Wes grew up in the small town of Chiefland, FL. His passion for racing developed at age 8 when is father bought Wes a go-kart. After turning his first lap, it was apparent that Wes had an amazing natural ability to hustle a racecar. The racing bug had bit Wes Burton. With the help of his father and brother, Wes began what has become the story of his life: whipping the competition with a lot less money. Wes and family proceeded to rack up over 100 wins in go-karts from Florida to Delaware.
As Wes entered his teens, the family knew it was time to get away from the karts and move Wes into a full-size racecar. Their car of choice was an open wheel modified to race at Bronson Speedway and other surrounding racing facilities. Before Wes could generate a great deal of success, the under-funded family team suffered a devastating blow as they exploded an engine during a race. Wes was forced to watch from the sidelines for the rest of the year. Fortunately for Wes, his brother Randy helped a lot of race teams in the area and was able to keep Wes in various cars so that he could continue to develop as a driver. They got their modified back together, but Wes knew he was going to have to do something drastic to take advantage of his driving abilities. Wes looked for a role model who shared similar difficulties that he faced, and he found that in Alan Kulwicki.
Alan Kulwicki changed NASCAR. He was the first to step into the driver's seat with a mechanical engineering degree from an accredited college. Kulwicki showed that an under-funded team that was efficient could conquer teams that were based solely around money. Through Kulwicki's triumph, Wes realized that what he lacked in money he could make up in brains. Wes packed up all his belongings and headed north to Charlotte, NC. He enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Once at Charlotte, Wes's future instantly turned brighter. The school housed a 2 car Legends team program, as well as a Formula-SAE program. Wes was able to try out for the Legends team as a freshman and was faster than the rest of the team. He was instantly named one of the 6 drivers and helped turn the team into a top Legends team in the Charlotte/Concord area. Through his success with the Legends program, Wes was asked to drive the school's Formula-SAE open wheel car at the annual Detroit competition. FSAE is a competition where top schools from all over the country build Formula style cars from the ground up and compete against each other in various static and dynamic events.
Another turning point in the development of Wes Burton was when he was hired as a parts guru at Hendrick Motorsports. Wes was able to develop solid relationships with fellow co-workers at Hendrick and begin learning the in's and out's at a top-notch racing organization. Wes was promoted to machinist in Hendrick's premiere engine shop after graduation from UNC-C. Shortly after, he was moved into an engineering role for Rick Hendrick's NASCAR Busch Series program working with drivers such as Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Casey Mears, Adrian Fernandez, and others.
As Wes was fighting for his education, he made time to develop friendships with racers from all over the United States. Some classmates of Wes's were former Yates development driver Matt McCall and current part-time Busch driver Richard Johns. Wes also ran across a highly intelligent engineer from West Virginia who was forced to give up racing due to lack of funds. His name is Tim Jenkins. They both realized that neither could afford to go racing on their own, but if they put their small piles of money together, they may be able to race a little on the weekends.
First, the duo attempted to build a Hooters Pro Cup car. They figured parts could be readily available with Wes's Hendrick connection. As it turned out, no amount of hard work or help could fund an attempt at a Hooters Pro Cup event. The project sat stagnant in Wes's garage.
Meanwhile, Tim ran across a deal on a dirt modified. To say the least, the car needed a little bit of work. In fact, the car wasn't even allowed in the shop due to fear of infection. The duo scrambled and got the car together for the final few races of the 2005 racing season. They bought an engine out of a friend's tow truck and stuck it directly in the car. The only thing they changed was the oil and the cam shaft. Needless to say, it was a real surprise when they finished in the top 7 in the first 4 races they ran, with a best finish of 3rd at 311 Speedway in Madison, NC. Competitors were surprised when the heavy leaf spring car with a rich fire out the exhaust sailed by them on the high side.
Wes and Tim decided that they were going to step it up for the 2006 season and sold everything that they could. They purchased a used straight rail car out of Tennessee that came from Florida. They cut it apart and updated it to the best of their knowledge for the 2006 season. The 16B car was transformed into "The Riddler!"
