Brian Lillie, driver of the 4B Ford Fusion Rocket, is entering his inaugural season as a race car driver. Having started his own marketing and advertising company in 2003, he grew the company from two employees to ten in just over a year and hopes to see similar success on the race track. With dedication and patience, he anticipates his growth as a first-time driver and team owner to see similar results as he’s seen professionally.

Brian sees his company's logo on the 45 Curt Martin car for the first time at the Martin Racing Sponsor Appreciation Event.

Lillie’s passion for racing developed in 2005 as his company, eCreative Group, sponsored one of the Midwest best late model drivers, Curt Martin. “With sponsoring Curt, we wanted to not just be a name on the car, we wanted to evolve ourselves in the sport”, commented Lillie.

Where Curt went racing, Lillie was sure to follow. “Most sponsors are content watching the races from the grandstands, but Brian truly wanted to learn the sport”, said Martin. “At first, he was fine with scraping mud off the car, and as weeks went by, he wanted more and more tasks to help out with.”

It wasn’t long before the racing season was winding down and Lillie wanted to jump out of the business attire and into a racing suit. “I just enjoyed being around racing so much, and I’ve never been one to sit back and wish I would’ve done something. I just go out and do it”, said Lillie

Brian takes the 17m car of Dale McDowell for a spin at the North Georgia Speedway in November of 2005.

Before the decision was made to start his race team, Lillie headed to Georgia to get some lessons from one of the nations best late model drivers, World of Outlaws regular Dale McDowell. “Dale’s classes gave me an early look at theories behind car set-up and maintenance as well as one-on-one experience on the track.” Upon completing his first lap in Georgia, Lillie knew racing was in his future. “The first time I buckled in and sat in the car with the engine growlin’, I was hooked”, stated Lillie.

He hasn’t looked back since.

Teaming up with his mentor, Curt Martin, Lillie is playing the role of a sponge; absorbing as much knowledge as possible around the race shop, in the pits and on the track. In December he purchased a 2004 Mark Richards Rocket Chassis and he and his crew have been busy ever since. “I’m very fortunate to have the help of Curt and his crew. They’ve been instrumental in helping this Vortex Motorsports team develop”, mentioned Lillie.

Brian takes the high groove in his first race at Independence Motor Speedway on April 22, 2006.

As with all endeavors, experience and a shear drive to succeed are two of the greatest factors in achieving success. One of Brian’s main goals is to get as much experience as he can this first season. “We plan on running weekly at the Independence Motor Speedway and we will also follow the Indy Open Series”, commented Lillie. When asked what drives him this rookie season, he mentioned, “Critics. It’s easy for people to doubt me right now since I have no experience in racing. But that’s what drives me most. I may not have much seat time, but I have the competitive edge and dedication that will make me strive to get better week in and week out.”

From running a successful marketing company, to running the high groove on the track, look out for Brian Lillie and the Vortex Motorsports team as they develop through their Rookie campaign in 2006.