Growing up in a racing family, Chase VanHouten was inspired by his dad, and after working and helping his father in the shop, he continues to follow after his father and uncle’s tire marks as he continues to improve his race craft to see victory lane!

Hometown: Wading River, New York

Number: 09

Division: Semi-Pro

Team: Joe Ryan Race Cars

 

1. How did you get your start in racing?
I grew up around it. My dad raced, and my uncle has been on the wheel in modified tours since I was little, so it’s always been in my family.

2. How did you pick the number 09?
Originally, I picked the number 9 because I was racing with my dad, so I couldn't be number 09, and I wanted to be like him. But I recently changed my number to 09 because I was in the Semi-Pro Division and wasn’t racing against my dad. I chose number 09 because it really meant a lot to me.

3. Who is your inspiration?
My dad. I grew up around him, helping him in the shop, and getting ready for every Saturday at the racetrack.

4. Do you have any hobbies outside of racing?
Not really. I race and work a lot. When I’m not working, I’m working on race cars. I also play iRacing. That's a good way to practice your craft and stay up on the wheel.

5. How do you balance your personal life and racing?
I try to make time for myself, not always being stuck in the shop or doing work.

6. How do you get focused before a race?
A lot of water and breathing through my nose. It helps me stay calm and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

7. What's your mental preparation like before a race?
I think about how I can be the best version of myself. Joe keeps me on my toes; there’s always something I can do better. I think about what he tells me and how I can implement it in a race to work my way up.

8. What is your favorite track?
Lanier National Speedway

9. What has been the most challenging part of driving a Legend Car?
The overall handling of the car. How to take off and figuring out the clutch. It took me a couple of weeks to figure it out.

10. Oval or road course?
I’ll always be an oval course person. I tried road course racing, but I didn’t think I was up to par with my abilities, so I’ll stick to oval.

11. Who is your favorite race car driver of all-time?
Jimmie Johnson

12. What destination would you like to visit one day on vacation or while racing?
California. I’ve been there one time, [on my way] to Vegas, but I never got to explore the area.

13. What advice would you give to someone wanting to be a Legend Car driver?
Never give up. There have been times when I’ve peeled the front end of my car and had to rebuild it. It will eventually come, but you just have to keep working at it. Keep going

14. What is your favorite racing memory?
A couple of months ago, my grandfather was in the hospital, and before his passing, I won at Riverhead [Raceway] and did a huge burnout. It was a lot of fun, and when I got out of the car, my dad gave me a big hug. We were all crying in Victory Lane.