Caleb Erwin kicks the dust up in his sprint car as he competes in the Ohio Thunder Racesaver Sprint Series. Erwin ended his season in early October after winning his first feature and honored as rookie of the year. (Photo submitted)
After taking first place in his last sprint car race, a local racer has high hopes for the future after being awarded Rookie of the Year honors in the Ohio Thunder Racesaver Sprint Series.
Earlier this month, local racer Caleb Erwin earned the title of track champion including top rookie honors after tackling 35 Raceway Park, which is located in Ross County.
“We went into that night wanting to try different things,” Erwin told The Marysville Journal-Tribune. “After the features and when we won, that was probably the best moment I had in racing.”
Erwin added the time and production he’s put in all throughout this year had officially paid off, but the buck doesn’t stop here for the new racer.
“I’ve proven to myself that I am good enough to win,” he said.
Erwin got involved with racing back when he was a sophomore in high school. Fellow local racer Jake Hesson was the source of inspiration for Erwin, who was shown the world of sprint car racing through videos and by watching Hesson compete.
“He was in my class,” Erwin said. “He showed me a couple videos — I thought that was neat.”
Fast forward a few years after he graduated from high school and Erwin went to another race.
At that point, he fell in love with the sport.
“Someone made a bet with me that I couldn’t do it and I was like ‘I’m going to do this,’” Erwin said.
A friendly bet slowly turned into a passion, because that’s what some require in anything they set out to achieve.
Hesson’s presence in Erwin’s start-up went further than the classroom. He helped him build his first car and put basic set-ups in place.
“He’s been a huge help along the way,” Erwin said. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be doing this.”
Erwin’s journey as a “gear head” also goes far beyond the racetrack. He currently works at an auto dealership in Marysville, surrounded by those just like him.
“I’m an express technician,” Erwin said. “I’ve been working on cars and this is just an add-on to it.”
A lot of time, effort and money goes into making sure his sprint car is up to snuff. From there, Erwin just must compete well enough to show people he’s the real deal.
“It’s really difficult especially having no family in racing previously,” Erwin said. “You have to find a [sponsor] who is willing to take the risk.”
One of Erwin’s sponsors is Erwin Home Inspection — a family-owned business under the same last name.
“My first sponsor… that was my cousin,” Erwin said. “He just took the risk because we are family and what-not.”
His second sponsor — Mill Creek Insurance — is another entity with close ties to Erwin’s family taking the risk on a fledgling racer.
“I pay for everything on the car and that’s pretty expensive,” Erwin said.
For those looking to step foot onto a race track, Erwin said he’d recommend starting out helping a crew rather than jumping into a car as a race competitor.
“You’ll get pointers from [your team],” he explained. “Once you’re in that team, they’ll be able to help.”
Even with sponsors, Erwin pays for all his own work on his car, which has led the new racer to budget his expenses on a weekly basis. His saves his money in case of repairs or any maintenance needs.
“Everything comes down to me and my dad on the maintenance side,” Erwin said.
For now, the sprint race season closed on Oct. 3 and Erwin has high hopes for the future.
His goal going forward includes driving a 410-class sprint car — the top tier class. He currently competes in the 305-class car, a beginner class with less horsepower.
“Most people, when they get into racing, don’t jump into a full-size sprint car,” Erwin said. “I’m kind of an odd-ball as people have told me… (it) kind of makes you feel good about yourself.”
The sprint car season in Ohio operates from April to early October. During the past campaign, Erwin competed in multiple races, earning points depending on his placing.
After his first year as a racer, Erwin has earned 521 points, putting him at No. 13 in terms of national rookie points through Sept. 26 of this year.
In Ohio, Erwin ranks second for the season, just three points behind No. 1 Jacob Stickle.
In the Ohio Thunder Racesaver Sprint Series, Erwin took second with 521 points, which makes next year more exciting for Erwin.