Austin Green has more experience on Charlotte Motor Speedway's frontstretch quarter-mile than many of his competitors, but when the Bojangles' Summer Shootout kicks off on June 14, Green's experience won't be the only thing he'll have going for him. The son of 1994 NASCAR XFINITY Series champion David Green, Austin, 15, has competed in the Bojangles' Summer Shootout since he was eight years old.
And while Green has won championships in Bandoleros, he'll make his debut in the Pro Division this summer. Green finished fourth in Young Lions points last year. Nothing could top the feeling the Concord, North Carolina, native would get if he accomplished his next goal: winning the Pro title aboard Ladyga Motorsports' high-profile No. 48 Legend Car.
"Hopefully, we can pull off a lot of wins," Green said. "You want to do what guys like (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver) Daniel Hemric and (dirt late model driver) Carson Ferguson did in that car. I definitely want to follow in their footsteps."
Green perfected his craft around Charlotte Motor Speedway's frontstretch quarter-mile in Bandoleros. Now in a car fully capable of delivering the championship he covets while driving for team owners Tim and Cheryl Ladyga, Green believes he's primed for a breakout season.
"I learned the basics in Bandos and picked up some other basics from Legend Cars as I moved up," Green said. "When I went to Ladyga, that was the real steppingstone. They've given me an amazing opportunity to drive their car, and we really click as a group. They take you in and teach you."
David Green - who raced in NASCAR's national touring series from 1989 to 2013 - also imparts plenty of wisdom on his son. Austin can also lean on uncles Jeff and Mark Green, both successful NASCAR drivers, and cousin Tyler, an accomplished Legend Car racer, for more help. Simply put, the youngest racing Green is in the ideal situation. He's ready to take full advantage of it, too.
"I'm definitely confident in what the car can do," Green said. "I'm confident in what I can do, too."
The Bojangles' Summer Shootout begins its 23rd season on Tuesday, June 14 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Tuesday night spectacular will showcase the best Legend Car and Bandolero racers in addition to a school bus race. Fans can document their experiences using the hashtag #LetsBoRacing on social media, and those unable to attend can watch a live stream on www.uslegendcars.com, www.charlottemotorspeedway.com and www.goprn.com. Fans can also watch weekly half-hour highlight shows on MAVtv.
TICKETS:
Tickets, which cost only $8 for adults and FREE for kids 13 and under, can be purchased at the gate or in advance by calling 800-455-FANS or online at charlottemotorspeedway.com.
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