Just living the dream’ is a common answer that can be heard around the NASCAR Busch Series garage when someone is asked how they are doing. From the drivers to the over-the-wall crew to the owners – all are out there, daring to push the envelope because they had a dream to compete in motorsports. Kim Crosby, driver of the #26 Vassarette Chevrolet, is no exception.

Following 15 years of drag racing in NHRA and IHRA leagues, Crosby set her sights on oval track competition. She was first introduced to stock car racing in April 2000. Following her graduation from the advanced class of Buck Baker Racing School , Crosby received recognition from the 46-time Winston Cup race winner, and was asked to return as an instructor.

While enhancing her knowledge of the sport, Crosby continued to perform her duties as principal of Slidell (LA) Junior High School and ran limited schedules in both the ARCA and NASCAR Busch Series. Crosby has made four ARCA starts in her career, with her best finish at Kentucky Speedway in 2003. Crosby made her Busch Series debut at Talladega Superspeedway in April 2004 where she finished in the top 20 in her inaugural race. The Florida native made four other Busch Series starts in 2004.

Making the decision to devote herself to racing full-time, Kim Crosby announced her resignation as principal of Slidell Junior High in December 2004. “I’ve always told my students that you have to follow your dreams in this world. I couldn’t tell them that if I wasn’t willing to follow mine.”

However, even though she is no longer a professional educator, Crosby is still determined to continue to stress education and encourage learning. She has promoted learning through such programs as Race to Read and Accelerated Reader, and is currently an active spokesperson and lesson plan contributor for the Race2Learn program.

Crosby ’s 2005 season has required much perseverance and dedication to her dream. With a change in teams and facing tracks on which she has never driven, Crosby has demonstrated the passion necessary to succeed in this sport. 2006 will bring even more challenges to Crosby as she embarks on the new season, and she could not be more excited to continue living her dream.