Driving Beitler's No. 19, Hubbard eyes rookie title
Austin Hubbard
Dale Beitler has tapped successful, established drivers to pilot his familiar white No. 19 in more than 15 years of fielding a Dirt Late Model team. This time he’s chosen a talented up-and-coming teenager to climb behind the wheel of the Reliable Painting-sponsored entry
Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., a 17-year-old who already has a track championship and extensive World of Outlaws Late Model Series experience under his belt, has been hired by Beitler to replace 42-year-old Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who plans to return to his own equipment in 2010 after two seasons with Beitler.
Beitler, whose team has won some of Dirt Late Model racing’s biggest events with Gary Stuhler, Davey Johnson, Steve Casebolt and Francis behind the wheel, is looking forward to his association with Hubbard.
“We had a great season this year and the plans were for Steve to return to his own equipment, but I enjoy Dirt Late Model racing too much to stay at home,” Beitler said from his West Friendship, Md., race shop. “I would ride to some shows with Austin’s team (in ’09) since my place in Maryland and their base in Delaware are pretty close, so I got to know him and see his enthusiasm, work ethic and talent. Austin is young, but a very talented racer, and I appreciate how much he just loves to race, enjoys the sport and every minute he’s at the track.”
Beitler, whose team battled to the wire for the 2009 WoO championship before Francis finished 14 points behind champion Josh Richards, plans to aim for the ’09 Rookie of the Year honors on the national tour.
"I really appreciate the opportunity that Dale Beitler has given me and it is an honor to be able to race with his team and crew chief Robby Allen,” said Hubbard, who worked with Allen frequently in ’09. "The team that we have is one of the best in the business and I am looking forward to being behind the wheel of the No. 19 for my first season following a national series. Robby and I were able to start learning one another's styles this year, so I think that will help us in 2010 and especially as I compete at many tracks for the first time.”
Hubbard, who plans to graduate early from Sussex Tech High School and focus on racing, started his racing career in go-karts and mini sprints before winning the Limited Late Model championship at Virginia Motor Speedway in Jamaica, Va., in ’05. He won the track’s Late Model championship in ’07 and branched out to run regionally in ’08, becoming the youngest Super Late Model winner in Delaware International Speedway history.
Hubbard’s family-owned team traveled more extensively in ’09, finishing 16th in World of Outlaws points with three top-five finishes and $29,665 in earnings. He also excelled in crown jewel events, becoming the second-youngest starter in World 100 history at Ohio’s Eldora Speedway and setting fast time at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway’s Dirt Track World Championship. His lone feature victory came Oct. 10 at Midway Speedway in Crooksville, Ohio, in the Dorus Wisecarver Memorial, paying $4,101.
Hubbard knows a full-time season on the rugged World of Outlaws tour will be a major challenge.
"I just love to race and in order to be the best, you have to be able to compete with them and learn from them,” the youngster said. "I haven't ever seen most of these tracks on the schedule, but I still will show up to each race with the intent to win. Rookie titles, championships and all are nice, but I want to be able to be competitive and be a better racer after every single event.”
Beitler knows that fielding a car for a younger driver will be a different experience than he's been accustomed.
"I am looking forward to sharing some of my knowledge and experience with Austin,” Beitler said. "He loves racing and is very eager to learn so I am excited to be a part of what should be a very long and successful career that’s ahead of him. I am confident that we will have a strong 2010 season and a lot of fun while on tour.”
