A native of Race City USA - Mooresville, North Carolina, 13-year-old Dawson Cram is the kind of kid many would say is destined for a career in motorsports. With eight years of competitive racing already under his belt, the up-and-comer is quickly making a name for himself in the Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
This summer, Cram, who is representing the series sponsor Bojangles', has already scored two wins against the toughest grassroots racers in the country, and he has his sights set on a coveted Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series championship.
"Bojangles' found me not just because of my racing skills, but because of my ability to interact with the public," said Cram. "They like that I am comfortable speaking to people and on television."
When Cram is not stepping on the gas, he is fine-tuning his skills by teaching young drivers new techniques at Cram Racing Enterprises, a driver development program operated by his father Kevin Cram, a former crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
"I help coach all the new drivers," said Cram. "I teach them how to get around the track faster and different passing techniques. Doing this not only develops me as a driver, but it helps me all around to be a better person."
Cram has been racing since he was five years old. He drove full body go-karts, known as Mini Dwarfs, for several years and then moved up to a Bandolero. Today, Cram drives a full size U.S. Legend Car in the Young Lions division in the Bojangles' Summer Shootout. A Legend Car, which weighs about 750 pounds more than a Bandolero and produces more than 100 additional horsepower, teaches young drivers the importance of car control as they progress through the racing ranks.
This year marks Cram's sixth year in the Summer Shootout. "I just like it because we are at Charlotte Motor Speedway," said Cram. "We prepare our cars in the same garage as the NASCAR Sprint Cup series drivers and we are surrounded by fans and even cameras."
Fans can find Cram and other Bojangles' Summer Shootout drivers at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday, July 14. In addition to the best grassroots racing, fans can watch the Little Luggies 600 exhibition race, where children ages 4-7 will have the opportunity to race around the frontstretch quarter mile.
Tickets are free for kids under 13 and only $8 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance by calling 800-455-FANS or online at charlottemotorspeedway.com. Fans can also check local Bojangles' locations for a $2 off coupon.
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. For more details or to purchase a pay-per-view subscription for the Bojangles' Summer Shootout, visit www.goprn.com
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.
