parts.
LO206 is a spec go-kart racing class built around a standardized engine package, which keeps competition focused on driving skill and setup rather than expensive engine swaps. In many regions, LO206 is a common entry point for younger drivers before they move into higher-level karting or feeder series.
go-karts
"Atlanta Motorsports Park, which is a go-karting facility. ... I didn't even know go-karts could have different types of engines and all that."
Go-karts are small race cars that many drivers start with. They’re great for learning how to control speed and steering because the car reacts quickly.
Go-karts are small, lightweight race vehicles that are commonly used as an entry point into motorsport. Because they’re simple and responsive, they teach fundamentals like throttle control, momentum management, and racing lines.
spec Miata
"So I guess when I was learning and like creeping a little bit on your credentials ahead of this, I learned that you built your own specmiata to race SCCA."
A spec Miata is a Mazda Miata that’s modified for a rules-based race series. The rules limit what you can change, so it’s more about driving and tuning the car correctly than spending unlimited money.
A spec Miata is a Mazda Miata prepared to a spec (rules-limited) racing format, meaning the car is built and maintained within a defined set of regulations. The goal is to reduce expensive differences between teams so driver skill and setup within the rules matter more.
SCCA
"I learned that you built your own specmiata to race SCCA. So can you talk to us about what was the transition of going from LOs and racing and go-karts to getting involved at SCCA?"
SCCA is a big U.S. organization that organizes amateur sports-car racing. They run events and classes with rules that help keep competition fair.
SCCA stands for Sports Car Club of America, a major organization that runs amateur road racing and autocross events in the U.S. It also sanctions many “spec” classes where cars are prepared to specific rules.
momentum based class
"Well, like, as you know, like LO206 is such like a momentum based class and you have to be so perfect to be competitive because everyone's so close."
A momentum-based class is a race where keeping the car moving fast matters more than having extra power. Drivers try to carry speed through turns and avoid big slowdowns, because that momentum is what keeps you competitive.
A momentum-based racing class is one where maintaining speed through corners is critical because acceleration and power differences between cars are limited. In practice, that means drivers focus heavily on carrying speed, smooth inputs, and minimizing mistakes so the car keeps rolling effectively.
Copart
"We pieced together this like car we got from like co-part and it was like a, [453.3s] it was an NB, 2001 NB, VVT car, came with just a shell and like a really crappy engine and we took everything out."
Copart is an auction site where wrecked or salvage cars get sold. People buy them cheaply and then rebuild them for projects or racing.
“Co-part” refers to Copart, an online auction company where salvage and damaged vehicles are sold to buyers. Builders often use these auctions to find a cheap “shell” to restore or race-build.
VVT
"We pieced together this like car we got from like co-part and it was like a, [453.3s] it was an NB, 2001 NB, VVT car, came with just a shell and like a really crappy engine and we took everything out."
VVT means the engine can adjust valve timing as you rev. That helps it run stronger at different speeds instead of only performing well at one RPM range.
VVT (variable valve timing) is a system that changes when the engine’s intake and exhaust valves open and close. That helps the engine make better power and efficiency across different RPM ranges.
just a shell
"We pieced together this like car we got from like co-part and it was like a, [453.3s] it was an NB, 2001 NB, VVT car, came with just a shell and like a really crappy engine and we took everything out."
“Just a shell” means the car was basically a bare body with few working parts. The builder then has to install everything needed to make it run and handle for racing.
A “shell” means the car is mostly stripped down to the body/chassis with minimal usable components. In a build like this, the builder removes what’s left and replaces major systems over time to create a functional race car.
Homestead
"It was the Homestead majors. We had tested it before. ... I drove from Daytona to Homestead tested the car."
Homestead is a race track in Florida (Homestead-Miami Speedway). It’s the kind of place where teams test and race because the track layout is reliable and well known.
Homestead refers to Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida, a well-known oval track used for various stock-car and endurance-style events. In racing context, it’s a common venue for testing and competition because it has consistent, repeatable high-speed corners.
Rolex 24
"I remember I had to work the Rolex 24. I was spotting the Rolex 24. And then I had to like leave the Rolex to go like make sure we test the car."
