16-year old Chase Dixon honed his skills last season racing a Mod Street at Kingsport Speedway for Kres VanDyke Driven for Development. He continued to make his progression to Late Models this year with select starts in a Limited Late Model at Motor Mile Speedway and in his first two Late Model Stock Car starts at Kingsport in August but now he’s about to step out on the grandest stage of them all.
Dixon is headed to Martinsville Speedway this weekend in hopes of making what will be just his third Late Model Stock Car start. Dixon is excited to make the transition from being a fan to racing on the famous half-mile.
“It was a really cool experience,” Dixon told RACE22. “I’ve been there the last three years for the Late Model race. The vibe you get there is an amazing feeling just to be there as a fan and watching the race. I told myself I was going to be there one day and last week I got to be there.”
Dixon said his car was fast and didn’t need any major changes in testing last week.
“The car was good,” Dixon explained. “It was quick and the car was right there where we needed it to be with just a few minor adjustments. It was really close and I can’t thank my crew chief Chris Carrier enough because he got that baby dialed in.”
Despite a lack of experience in a Late Model Stock Car, Dixon thinks he can have a good showing at Martinsville.
“I’m running against some of the top guys in Late Model Stock Car racing. It’s a little bit nerve-racking, I don’t want to make any enemies in my third Late Model start. I’m going there with the demeanor to win. I’m going to give it all I can, not make any enemies and come out in one piece.”
Dixon understands that he might not qualify in the top 20 and he might have to run a heat race to get in the race. That’s not what he wants to do but he knows it’s part of this show.
“I really feel like when we were at the test we tried setting up for long runs and on raw speed. If I can lay down a good clean lap, I feel like we can be good. I’d rather avoid a heat race but it’ll help me grow as a driver. I just want to make the race right now. If I have to heat race it isn’t going to be the end of the world.”
If Dixon makes the show he plans to conserve his equipment and see where he’s at when it’s time to go for it at the end.
“I’m not going to go blasting through the field and try and get the lead,” Dixon said. “That’s not how you win the race. I’m going to conserve my stuff and try to stay out of trouble. My main mindset right now is to make the race and win the race. I just have a good feeling about this race. I don’t have a doubt in my team at all. I think we’ll be good.”
Dixon has the support of South Holston Dental, Shoun Trucking, Chance Scott Auto Group, J&D Pit Stop, PFC Brakes, Wheel Chill, Cumberland Gap Water, Pioneer Chevrolet and Variety Mobile Homes.
Look for this young driver to make some noise in the biggest race of the season on Saturday night. You can follow along all weekend with RACEDAY LIVE updates exclusively on RACE22.com Friday and Saturday with everything you need to know about the event.
Cover photo by Andy Marquis.
