The "Hustler" Riley Hickman of Ooltewah has his hands full in a different and unique aspect of his racing career. Winning nearly 100 various Late Model features over the past 20 years in and around Tennessee, North Georgia and Northeast Alabama, the most important aspect has been his twin sons. Now, at 13 Drew and Dillon (sitting on the door area - talking with dad) are interested in following in dads "tire tracks" and Sunday at Tim and Angie Kyle's I-75 Raceway, they got the first opportunity behind the wheel.
Driving a Ronnie Johnson owned MasterSbilt that was dad's race car a few years back, the twins with dad and Mama Hustler (Mrs. Angie Hickman) overseeing things, turned some laps Sunday morning. Jason Welshan/Competition Racing Equipment, a longtime stout competitor to dad, also was on-hand for insider guidance for the teenagers.
The Riley Hickman Racing Facebook page commended the boys debuts, in the closed track session and dad later said, "A lot of practice is in store for the boys," before they get their first taste of competition.
Hickman Manufacturing and American Billett of Ooltewah back Riley Hickman Racing with dad fielding a race car currently for Boyd's Speedway owner David Duplissey of Chattanooga. Hickman's biggest win came in 2014 when he beat Chickamauga's Dale McDowell in Central Tennessee at the "Deep Fried 75" worth $11,000 at Duck River Speedway outside Shelbyville. Most track host a "beginner" sportsman division that's specifically tailored to new racers both young and old.