ITP Q&A: Agler Comes Of Age In 2010

Larry Lowrey, Silver Lake, KS. (January 12, 2011) – Cody Agler spent a majority of his young life in motor sports. The two wheel version of motor sports. Agler jumped on a motorcycle almost before he could walk and recently he is attempting the same feat getting into dirt modified racing without any previous dirt track experience.

His rookie campaign started off in Florida with Speedweeks. This youngster came into the sport with some large goals and even bigger *&*. Here was a teenager, with no modified racing experience, getting ready to take on some of the toughest competitors in a division that I personally feel is the most competitive in the USA.

Cody Agler found victory lane 5 times in his2nd full season of racing on dirt.

Agler started in Florida and finished his first full season in Kansas. Along the way during his 1st season he made some huge gains. Gains that showed that this moto cross racer from Emporia, KS might just have what it takes to be a great race car driver.

The sophomore season is where the learning curve started to ease up for Agler. After running strong at end of his 1st season, everyone wanted to see if Agler was going to get better. He didn't disappoint anyone.

Agler picked up 4 wins on the season, 3 of them coming at Lakeside Speedway!

His sudden shot to the front has drawn some comparisons to another Emporia driver that now makes his living racing on Sundays, Clint Bowyer.

Whether or not the comparisons are fair to Agler, he has shown with his success in his 2nd season that he has a chance to get to the next level. After the 2010 season ended, Agler took some time to go to N.C. and compete in the Richard Petty's Driver Search Program, we caught up with Agler and asked him about that and some other things...

ITP How did you get involved with the Richard Petty's Driver Search program?

(C.A.) My dad filled out an application and I was fortunate enough among all applicants to be chosen for one of the 12 positions.

ITP What was the program like?

(C.A.) This program was a great learning experience. I was taught so much that will help me not only on asphalt but on dirt as well. Every day I was there I was always learning something new and someone was always helping me and telling me something that I could improve on to make me become a better driver.

Cody Agler would like to find himself behind the wheel of a CUP car in the future. Cody Agler Racing Pic

ITP How well did you do in their modules?

(C.A.) I did well in all the modules. There were quite a few different ones. The other 3 kids had only asphalt experience and that was where I was getting beat at in the modules.

ITP How much did you learn from the experience?

(C.A.) I learned a tremendous amount of knowledge. Everything from driving to car handling to reaction times to talking in front of a crowd and marketability. It was a very unique experience and I was very happy that I could take part in it.

ITP Did you get a chance to visit with the "King"?

(C.A.) Yes I had a chance to visit with the King in his Condo on the Charlotte Motor Speedway and down on the race track while taking pictures. He was a very nice guy and an interesting man as well.

ITP Are you looking to take your racing career to NASCAR?

(C.A.) NASCAR is my ultimate goal and I would want nothing more than to make it to NASCAR. It has been a dream of mine. My first step begins in April when I start driving for Richard Petty Driver Experience.

ITP What did you think of your 2010 season?

(C.A.) I was very happy with my 2010 season considering some of the bad luck I had with rolling the car and the motor problems. I felt like I should of finished the season with more wins but I am happy with how it turned out.

ITP You racked up some wins, a lot of top 5's did you think your game was going to that level before the season started?

(C.A.) No, I didn’t really know what my season would entitle at the beginning of the year. I didn’t think I would get as many wins as I did since it was only my second year.

ITP What did you do differently last year to become a better driver?

(C.A.) I scaled the car before every weekend of racing. I wouldn’t have been able to of scaled my car if I wouldn’t of had my cell phone so that I could communicate with Tim Karrick and have him help me through it. Also communicating with Tim and my crew when coming off the track and letting them know what the car was doing, so that we could fix it was another big thing that helped me this past season.

ITP Looking at 2011, ITP has learned that you have gotten a hold of a Shaw by Landers Modified? Is this true and if so how do you think you will like the new car?

(C.A.) We are still debating on what type of car to get but whatever car it will be, we feel that it will be a very successful season.

ITP What kind of goals are you setting for 2011?

(C.A.) In 2011, my goals are to win at least half of the races at both tracks at Lakeside and HPT and win both track championships!

ITP Where will you be racing in 2011?

(C.A.) I will be racing at Lakeside on Fridays and HPT on Saturdays. Any time that are not racing we will try to hit up some of the USMTS Series.

ITP There are some big races coming up this season in our area, what would it mean for you to pick up a big $$$ win?

(C.A.) It would mean the world to me. It would be awesome knowing I had to go up against some tough competition to win a big money check. It would really help me keep the car where we want it to be and would help with buying any necessary parts.