When asked what kind of car Wes brought to Florence for their debut in June of 2006, he shrugged his shoulders and said "I don't know? I guess it's a Riddler." The name stuck with the car and the race team. "The Riddler" is unique in that the chassis is truly just a housing for the new points installed by Wes, Tim, and team. The car is extremely adjustable and the pickup points are exactly true to the desired geometry. In their first race, Riddler Racing with Wes Burton driving scored their first top 10. However, that race at Florence was not Wes's first super late model race. Wes made his debut in March of 2006 in a Carl Addy prepared late model owned by Kent Bissell at Orlando Speedworld. Because the feature lineup was determined by points, Wes was forced to start in the back. Wes drove from 15th to 1st in 8 laps. He continued to lead until current ARCA racer Michael Faulk passed Wes on the final lap. Though disappointed for not winning, Wes knew it was an amazing debut for him in a super late model.
Since Orlando, Wes and the Riddler Racing team have raced in 4 different series at over 15 tracks. They continue to race in debt, pushing forward to make it in the racing world. They will continue to push and race one level ahead of what they can afford. Many victories will come and Riddler Racing will, in the end, come out ahead like the "Underbird" Alan Kulwicki through hard work, determination, and intelligence. Feel free to keep up with Wes Burton and Riddler Racing by reading our stories in the "adventure" section above.
This is from the ASA Late Model web site: http://74.53.93.18/~asalatem/featureddriver.php
Driver - Wes Burton
Twenty Questions with ASALMS Participant Wes Burton
1)Will you compete for an ASA Late Model Series Championship in 2009?
No.
2)Tell us about your previous racing experience.
I started out in go-karts in Florida until I was old enough to race Modifieds. I moved to Charlotte, NC to attend college at UNC-Charlotte where I raced Legends cars and Formula SAE cars for the university. I got back in a modified and ran a few dirt tracks around the Carolinas in 2005. In 2006, I started racing part-time in a late model with ASALMS South. That continues today and I'm also racing a super late model on dirt on my off weekends.
3)To date, what is your most treasured racing experience?
Showing up to Bristol on the morning of the race after all my competitors had all day Friday to practice. We had the wrong gear in the car and tires that were over a year old for practice. It was my first time in the car and I had only had it in the shop for 2 weeks prior to the event. We barrowed a gear and bolted on some new tires and qualified in the top 15 and finished 6th.
4)To date, what is your least memorable racing experience?
We had a wheel bearing fail at New Smyrna in 2007. It caused us to DNQ the race and made for a very long ride home to North Carolina.
5)Tell us about your previous racing accomplishments?
I've won over 100 go-kart races and multiple championships in Legends cars. My toughest and one of my most rewarding wins was the $4,000 to win super late model race in Kenly, NC in 2008. It was a 40 lap race and I stalked Ray Tucker for the entire race. I got around him on the outside with about 6 laps to go and drove away to win.
6)At what age and how did you get started in racing?
8
7)What goals have you set for yourself in racing?
I want to find a way to support myself and family either as a driver or by owning my own company in the racing industry.
8)Tell us about your family and how they have supported your racing efforts.
My dad bought my first go-kart for me and took me all over the east coast to race. My mom was always supportive and is my biggest fan. My brother was always heavily involved at our home track, Bronson Speedway, and is now a NASCAR truck crew chief and is always doing what he can to help me out. My wife allows me to spend countless hours in the shop preparing cars and trying to make my business work. If it wasn't for all of them, I definitely wouldn't have made it as far as I have to this point.
9)Tell us about your race crew and your sponsors.
Unfortunately, it is usually just myself and my friend from college (Tim Jenkins) that work in the shop and go to all the races. We usually can round up some other help to go to the races, but it's basically the 2 of us in the shop every night and weekend. C&C Tool & Machine of Monroe, NC has been with us from the beginning and continues to help us to this day. Stuart Lycett and his company Competition101 have been keeping some awesome racecars available to us. We're still looking for that major sponsor to allow us to race a full schedule in a series somewhere.
10)What are your other hobbies and interests?
Now that we have the internet and a TV in the race shop, I'm able to catch a few shows. With my involvement in what I do and my workout routine, that's about the only hobby I can have.
11)If you had to choose an animal to describe your personality, which one would it be?
