For most of his 27 years, Boston Reid was a race car driver.

He began running go-karts at age 7, once won a dirt race at famed Eldora Speedway, and even spent time in France for a stretch as part of Red Bull Racing's Formula One developmental program. In 2004, Reid signed a driver developmental deal with Hendrick Motorsports and seemed to be well on his way in NASCAR.

“

For me, when I can help somebody achieve what I think is one of the greatest American privileges of home ownership, you're lucky.

”

-- BOSTON REID

But after making his debut in what is now the Nationwide Series in 2005 and running a total of seven races that season, Reid was released from his contract with Hendrick. He ran 20 races in the Truck Series the following season with Woodard Racing, with his highest finish 13th.

Then, in the midst of the economic downturn that affected the sport -- and America -- at virtually every level, Reid found himself out of a job and reluctant to take rides with teams he considered under-funded. So he turned to a new life as a real-estate broker and agent, and talked recently about his new career.

Q: It seems like you really have embraced being a realtor. Does it seem strange to be pursuing -- and enjoying -- another career after so many years chasing the driving dream?

Reid: First off, it helps if you understand why. So many people ask, 'Well, why did you go from the driving to being a realtor?' I've had two passions in life. One was driving and the other was I loved renovating homes. My family [members] in Indiana are contractors and roofers. So I grew up with it and I grew up with racing. Those have been my two passions in life.

My plan was to drive as long as I can, and when that dries up, I'm going to check out my other passion. So when I moved down here [to Charlotte, N.C.] to drive, I was able to afford to purchase a couple of properties. I rehabbed the properties myself; I subbed out a little of the work, but I like to be hands-on. ... So when the economy went bad and sponsorship money dried up, especially for young drivers such as myself, I focused on another passion of mine, and that was real estate. That's kind of how I got to where I'm at now. I went and got my license, and I have been very blessed in my life to be around great people. (Continued)