Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

I started an "Underrated Drivers" Thread last week that had some good responses and conversations. 

Here's another one: Young, Up and Coming Drivers.  Again, this is open ended and hard to define exactly what is a "young, up and coming driver" and how does one decide whether or not they are "young and upcoming" or merely "young."  I'll say it's someone who is young, hasn't been in a 360/410 for a long time (i.e. there are some young, age wise, drivers who have been in the 410 ranks for a period of time and experienced success - Marks, Dietrich, etc.), who is either on the cusp of a "break out" or juuuuust expereinced one (Little Haud, Ryan Smith, etc.).  

Here's a few to get things going: CA Boys: Netto, Macedo, Copeland, Scelzi.  Trey Starks in WA.

Go!

At Port Royal, Logan Wagner and Brock Zearfoss of course, but guys like Wayne Dadetto and Tyler Bear have been showing speed as of late.  And rookie Kody Lehman has been a real consistent mid-pack driver so far in his rookie year.  He's stayed out of trouble, has competed in all events and finished in all but two (the "big one" and the All Star race).  I'm not saying he's going to win this year, but tracks need drivers like that to come onto the scene, get lots of laps, and look for the future.

okla tyler thomas

Carson Macedo the next driver i see headed towards NASCAR

How about 14 year old Michael "Buddy" Kofoid of Penngrove, CA. He passed "Sugar" Shane Golobic for the Ocean Speedway victory last Friday night in 360 action. He's an Outlaw Kart graduate who's currently in his first season driving a full sized sprint car. The win came in only his second start at the track. Although Golobic was defeated by the youngster this time, I feel Golobic should have his own place on the list as well. I mean, they both have nicknames already...

Jake Bubak 

Keep an eye on Robby Wolfgang......He and Doug put together a RaceSaver 305 last year and have the program up and running again this year (got a Feature win the first time out at i80 last Friday). Plus, another car owner has a 360 available for Robby to run on a limited basis and it sounds like there is another owner with a 410 that will be available at times. IMO Robby can go as far as he chooses to go in sprint cars. He has the talent as was evident before he went off to college, and Doug can still build a car, figure out the proper set ups and make a sprinter go fast! Robby may in the next couple seasons attract a car owner that will pit him in the right position to win at a high level. 

I'd second that.

Ryan's looked impressive and to my knowledge hasn't had much winged experience. 

Another driver to throw in the hat that runs at Knoxville and midwest.... Ian Madsen. He's obviously got talent and the funds, has a Knoxville Championship Cup under his belt and the team travels. 

Another name that I've been extremely critical of these past few years is Tasker Phillips. I've seen this kid tear up a TON of equipment, his and others, but if I had to name one driver who has improved the most over the past couple of years, at least at Knoxville, I'd put his near or at the top of my list. I think having the Dud help weekly has helped too. 

And last but not least, and unfortunately I think we have a limited time to see Mr Clauson in a winged sprinter. He's so good in everything he's hopped into. Maybe not on the level of Kyle Larson but he's caught on quickly and is a threat to win most nights. 

Keep It Real

Danny Holtgraver, Sheldon Haudenschild, Parker Price Miller

Sheldon Haudenschild for sure. I see him getting an outlaw ride one of these days. He's oozing with talent and just like his father, he's totally fearless and will put the car places that others wouldn't dare. In Central Pa, I think one that really stands out is Brock Zearfoss. He's been knocking at the door for a long time and is going to win real soon. If not for having consistently the worst luck I've ever seen a driver have, he would probably already have a win or two. Matt Campbell is another one who I think has potential. He definitely needs to calm down some because he's a little wild at times but once he does, he's quite possibly going to be a weekly contender. Of course we also have Brandon and Freddie Rahmer. Those kids are starting to really get good but that comes as no surprise to anyone. I'm pretty sure we all knew they'd be excellent racers from the day they were born.

Without a doubt Sheldon has the potential.

this will be abother proving year....can he keep the equipment under him? He did a great job last year.

Sheldon Haudenchild, Danny Holtgraver, Cole Duncan, Cap Henry, Ryan Smih, Brock Zearfross, Max Stambaugh, Parker Price Miller, Caleb Griffith, Tj Michael to name a few.

Tanner Thorson- Def. on the rise. He seems to win in just about anything he gets in.

Wayne Dadetto- He brought Lance Dewease on this year in a sort of a crew chief role and it's shown to have paid huge dividends as he has been very fast this year and seems to be head and shoulders above where he was the last few years.

Logan Wagner- If he ever got some money behind him, I think this kid could take Central PA by storm. He runs hard and sometimes a little too hard, but he's got the talent to make waves in the racing world.

Along with a lot of the other guys who have been mentioned

Oldies leave & newcomers appear. As long as the $$'s come with any of the newbies, along with guidance from a decent crew chief or past driver of experience & they use some common sense todays era of racers to be stars have a far better chance to achieve than in years past. Like someone said in a thread the other day, you can buy all the speed components available, but you cannot buy experience & common sense. Most of the fearless drivers just need to slow down to go faster!!!

You will see a steady stream coming out of Northern Ca. Outlaw carts. Both boys and girls with tons of talent. Some are already  in sprints or midgets. Holly Shelton, Ryan Robinson, Caleb Henry, Maria Cofer, Chase Madjic, Logan and Tyler Seavey just to name a few. The future looks bright on the west coast!