GOSHEN — For Rocky Anderson, racing is not just a hobby; it is a lifelong passion that has shaped his identity. Born in Virginia and raised in Goshen, Indiana, Anderson, now 65, has been captivated by the world of motorsports since childhood. His father, Bill Anderson, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 86, instilled in him a love for racing, which has only grown over the years.
Although neither Rocky nor his father ever took to the track as drivers, their enthusiasm for the sport was evident. Rocky often attended races at iconic venues such as Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee and New Paris Speedway, where he first experienced the thrill of late models and sprint cars. His fascination with the speed and power of racing cars led him to become involved in the sport in the 1980s, particularly at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.
“I just like the speed, excitement of it and the sound and power of the motors,” Anderson shared. His commitment to the sport has extended into a professional capacity, as he currently works for NASCAR in the ARCA division, which serves as a developmental series for aspiring racers. Throughout the year, Anderson officiates at approximately 12 to 15 events, including his role as the flagman at Winchester Speedway in Indiana.
In addition to his officiating duties, Anderson has embraced the role of a race team owner. About eight years ago, he founded Randerson Racing, which currently features two drivers for the 2026 season: Danny Sams III from North Point, Florida, and Zane DeVault from Plymouth, Indiana. Recently, both drivers competed in separate events, with DeVault finishing second in the “A” Feature at Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy, Michigan, while Sams raced at Thunderbowl Raceway in California.
Anderson’s involvement with his team goes beyond ownership; he actively assists his drivers and crew during races. “I’m there to help if they need it,” he explained. His contributions range from pushing cars around the pit area to fueling and changing parts, although he acknowledges that he is not a full-fledged mechanic. “There’s a lot to learn to get to that,” he noted, highlighting the complexities of sprint cars and the ever-evolving technology in the sport.
With a background in automotive studies, Anderson graduated from trade school after completing high school in 1979. However, he humorously remarked, “Not one thing that I learned then would work on a car today.” This reflects the rapid advancements in racing technology, particularly in sprint cars, which have become increasingly sophisticated.
Randerson Racing typically competes with two cars—a primary and a backup—along with extra motors. The financial investment in sprint car racing is substantial, with new motors costing around $80,000 and new cars priced at approximately $60,000. “If you’re going to run in the top series with the top guys, you’re going to have to have every little thing there is to get speed,” Anderson said, emphasizing the competitive nature of the sport.
In terms of prize money, 410 sprint cars can earn between $5,000 to $7,500 for winning a feature race, while 360 sprints typically pay between $2,500 to $5,000. However, Anderson cautioned that making a profit in racing is challenging. “It’s really hard to make money. If you can minimize your losses, you’re doing good,” he stated, reflecting the financial realities faced by many teams.
As the racing season spans from March to October, opportunities for competition exist year-round. Anderson noted that serious competitors often seek races even in the off-season, with some traveling to Australia during the winter months. When not at the track, Randerson Racing focuses on designing and building new cars for the upcoming season while securing sponsorships.
In addition to his racing commitments, Rocky Anderson is a part owner of Global Link Distribution, a supplier in the RV industry located in Elkhart. Balancing his business responsibilities with his racing activities results in a demanding schedule, often reaching 80 hours a week. Yet, for Anderson, it is all worth it for the love of speed and the thrill of the race.
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