As a drag racer with the National Hot Rod Association's (NHRA) Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Craig Gualtiere of Amarillo, Texas, has performed well at several venues, including the Royal Purple Raceway in Houston. In 2018, Craig Gualtiere won the Super Stock division in his 1967 Chevy II with a time of 9.625. He also finished as runner-up to fellow Texas driver Brenda Grubbs in the NHRA SpringNationals in his Nova with a time of 9.69 seconds and maximum speed of 132.43 miles per hour.
Craig Gualtiere is afforded the opportunity to pursue his drag racing passion in part due to the success of his business, Roasters Coffee & Tea, which he has grown from one to three stores since taking ownership in 1998. He worked as an employee and manager of the coffee shop while in college and, upon graduation, secured a loan from First National Bank to purchase the store from its previous owners. He also has video production experience with NFL Films.
Recently inducted into West Texas A&M's Communications Hall of Fame, Mr. Gualtiere earned a bachelor's degree from the school in 1997. An avid traveler, he has visited all 50 states.
