Chase Purdy of Meridian, Mississippi is currently the Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series point's leader in the Young Lions Division, and with less than a year of experience competing in a Legend Car, the 15 year old is making it known that both his talent and consistency on the Charlotte Motor Speedway quarter-mile are here to stay.
Many drivers inspire Purdy to chase his NASCAR dreams. Two of those drivers include former Legend Car drivers Daniel Hemric and William Byron. Today, Hemric drives for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Byron drives for NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Division. Purdy drives for Dennis Lambert Racing, the same team that Bryon raced with during his time as a Legend Car driver. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of Hemric and Byron as he continues his racing career.
"It is a big confidence booster for me," Purdy said of seeing former Summer Shootout competitors racing in the NASCAR ranks. "It helps me know that I'm in a good spot for my future."
In past Summer Shootout Series, Purdy ran Bandolero cars but this is his first season as a full-time driver in a larger more powerful U.S. Legend Car. Purdy's second win of the season on June 30 allowed him to regain the points lead in the Young Lions division which features a seesaw battle for first place between Purdy and Dawson Cram. Drivers between the ages of 12 and 15 compete in the Young Lions division and race at this level before advancing to the Semi-Pro division.
After transitioning from a Bandolero to a Legend Car last September, Purdy said, "the biggest difference between the two cars is the level of horsepower. There is also different braking and shifting, but I am getting used to it and am really enjoying it."
Purdy found his passion for racing at a young age and has made it his mission to be the best driver he can be. "When I was about 4 years old, I remember watching NASCAR races with my grandfather. I told him, 'Hey I wanna do that!' He responded by telling me when I get older we can look into it," said Purdy. "Now here I am."
When it comes to racing on the frontstretch quarter-mile at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Purdy said, "I normally get a lot of butterflies until we start going green after a lap or two, but I just try to tell myself to keep calm, run my race and stick to my lines."
Hoping to continue on his path of Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series success, Purdy is going to focus on maintaining his mind and body.
"In terms of my preparation for a race, I really just try to stay focused and remain hydrated," said Purdy. "I have a lot of fun racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway because the competition is extraordinary! I am always working to be the best race car driver that I can be. My family is currently moving to North Carolina, and I'm looking forward to my future in this sport and the friends and skills I will gain along the way."
Bojangles' Summer Shootout action continues at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday, July 7, with the Faster Pastor exhibition race. Local pastors will leave it all on the track as they race school buses to determine which pastor is faster at the intermission of the night's thrilling Legend Car and Bandolero action.
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.
