A native of Austin, TX, Austin Wayne Self’s dream is to drive his way from the Lone Star to NASCAR. And like many future racers in NASCAR’s top-series, Austin’s racing dreams began at a very tender age of just four-years-old.
Austin started racing Karts with his dad as a father-son bonding experience, but when he took the wheel of his first #07 car and won, his love for the sport took hold and his love for racing took form. But that feeling of winning has never left Austin, giving him the focus, determination and desire to win every time he takes the wheel.
From age four to six, Austin won almost every race he entered, and at age 7 Austin and his dad became charter members of their local Karting club. Competing throughout the Southwest Region, they traveled throughout the area, realizing their approach was developing into a future career.
At age 11, Austin and his dad took their travels across the United States and beyond competing in several top series, including the Florida Winter Tour, the WKA Manufacturers’ Cup, Super Nationals and other national and international Karting series. Along the way Austin took home, several regional and national Karting championships including, 11 WKA National Cups, the WKA Grand National Championship, the TAG World Championship and the Rock Island Grand Prix Championship.
In 2010, Austin accomplished two of his goals, winning the Florida Winter Tour Championship and finishing third in the Super Nationals in Las Vegas. While a third place finish may not sound impressive, it’s significant as the highest finish ever accomplished by an American in that class.
Austin is a proud Texan, with family roots in Indiana. Early in his racing career, he made a commitment to his Indiana family to one day race the famed Indy 500. Austin has every intention of one day honoring that commitment and plans to keep his open wheel skills honed by racing a limited schedule of Kart and other open-wheel series.
But since his first late-model race, his passion for what he calls the “power and awesomeness” of Late Model and Pro Modified race cars was what transformed his journey toward NASCAR. Realizing he needed to make IndyCar or NASCAR his primary focus, Austin Wayne Self set his new goal to that of becoming a NASCAR Sprint Cup driver. Austin had a comfort level in making that decision, as he watched other drivers successfully make the transition from karts to stock cars. Fueling his passion for NASCAR, Austin and his dad began researching opportunities to drive in Late Model divisions.
In 2010 they discovered Thunderhill Raceway (THR) in Kyle, TX and at the age of 14, Austin was certified by track owner Mary Ann Naumann to drive in the TSRS Late Model division. Throughout the 2010 season, Austin won three races, placing third in points and taking home the Rookie of the Year honors. Learning what it takes to win on a 3/8-mile, asphalt oval, Austin’s hunger to continue his journey to NASCAR Sprint Cup grew even stronger.
Fortunately, for Austin, two more significant milestones brought him closer to realizing his ultimate goal. The first happened late in 2010 when THR became a certified NASCAR Home Track, and Austin could now race in NASCAR’s Whelen All-American Series with the ability to accumulate points, competing for Regional and National NASCAR Championships. Another major milestone occurred in early 2011 when NASCAR lowered the age limit from 16 to 15 for its Pro Modified class. That rule change made it possible for Austin to also compete in the NASCAR Pro Modified Division at THR.
Austin Wayne Self with his Sports Clips #7 car
Photo – SportsClipsMedia.com
On Saturday, March 5th, opening night of the 2011 season and Austin’s 15th birthday, Austin raced in both the Pro Modified and Late Model Divisions at THR in the NASCAR All-American Series. With less than 75 practice laps under his belt, he achieved a second place finish in the Pro Modified class. Even more impressive, less than 30-minutes later, he jumped into his 07 Late Model car and took the checkered flag, and celebrated in victory lane.
Competing in NASCAR’s Whelen All-American Series with one of the nation’s top Late Model teams, Sellers Racing, Austin gained valuable experience the past two years. In 27 races during the 2012 season, Austin collected one checkered flag, 13 top-fives and 25 top-ten finishes.
The highlight of Austin’s 2012 season was earning an invitation to compete in the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown at Richmond International Speedway. After starting the race 27th, Austin finished in 19th place, against NASCAR Sprint Cup superstars like Denny Hamlin, Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch and Jeff Burton.
In late 2012, Austin signed with Cunningham Racing, the Official Driver Development team for Penske Racing to compete in six ARCA and six K&N Pro East races, taking his journey closer to realizing his Sprint Cup dreams.
Photo – Austin’s Facebook Page
Austin appreciates his journey from the Lone Star to NASCAR is by the Grace of God and with the support of his friends, family, sponsors and fans. Austin is ready to begin what promises to be a thrilling 2013 season.
Inspiration for Austin Wayne Self, is apparent in his favorite bible passage. Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Monday, Feb 11, 2013, Austin Wayne Self will be our special guest on Fan4Racing’s Fan2Fan NASCAR Talk beginning at 9pm ET. So get your questions ready, set your reminder and call in to our show Monday night – call in number 347-996-5176.
Monday, September 23, 2013, Austin returns to the show at 8:35pm ET. Call the phone number above with any questions and to interact during the LIVE broadcast for 90-minutes beginning at 8:30pm ET.
