For 17-year-old Dillon Faggart and his family, racing is not just a sport; it is a tradition. Faggart is confident that his passion and determination will enable him to become one of the top drivers in the Bojangles' Summer Shootout series. He hopes that his performance this summer at Charlotte Motor Speedway will propel him to a career in racing's highest ranks, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
"The Summer Shootout Series is a huge time for my family and I. It's an opportunity for us to be out on the track together, be surrounded by fans, race with the best of the best and most importantly, spend time together doing what we love," Faggart said.
A rising high-school junior, Faggart started racing at age 13. "Getting behind the wheel of a race car is such an adrenaline rush. With the speed, the fans and all the excitement, there is really nothing that compares," he said.
With tradition in mind, Faggart hopes to follow in the footsteps of his father, Robbie Faggart. Robbie Faggart was an American stock car racer, competing in numerous series such as the NASCAR Sportsman Division in the early '90s and the NASCAR Busch Series in the 2000s.
"My father is definitely an inspiration to me and I work very hard to make him proud," said the younger Faggart.
Faggart said no matter where he ends up in his racing career, he aims to make his father proud. "Every time I cross the finish line, every time I do well, it really makes my father proud. I couldn't ask for anything more," he said.
Dillon Faggart recalled a memorable time back in January of this year. "I had been leading every lap. On the 15th lap, I passed a lap car. The car spun me out and I fell all the way to the rear. After fighting my way back to the front, I ended up taking first by just a couple inches," Faggart recalled.
Memories like this really make racing worth it for families like the Faggart's. Accidents can happen, and Dillon encourages drivers to never give up and keep at it.
"It is always important to keep on going," he said. "A lot of the time, accidents aren't your fault and you must get back behind the wheel and not lose hope."
Throughout the 10-race Bojangles' Summer Shootout, Faggart will be representing MAVtv, a network whose mantra is to be "American Real."
Faggart and his family are the perfect representation of a family who embrace their red, white and blue glory. With the help of their brand and the Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series, Faggart hopes to have new doors opened for him to get his ride into NASCAR.
"I encourage anyone that is thinking about racing to come out to the Summer Shootout Series and give it a try. This is a wonderful series to start in and pursue any dreams you may have in racing," said Faggart.
The Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series continues Tuesday, June 16 with a full slate of Legends Car and Bandolero racing. In addition, fans can enjoy Mascot Mania Go-Kart Races featuring some of the Charlotte region's most popular mascots.
Tickets are $8 for adults and free for kids 13 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance by calling 800-455-FANS or online at charlottemotorspeedway.com. In addition to the weekly highlight shows on MAVtv, fans can watch live action through a pay-per-view via Performance Racing Network and Speed51.com for just $14.99 per night (or $9.99 per night when you order the full season). For more details or to purchase a pay-per-view subscription for the Bojangles' Summer Shootout, visit www.GOPRN.com/SummerShootout.
For more information on the Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit charlottemotorspeedway.com. Connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or get all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
