Locust Grove Native Turning Heads At Chili Bowl

Age is but a number in the sport of racing, and 16-year-old Locust Grove native Daison Pursley is showing just that.

In his rookie season, he finished fifth in the POWRi Nationals and went gunning for more at this week's Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals.

From watching last year's champ Kyle Larson as a fan, a young 6-year-old Pursley had one goal growing up: to race in the Chili Bowl. That dream has become a reality, but Pursley is also making his mark in the dirt.

"That's just the way everyone talks about this building -- how crazy it is and what it can do to you. Finally coming in here as a driver was pretty special, and I definitely had a lot of jitters for sure," Pursley said.

His first night didn't go exactly as planned, so Pursley's journey for a Golden Driller started in the C Feature. But he said he's up for the challenge of making it to a Finals appearance.

"It's definitely doable in the car that I'm in. Keith Kunz Motorsports gives me a great car, and I'm thankful for that. I just have to treat it like it's another race, and see what we can do," Pursley said.

Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: a long career in racing is ahead for the Locust Grove native.

"We got to test our first pavement stuff in North Carolina last summer. That's definitely different from the dirt side that I've been on. I'm just looking forward to climbing the ladder in the next couple of years," he said.