The Need for Speed: A Father-Son Racing Legacy at New Egypt Speedway
Dirt track racing isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. At New Egypt Speedway, the roar of engines and the thrill of high-speed competition create an adrenaline-fueled environment where only the toughest drivers thrive. But what does it take to not only race at high speeds but to survive the crashes and setbacks that come with the sport?
For George Gareis Jr. and his father, racing is in their DNA. From childhood dreams of the track to life-threatening crashes and incredible comebacks, their story is one of passion, resilience, and an unbreakable love for dirt track racing.
A Family Born to Race
George Sr. was first drawn to racing as a kid, spending time at the tracks watching his stepfather compete. That passion only grew stronger over time, leading him to a lifelong dedication to the sport. Eventually, it passed down to George Jr., whose journey behind the wheel started right in the backyard, practicing on a homemade track before taking on real competition.
“Everybody has their thing. For us, it was never about baseball or other sports—it was always racing,” says George Sr.
But with racing comes risk and for this father and son, the road to victory has been paved with serious crashes, injuries, and moments that would have made most drivers quit.
Surviving the Worst: The Crashes That Changed Everything
George Sr. suffered a broken neck in 2003 after a devastating crash. The injury forced him to step away from driving, but his love for racing never wavered. He continued working on cars and mentoring his son, who had already developed the same need for speed.
Then, it was George Jr.'s turn to face the dangers head-on.
One of his most terrifying moments came when his car caught fire in a shocking on-track accident. Flames engulfed his vehicle, and only his quick thinking—instilled in him through years of safety training from his father—allowed him to escape with burns but without life-threatening injuries.
“We used to practice fire drills as a kid. My dad would have me put my head sock on backward, flip the car, and make me get out blind. Back then, I didn’t like it. But that training saved my life.”
Even after suffering another major injury—a broken back in 2019—George Jr. refused to walk away from the sport.
What Drives a Racer to Keep Going?
For many, a near-death experience would be enough to call it quits. But for these two racers, it’s just part of the game.
“Some people call it crazy. I call it passion. It’s in my blood. I can’t walk away.”
Whether it’s the rush of speed, the thrill of competition, or the deep-rooted bond of a father and son sharing the same dream, George Gareis Jr. and Sr. continue to push forward, proving that true racers never stop chasing the checkered flag.
New Egypt Speedway: 2025 Season is Coming!
With the 2025 racing season at New Egypt Speedway kicking off in April, the Gareis family and countless other dirt track warriors will be back, ready to battle for victory. Fans can expect edge-of-your-seat action, intense rivalries, and maybe even a few more unforgettable comebacks.
Stay tuned as we follow their journey—because for a true racer, the story never ends.
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