Ray Black Jr. is making a splash in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competing for Rookie of the Year honors for this 2015 season with his No. 07 SS Green Light Racing truck.
Currently 11th in the driver points standings, Black Jr. is well on his way to making NASCAR take notice of his talents. He’s already secured seven Top-15 finishes this season, including a season-best 5th place at Daytona. He just recently finished in the Top-15 during his first ever dirt race at Eldora Speedway.
Some of his competitors in the ROTY contest are faring better coming into the Pocono Mountains 150 to be run on Saturday, names like Erik Jones, Cameron Hayley, Daniel Hemric, Spencer Gallagher, and Justin Boston.
But Black, Jr. is no stranger to being “under water”. In fact, it’s like a second home to him.
Black, Jr., is not only an up-and-coming race car driver in one of NASCAR’s top series, but is also an accomplished deep sea diver.
In fact, when not at the track Black, Jr. can be found in the water.
Black, Jr. is a fully licensed deep-sea diver and supervisor in the commercial diving business. He started diving when he was 11 years old and has since dived over 200 times and up to 240 feet deep. Black, Jr. owns his own deep-sea diving business, Blacksmith Marine Offshore, which provides multiple services including underwater welding and deep water salvage.
Excelling in one career path is a sought after goal. Black, Jr. has successfully embarked on two dynamic careers and is impressive in both!
The water and the racetrack offer similarities that Black, Jr. put into perspective.
“In both situations you rely on an incredible support group, but in the end it’s up to you to act.”
Black, Jr.’s two worlds have come together for him, as his NCWTS ride is sponsored by ScubaLife.com, a social network of water related synergy. ScubaLife.com focuses on everything from taking care of and working in our oceans, to recreation and vacationing in the water.
Black, Jr. is warm, friendly, and respectful. Wearing his firesuit around his waist and donning an Atlanta Braves cap, Black, Jr. spoke easily offering thoughtful answers to my numerous questions.
Maturity is what grounds Black, Jr. He admits had he gotten to this point as an 18 year old boy his career would be vastly different. He understands the importance of his job, the people whose livelihood depends on the team’s performance, and how lucky they are to have the opportunity to run full time in the truck series.
In fact, having their sponsor – ScubaLife.com – has provided the team the luxury of not having to be so serious constantly. They can go out and have fun unlike other small teams that can feel the stress of week in and week out competition, financial woes, and making the show.
Black, Jr. talked about the fact he and the team can, “Enjoy the moment.”
It is obvious Black, Jr. has found a balance in his racing career that incorporates his two passions.
The Pocono Mountains 150 will be contested starting at 1pm ET and broadcast on FOX Sports 1.
