Corunna, Michigan (April 25, 2013) – After a long winter, the 17 year old Canadian, Dominique Van Wieringen can finally put the wheels in motion as she makes the transition from the Outlaw Super Late Model into her new Template Bodied race car. Her next step up the motorsports ladder will be chasing the 2013 Howie Lettow Memorial Rookie of the Year title in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour.
So far in the two seasons behind the wheel of a full bodied race car, Dominique has been able to meet and exceed her goals. In 2011, her first season, she earned the Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Driver awards at Spartan Speedway. The highlight of her rookie season took place on July 15th when she captured her first career Feature win in her Outlaw Super Late Model car, making her only the 2nd women to ever win a Feature in the tracks premiere division.
Dominique’s hard work and determination in the 2012 season earned her the Championship Title in the Outlaw Super Late Model class at Springport Speedway. This impressive accomplishment hit the record books as she became the first woman in Michigan to win a championship in an Outlaw Super Late Model Division and likely the first woman in the entire country. After spending her entire first season at Spartan Speedway, she gained valuable experience in 2012 racing numerous tracks throughout the state in both an Outlaw Super Late Model and Open Wheeled Modified cars.
Behind every great race car driver is a great team and DuroByte Motorsports is no different. A key component in the team’s ability to succeed took place this fall after moving the team to their new race shop in Corunna, Michigan. The team was very excited when Jimmy Smith came aboard as Dominique’s new Crew Chief as well as Brian Warnaar taking the position of Car Chief and Shop Manager. This dynamic duo, together bring with them a vast abundance of knowledge, experience, and technical race skills.
“I know I have one of the best teams behind me that are working very hard to give me the best equipment they can. Not only will my team give me great equipment, but they believe in me and are my biggest support network. So far in my car racing career I have been successful in reaching my goals and I hope this year will be no different,” she stated. As for her chances at winning the Rookie of the Year Title, Dominique is cautiously optimistic. “It’s difficult to know what I’m really up against not knowing most of the other rookie drivers. I feel confident that I will be able to do my best and give them a run for their money,” she added.
For the 2013 race season, Dominique will be driving her black #5 Template bodied car in the JEGS/CRA series that will carry the DuroByte Inc., Nalett Trucking, and R&R Salvage sponsorship decals. For the Springport, JEGS/CRA “Cabin Fever 100” event she is very excited to have Beacon Sales & Service come on board as her event sponsor. On off nights she will climb back behind the wheel of her familiar white #95 Outlaw Super Late Model car as well as her brother Tristan’s, black #81 Open Wheeled Modified car running select events throughout Michigan.
Dominique began her racing career at just 5 years old when she started racing motocross. After spending six years racing motocross she changed gears and moved over to Kart racing with the World Karting Association (WKA). In 2011 she spent her final year racing the National circuit in the WKA Manufactures Cup Series and left the Karting world as one of the top drivers on the circuit.
To learn more about Dominique Van Wieringen or inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities, please go to her website at: www.dominiqueracing.com. For an inside look into DuroByte Motorsports and to follow Dominique’s racing you can also go to her Facebook Fan Page at: www.facebook.com/dominiqueracing.