02-01-2006 | Penny Nicolai, TruckSeries.com

Many drivers say that racing is in their blood, but in the case of rising young NASCAR Camping World Truck Series star Kyle Krisiloff, it is definitely true. The son of former Indy Car driver Steve Krisiloff, this 19-year-old truly descends from one of racing’s most famous dynasties. His family owns both the Indy Racing League and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a facility his great-grandfather Tony Hulman purchased at the end of World War II. Today, his grandmother Mari Hulman George is the Chairman of the Speedway and his uncle, Tony George is President and CEO of the Indy Racing League.

Born and raised in Carmel, Ind., just outside Indianapolis, Krisiloff began his racing career when he was just 2 ½ years old. “I actually can’t remember not competing in something,” he says. “The first thing I tackled was a bicycle. Both my brother Jarrod, who is three years older than me, and I competed and achieved a lot of victories. Unfortunately, Jarrod suffered a serious accident when he was eight and although he recovered completely and competed for a couple more years, he decided that racing wasn’t for him and bowed out. I, on the other hand, couldn’t think of doing anything else.”

Moving from bicycles to Quarter Midgets, Krisiloff continued to make a name for himself.

Climbing up the ladder at a steady pace, he moved first into shifter karts, then Formula Ford, Toyota Atlantic, ASA, ARCA, and Busch, earning numerous accolades and various championships along the way.

“I raced all through high school,” he says. “I was lucky in that I went to a school that understood racing and accepted the fact that I was gone part of the time. I always got good grades though, so there were no problems. When it came to college, I figured I had to make a choice. Doing well in racing requires a 100% commitment and I knew I couldn’t do that if I was trying to study at the same time. I shelved the idea of college and made the decision to follow my passion.”

Signed by Hendrick Motorsports as a development driver two years ago, Krisiloff continued to hone his behind the wheel skills in both ARCA and Busch. “Moving back and forth between the two series was tough,” he explains. “It was also really a challenge as every track was a new experience. I learned an incredible amount and while we had some success, it sure wasn’t as good as I would have liked.”

A racer through and through, there is no doubt how much Krisiloff wants to win. “For me racing is addicting,” he explains. “And, winning is the ultimate rush. I can’t actually describe it, but there is nothing else like it, at least not for me. Taking a win in ARCA at Chicago was totally awesome, but a single victory is not enough for me. I want much more.”

Attracting the attention of team owner Billy Ballew, the upcoming season will find this determined young man behind the wheel of the Number 15 Chevy Silverado. “I’m really excited”, says Krisiloff. “We tested really well at Daytona. The Number 15 Chevy is a strong piece. The crew is the same as last year and they are obviously capable of winning. My goal for the upcoming season is to bring home Rookie of the Year honors and I think we have a good shot at it. This year will be a little easier than last as I have competed on all the tracks with the exception of three and everyone of the team is as determined as I am and that’s a good mix.”

Dedicated to proven his worth on track, Krisiloff spends off-hours watching videos of last year’s races at upcoming tracks. “I find watching really helps my race strategy,” he explains. “Also, when I get to a new track, I like to walk it. I find, just like anything else you want to succeed in, you have to study to excel, so I watch, listen and try to learn everything I can about each and every track.

While Krisiloff’s passion is racing, he also enjoys golf immensely as well as working out. “I played on my high school golf team,” he says, “and have a handicap of 15. I play whenever I have a chance, but racing doesn’t leave a lot of time.

With this young man’s background and family history, his desire to succeed and his obvious ability, it certainly isn’t a stretch to say that the odds are good that he will be able to achieve his goal and end the 2006 season as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year.