JT Poole has developed a passion for racing, picking up wins and the occasional superstition along the way. He has the drive and desire to find success alongside his teammates as he continues to compete.

Hometown: Gulfport, MS

Division: Semi-Pro

Number: 26

Team: Mullins Performance

1. How did you get your start in racing?

I had been following Legends and the Peak [now Coca-Cola] Series on iRacing since probably 2016. I finally convinced my parents to get me a computer and iRacing subscription in 2019. I was clueless on how the rating system worked at first, but once I figured it out, I started becoming pretty competitive; competing in the eNASCAR Road to Pro Series and advancing to Round 2 for two years with Nexxus eSports. I kept begging and annoying my parents to try it out in real life and after enough annoyance, they finally caved and we got a Legend.

2. How did you get your number?

Ricky Bobby. I always wore 21 in sports because my dad and I are big Wood Brothers Racing fans but when we started racing, we wanted to do something different. There's not a lot of 26's in the racing world and one of our favorite movies is Talladega Nights, so it seemed fitting. We even have a stuffed cougar, named Gary, in our car.

3. Who is your biggest inspiration?

Definitely my parents. They're both so selfless and loving and have provided me with so much. I wouldn't have the opportunity to race or do the things I love if it wasn't for them.

4. What is your favorite racing memory?

Probably my first win at Sunny South Raceway. It was the same night as my senior prom and I skipped it to go race; it ended up being worth it.

5. How do you get focused before a race?

I'm pretty superstitious and have to do everything the same and that helps me focus. Put the earbuds in, get in the car, put the helmet on, then put the belts on, then the steering wheel, and then the gloves. I think having the same "ritual" helps keep my focus so nothing is out of the ordinary. I also yawn a lot while I'm waiting on the grid, like, I yawn so much and so hard tears will roll down my face.

6. What is your favorite track?

I love Sunny South Raceway. It's so unique and different from any other track I've driven at before. I've done so many laps there I know it like the back of my hand. It's fun to go out there and just turn some laps and get in a rhythm.

7. What is one skill outside of racing that you hope to master someday?

This is probably the most boring answer to this question in the history of ITP, but accounting. I'm in school studying it every day so I better become a master at it someday, right?

8. When you are not racing, who is someone you cheer for while in the pits?

I always cheer for Matt Hillhouse and Josh Mullins. We're always working together and pitted with each other when we travel to the national races.

9. Where is one place you would love to travel for racing?

I would love to travel to Dawsonville and run some laps around Atlanta Motorsports Park. I've always wanted to run a road course in the legend and I can't think of a better place to try it out at.

10. If you could live a day in the life of any famous professional racecar driver, who would you choose and why?

Denny Hamlin, it would be pretty cool to take advantage of the private helicopter sitting in the backyard. I'd definitely give Michael Jordan a call too.

11. What are some racing goals you have for yourself in the future?

Win at a national event. We've struggled in the past trying to get our car to where we want it but this past spring at Nashville, we finally got it to be competitive; we just need some luck on our side.

12. You’re doing a multi-hour race. Who are two drivers you are picking to share the race car with?

Matt Hillhouse and Josh Mullins; we might need a bigger seat for when I have to get in.