The Rolex 24 is a long, 24-hour race where teams keep the car running for a full day. The speaker is saying they were working that race, then had to leave to test their own car.
The Rolex 24 is a 24-hour endurance race (part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship) where teams run continuously through day and night. In the transcript, the speaker is describing how they had to work that endurance event and then leave to test and race their own car.
spotting
"I was spotting the Rolex 24. And then I had to like leave the Rolex to go like make sure we test the car."
“Spotting” here means helping out during the race—like being part of the crew that watches what’s going on and helps the team. It’s not the same as driving the car.
In motorsport, “spotting” usually means acting as a trackside assistant—often helping with car positioning, monitoring, or communication during practice/qualifying/race operations. Here, the speaker says they were spotting the Rolex 24, implying a support role rather than driving.
Daytona
"Oh my God, I drove from Daytona to Homestead tested the car."
Daytona is a famous race track in Florida (Daytona International Speedway). People use it as a big reference point because it’s a high-speed track that’s well known in racing.
Daytona refers to Daytona International Speedway in Florida, one of the most famous motorsport venues in the U.S. It’s known for high-speed racing and is often used as a benchmark for car setup and driver experience.
majors race
"work the Rolex came back and and ran the majors race at Homestead. I remember there was like 60 cars that showed up..."
“Majors race” sounds like a bigger, more important race in their racing series. The speaker is saying they went to Homestead and raced in the main event.
“Majors race” appears to refer to a higher-profile or marquee event within the series the speaker was running. The transcript doesn’t specify the exact sanctioning body or series name, but the context suggests a main race weekend at Homestead.
track day
"[597.0s] So anytime that I've done any track days, it's not really sharing the car. [600.8s] It's like the risk is scary in itself, but like you have a whole other layer"
A track day is when regular drivers go to a race track to drive their cars around for experience. It’s not a points race, but it can still feel stressful because you’re responsible for the car.
Track days are events where drivers take their own cars (or rented cars) onto a circuit for practice and fun, rather than racing for points. The key difference is that the “risk” and personal responsibility can feel intense, especially when you’re not the only driver involved.
Mazda Miatas
"our first time meeting. I used to shit on Miata's and spec Miata's a lot. Okay, but, but allow me to share that I have evolved."
The Mazda MX-5, or Miata, is a small two-seat convertible made for fun driving. It’s designed to feel nimble and easy to handle, which is why people often talk about it when they’re learning to like sports cars. The podcast mention likely connects to someone changing their mind about how good it is.
The Mazda MX-5, commonly called the Miata, is a lightweight two-seat roadster known for its simple, driver-focused feel. It’s often discussed because it’s an accessible “enthusiast” car: small size, balanced handling, and a strong aftermarket support make it a frequent topic when people talk about evolving opinions on sports cars. In a podcast context, it fits well with a story about changing perspectives from dismissing it to appreciating it.
MX five cup
"[634.5s] Like their classes, it's truly shouldn't be, but is like bumper cars and is so [639.1s] aggressive and actually so much fun to watch. [641.9s] Like the MX five cup is, it's so interesting to me now."
The MX-5 Cup is a racing series where everyone races very similar Mazda Miatas. Because the cars are matched, it’s easier to see who’s the better driver and team.
The “MX-5 Cup” is a one-make racing series for Mazda MX-5 Miatas (the Miata’s name outside North America). One-make cups are designed to keep cars close in performance so racing is more about driver ability and team execution.
cage
"And I think the hardest part really was once we did put the cage in. So we shipped the car, we sent it to BSI at Daytona. ... We're like, oh, well, the cage runs through here, so you can't put that on."
A “cage” is a strong metal frame put inside the car for racing. It helps keep the driver safer in a crash and can also make the car’s structure stiffer. Because it takes up space, you may have to cut or reroute other parts so everything fits around it.
In NASCAR and other forms of racing, a “cage” usually means a roll cage: a reinforced metal framework installed inside the cabin. Its job is to protect occupants by maintaining the survival space during a crash and by stiffening the chassis. When the cage is installed, it can interfere with interior components, wiring, and mounting points—so builders often have to modify parts to fit around it.
