The Southeast Gassers Association champion who bought this fun, throwback drag racing series plans for growth that preserves its old-school appeal.

The news this past December that Leslie Horne purchased the Southeast Gassers Association (SEGA) racing series from its founder, Quain Stott, would likely not have come as a major surprise to anyone who knows Horne and his background. He had already built successful businesses before becoming a tough competitor on the SEGA circuit in 2018.

That Horne would end up behind the wheel of a race car might have been pre-destined from childhood. At just nine years old in rural Green Creek, North Carolina, he learned to drive in a 1963 Falcon convertible with a “three on the tree” column-shift manual transmission. From working in a cotton mill after high school, Horne went to school for auto body and then worked in a body shop for a couple of years. He also opened a detailing business and had a buy-here/pay-here used car lot. 

In the 1990s, Horne road-raced motorcycles and opened a motorcycle service shop that he sold in 2007. After he began buying houses to fix up and sell, Horne earned his real estate license in 2008 and built up Leslie Horne and Associates Realty agency in Boiling Springs, South Carolina. It currently employs 13 agents.

Horne had known Stott from growing up in the same part of North Carolina. “He and my father were buddies,” Horne told PRI in a recent interview. “He’s 11 years older than I am. I always looked up to him.” Watching Stott race in 2017 inspired Horne to enter SEGA competition. He started with a 1962 Chevy II wagon called “Stud Muffin,” winning the C/Gas championship in 2019. After selling that car, he built his 1955 Chevy, “Chick Magnet,” and won the 2022 A/Gas championship. 

SEGA’s 13th season started on March 23 at Brainerd Motorsports Park in Ringgold, Georgia, with nine races to follow that.

PRI: Was buying SEGA a huge leap for you, or did it just seem like a natural progression from what you had already been doing in racing and business?

Horne: It did seem natural. Quain had been talking to me about it on and off for a couple of years. I made an offer, and here we are today. It felt like the right time. In 2022, I was invited to the PRI Show, and that helped get me on fire about doing this. Then in 2023, [SEGA Race Director] Randy Edmonds was with me for the Show. The people that I met there were so positive about me purchasing SEGA. 

PRI: Should SEGA racers expect to see any significant changes for 2024?

Horne: I don’t expect significant changes. I’m keeping all the employees. Quain already had Randy and Operations Director Rocky Platt running the show, and that will continue. My goal is to make things run more smoothly. I’m going to stay as true to the roots as we can. I want to carry on Quain’s legacy. But you don’t want things to always be the same, because then you don’t evolve.

PRI: Where do you see room for growth in the series?

Horne: We’ve got a good following, but I think there’s room for it to go to another level.

I think that we have about outgrown some of the smaller tracks. People want to go somewhere for a really good experience. They don’t want to stand in long lines to get a sandwich or use the restroom. We’ve got to be looking at these things.

PRI: People are attracted to SEGA racing for its “old school” racing experience and atmosphere. How do you preserve that while growing?

Horne: With the buzz and excitement around the new ownership, I just feel like it is going to go to another level. Things will evolve, and I’ve got some different ideas, but I also do not want to take away from the “old school” factor. I want it to be a good, fun experience for the whole family, from little kids to grandparents. Also, we’re working on some TV coverage, possibly streaming or something else. 

PRI: How do you balance your work at SEGA with your real estate business?

Horne: I have good people in place at my office. That’s enabled me to do the racing full time for the past five years. When you run a gasser for the championship, it’s pretty much a full-time job.

PRI: Is there any advice you received personally or professionally that you feel guides you?

Horne: Nine times out of 10, people just want others to listen to them.

PRI: Except for your cell phone or other technology, is there anything you would say you can’t live without?

Horne: My wife, Donna, and two kids, son Logan and daughter Lexi. That’s what makes me get up in the morning and do what I do. My wife is always there and supportive of me, no matter how wild or crazy it is. 

Leslie Horne

TITLE:
Owner

ORGANIZATION:
Southeast Gassers Association (SEGA)

HOMETOWN:
Chesnee, South Carolina

FAST FACT:
“I mess around with a lot of old cars—Chevelles, Novas, Camaros, Corvettes, 1955 Chevys, and 1950s trucks. I’ve had 32 cars at one time. When I started SEGA racing in 2018, a lot of those went to the side. I’m down to 20-something. The 1967 Camaro is my favorite, because that was the first car my dad bought for me when I was 14. I’ve probably had more than 150 of them over the years.”