Cole Bruce and Peyton Ferree have been named as drivers for Mullins Racing Development as they continue on track success at Dominion Raceway.
The two teenagers have been helping ARCA driver Willie Mullins at the shop during the week. Both work on the cars with Mullins, which has shown dedication to the sport and translated to on-track success.
“We are very excited to have both Cole Bruce and Peyton Ferree as part of our camp,” Mullins said. “These young drivers are the future of our team. They both come to our shop and help work on the ARCA cars, so they can really learn what it takes to run in a pro series.”
14-year-old Cole Bruce from Fredericksburg, Virginia joins the program riding a wave of momentum. Bruce picked up his second Dominion Racer victory on Saturday night in spectacular fashion, driving from the back of the field to the front to score the win.
“Around lap 10, I got involved in an incident with the leader and had to go to the rear of the field,” Bruce explained. That next lap, there was a caution in turn three and four, then a wreck happened and took a car out. Then, we started third and, by lap 15, I got by the leader and led the rest of the race. Had to hold on during a Green-White-Checkered for the win.”
Bruce has been working with the Mullins Racing team alongside his father, Robert Bruce.
“It’s a program with me and Peyton Ferree starting at a young age, helping in the shop, helping Willie and my dad go to Elko, working on the car,” Bruce commented. “In future years, hopefully, we’ll be able to drive their cars in ARCA. It helps a lot with racing as well, learning engine parts. At the track, you can tell the Crew Chief what to do when it’s free or tight. When you aren’t feeling right you can say this may be the problem or may not be.”
Ferree, who is also 14 and lives in Fredericksburg, echoed Bruce’s thoughts.
“It helps a lot,” Ferree said. When we change a shock or spring on Willie’s car, he explains why we are changing it so when I am in my own car, I know what the changes will do to it. I am getting better at asking for what I need.”
Ferree has one career Sportsman victory at Shenandoah Speedway. Earlier in July, he made his debut in the Modified class and has a best finish of seventh so far.
“For my first season, it’s been good,” Ferree commented. “I’m out there, running mid-pack. We aren’t too far off. I still have a lot to learn but I feel like we have a good starting point.”
Ferree is hoping to be able to compete in ARCA when he turns 15 and is thankful for the opportunity to work with Mullins.
“I really enjoy being a part of the team,” Ferree explained. “I have spent a lot of late nights with Willie and the guys working on cars. The more I learn from his cars, I can use on my own team. I want to be one of those drivers who works on his own cars because the more you know about a car the better driver you are.”
Mullins feels both young drivers have speed and are a good fit for his program.
“Cole has a couple wins under his belt now and Peyton is really right in the mix of things in the highly competitive Modified division,” Mullins stated. “We hope to get them testing cars next season and see where it goes from there.”
While Bruce is excited about the program, he also continues to look ahead as he improves in the Dominion Racer class.
“It’s very exciting to be up front,” Bruce remarked. “Happy for our team to know we have a car to compete every weekend and win races for the rest of the season. We have a good vibe going for next year.”
Cole Bruce is supported by Papa Johns, Matco Tools by Mark Breeden, Shepherd’s Heating & Air, Dinah Marie Photography and Mullins Racing. For more information about Cole Bruce, visit www.colebruceracing.com, “like” Cole Bruce Racing on Facebook or follow Cole Bruce on Twitter.
