James Buescher
Michelle Hoskin, February 9th, 2015
Who is James Buescher? Originating in Florida, Buescher was raised in the State of Texas. In 2012, Buescher was with Turner Motorsports. Buescher’s four wins in 2012 were the most for a Turner driver since the team’s entry into the series in 2009. (1)
The 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion, he competes full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series driving the No. 99 Toyota Camry for RAB Racing.
Michelle: At what age did you start racing?
James Buescher: Age 12, in Bandolero cars.
Note: To those not familiar with this type of car racing, Bandolero racing is a type of entry-level racing in the United States. Racers who have raced Bandoleros includes NASCAR racers Joey Logano, David Ragan, and Reed Sorenson. (1)
M: What do you feel your greatest achievement is so far?
James: 2012 Camping World Truck Championship.
M: Your favorite track to race at?
James: Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.
M: Your least favorite track?
James: Eldora Speedway in Rossburg Ohio.
M: Does anyone else in your family race?
James: My cousin, Chris Buescher.
Note: Chris is currently a developmental driver for Roush Fenway Racing, and drives the No. 60 Roush Performance Parts Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
M: Have you been in a wreck and were you scared?
James: More than I like to think about… you can’t be scared of crashing, it’s part of what we do.
M: What’s it like being so young and racing in the NASCAR Nationwide/Truck series?
James: I’m beginning to feel like one of the old veterans at the age of 24. There are drivers as young as 16 in Trucks now.
James, #99 car, Homestead Miami, November 2014
M: How many races a season?
James: 23 on the Camping World Trucks schedule/ 33 on the Xfinity Series schedule.
M: Your thoughts on the Chase point system?
James: With a schedule over 30 races long I think the Chase is a great system. I feel like the Xfinity series should adopt the chase system as well so the championship battle stays tight throughout the entire season.
M: Your thoughts on the fines doled out last season for fighting?
James: I’m fine with it; we all have a responsibility as drivers and crew members to represent this sport in a positive way. Talk things out, don’t scream and throw punches…
James – February 2014, Daytona Speedway
M: Your family?
James: Married to Kris, our son Stetson is 18 months old; our daughter Presley is 7 months old.
Note: When Buescher is away from the race track, he enjoys hunting, golfing, bike riding and spending time with family, friends.
M: If you could relive any moment in your life what would it be and why?
James: The 2012 Championship Season, so I could have the opportunity to appreciate the season in the moment more than I did.
M: What message would you give other young drivers just starting out?
James: This is a tough sport; if it is something you love to do and are passionate about it then work hard and don’t ever give up on your dreams. Anything is possible; don’t let anyone tell you any different.
M: If you could race one-on-one with ANY racer, past or present, who would it be and why?
James: Dale Earnhardt, He was a hard-nosed tough racer. It would have been a cool experience to race in his era and get to compete with him.
James, Road America, 2013
M: Favorite food?
James: Pizza.
M: Favorite music?
James: Country
M: Your future in racing? Where would you like to be in say, 5 – 10 years?
James: It is hard to have a 2 year plan let alone a 5 year plan in this sport. God will show us the path we need to be on as we go.
External Links:
http://www.jamesbuescher.com/portfolio/#itemId=54aadaf7e4b0114202771be4
Twitter: @JamesBuescher
www.facebook.com/jamesbuescherracing
References:
1. “Steve Turner Owner Statistics”. Racing-Reference.info. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
2. Konigsberg, Bill (2009-05-03). “8 Years Old, Going on 60 Miles Per Hour”. New York Times. Retrieved February 2, 2015.
