Aydan Saunders, an El Paso native attending Texas A&M University, has secured 10 dirt victories this year as he prepares for this weekend’s Legend Car Dirt Nationals at Fayetteville Motor Speedway. Aydan is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to eat some delicious Carolina Bojangles and savor a refreshing Cook Out milkshake during the event, particularly if he walks away with the Pro Division victory.
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Division: Pro
Number: 8
Team: Aydan Saunders Racing and 860 Motorsports
College: Texas A&M
1. What year are you and what are you studying at Texas A&M?
Freshman and I’m studying business.
2. Why did you choose a school 10 hours from home?
Just to live somewhere different, I knew it was always a good school and the vibe of the campus looked really nice to me. Everyone seemed nice and I always heard good things about it.
3. How did you get into racing?
I didn't really have any family in it. My dad always liked it but I pretty much just went to our local track here, Southern New Mexico Speedway when it was still open. We just went after the races and talked to people in the pits and they told us how to get started. So, we picked up a go-kart and raced it for three or four years and did pretty well, won a few championships, won plenty of races, and then got into Legends a few years later.
4. How did you balance the transition into college with still racing?
It's definitely just slowed down my racing in general after this year it's pretty much just gonna be during the summers and the breaks I get during the year, which is fine, a little break never hurts.
5. What activities and hobbies are you involved in?
I like to go to the gym and work out at least once a day. I like to cook a lot and coming up with new recipes.
6. What is your favorite dish to cook?
A good steak
7. What is one thing that racing has taught you in your everyday life?
It's taught me to put everything in perspective, to be grateful for what I have. At the end of the day it's a privilege to be racing.
8. What is your favorite track that you've raced at so far?
Southern New Mexico Speedway when it was still open.
9. Do you prefer Oval, Dirt, or Road Course?
Dirt and road course but I'd say mainly dirt. I've done a little bit of [asphalt] oval, but I haven't really stuck with it.
10. What do you love most about doing dirt?
The vibes it brings are nice when it's laid back, and I like adapting to different tracks, trying new stuff.
11. If you could give advice to any new drivers starting off, what would you tell them?
Just don't be afraid to ask questions and don't over push yourself to where you're constantly wrecking and not finishing races. You're there to complete 25 laps, so complete all of them.
12. How did you pick your number 8?
Growing up I always loved the red Budweiser car and was always a Dale Earnhardt Jr fan.
13. What do you find most enjoyable about racing?
When we win. It's so rewarding when you work on own stuff and at the end of the day you can just sit back and look at all the success and it's just a rewarding feeling.
14. What do you want to accomplish outside of racing?
To have my own business one day of some sort. Race and just enjoy life. Live it to the fullest.
15. How are you feeling about Dirt Nationals?
I'm feeling pretty good, I've had a really bad track record at Fayetteville as far as finishing the race. I've gotten taken out there, but last year I was really fast. I just need to qualify better.
16. Is there anything you're looking forward to when coming to Fayetteville, North Carolina for Dirt Nationals?
I'm excited to get some Bojangles again and Cook Out. I will go get a shake there if I win.
17. What is something you want to accomplish in the 2024 season?
Win a sprint car race, I've really wanted it. I still have two more races this year, so maybe I could just knock that outta the way this year.