Building Speed

DPR’s support of Leland Honeyman Jr. is rooted in a shared commitment to precision, teamwork and safety, and a passion for construction. When he’s not racing, Honeyman is on a jobsite, working at his family’s home, building the business.

Q: Can you tell us more about your background in construction?

Honeyman: My dad has worked in construction since the ‘90s, so I’ve grown up around it. In 2020, he started a home building company and I’ve been helping him build ever since.

Q: How did you get involved in racing?

Honeyman: Also thanks to my dad. He was really into NASCAR so, like construction, I grew up around it. I was at the Phoenix Raceway at 6 months old! I started racing around in trophy cars when I was four years old and I’ve been hooked on cars ever since.

Q: What are some correlations between construction and racing?

Honeyman: Like construction, teamwork is crucial. My team and I sit down weekly to review tape of the previous race, find our errors, discuss how to minimize mistakes and game plan. There are sometimes 45 cars showing up to race, so if the team can’t trust each other and stay focused on safety and precision, then we’re not going to be successful. NASCAR has its own safety guidelines, much like OSHA. Racing can be very risky but we’re working to keep safety at the forefront, removing luck from near accidents with practice and preparation.

Q: What do you do to mentally and physically prepare for a race?

Honeyman: I train every day, both body and mind. I run in the mornings and lift weights in the afternoon, and I review and study film at least two or three times a week. I think it’s important to watch what you and others are doing, to learn from successes and mistakes, and plan how to do it better the next time.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about racing?

Honeyman: I love the competitiveness, and working to outsmart and out-compete everybody, especially in those final closing laps or the long endurance races. I always want to be faster and better.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the construction process?

Honeyman: I like the planning process; seeing all the details and figuring out how to make it all work together then watching it come to life.

Q: Why did you want to work with DPR as a sponsor?

Honeyman: I was drawn to how DPR is focused on safety and is a team of high performers. I also really respect that DPR is people-focused and wants to help their people build careers. I’ve had the chance to spend time with some of DPR’s apprentices, and it’s cool to hear the effort and passion they put into their work while being supported by the company to always learn more. Plus, we all love to win!

Q: What’s your goal for the future? What do you want to achieve?

Honeyman: It’s going to take time and effort, but I’m trying to get better every race because I want to win. The best racers have only reached seven championships; no one has won eight—yet. I want to be that person.