Starting in champ karts at five years old to progressing through various forms of racing, Wyatt Coffey highlights the joys of racing through his family, team relationships and racing victories. Aiming for more success this season as well as growth as a driver, Coffey looks to continue in the sport he loves inspired by other drivers like his favorite, Kyle Larson. He's fresh off three victories at Winter Nationals and looks to be continue his strong start to the season into his local races.
Hometown: Waynesboro, Virginia
Division: Bandit
Car Number: 2
Race Team: Team Gordon
Favorite Team: Hendrick Motorsports
1. What got you started in racing?
I started out in a champ kart when I was about five years old. From there I decided that I wanted to move into flat karts and then into the Box Truck Division at Millbridge [Speedway]. Then, the next season I decided I just wanted to try out asphalt, and from there I started Bandos.
2. What was the transition like from dirt models to Bandoleros?
It’s been a lot of fun. It just took a minute to be able to transfer over. It’s helped me a lot with all the sliding and when you get loose but with dirt when you get loose it’s different so doing both of them has really helped me a lot.
3. What is the best part of racing?
The best part about racing is being able to spend family time with my family and friends and do what we all love together. Being able to be successful as a team and family is very rewarding.
4. What has been your favorite racing memory?
My favorite racing memory was winning in Las Vegas [at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway]. That’s been my favorite because I just wanted that one for over a year. The first year I went out there I felt like I had the car to win but I ended up getting in a wreck with two laps to go. In 2023 we went back out there and I wanted to show that I was able to qualify on the pole and lead every lap. To win that far from home was one of the coolest experiences to me.
5. What does it mean to be a part of Team Gordon?
It is an amazing feeling to be a part of such a great, well-known team. The relationship I have with both Mike and Corey is one that will never be replaced. They both have helped me grow in my racing career and I could never thank them enough for everything they do for me.
6. Road Course or Oval?
I prefer Oval really because it is kind of harder to get used to road courses with the transitions. I like road courses, but I would rather do the oval.
7. What do you like to do outside of racing?
I like to go riding my dirt bike, ride my four-wheelers and just be outdoors and play.
8. Who is your favorite race car driver and why?
Kyle Larson because he has one of the best times and he can wheel anything he sits in and he’s a really nice person. I’ve talked to him many times and I just hope I can be like him one day.
9. What are your goals for the 2024 season?
My goal for 2024 is to win races. I want to be able to compete in both Bandos and Micros as well. I also want to be a better driver so I can get recognized and pick up a really good sponsor to support my racing career.
10. Who inspires you in racing?
My inspiration is watching other drivers be so successful and perfect their race craft in the way that they do it so effortlessly. That is where I want to be one day.
11. Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have four, three dogs and one cat. One of them’s name is Hoosier and then the other one is Champ and the other is Diesel and my cats' name is Milo.
12. How do you balance elementary school and racing?
The school I attend works with me a lot and I’m very thankful for that. I try to keep my grades up and complete all of my work when traveling. I have to maintain good grades so that I can travel to races.
13. How did you choose No. 2 for your car?
When I started I was 02 because that was my Pappy’s number and I wanted to be the same as him. When I entered Bandos we bought Hudson Canipe's car and it was already number two so I never changed the number. In that season I won 10 races so I decided since I did well with number two I was going to go with it and it was going to remain my number.