Kyle Grissom - A True Racer

Today's NASCAR championship-caliber drivers all have one thing in common, a passion for the sport at a young age. The same is true for 19-year old Kyle Grissom, a second generation driver from Concord, North Carolina.

"Racing is all I've ever known since I can remember," says Grissom. "I've raced since I was a kid. I'd rather have pressed a gas pedal than pedaled a bike, and I was fortunate to be put in a position to have a family that supported me in what I love doing."

But, unlike others in the sport today, nothing has been handed to the younger Grissom, and that's something that his father, 1993 Nationwide Series champion Steve Grissom knew was important.

"I've never told Kyle anything he wanted to hear to make him feel better," says the champion father. "I knew he had to have an understanding of the car, the tracks and the communication process to be successful at any level of racing. I've had him work on it all from chassis setup to tire pressure.

That mentality and up-bringing has made Kyle a well-rounded and technical-savvy driver. That is something that he offers that most drivers today can't. His determination also led him to open Kyle Grissom Racing, a race shop in Concord, North Carolina. A responsibility that falls on Kyle Grissom.

The Next Step

Kyle Grissom has climbed the development ladder and has done so with success and focus. Mentored by his father, Kyle never took the next step too fast or without proper consideration of being in a competitive class against highly national competition. Grissom has raced against and has beaten other development drivers such as Joey Logano, Steven Wallace, Marc Davis, Kyle Busch, and others. Today Grissom currently competes on the UARA Late Model Series. He is in his third season in the UARA Series.

In the second-half of the 2009 racing season and into 2010 Grissom is looking for the best opportunity to race in ARCA or the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Grissom has the experience and the proven ability to advance to the next level and continue his winning progress.

Grissom has had many supporters in his career. His family, but also sports pioneers such as Humpy Wheeler, Ken Ragan, and Andy Hillenburg among others who have been impressed with the development of Grissom. His quiet, humble demeanor off the track should not be confused with his winning determination and record on it.

Career Stats

Age 4, Grissom started racing go-karts in Alabama on the famed Talladega Short Track

Age 8, Grissom moved into the 600 Racing Bandolero Series and raced in North Carolina and Atlanta winning numerous events. He was crowned national champion in the Bandit division in 1999.

Age 12, Grissom advanced to the 600 Racing Legends Division. Grissom won two shootout titles in the division at Lowe's Motor Speedway winning in both the semi-pro and pro divisions.

2004, Grissom started his first full-body stock car event in the United Auto Racing Association(UARA) Late Model Division becoming one of the series youngest drivers. Grissom made three starts with two top-five finishes.

2005, Grissom was named the Rookie of the Year in the UARA Series with one win, five top-fives, and a dozen top-10's. He finished third in the championship tour. He also gained experience traveling to different tracks throughout the southeast racing late models.

2006, Grissom again competed in the UARA Series. Grissom finished the season with three wins, 7 top-fives, and over a dozen top-10's. He again finished third in the championship chase.

2007, Grissom switched gears to compete at the NASCAR-sanctioned and famed Hickory Motor Speedway. He had two wins and was a weekly top-three finisher. Grissom finished second in championship points.