On June 16th, the dream of one day racing as a career became ever-so closer for Lecompton, Ks,
native, Troy Baumgartner. Baumgartner joined forces with Lafferty Motorsports to complete an on track test in the #89 Lafferty Motorsports NASCAR Craftsmen Truck.
The Concord, North Carolina based, NASCAR Craftsmen Truck / ARCA REMAX team held a private test at the famed Hickory Motor Speedway in Hickory, NC to see what Baumgartner was capable of. It was a test of vehicle control, consistancy, and Baumgartner's ability to listen and perform tasks given to him through the cockpit by owner Chris Lafferty. Baumgartner impressed on all three.
Baumgartner getting ready to test at Hickory Motor Speedway
Upon completing the test, Chris Lafferty expressed interest in Baumgartner and presented him with an opportunity to join the Lafferty Motorsports Driver Development Program. This is the break the 30 year old racecar driver and father of 3 has dreamed about his entire life. "I am still trying to soak everything in," Baumgartner says, "I want to thank Lafferty Motorsports for giving me this opportunity. All I have asked for my whole life was an honest chance to prove myself and this is it."
Baumgartner thought he would never get the chance to show his talent. "The thought of driving for a team such as Lafferty Motorsports is mind blowing." He says, "It is something every racer dreams about in the back of their head at some point, but it also where that dream ends. Not anymore, the Lord has blessed me with this opportunity, the opportunity of a life-time, and I am determined to make the best of it."
Troy Baumgartner has raced since 2003, but has worked on pit crew's for other drivers for many years. He was the 2004 In the Pits/ DirtWorks Racecar's Rookie of the year. And the 2005 Factory stock points Champion at ThunderHill Speedway In Mayetta, Ks. In 2007 Troy drove a factory stocks at ThunderHill Speedway.
Although, Troy, having an under funded racing carreer under his belt, that did not seem to hinder owner Chris Lafferty's judgements. Chris stated he was happy with what Baumgartner did on the track and wants to help him get to the next step. "Sometimes you can't just judge a guy by his resume, racing is so expensive that some very talented people can't show their natural abilities because their bank account isn't in the millions and can't buy the opportunity."
The goal for Lafferty Motorsports is to get Baumgartner back to North Carolina and driving some street stock races to build seat-time and experience. After that, the possibilities are endless. With the help of the right people and sponsors, getting Baumgartner in a NASCAR Craftsmen Truck or ARCA RE/MAX car for Lafferty Motorsports could be right around the corner.
For more information or to learn how sponsoring Lafferty Motorsports and driver Troy Baumgartner can be benefitial, please feel free to call Lafferty Motorsports at 704-795-5375 or email us at LaffertyMotorsports@
