The Selma Times-Journal

When most people think about exciting car racing, the speed, power and wrecks on NASCAR&8217;s asphalt come first to mind.

But before all that, some of stock car racing&8217;s best got their roots at tracks that were, well, modest is one way to put it.

Swanson, 42, has done a lot in his short time behind the wheel. He won a points championship this past season at the Butler County Motorsports Park in Greenville. He has performed well enough in his 1980 Chevrolet Malibu to garner a primary sponsorship from KFC as well as secondary sponsorships from Dallas Air Condition and Heating, Blackbelt Forklift, Neely Photography and A.D.S. of Selma.

Working as a Selma police officer for 22 years has also been an asset to Swanson&8217;s weekend career. Skid training allows law enforcement officers to simulate driving and re-gaining control of a car that has gotten out of control.

On the flip side, racing would probably help him in the event of a high-speed chase. Reaction time in race cars is critical, especially ones going at high speeds on a dirt oval.

Although, he has already accomplished a goal a lot of more experienced drivers have not, it didn&8217;t take long for Swanson to think of something else to shoot for.