College football

Got a minute? Carl Franks, USF assistant coach

By GREG AUMAN
Published December 28, 2005

Part of the bowl itinerary in your home state has you guys going to Lowe's Motor Speedway on Thursday morning. Excited about a three-lap ridealong?

I'd be more excited if I got to drive it. I've done the Richard Petty Driving Experience in Orlando, did 16 hot laps there, and got to drive around Daytona in a pace car with my kids.

During a race?

No. I wish it was. Whenever we had Gator club meetings when I was at Florida, the Volusia County gathering was at the speedway, so they'd do something special for us. My kids still have certificates that say they drove over 100 miles an hour at Daytona.

Favorite NASCAR driver?

Well, my favorite was Dale Earnhardt, by far. I don't know if I have a favorite driver right now.

Last race you went to?

I went to the Pepsi 400 at Daytona this summer, with (director of football operations) Larry Antonucci. I think our players will enjoy seeing the track, but I wish they could be there for a race. I think they'd appreciate it so much more.

Are NASCAR drivers athletes?

There's so much athleticism involved in what they do, from the hand-eye coordination to the stamina. I think for most people, that goes underappreciated.

[Last modified December 28, 2005, 00:37:18]