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Brian Rundstrom Jr. is not your ordinary 14-year-old. The Green Bay native has entered the category of child prodigy by winning not one, but two races in this recently finished season. All this happened in less than 10 races, while driving a limited late model. 

His first triumph on the track came on Nov. 2 while competing at Southern National Speedway.  A second victory in a span of three races came on Nov. 30, prevailing after getting the pole position for that race. 

“It was a pretty good one.  The race before that, we had a really good car.  We were running second and got wiped out.  It was a really long race, 50 laps, and on one of the re-starts another driver drove into my left rear quarter panel and spun me out,” Rundstrom Jr. explained.

“We came back a lot better, got it all patched up and dominated the second race.”

Admittedly, there was trepidation the first time he got behind the wheel of a car to compete.

“I was definitely pretty nervous the first time we went out.  My biggest thing is we were just getting used to everything from the horsepower to shifting gears,” Rundstrom Jr. stated.  “I wouldn’t say I’ve gotten completely used to it, but I’m getting there.”

The accomplishment comes with perks, including some hardware and a prize check of $1200.  He’s soaking up knowledge along the way, too.  

“We got a nice trophy and check.  I definitely learned a lot this year,” Rundstrom Jr. remarked.  “We’ve only run nine races so far this year and I’ve learned from all of those through my dad’s experience, plus all the people he used to be around as well as all the people I’ve raced with so far.”

A Green Bay family tradition

Racing is in the blood for Brian Jr. His father, Brian Rundstrom Sr. ran dirt tracks, street, stock and late models. Senior has also been a crew chief on late model teams, worked for Matt Crafton for four years in the NASCAR truck series and was the truck chief for Ben Rhodes in the NASCAR truck series. 
“It makes me feel good that he’s following his dreams,” Brian Sr. said of his son. “He just picks up on things so quickly and very mature to be just 14.”
Senior jokes that as he grew up, Brian Jr. watched him in his various roles across NASCAR, so he knew it might be a possibility for the son to follow the father.
“It was either racing or T-ball and he chose racing,” Brian Sr. said.
The tradition stretches beyond father and son in the Rundstrom family. Brian Sr.’s grandfather, Thomas Rundstrom, also was a racer, running at tracks in New Jersey many decades ago.

Enjoying the moment

As for Brian Jr., he says he’s reveled in the thrill of victory, while also growing as a driver during this season. 

“It was a really awesome feeling,” he said of winning multiple times with his second triumph being much more emphatic from his perspective.  “We dominated a lot more.  We took the lead on lap 30 of 75.  A few of the leaders wrecked each other on the other one and we got lucky somewhat to take that one.  We earned this one a lot more.”

It takes a total team effort to help a driver, young or old, prepare and reach victory lane.  That isn’t lost on Brian, who credited his family along with sponsors such as DE Landscaping, Brock Construction, B&M Auto, Brian Tanner Race Engines and Torp Chassis.

“I most definitely wouldn’t be here without my mom and dad there to help me the entire way along with all of my sponsors that have made it possible for me.  I’ve been doing this since I was five or six, but without them, this wouldn’t be a reality,” Brian Jr. pointed out.

So what’s next?

With the 2024 racing season in the books, having wrapped up back on Nov. 30, now is the time to recharge the batteries. The Green Bay native is focusing on what’s ahead in the years to come, in an effort to experience more celebratory moments down the road.
Brian Sr. said they’ll take it one step at a time, but his son has his eye on making it to one of the top three series in NASCAR.
“It would be nice if he could race for Thorsport Racing,” Brian Sr. said. “That’s the team I worked for.”
Meanwhile, for the immediate future, Brian Jr. wants a title. 

 “We’re going to get completely revamped for the 2025 season and try to go win a Championship somewhere,” Brian Jr. said.

Life’s not too bad for this teenager.