Richie Hitzler has been racing for many years even though he is still under 20 years old.
Hitzler is the current leader of the Xcel Chassis Modified Tour point standings and is
coming off an amazing season at his home track of Linda's Speedway where he was
named Driver of the Year. Hitzler's accolade came after winning the Modified
championship as well as the mid season Poker Series. Also Hitzler closed out the
speedways season with a win in the 50 lap Leon Gruber Memorial event. We sat down
with Hitzler to take racing and more.
IST: Last year you won the Linda's Speedway championship, Leon Gruber Memorial 50, and the Poker
Series. What is left to prove at your home track?
RH: There is a lot to prove yet for me. Everyone saw the year I had last year and now other competitors are
trying to do the same thing. I want to keep finishing good and show everyone that we are a championshipwinning car again this year.
IST : Is it ever hard to get motivated to show up on a Friday and run knowing what you have already
accomplished?
RH : I am always motivated because there is always more you can accomplish.
IST : You are currently the tour point leader, is that your next goal, to win the tour championship? If you
plan to win it, what do you think will be the biggest element to doing so?
RH : Yes, that is a goal but, when we get to the track and unload; our goal is to win and keep winning so the
championship will take care of itself.
IST : If you are able to win the Modified championship, what is the next step then? What goals do you have
for the near future?
RH : The goal is to race Modifieds but for our team right now that is not a realistic goal. We will continue to
race the 600 Modifieds until we can make that dream become a reality.
IST : How many of your career races can you remember?
Sherry Kenderdine Photo
RH : I can remember a lot but, I will never
forget the championship race from last
year when Hitzler Motorsports claimed
our first title at our home track.
IST : When is the last time you got
nervous about a race?
RH : Every time I strap in my car in the
staging area my nerves are going hard,
once I pull onto the race track they go
away and I am ready to race.
IST : Who is a clean driver you enjoy
racing with?
RH : I really enjoy racing with Aaron
Bowes.
August 2014 ~17