Duston Wurtz: DragChamp Racer Spotlight

Duston Wurtz is in this week’s DragChamp Racer Spotlight. Learn all about this DragChamp Pro Member in his spotlight below!

NAMPA, ID – Duston Wurtz was practically born into the racing scene. From a young age, he found himself captivated by the roar of engines and the thrill of competition. Weekends were spent alongside his dad and uncles, absorbing every moment of their circle track and drag racing adventures. When Duston turned 15 and obtained his driver’s license, the urge to join the racing action himself became irresistible. He pleaded with his dad, Tim, to let him dive headfirst into racing. Although Duston initially wanted to start in Junior Dragsters, financial constraints presented a hurdle. Undeterred, his dad saved up money to purchase a 1966 Mustang, kickstarting Duston’s journey into the sport. Together, they transformed it into a footbrake car which he went on to race in Sportsman at Firebird Raceway.

Racing is more than just a hobby for Duston; it’s a legacy passed down through generations. His grandfather, Dairld Wurtz Sr., laid the foundation for their family’s racing tradition back in the ’60s when Firebird Raceway first opened its doors. Duston proudly carries on this heritage as a third-generation racer.

Learn more about Duston below!

Racing History

Duston doesn’t limit himself to local tracks. He’s all about hitting the road with his dad, chasing down every bracket race they can find across the country. Based in Idaho on the West Coast, they struggle with only having a handful of big money bracket racing events a year. So, it’s common for them to take a 25-30 hour trip to a race so they can try to compete with the best of the best bracket racers. Some of their favorite events include the prestigious Spring Fling Million, West Coast Bracket Races Southwest Showdown, and various SFG races. With the OG Million now in St. Louis, they’re eager to add that to their list of must-attend races.

His Race Car

Duston’s current race car is a 2023 American Dragster. It has a baby blower motor built by Oakley Motorsports and will run 4.30’s if they are stepping on it, and 4.40’s with a soft tune up.

Accomplishments

• 20k Win and Runner-up West Coast Classic where he raced himself in the final
• 20k Win South West Show Down
• Runner-up in SFG Million
• Runner-up in SFG 50k
• 2k Pro win at Nightfire National’s Footbraking (One of the oldest races in the country)
• Multiple other small wins
• Multi Time Track Champion in multiple classes

Duston’s Q&A

What’s on your bucket list, future goals, what do you hope to achieve?

To win at the Spring Fling Million. Also really want to with a Million. I’ve been really close so many times just haven’t gotten over the hump yet. 

How do you support your racing, side hustle, sponsor, partner, etc.? 

Rhino Rush Energy in Boise, Idaho sponsors me. 

Oakley Motorsports helps me out a lot and so does Meziere Enterprises. Other then that a lot of it is self funded. My father and I started a vaping business 8 years ago in hopes to fund our racing operation completely. With a lot of hard work and long hours we are very lucky to be able to do just that. 

Which are you better at the starting line or the finish line? 

I would say I’m more confident in the finish line. But some days I’d say the starting line. They are both very difficult.

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

I absolutely hate to lose, but who doesn’t love to win?

What is your favorite sport?  Favorite team?

Football.. my favorite team is the Seahawks. I also love golf. One of the hardest sports to play, kind of like bracket racing I think that’s what keeps me coming back.

Who would you like to thank, who helps you the most?

I would like to thank my parents. My father Tim Wurtz is always doing everything he can to help me best the best racer possible. He is constantly working on our cars, motorhome, trailer to make everything better. He works his ass off. And my mom loves to try to come to every race to cheer me on. 

For more DragChamp racer spotlights, click here.

Want to become a DragChamp Pro Member like Duston? Check out the details here.