3/27/2023
Auto City Speedway
Driver Spotlight #16: Caleb Beechler!
Driver Spotlight #16: Caleb Beechler!
Caleb is from Mount Morris, MI and started racing just last year as a rookie. Caleb has been in racing community for pretty much his whole life. His dad, Josh Beechler, started taking Caleb to the races when he was just a kid in his 2003 rookie year to watch him race. From there, Caleb started working for Auto City Speedway as a flagman for 3 years before he got into his first racecar. Caleb said that “watching my dad race from the flagstand was an awesome sight to see.” And then he started on his own just this last year in his grandpa, Rick Smith’s, Pure Stock.
Caleb said that his experience going from being a flagman to a racer was very different, “you are still involved with all the racers, but the transition was completely different. You don’t have to worry about the flagging aspect, but during the race season you have to put in countless hours to make sure that car is hooked up and ready to go.” Caleb said that the reason he loves racing and wants to continue on, is because of, “all the respect from the drivers and the adrenaline that hits you when you are racing the car.” As well as, “racing is just an all-around good time and I have made some great friends along the way.” One of Caleb’s favorite racing moments from last year includes his first heat win at Auto City Speedway and that he was able to finish his first race that night.
When Caleb isn’t working on his car or on the racetrack, he loves to play basketball with his friends and poker on the weekends. Caleb’s plans for the 2023 race season are going to be more relaxed because he has a new baby and he’s looking forward to spending some more time with his family. Congrats Caleb & family! Caleb said that if he does make it out to the track this year, it’ll be later in the season to get some more seat time and help out any other drivers that might need it. Caleb said, “But when I do make it out, I’m looking forward to just being on the track with some of the guys and girls that I’ve become really close with and grown a relationship with.”
Caleb is supported by his friends and family who have said, “Caleb was the youngest driver at just 19 to jump behind the wheel of a Pure Stock. He won a heat race as a rookie and got better and better each and every week to compete with all the other fast guys.”
As well as, “Caleb was a long-time flagman as a kid in the stands to being in the stand with 50-year veteran Rusty Daggett. Caleb loved watching and helping his dad Josh Beechler with his All-American Truck when he decided to jump back behind the wheel. Caleb loved to talk with all the drivers in hopes to become where he is today and on the track thanks in help to his grandfather Rick Smith. He always loved going to watch races as a little kid and has been there ever since his dad made his rookie season in 2003. He hasn't stopped loving the sport ever since.”
Caleb wants to thank his grandpa, Rick Smith, for giving him the opportunity to drive his Pure Stock as well as his sponsors, Flint Welding Supply and Rigda Dumpsters for making everything possible. Thank you, Caleb and family, for all of your support at Auto City over the years and for years to come. We appreciate you and hope to see you at Auto City soon!
Article Credit: Katie Walker
Submitted By: Katie Walker
