Most parents would tell you that keeping up with a high school student is a full-time job.
But there’s one student roaming the halls of Lake Orion High School that everyone has a hard time keeping up with. Literally.
Race car driver Rusty Ferguson hopes to add to his trophy case and racing resume this spring and summer, after winning the National Auto Sports Association’s (NASA) Camaro/Mustang Challenge regional championship in 2007.
It was just another honor for Ferguson, who’s quite accomplished in the sport, even at the young age of 17.
‘I’ve been around racing my whole life,? he said. ‘I just kind of fell in love with it.?
Rusty’s father, Dick, said he has pictures of his son in a racing helmet, back at an age when the helmet was bigger than Rusty.
Now, the LOHS junior is looking to continue his climb up the industry ladder.
‘The series I’m in now is a semi-professional racing league,? Rusty said.
In that series in 2007, he set a track record at the Mid-Ohio Pro Course and won nine poll positions on his way to the regional championship. In 2008, he wants to do even more.
‘This year, I hope to win the regional championship and the national championship,? Rusty said.
It’s all part of his goal to become a professional race car driver in the not too distant future.
Part of that goal involves getting his name out there and getting a sponsorship.
‘People get to know you once you get out and race for a while,? Dick said, noting Rusty is starting to get some of that notoriety.
So far, dad’s been footing much of the bill, which involves traveling all over the Midwest. To make it to the next level, though, takes some big money.
‘A full-time ride is hard to come by and if a driver brings sponsorship money, it increases their chances,? Dick said.
Rusty’s 2008 season begins this month and runs through September. He’ll drive an ?08 Mustang this year.
He said he is happy with his current race series, after spending some time driving an open-wheel car and watching his dad drag race.
‘I like big cars,? Rusty said. ‘There’s more of a challenge with them on a road course and it’s lots of fun.?
If you’re interested in learning more about Ferguson’s racing, or becoming a sponsor, call (248)693-3375 or e-mail SFBracing22@gmail.com.