Dylan Lupton has clinched the 2013 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West according to NASCAR. I was granted the opportunity to speak with Dylan not only about the award but his expectations heading into the future.
“This has been my top goal from the beginning of the season; I wanted to win the rookie of the year title” explained Dylan. “When me and Bob Bruncati sat down at the beginning of the season we said alright let’s get the rookie of the year and 2014 get the championship. So, everything’s gone just as planned, it’s going perfect.”
The 19-year-old clinched the honors heading to Phoenix Raceway this weekend which is the season finale for the K&N West Series. Dylan currently sits 5th in K&N West points and has racked up a win in Evergreen and an impressive twelve top ten finishes throughout the season.
”I’ve gained a tremendous amount of confidence since the beginning of the year, and the more time I’ve gotten in these cars the more comfortable I am.” Dylan expressed about his 2013 season. “I feel like I can go out and get top five finishes every week and the win. We’ve had our ups and downs, but are downs aren’t even that bad. I’m really looking forward to next year because we’ll come out swinging even harder”
Dylan is now the fourth driver to be awarded the rookie of the year honors driving for the Bruncati’s. Although, 2013 plans have been accomplished for Dylan but 2014 he’s setting the bar higher as it’s the last year he’ll run for Sunrise Ford and the Bruncati’s.
“I’m really happy that the Bruncati’s have given me this opportunity, I’ve got my feet wet in the series this year but next year we’re going to be up there battling for the win and top fives every week like my teammate Derek Thorn” Dylan explained to me about his 2014 expectations. “There’s a great group of guys over at Sunrise Ford and I look forward to continuing with them next year. I’m ready to prove myself as a championship contender for next season.”
Dylan will lose an important role in his success as Derek Thorn won’t be on the Bruncati’s squad any longer. Dylan’s hoping the Bruncati’s bring in another experienced driver to help further develop him (Dylan).
“I’m looking to get a top five this weekend, and if your running top five in front of the NASCAR owners you’re going to turn some heads” Dylan told me about his thoughts running in front of NASCAR owners. “So that’s a bonus to be running in front of them (NASCAR Owners) and just these huge names in racing.”
Winning the Sunoco Rookie of The Year in the K&N West Series has led to many successful careers. David Gilliland, Derrike Cope and Dylan Kwasniewski are some of the drivers who’ve held these honors and went on to have amazing careers.
But, Dylan knows there’s a huge opportunity to impress NASCAR owners this weekend at Phoenix Raceway as the K&N West Series is racing the same weekend as the top NASCAR divisions.
“I’m really looking forward to this weekend (In Phoenix). There’s no pressure on me because we’ve locked up the rookie of the year and were locked into 5th in points” explained Dylan about his expectations in Phoenix this weekend.”
“I’m looking to get a top five this weekend, and if you’re running top five in front of the NASCAR owners you’re going to turn some heads” Dylan told me about his thoughts running in front of NASCAR owners. “So that’s a bonus to be running in front of them (NASCAR Owners) and just these huge names in racing.”
I’d watch for Dylan Lupton as he tries to make a name for himself in the motorsports world. Thanks to Dylan for letting me borrow him for this exclusive one on one interview.
*If using quotes please credit Marshall Gabell
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