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Unless he’s ever casually slipped it into a conversation with you, you may have no idea that Industrial Systems Program Lead Billy Spencer is also an accomplished drag racer.

Or he was, until his retirement in mid-October.

Spencer, an Anson County native and proud graduate of Anson Technical College, a precursor to �鶹ԭ��, competed in his first drag race in 2016 at the age of 54. But his debut as a drag racer had been a long time coming.

Spencer grew up in a racing family, and he spent many a night and weekend at the track. About eight years ago, a racing friend needed a replacement part for his car. It was going to take weeks for the part to arrive. The friend asked Spencer, a career machinist, if he could create a temporary fix.

Ready to help, Spencer got right to work. He manufactured the part to meet his friend’s exact specifications, and the friend was able to race.

That part marked Spencer’s entry into drag racing. He started training with the team, and eventually, he earned a place behind the wheel.

After eight years driving a Mustang named the Grey Ghost, Spencer hung up his helmet earlier this month, choosing more time with his family over a few more tears down the strip.

Here, Spencer, shares eight lessons he learned during his time as a drag racer that apply to our work at �鶹ԭ��.

#1 You have to slow down.

One thing that drag races and Spencer’s work at �鶹ԭ�� have in common is they both move very fast. On the strip, he once topped 270 miles an hour. At �鶹ԭ��, the College is growing quickly and constantly evolving to best serve its students. Spencer has learned through practice that whether he’s in the classroom or behind the wheel, it’s important to slow down and make measured decisions.

“You have to make sure that you’re doing the best thing for what matters most. In drag racing, what matters most is you and your safety. At �鶹ԭ��, what matters most is the students. We have to train ourselves to take that extra time to do what’s right, even when everything around us is speeding by. If we put our students first, we’re always going to win.”

#2 And don’t take your eyes off the goal. 

During one race, Spencer took a split-second glance at his competition. That tiny distraction cost him a lot. “It was 2018. Instead of worrying about me, I was worried about someone else. I looked away for not even a second, and I lost control of the car. That taught me that we have to always be focused on our mission and our goals. This is true both in drag racing and at �鶹ԭ��. We can’t be worried about what the competition is doing. We have to stay on track, and if we do, we’ll come out on top.”

#3 Age is just a number.

Spencer was 54 years old when he got into drag racing, but he didn’t let his age hold him back. He is living proof that it’s never too late to learn something new. “�鶹ԭ�� has many nontraditional students, who may doubt whether they can come back to school. I’m proof that your age is just a number. If you believe you can do something, you can do it. Don’t let a number stop you.”

#4 Don’t make assumptions.

As an older drag racer, people often assumed Spencer had more experience than his younger counterparts. “They just figured I’d spent half my life doing this. They’d see the 28-year-old driver next to me, and they’d assume I knew more than him, but I was brand new to racing. You never know someone’s story or what they’re capable of until you get to know them.” 

#5 This is not a man’s world.

Females trained Spencer in both machining and drag racing. Nonetheless, both are traditionally male-dominated fields, and Spencer has seen many women be treated as if they don’t belong. He now makes it his personal mission to support females making their way in what was once considered a “man’s world.” “I tell every woman in my classroom not to ever relinquish their spot in the machining profession to anyone based on gender. And the person who’s going to start racing my car now that I’m retired? She’s a woman.”

#6 If someone doubts you, use it as inspiration.

Spencer was once told that he would “never amount to anything.” He’s never forgotten that comment. In fact, he’s used it as fuel to succeed as a machinist, an instructor, and as a drag racer. He encourages his �鶹ԭ�� students to do the same in their own lives. “When you hit obstacles in life, you can’t be slowed down. Make yourself better. Work harder. If you do, nothing will get in your way.”

#7 It’s an honor to hand the keys to a new generation.

Spencer worked in machining for nearly 40 years, and he’s spent the last eight drag racing. In all aspects of his life, he’s found his greatest fulfillment in training younger generations to take his place. “There’s nothing like helping others learn and then handing them the keys to a new career or to a drag car. Knowing that I played a part in them being able to have a career or the excitement of drag racing, that’s better than anything I’ve ever done.”

#8 Family always comes first.

Now that he’s retired from drag racing, Spencer plans to spend his weekends with what really matters: his wife, children, and eight grandchildren. “My grandkids are the light of my life. I can’t do anything that would jeopardize my being with them for another moment. I won’t be at the drag strip on the weekend anymore. If you need me, I’ll be with my family.”