Getting to know Josh Kirk, car chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet

CONCORD, N.C. - Now in his 13th season of racing, Josh Kirk is car chief of Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet. He's spent more than half of his racing career with Hendrick Motorsports, where he's served in various roles including tire changer and tire specialist. Meet Josh:

Full name: Joshua Paul Kirk
Nickname:  I don’t really have one, most people call me Josh
Hometown:  Chambersburg, Pa.
Education: I graduated from James Buchanan High School in Mercersburg, Pa., in 1998
Team/job duties: Car chief and rear-tire changer for the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet
Time at current job:  Six years
Years in racing: Thirteen years
First racing job: Tire specialist with Team Sabco when Jeff Green drove for them
First job overall: I swept floors at Armstrong Cabinets in St. Thomas, Penn. when I was about 14.
If I wasn’t in racing I would be: Playing guitar in a band
Best racing memory/favorite Hendrick Motorsports win: Winning the first Car of Tomorrow race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway with Kyle Busch in 2007. This has to be my favorite Hendrick Motorsports win as well; it was the 200th overall win and the 600th win for Chevy. 
Favorite track: Bristol Motor Speedway. 
Hobbies outside of racing: I like to ride ATVs and spend time on the water boating.
Favorite sport other than racing: Football
When I’m not at the track you can find me: Hanging around at my house
On an offweekend you can find me: At home or the beach.
Favorite vacation spot: Carolina Beach in North Carolina
Pets: I have two dogs: Sam, a yorkie and Ellie a yorkiepoo
Favorite movie: “The Hangover”
Favorite magazine: Men’s Health
Favorite TV show: “Lizard Lick Towing”
Favorite music: Rock
Best concert you’ve ever been to: Metallica
What you’ll find on my iPod: Anything you could imagine, but right now I’m really liking Adele
Favorite phone app: The Weather Channel app
If I could meet anyone, I’d meet: My paternal grandfather. He died when I was 14 years old
Favorite food: Filet Mignon
When I’m training, I always: Listen to music to keep me motivated
If I ran NASCAR, I’d: Start Sunday races at noon and have more Saturday night races.
One thing people don’t know about me: I am a fantastic cook.  Steak and potatoes are my specialty. 
Before the race, I always: Eat
During a pit stop, I’m thinking: I clear my mind and focus on the task.
Best part of your job:  I like meeting new people and traveling
Favorite Hendrick Motorsports paint scheme:  The 2011 No. 24 Pepsi MAX Chevrolet