Brian was born in Torrance, CA and developed a love for racing at a very early age growing up in nearby Gardena, CA. Brian’s Dad Bob took Brian to the famed ASCOT Speedway Park where he watched the motorcycles, sprint cars, and midgets race. When Brian was 10 years old he had the opportunity to push down the gas peddle of his first competitive race kart. With support from his family, Brian had the chance to race weekly traveling to various states to compete.
Brian compiled a couple of karting championships in the process racing against some of the most notable racers in the industry today. Brian ended his karting career with Tony Kart USA with the help from Barry Pantzer and moved on to become a Racing Instructor at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. During his time at Bondurant, Brian was able to add significantly to his driving resume. Brian worked with a veritable “Who’s Who” of NASCAR drivers including: Jimmie Johnson, Casey Mears, Jeff Gordon, David Reutimann, BradKeselowski, Ricky Stenhouse, Aric Almirola, Landon Cassil, Brad Coleman, Denny Hamlin, and JJ Yelley helping them sharpen their road course techniques. Brian also had a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the elite members of our armed forces including the Green Berets and Navy Seals. The curriculum for these elite students included night vision driving, mastering forward and reverse 180’s, pit maneuvers, and all aspects of tactical driving.
Some of Brian’s driving appeared on the big screen in the major motion picture “The Kingdom” starring Jamie Fox. Brian also appeared in a nation-wide car event, “Hot Import Nights” were he was doing drift demonstrations. After Brian’s stint and Bondurant, it was off to another challenge, this time working with his friend, and local race hero, Michael McDowell. Brian agreed to help Michael during his Rookie season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. This involved a move to North Carolina, which Brian thoroughly enjoyed. If that was enough, just prior to leaving for North Carolina Brian had the “Opportunity of a lifetime” thanks to Sam and Aaron Pierce and Lee Banning to race his first ever USAC Silver Crown event at the Copper World Classic where he finished in the 8th place. Leaving straight from Phoenix International Raceway and heading to Ensanada, Mexico to drive in his first SCORE Baja 1000.
During the time Brian worked with Michael McDowell, he had the opportunity to join the Michael Waltrip Racing team spotting for Michael Waltrip, David Reutimann, and Michael McDowell. After working with some of the best in the business, and learning a lot in the process, Brian decided it was time to come home to Arizona to realize his dream of racing Non-Wing Sprint Cars. With help from Chuck Buckman, Bernie Weber, Kyle and Chuck Danielson, Randy Coffin, Brian Schmaltz and Bob Hosford, Brian competed in eight events including the history-making final race at Manzanita Speedway. Brian captured one top three finish in these eight races and learned a lot in the process. 2010 marked Brian’s Rookie Season with the ASCS (American Sprint Car Association) Canyon Region, where he ended up 1oth in series point . Brian is grateful for continued support from: Weber Group Water Resources, Invision Auto Body, Coffin and Trout Fine Jewelers, and The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.
Great team members, including Kyle Danielson, Brian Schmaltz, Matt Rossi, Robert Hosford, Randy Coffin, Bernie Webber and the Danielson Family provide great support and keep the 32b fielded in the 2013 USAC Southwest Series. No doubt Brian and his team are looking for a great year in one of the toughest sports out there.
Contact at: Brian@brianhosford.com
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