Though it may not have anything to do with my personality, I was very entertained by the penguins in "Madagascar".
12)What is your favorite food and beverage?
I have a weakness for Mexican food and sweet tea, though I know I need to stop.
13)What kind of automobile would you/or do you own?
I have a 1993 Chevy Blazer. It leaks oil, transmission fluid, rear-end fluid, and its power has greatly decreased the last few years. The muffler has fallen off and all the steering linkage is worn out. When I "make it", then I'll get something to be proud of.
14)Who is your favorite NASCAR driver and why?
I have a lot of respect for Mark Martin and also a lot of respect for Kyle Busch's driving style. Mark is "old school" and is always tugging on the wheel to get around the racetrack. He always takes his time and shows up in the top 5 at the end of the race. Kyle, on the other hand, hangs it out and keeps the car on the edge every single lap. I've learned quite a bit from watching both of them drive.
15)Who is your favorite Short Track racer?
Dick Anderson, hands down. My first racecars were all number 92.
16)What is your favorite movie?
"Waiting." I'll never look at a restaurant the same.
17)What is your favorite type of music and what CD is in your CD player now?
We keep the radio on Sirius 21 - Alt Nation. Occasionally, we'll change it up with some country or hip-hop.
18)What are your thoughts on other types of racing such as Dirt Racing, etc...
Dirt is a blast. 2300# car, 800hp, and 14" wide tires make for a good time. I also really enjoy road racing. Road racing is very technical and the driver can make a huge difference. However, asphalt circle track is the career path, so I'll fill in with the fun stuff when I get the opportunity.
19)Of all the tracks you have now raced on, which one is your favorite and why? Bristol is cool because you basically run flat out on a ½ mile track. But I think Music City Motorplex is my favorite and it will take a heck of a racetrack to change my mind about it. It has a lot of banking, and it's really rough, it is really fast, and it has a lot of room to pass.
20)Tell us about your plans for 2009.
As of now, I'm trying to hit tracks that will look good on my racing resume. This includes racing at Rockingham, Bristol, Nashville Superspeedway, and some others. We're also racing at Pikes Peak International Raceway and Colorado National Speedway in May with Paul Deines and his crew. We'll fill in the gaps with some dirt late model activity throughout the Carolinas. Ultimately, I would like to put a deal together to run a truck race this year and hopefully build some momentum into bigger and better opportunities in 2010.
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Jace Hansen – Eaton Colorado
Age: 17 Birthdate: November 6th 1991, Greeley, CO
Family: Joel and Janey Hansen, brother Jodin age 12
Education: Northridge High School, Greeley, CO graduating 2010
Jace Hansen has been involved in racing since he was two years old. He started out as his dad Joel Hansen’s biggest fan. This kid was a brain when it came to racing. He knew the drivers, what color of car then drove, their number and who was most likely going to win. Whenever new people came to watch the races Jace would explain exactly how the racing night worked. When Jace was 11 he snuck into the pits so he could be where the action was. Of course they found out he was underage and he had to leave but it made no difference he saw what he saw and knew he wanted to be a driver someday!
Having the family involved in racing already. Jace wasn’t able to get a jump start racing quarter midgets. He had to wait, and at 13 his dad got him a Legend car. He was able to get in the legend and run a few hot laps and even raced a non sanctioned Legend race.
On Jace’s 14th birthday he competed in his first full sized car race. It was a Winter Enduro held at I-76 Speedway in Fort Morgan, CO. At 14 Jace finished the race in 18th place. That year he raced a few more Winter Enduro’s. His best finish was 4th place. After winter was over, Jace found himself getting ready for the 2006 Legends season. In that first season he didn’t get a win but he finished in the top five, seven times. He was named rookie of the year at Colorado National Speedway, the youngest in the history of the track. At the end of that season his dad let him run some hot laps in his open wheel modified. After just a few laps, Jace was only 2 tenths off his average time.
