New Zealand swing

Brenham Crouch came into the 2023 season just wanting to gain some experience in his first full year of winged Sprint Car racing.

It seemed like an appropriate goal. He is a teenager trying to make his way against some of the heavyweights in the top-fuel division of dirt-track racing. Never did Crouch imagine that he would be a champion.

The 17-year-old driver captured the IRA Outlaw Sprint Series crown on the strength of one win and plenty of consistency. And now, he hopes to build on the experience he gained by having success in New Zealand over the next couple of months.

“We didn’t have a whole lot of expectations this year,” Crouch said. “I didn’t even know we were going to point race until after a couple of shows with those guys (IRA). It was laid in our lap a little bit, and we made the most of it.

“We got to branch out a little bit after championship night and showed some speed. I think I’m carrying a lot of momentum into the New Zealand swing, and I hope I can make the best of it.”

Crouch spent some time in the Keith Kunz Motorsports Midget camp and earned a victory in the 2022 Fall Nationals at Lake Ozark Speedway. Last year, he took on the Sprint Car world in his family-owned deal and turned heads.

The trip to New Zealand will be a bit of a different experience. Not only will the Lubbock, TX., standout compete on different track surfaces, he will run for Freeman Motorsports with California driver Joel Myers Jr. helping out.

“I think it’s going to be really good,” Crouch said. “This is my first full year of racing, and it was a learning year. We are getting a chance to extend it a little bit, so I’m happy about that.

“I’m going over with Joel Myers Jr., and he’s going to help me with feedback and the car. It’s going to be the first time I’m going to have to work with someone outside of my Dad’s team and KKM, so that will be cool.”

As for expectations, it’s simple. Crouch won his first 410 Sprint Car race in July at Wilmot, and he hopes to duplicate the feat on foreign soil.

“It’s a big jump going over there, but I think it’s going to be a blast,” Crouch said. “I’m more excited than anything. It’s an amazing opportunity that has been set up for me, and I’m going to make the best of it, compete for a title, win some races, and have a good time.”