Behind the Scenes With a NASCAR WAG: Amanda Speed

Often we hear about the teammates and crew that make a driver special. But more often than not, we don’t hear about the real driving force behind the men—their wives. One such wife is the insanely popular Twitter-addict Amanda Speed.

Amanda is married to driver of the No. 82 Red Bull Car, Scott Speed.

(Photo: AllLeftTurns.com)

Family and Work

Amanda Speed was born into a racing family, although a different kind of racing.

Her father is a seven-time champion and the second most winning driver in the NHRA, while her brother and sister in-law both compete in the NHRA as well.

Amanda thought about driving, but never did, instead doing all the behind the scenes work for her family.

She handled all the PR work and the sponsors, while majoring in communications. She also went to work for Bill Davis Racing on the NASCAR circuit and never looked back.

(Photo: Flickr.com)

Scott and Amanda

It was through her work with Bill Davis Racing that Amanda met her future husband, Scott Speed, when Red Bull hired her to work exclusively with him.

Amanda thought Scott was her “gay best friend” and had a blast doing "girly" things like getting pedicures with him.

It wasn’t until a night of bowling that she realized her “gay best friend” may not be so gay after all.

“One thing led to another one day and we went bowling or something,” Speed said. “And I thought to myself, he really is not gay.”

They eloped on September 10, 2008 at a Charlotte courthouse but were officially married in front of their family on July 18, 2009 in a fun, kick-back ceremony.

(Photo:thefastandthefabulous.com)

Rex

Amanda has an eight year old boy named Rex from a previous marriage. "He is the most amazing kid ever," the proud mom said. "He literally is more well-behaved than me and Scott."

Like any good racing family kid, Rex has his own favorite driver. However, it is not his stepfather.

“His favorite driver is Jeff Gordon,” Amanda said with a shake of her head. Rex travels to NASCAR races with his mother and stepfather during the summer and loves to watch the races.

(Photo: allleftturns.com)

Hobbies

Amanda’s hobbies off the track include hanging out with best friends Kyle Busch and his fiance Samantha. The Speeds are the maid of honor and best man in the Busch wedding.

Speed also spends part of each day at the gym, working out with her husband, or going to zumba class. Her workout routine includes an hour of aerobics and half an hour of weight training or ab work.

She also enjoys shopping and hanging out with her husband.

(Photo: Speedwaymedia.com)

Life In The Fast Lane

Amanda Speed is the anchor of her husband’s career and life. She handles his business affairs in addition to being his wife.

She is truly her husband’s life support.