Travis Scott: The Very Young Voice of the Southern All-stars Series By: Derek Landreth dlandreth@rocketmail.com
Gaffney, SC, November 6, 2009: The Blue Gray 100 is known as one of the most prestigious races in the south. The Southern All-stars Racing Series will once again sanction the Cherokee Speedway classic in 2008. And calling all the action for the series at the historic South Carolina venue will be16-year-old Travis Scott. Scott, a junior at Woodmont High School in upstate South Carolina, has been dubbed “The Voice of the Southern All-stars”. The young man has called race events from the Carolinas to as far west as Mississippi. He’s interviewed the best in the business including Scott Bloomquist, Shane Clanton, Earl Pearson, Jr., Steve Francis, Chris Madden and many others.
Scott has handled his position with grace and eloquence as he seamlessly rolls information off his palette. Scott’s performance both on and off the air have earned him high praise from Kelly Carlton the General Manager of the Southern All-stars Series. “Travis is wise beyond his years. He has a knowledge base that most veteran announcers wish they had. He is just such a professional. I am amazed by him each time I get to listen to him call a race. He has a flow and organization as good as anyone in the business. I am very proud of him. I make sure to let everyone know that he is only 16 because I can assure you that no one would know it otherwise. Travis is just a good young man. He has certainly been a welcomed addition to our staff.”
Scott had early beginnings at the track. “My dad raced at Laurens (SC) Speedway when I was growing up. I always wanted to be the flagman. My grandmother made me a small set of flags and I would stand up behind the flagman and mimic him. That him just happened to be Kelly Carlton back then. But when I turned about 7 the announcer at Laurens, Greg Robertson, allowed me to call for the drivers meeting over the PA. I was hooked. It was cool, the announcer kept everyone informed about what was going on and I just really enjoyed doing it. Not long after that my dad quit racing and I was away from it for a while.” Scott said.
Scott returned to racing at go-karting events where he raced himself for a short time. But soon he and his family began attending the local dirt tracks again. “I met a lot of people and made a bunch of friends. I met people who have helped me advance my career in racing and introduced me to people I needed to know. Jason Curd was one of those guys that I met that really helped me. But I also got to finally meet Kelly (Carlton). I guess I would have to say he has been the one who has been my biggest influence so far. He has treated me like I was his own son and given me advice and guidance that has taken me far beyond the race track.”
This weekend will be somewhat of a homecoming for Scott. Friend and fellow announcer Timmy McAbee of Cherokee Speedway had Scott do driver introductions at the 2007 version of their March Madness event and that is when he caught the attention (and ear) of Carlton. “I thought man this kid is really good. I can’t believe he is only 15. I had the chance to use him a little bit in various roles with the East Series but I knew that he belonged on the microphone. So this year I have had him calling most of races. On a couple of occasions I have ended up having to use him on track. And he has always accepted that role with same professionalism and pride.” said Carlton.
Travis has already amassed quite an impressive resume’ having called races with the likes of World of Outlaws Late Model announcer Rick Eshelman, Lucas Oil Series announcer James Essex, The Voice of Lowes Motor Speedway Ozzie Altman, NeSmith Chevrolet Series announcer Roby Helm, Talladega Short Track’s Perry Holman, Columbus Speedway’s Ross Tingle, freelancer Duane Goins and several others. He has also called events for the Lucas Oil Series in the absence of Essex. He’s voiced the action at many historic venues including Talladega (AL) Short Track, Cleveland (TN) Speedway, Golden Isles (GA) Speedway, Toccoa (GA) Speedway and Columbus (MS) Speedway.
Scott said he is looking forward to the 2009 season when he will return to his position with the Southern All-stars and whatever other assignment he is given. “Just wherever I am needed and whatever I am told to do, I will be there.” When asked if he could give any words of advice to prospective youngsters who aspire to a motorsports career Scott’s words are simple but profound. “Don’t give up. You can do anything you want to do if you put your mind to it. And stay in school and get educated. An education is the gateway to anything and everything.” Indeed, indeed.
Travis Scott Capsule
Name: Travis Scott
Hometown: Possum Kingdom, SC
Date of Birth: November 13, 1991
Family: Mom (Beverley), Dad (Keith), brother (Tyler), Stepmother (Chrystal) and Stepbrother (Dylan)
Favorite Track: Talladega Short Track – Talladega, Alabama
Racing Hero: Mike Head – “To have dealt with all the strife and tragedy that he has and to still be a witness for God and be so positive is something we could all learn from.”
Where will he be in 5 years: Graduating from college and preparing for a career in law enforcement or fire fighting. Still working with Southern Allstars.