In the 2007 Legends season Jace surprised everyone with 7 wins, 15 top 2 finishes, and 25 top 5 finishes in 28 races. With the help of his knowledgeable crew he had grown leaps and bounds over many more experienced drivers. His dad had retired from racing and dedicated himself 100% to the effort. Jace finished 2nd in the Rocky Mountain Legend Racing Association finishing 10 points behind. Jace was also able to race in three modified races. He finished 2nd his first time out and then won the final modified race of the year. Three top 3 finishes! The decision was made to race a full season in 2008 and run for rookie of the year in the modified class.
In 2008 Jace won rookie of the year in the modified class at Colorado National Speedway. Not only that, he finished 2nd in points. He ended the season with 1 win and the rest were top 5 finishes. He completed that season in the legend car as well, winning the points championship at CNS and winning 9 out of 14 races. The youngest champion to date! The remaining races were top 4 finishes. He also had an outstanding finish at the Legends Pro Asphalt Nationals in Elko Minn. He competed against the best of the best and finished in 4th place.
It has recently been announced that Jace Hansen has been chosen by Je-Co Motorsports to run a limited schedule for 2009 and moving on to a serious effort in 2010.
Jace would like to thank Jim Egli and the crew for their confidence in his abilities as a driver. He looks forward to the growth and knowledge working with the Je-Co Motorsports team will bring!
RACING EXPERIENCE
2005 (age 13)
Qualified and started two Legend Series races.
14th Birthday started one Winter Enduro Series race at I-76 speedway finishing 18th.
2006 (age 14)
Qualified and started two Winter Enduro Series races finishing 13th and 4th.
Rocky Mountain Legends Racing Association (primary focus)
Completed numerous races at the following tracks:
Colorado National Speedway, Erie, CO
I-25 Speedway, Pueblo, CO
Big Country Speedway, Cheyenne, WY
I-92 Raceway Park, Gering, NE
The Bullring, Las Vegas, NV
26 races, 13 Top 10 finishes. 7 top 5 finishes.
2007 (age 15)
Rocky Mountain Legends Racing Association (primary focus)
Completed numerous Legend races at the following tracks:
Colorado National Speedway, Dacono, CO
I-25 Speedway, Pueblo, CO
Big Country Speedway, Cheyenne, WY
I-92 Raceway Park, Gering, NE
The Bullring, Las Vegas, NV
Sandia Motor Sports Park, Albuquerque, NM
28 races, 25 top 5 finishes, 15 top 2 finishes, and 7 wins.
Grand American Modified Series (secondary focus)
2 races at Colorado National Speedway.
1 race at Gering, NE
3 top 3 finishes, 1 win, CNS Challenge Cup.
2008 (age 16)
Grand American Modified Series (primary focus)
Completed numerous GAM races at the following tracks:
Colorado National Speedway, Dacono, CO
Big Country Speedway, Cheyenne, WY
12 races, 10 top 5 finishes, and 2 wins.
Rocky Mountain Legends Racing Association (secondary focus)
Completed numerous Legend races at the following tracks:
Colorado National Speedway, Dacono, CO
Big Country Speedway, Cheyenne, WY
Elko Speedway, Elko MN Legends Asphalt Nationals.
14 races, 14 top 4 finishes, 9 wins.
ACHIEVMENTS AND AWARDS
2006 (age 14)
2ND place finish in a 30 car field, Colorado National Speedway.
7th in Legend Series points at CNS.
CNS Legends Rookie of the Year, Youngest driver to ever receive this award.
CNS Legend Sportsman of the year.
4th in points, Rocky Mountain Legends Racing Association.
RMLRA, Rookie of the Year. Voted by his peers.
2007 (age 15)
Set and hold track record at I-25 Speedway.
4th in Legend Series points at CNS.
2nd in points, RMLRA. 10 points behind veteran driver Terry Plumber.
22nd Place finish out of 88 semi-pro drivers at Legends Asphalt Nationals in Las Vegas, NV.
Challenge Cup win, Grand American Modified, in only his second career start.
2008 (age 16)
2nd in Points, Grand American Modified at CNS.
Promoted to Pro-Legends racer by INEX-600 racing.
Set and holds track record in the Legend at Big Country Speedway.
Legends Points Champion, CNS. Youngest champion in CNS history.
4th place finish out of a 52 car Legend field in the Pro Division, Legend Series Nationals, Elko, MN.
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