It’s been barely a year-and-a-half since Rhylee Hutchins started driving a Bandolero. She started 2024 with wins during Winter Heat and Winter Nationals, walking away with the Winter Nationals Beginner Championship at Citrus County Speedway. Now racing in the Outlaws Division, Hutchins scored her first Outlaws win in her second race, with the goal set high as she aims to finish top 10 in the Outlaws championship in 2024.

 

Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, NC

Car Number: 15

Division: Outlaws

Team: NOC Racing

Favorite Food: Spaghetti

Favorite Movie: A Dog’s Way Home

Favorite Vacation Spot: Florida

1. How did you get your start in motor racing?

My parents brought me to the Summer Shootout a lot as a kid. I was inspired to drive and kind of wanted to try it myself. One day we just started racing. My dad and grandpa raced, too, so it was kind of already in my blood.

2. What types of cars have you driven?

I’ve driven Bandoleros and Outlaw Karts, which is a dirt car that has a full cage and wing. I’ve raced them at Millbridge Speedway a lot and they’re fun to drive, especially after I figured out to how to drive on dirt.

3. What were your emotions after winning your first Outlaws win at Atlanta earlier this year?

I was very happy and couldn’t quit smiling. I almost won twice that day but lost on a green-white-checker and finished second. It was only my second Outlaws race after moving up. I won in Beginner Bandos at Winter Heat and Winter Nationals but this one felt different. I just couldn’t help but smile and my parents were so happy, too.

4. What is it like racing alongside your young sister, Charlee?

Well, we don’t race in the same division anymore in Bandos. But when we were both in Beginners, I definitely wanted to beat her. I don’t like losing to her. We have fun but I didn’t like it when she beat me. Now that I’m in Outlaws, it’s more fun to be able to cheer and support her.

5. Who is more competitive, you or Charlee?

Me for sure! Probably because I’m older and I’m more aggressive compared to Charlee on the racetrack. Plus, no one wants to be beaten by their little sister. Although, I’ll probably say Charlee is more aggressive on dirt.

6. Have you and Charlee ever played a trick on your parents?

Yes, we have a few times, but I think I’ll keep those a secret so we don’t get into trouble.

7. How is your iRacing career coming along?

It’s coming along. I’ve moved out of rookies and enjoy racing different types of cars. I really like racing the NASCAR trucks. I do like racing the Legend Car at Lanier and restricted micros at Lanier on iRacing, too. I flip it there a lot. And USA International! That is a fun track to race on with a Legend Car.

8. If you could be in any TV show, what show would you pick?

Stranger Things because it’s weird.

9. What do you want your first car to be?

A white Jeep Wrangler.

10. How cool was it to see the Night Owl paint scheme on Kyle Sieg’s NASCAR Xfinity Series car?

It was very cool. I wanted to hop in the car and drive it for myself. When the race started it looked even better and I was jealous I couldn’t drive it.

11. Would you rather spend one day in outer space or one week in a submarine?

I don’t like either but I’d pick one day in outer space because being underwater that long kinda scares me.

12. If you weren’t a race car driver, what sport would you play?

Volleyball.

13. Who is your favorite race car driver?

Christopher Bell or Ty Gibbs, because they are wheelmen.

14. Do you have any pre-race rituals?

It’s not a ritual, but I hate to eat on race day and I have to wear someone else’s race shirt.

15. What means more to you, a trophy or win sticker?

A trophy for sure and I have them all displayed in my room. My favorite is the Winter Nationals Championship trophy. That one means a lot and that week helped make me believe in myself to go up to Outlaws.

16. What are your goals for the remainder of the 2024 season?

Getting better and improving my race craft. I originally had it as a goal to finish top 10 in Outlaws points, but now I’m thinking I will go for top five.

17. Twenty years from now, where do you want to be in your racing career?

I want to be driving a NASCAR Cup Series car, winning races, and a championship.