Sprint Car Driver, Brandon Hahn, Savors His Rookie Season

Sprint car driver, Brandon Hahn, is a third-generation driver and is eager to follow in his family's footsteps
Sprint car driver, Brandon Hahn, is a third-generation driver and is eager to follow in his family's footsteps
Some folks are born into situations that will have a huge impact on their lives, and eighteen-year old, Brandon Hahn is the epitome of that exact scenario. From the time Hahn was born, he was around a family of racing enthusiasts. In fact, not only did his grandfather, Emmit Hahn, and his father, Steve, race, but his uncle Tom was also a driver. It would be safe to say that he was engulfed in the sport early, if for no other reason than by affiliation.

The Tulsa, Oklahoma native followed in his family's footsteps and in fact, embarked upon his rookie season as a sprint car driver in 2012. The driver competed in his first sprint car race at Lawton Speedway, and has never looked back. Throughout 2012 the driver has already competed in thirty-six races, the most recent being the ASCS Short Track Nationals, held at the I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Arkansas.

When asked if he was satisfied with his success as a rookie, the driver said, "Better than I expected. I flipped in my second race, which was discouraging, but from there, things seemed to improve."

Hahn continued, " Winning a Lucas Oil ASCS, presented by MAVTV heat race against Wayne Johnson at the Salina Highbanks Speedway, in Salina, Oklahoma, and getting a top ten at the same track was probably the highlight of my year." Recalling the race, he said, "I was passed by Wayne Johnson on the final lap, and passed him back coming to the checkered flag."

Eighteen-year-old, Brandon Hahn, has experienced thirty-six races during his rookie year, the most recent being the ASCS Short Track Nationals, at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Arkansas
Eighteen-year-old, Brandon Hahn, has experienced thirty-six races during his rookie year, the most recent being the ASCS Short Track Nationals, at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Arkansas
One would suspect that as a rookie there is a world of uncertainties out there, and rightfully so. When asked if the more experienced drivers were supportive, Hahn eagerly shared examples, "There were three things that happened at the same track; the Salina Highbanks Speedway. First it was Jason Johnson giving me a hard time about not running the top after he had instructed me to. Second was Dustin Morgan staying on me the whole night about what I did right and wrong. Third was Danny Lasoski, because he took the time to teach me about how the car reacts in dirty air and what to do in order to avoid it."

Regardless of one's occupation, for them to improve in their skill they must first come to grips that they have short comings and secondly, they must be willing to do what is takes to fix what's wrong. With an acute understanding of this, and an eagerness to become a powerhouse in the sport, Brandon Hahn was quick to admit that he lacked patience.

On the other hand, one must also recognize their strong points and use that to their advantage. Again, the young driver has put thought into that aspect of the game as well. When asked his strong point, the driver explained, "I am not afraid to get on the gas and go. In my rookie season, everything is an improvement. The key to success is being able to race almost every weekend and guidance from people like my father and Jimmy Jones has been a great help. For the future - just getting more seat time."

Brandon Hahn, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is enjoying his rookie year as a sprint car driver
Brandon Hahn, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is enjoying his rookie year as a sprint car driver
Brandon Hahn obviously has an awareness of the importance of the people around him, and in turn understands the essential role played by his team. "They're very important, because without them, I wouldn't be at the track."

The driver is also mindful of the importance of maintenance. That said, he depends upon K&N products to keep the internal components of his engine running contaminant free. "We use the K&N air box, oil filters and air filter on the rig," he explained. "They are ‘top shelf'."

Referring to his passion for sprint car racing, Hahn continued, "I enjoy the speed, and the fact that I am trying to control something that is seemingly out of control. I plan to run the ASCS National Tour," explained the driver. When asked what fans can expect from Brandon Hahn in the future, his answer was short and to the point, "I'll be coming to a racetrack near you."

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