Justin Grant: From California Racer to USAC Champion

Thom Piper

By 

Thom Piper

Published 

Aug 17, 2023

Justin Grant: From California Racer to USAC Champion

Hailing from Ione, California, Justin Grant is an accomplished American racing driver who has significantly impacted the motorsports scene. Not only is he the reigning 2020 USAC Silver Crown National Champion, but Grant has also recently added the 2022 USAC National Sprint Car Championship to his list of achievements. With a passion for speed and a remarkable racing career, Grant has solidified his position as one of the elite drivers in the sport.

In 2020, Justin Grant's talent and determination culminated in his triumph as the USAC Silver Crown National Champion. As the only driver to achieve three top-five and four top-ten finishes in just five starts, Grant showcased his consistency and skill throughout the season. This remarkable feat was further highlighted by the fact that he became the ninth driver to claim the Silver Crown title without securing a single victory, cementing his reputation as a formidable competitor.

Continuing his winning streak, Justin Grant claimed the coveted title of the 2022 USAC National Sprint Car Champion. This newly won championship further solidifies his status as a multifaceted driver capable of excelling in different racing divisions. With his exceptional driving skills and unwavering dedication to excellence, Grant continues to push boundaries and set new records, making him a force to be reckoned with in the realm of sprint car racing.

Born on November 12, 1990, Justin Grant discovered his love for racing at a young age. He initially made waves in the motorsports world through his performances in midget racing. Even as a teenager, Grant exhibited remarkable skill and determination, earning the title of the 2007 Bay Cities Racing Association (BCRA) Midget Champion. This early success was a launching pad for his burgeoning racing career, propelling him towards greater heights in the years to come.

Grant's prowess extends to the illustrious Chili Bowl, where he has showcased his racing capabilities on multiple occasions. In 2017, he impressed racing enthusiasts by winning his preliminary qualifying night, setting the stage for a remarkable achievement. Starting from the pole in the Saturday night feature race, Grant battled against top-tier competition, securing an impressive third-place finish behind the likes of Christopher Bell and Daryn Pittman. The following year, racing with the RAMS Racing/Rockwell Security team, he continued to excel at the Chili Bowl, securing a victory in his preliminary race and finishing third in the final race.

Justin Grant's move to Indiana in 2009 marked a turning point in his racing career. Embracing sprint car racing, he quickly established himself as a formidable competitor. In 2010, Grant was named the USAC National Sprint Car Series Rookie of the Year, driving for car owner Kenny Baldwin. Over the years, he honed his skills and garnered attention from various car owners, including Jeff Walker, Mark Hery, Rick Pollock, Andrew Elson, Tony Epperson, and Steve & Carla Phillips. Joining Sam McGhee Motorsports in 2016 proved to be a game-changer for Grant, as he achieved remarkable success with 18 top-five finishes in his first 21 USAC races under the team's guidance.

In 2017, Justin Grant joined forces with car owner Chris Carli and Hemelgarn Racing, making history as the first driver in USAC history to win both the midget and sprint car openers in the same year. Although he narrowly missed winning the opener for the Silver Crown series due to engine troubles, Grant's determination was unwavering. Finally, in 2020, he clinched the USAC Silver Crown National Championship, showcasing consistency and perseverance throughout the season, despite not securing a single win.

Justin Grant's racing journey exemplifies the spirit of a true champion. From his early successes in midget racing to his triumphs in the Chili Bowl and dominance in sprint car and Silver Crown races, Grant has etched his name in the annals of motorsport. Grant's star continues to rise with his recent accomplishments as the 2020 USAC Silver Crown National Champion and 2022 USAC National Sprint Car Champion. As he continues to evolve and push boundaries, one thing is sure: the racing world will eagerly be watching Justin Grant as he continues to leave his mark on the track.

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