Press Releases - Wheeler: "The United States has a Bright Future"

Wheeler: "The United States has a Bright Future"

After the topsy turvy season Nick Wheeler had in Season 11, his spirits seem to have come back around at the beginning of Season 12. Jason Anderson gave Wheeler a call after the resignation of teammates Drummond Bennett and Brandon Knight. The intention was to find out about the Rage shakeup, but we found out more about the state of racing in the United States.

Anderson: Nick, you had quite a fiery finish to season 11 after changing your mind. What do you see in Season 12?

Wheeler: I see a season that the United States rises to the task in this sport. We've got some rookies that are making waves in the last couple seasons. John Starr being one very young driver that's caught my attention. I had a chance to qualify with him for a Custom Series earlier today. Let me tell you, this kid is fast. This isn't a light field and he's put himself in P6, in front of the likes of Vilarino and not too far off my wing. It's nice to see a 2nd American flag in the top 10 of the results sheet that isn't Bruce's, that's for sure.

Andreson: Other than Starr, what makes you think this country is going to rise up?

Wheeler: Well lets look at the top end. Arnold Justasarni woke up and had a beastly season in Season 11. He's almost 1k clear of the entire country in rating. Tim Richmond is proving that consistency with age is a good way to improve, and obviously "steady Eddie" himself (no, not Eddie Cheever), Bruce Wayne is continuing to chip away. On the younger side I've seen a lot of promise from Owen Cooper and Jeremy Parise. Not a ton of results, but they're running fast.

Anderson: So you see these 5 or 6 drivers, along with yourself putting the United States on the big scene this year?

Wheeler: Well I think it'll be a year for growth. Starr has had the best results in the lower ranks so far, and as long as he doesn't overstep his ability, he should continue to grow and see strong results. I'm hoping to match his growth this season and improve on last season's mediocre results. Other than that it's just going to be a matter of trying to get up to Justasarni. Setting the standard he's set, and jumping up the international ranks like he has, is going to motivate the strong U.S. drivers to chase. I know I'm going to chase like crazy these next couple seasons.

Anderson: Before I forget, what are your thoughts on Knight and Bennett exiting the sport?

Wheeler: It's unfortunate, really. You may remember me saying that other Rage drivers had the same issues I did. The infamous "professional bingo" comment? Well, I don't think I really need to explain who those drivers were. I will absolutely miss driving with Brandon. He was a truly perfect on-course match for my driving. But I'm sure Jackson will develop similar habits under Wresdan, and the addition of Murdoch to the team was more just tossing him a helmet and putting him in a seat than it was anything else. He's been around since the first days, anyways, so there won't be much adjustment in the garage for us. It's really a shame that their frustrations went unnoticed to the point of retirement. Much like my own, if not for a lucky passing once in a lifetime moment with a young fan.

Anderson: Thank you as always, Nick. It's good to still have you around, and we're looking forward to being a part of your new season.