Independence driver Justin Ginther able to focus on kids, enjoy racing

VINTON — Justin Ginther is a lucky man, but everyone has challenges.

Lucky for him, he uses his as motivation.

Not only did Ginther get into racing 14 years ago with the help of a local driver he wrenched for, he met his fiancé Nichole LaMarsh.

“A lot of guys do not have this situation and it means a lot” Ginther said. “Sometimes she wants me to go more than I do, because I don’t need to go every week.”

LaMarsh isn’t the only reason Ginther makes it to at least one track each week, the couple also have two kids that love the atmosphere.

“I do it for fun and for my kids,” Ginther said. “They love it and are happy no matter what place I finish. They could not care less if I win or lose. The kids just want the car to come home in one piece.”

While racing brings smiles to their kids’ faces, many days are a struggle with 9-year-old Coletin having autism and 7-year-old Kinzi having epilepsy.

“I deal with it daily at home and a lot of people don’t understand what it’s like,” Ginther said. “It’s about acceptance. Kids are different and there are some that need more attention than others.”

With autism and epilepsy always at the forefront for Ginther and LaMarsh as parents, they’ve chosen to cover their IMCA Hobby Stock in puzzle pieces and ribbons to raise awareness for both causes.

“A lot of kids like it because of the puzzle pieces and this year we added Mario for our son and a unicorn for our daughter,” Ginther said. “We want it for the kids, because I do it for them and not everyone else.”

Once the Independence native hits the track, he does so with a carefree attitude.

“I like to go where the groove is,” Ginther said. “I’m game to go high, low or middle. Wherever I’m not going to get torn up.”

While Ginther has mostly ran used cars and parts in the past, he’s excited to have a totally fresh ride this season, with his new crate motor sitting on a 2021 Ghost Chassis.

“I feel really good about going into this year,” Ginther said. “I’ll be happy as long as I finish top-10 in points and the car stays together.”

Even if things don’t go his way, Ginther has a strong support staff to go home to.

“She enjoys it just as much as I do,” Ginther said. “She puts her hard-earned money into it just as much as I do.”

It might seem like the only thing left to do is for Ginther to put a ring on LaMarsh’s finger, although both are too focused on raising their kids to worry about a ceremony.

“You might as well say we’re married after 14 years,” Ginther said. “We are happy just like this and the kids are what is most important to us. It takes a lot to raise these kids. We’ve had to put that on the backburner and a wedding is not everything in life. It’s just a piece of paper to me.”

Benton County Speedway in Vinton will open its weekly racing season Sunday with five classes competing at The Bullring. Pits and grandstands open at 3 p.m., with hot laps at 5:40 and racing to follow.

Comments: justin.webster@thegazette.com