Joel Myers Jr. celebrates the win. (Petersen Media Photo)
As the calendar turns to 2023, Joel Myers Jr. can look back and reflect on a strong 2022 campaign.
When all was said and done, the 16-year-old had a season to remember as he took his first victories in the 360ci and 410ci winged sprint car races.
“2022. year was great,” said Myers. “I had a great opportunity to start the year with Vertullo Motorsports and I was grateful that they gave me the opportunity. I was also fortunate enough to run with Doug Racz at times and it was good to work with him. I am also extremely grateful that my family continued to support me and we had an unforgettable run to finish the season with number 46.
Competing 59 times this season, the Sebastopol (Calif.) driver has 2 event wins, 17 Top-5s and 26 Top-10s. Running with the KWS/NARC Series, the Sprint Car Challenge Tour, as well as weekly events at Placerville Speedway, Ocean Speedway, Silver Dollar Speedway and New Zealand, Myers was also able to make his long-awaited World of Outlaws Series debut. , and achieved strong results with each.
Debuting with The Greatest Show on Dirt over Labor Day weekend in Algiers, Washington, Myers Jr. made some noise by making all three features and had a career-best series finish as he finished just fourth. his second start with the series at Skagit Speedway.
Not only did Myers Jr. find success with the Outlaws at Skagit Speedway, but the youngster flexed his muscles in June’s Super Dirt Cup and earned Hard Charger Honors at the prestigious event as he went from 21st to ninth. functions in the event.
Myers Jr. will make several podiums in his first visit to New York, including the Howard Kaeding Classic with KWS/NARC podiums, as well as the Dave Bradway Jr. part of the memorial SCCT. Zealand.
Still searching for his first career win, Myers Jr. checked into his hometown Petaluma Speedway in late September for the track’s biggest event of the year, the Adobe Cup.
In front of a crowd of family and friends, ‘Jr’ competed against some of California’s best and pulled away for his first career victory in a sprint car.
Ending his year on the up, Myers Jr turned to close out the calendar year in New Zealand, teaming up with car owner Daniel Anderson. After scoring a pair of podiums in his first two starts, the third race would prove to be the charm for the Californian as he battled his way to victory, marking his first win with a 410ci powered powerplant.
Myers Jr. then went on to open 2023 in victory lane with another win at Central Motor Speedway in Cromwell, New Zealand.
“To finally get the win was huge,” Myers Jr. said. “We’ve been fast all year and to do it at home was special. I had a lot of great people in my corner and it was a great year. Fortunately, it looks like we will be able to build with the same core group and that makes me very excited for 2023 at home. Also being in New Zealand to close out 2022 and open 2023 has been great. The Andersons have provided a great opportunity and this will only help us head into the 2023 season at full steam.
