Getting to live his childhood dream and showing his love for racing, Chase Burgeson is letting the other drivers know that he is not one to look down on with his primary goal for 2025 set to be the Semi-Pro National Champion.
Hometown: Yucaipa California
Division: Semi-Pro
Number: 22c
Team: Amidon Motorsports
1. How did you get your start in racing?
I got my start in racing at seven years old in a go-kart. I was always interested in racing from watching NASCAR on a weekly basis. I wanted to do it when I was younger so I would do anything with wheels in it.
2. Why did you pick the number 22?
I chose 22 because of my birthday. If you add my birthday together (1/21) equals 22. My favorite NASCAR driver, Joey Logano, growing up was number 20 but he went to number 22 and that's the number I stuck with.
3. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My dad has motivated me the most to get into racing. He’s the one who motivates me to push my limits and be the fastest on the track every week and stay confident in myself. I would also say Darren Amidon, too. Whenever I’m in his garage in North Carolina and look around seeing all his trophies, watch old Legend Car races at Irwindale, and see his success it makes me know I’ll always have a good piece and he teaches me everything I know behind the wheel.
4. What is your favorite racing memory?
My favorite race memory is my first two wins at Dominion Raceway when I swept the weekend. Getting out of the car and seeing the emotions from my uncle and Darren felt really good for me and I couldn't hold my tears back.
5. How do you get focused before a race?
I try breathing through my nose. It keeps me calm and I usually try keeping a prayer. I pray for my safety and I know my mom prays for me as well.
6. What is your favorite track?
My favorite would have to be Tucson Speedway. I like how big it is and it reminds me of Homestead in real life, the mile and a half. You don’t use a lot of brakes and it's straight go.
7. What hobbies do you have outside of racing?
Spending time with my family is considered a hobby for me because I’m always away from them. I’m never with my parents for a full week because I'm at a race track for the weekend.
8. Do you prefer racing on the West coast or the East coast?
East coast all the time. It’s way tighter racing and there’s a lot more competitors. The West coast is a little unforgivable. It’s way more competitive on the East coast than the West coast and there's more opportunities on the East than you do in the West.
9. How did winning one of the Chilly Willy features impact your confidence as a racer?
It made me feel really good. I was competing against the best in the business. I know I can do it on a weekly basis now and I'm not just a one-time hitter at Dominion. I can win at Tucson too and now I know I can win anywhere else I go.
10. What are your 2025 racing goals?
My goals are to max out on points and be in contention for the Semi-Pro title by the end of the year and see where my racing will take me.
11. What is your dream street car?
A BMW 2000 m3.
12. How has working with Darren Amidon helped with your race craft?
Every single thing that Darren has done for me has made me a great racer and I can start from set up to skill. I’ve changed so much over time from being anxious to being calm. Darren has helped me with all those issues.