BSI
"So we shipped the car, we sent it to BSI at Daytona. Oh, yeah. I'm currently the owner of BSI with her husband, Nick."
BSI is the shop they sent the car to. It’s where the safety “cage” work was done. The speaker says they trusted the people there to do it correctly.
BSI is referenced as the shop the speaker sent the race car to for cage installation. In racing builds, specialized fabrication shops handle safety-critical work like roll cages to meet sanctioning requirements. The episode frames BSI as trusted for that kind of work, implying expertise in motorsports safety fabrication.
spec me out
"and then going back to do my spec me out of stuff, like I thought about like after every run in NASCAR, we have a tire sheet with your builds"
"Spec me out" means getting the car set up to the exact plan the team wants. It’s like making sure everything is done the same way every time so the car is safe and predictable.
"Spec me out" in racing context means setting up and verifying the car to a specific configuration or specification. It’s about making sure the car matches the required setup and that the crew’s process is repeatable from run to run.
tire sheet
"like I thought about like after every run in NASCAR, we have a tire sheet with your builds, you have a tire sheet with your heat, you have a checklist that you go through every single thing on the car"
A tire sheet is basically a checklist/log for the tires after each run. It records things like tire condition and temperature so the team can learn what worked and what didn’t.
A tire sheet is a team’s written log for a run, tracking tire details and how the tires were used. It helps the crew compare what happened on track (like heat and wear) with what they did in setup and driving.
checklist
"you have a tire sheet with your heat, you have a checklist that you go through every single thing on the car, you put it on stands and then you can bring it back out."
A checklist is a step-by-step list the crew uses to inspect the car. It helps make sure important safety items are checked every time, not just when someone remembers.
A checklist is a structured pre-run and post-run inspection routine used to verify specific items on the car. In motorsport, it’s especially tied to safety and consistency—ensuring nothing critical is missed before the next session.
tire pressure
"Spec me out and sometimes we were coming in, like tire pressure is memorizing a little bit and then just, all right, just sit there. Hoping for the best."
Tire pressure is how much air is in the tires. In racing, getting it right matters because it changes how much grip the tires have and how they wear.
Tire pressure is the amount of air in the tire, measured in psi (or bar). In racing, it strongly affects grip, tire temperature, wear rate, and how the car responds to steering and braking.
NASCAR
"And then also doing the, the, the NASCAR stuff on the weekend to keep like in tabs with stuff."
NASCAR is the big American stock-car racing series. Brad is describing how he raced on weekends in NASCAR-related events while working and learning the business during the week.
NASCAR is the major U.S. stock-car racing organization and competition series. In this context, it’s the “weekend” racing side of his career while he builds business experience during the week.
Xfinity
"I got to be good friends with Josh Williams, who raced in Xfinity at the time."
Xfinity is NASCAR’s “middle” series—one step below the top Cup level. It’s a common place for drivers to build experience before trying to move up.
Xfinity is NASCAR’s second-tier national series, sitting below the top-level NASCAR Cup Series. Drivers often use Xfinity as a proving ground before moving up, which is why Josh Williams being in Xfinity matters to Brad’s network and learning.
ARCA debut
"and so when I was putting together deals, I was basically collecting handshakes over the course of like two years that in 2021, I finally made my ARCA debut at Watkins Glen."
ARCA is a stock-car racing series. An “ARCA debut” means it was his first time racing in that series—an important first step toward bigger NASCAR-level opportunities.
ARCA refers to the ARCA Menards Series, a stock-car racing ladder that often serves as a stepping stone toward higher NASCAR series. An “ARCA debut” means his first race appearance in that series, which is a milestone in a driver’s career progression.
Watkins Glen
"in 2021, I finally made my ARCA debut at Watkins Glen. And like this was like so telegraphed, like I had planned this freaking forever."
Watkins Glen is a famous race track in New York. It’s a road course, meaning the cars turn a lot and brake hard, so it’s a big deal to make your debut there.
Watkins Glen is a road course in New York that hosts major motorsport events, including NASCAR-related series. It’s known for its mix of fast sections and heavy braking zones, making it a meaningful venue for a driver’s debut.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.