Drivers

Matt Merrell
James Buescher

Since becoming the youngest winner in ARCA RE/MAX Series history, James Buescher has quickly ascended to the top of short track racing’s echelon of young drivers.

After a breakout 2007, James looks to tackle a busy schedule of racing in 2008, which includes the NASCAR Nationwide Series, ARCA RE/MAX Series, USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series, the NASCAR Camping World East Series, and the Blizzard Late Model Series.

At a young age, his versatility in racing stands out in his accomplishments over a brief period of time.

It didn’t take him long to get up to speed behind the wheel of a race car: he was victorious in 20 feature events in 2004 and later went on to capture the 2004 Bandolero Young Gun National Championship after leading every lap from the pole position, a starting spot he earned after driving from last to first in his qualifying heat.

In 2005, James took his talents to the Legends circuit, racing at tracks in Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada, and Alabama. James finished 3rd in the Hardee’s Summer Shootout standings and followed suit with two consecutive victories at the Music City Motorplex (TN), including a win in the Young Lions Nationals, clinching him a coveted trophy guitar.

James teamed up with Turner Motorsports to tackle the ASA Late Model Southern Division in 2006. Competing for both the championship and the Rookie of the Year title, he didn’t flinch once, earning his first ever ASA Late Model win at Florence Motor Speedway (SC) in September. In the middle of the title hunt all season long, that win propelled James to the top of the standings and inevitably, the division championship. Mission accomplished: in his first year in the ASA, James captured both the division title, the Rookie of the Year title, and brought home the “Most Popular Driver” Award.

2007 was the definitive year thus far for James as he scored his first career ARCA RE/MAX Series victory at USA International Speedway (FL) to become the youngest winner in the series’ storied history. He competed in seven ARCA races on the year, amassing a win, four top-five finishes, and six top-ten finishes. In USAR Hooters Pro Cup competition, he finished tenth in the championship standings while finishing off the season with consecutive third place finishes. He also placed in the top-ten in all three of his NASCAR Camping World East Series starts.