Meridian native Chase Purdy poses with his vehicle. Purdy is the current points leader in the Bojangles’ Summer Shootout Series for the Young Lions division.

CONCORD, N.C. — Chase Purdy of Meridian is currently the Bojangles’ Summer Shootout Series point’s leader in the Young Lions division, and with less than a year of experience competing in a Legend Car, the 15-year-old is making it known that both his talent and consistency on the Charlotte Motor Speedway quarter-mile are here to stay.

Many drivers inspire Purdy to chase his NASCAR dreams. Two of those drivers include former Legend Car drivers Daniel Hemric and William Byron. Today, Hemric drives for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and Byron drives for NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Division. Purdy drives for Dennis Lambert Racing, the same team that Bryon raced with during his time as a Legend Car driver. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of Hemric and Byron as he continues his racing career.

“It is a big confidence booster for me,” Purdy said of seeing former Summer Shootout competitors racing in the NASCAR ranks. “It helps me know that I’m in a good spot for my future.”

In past Summer Shootout Series, Purdy ran Bandolero cars, but this is his first season as a full-time driver in a larger, more powerful U.S. Legend Car. Purdy’s second win of the season on June 30 allowed him to regain the points lead in the Young Lions division, which features a seesaw battle for first place between Purdy and Dawson Cram. Drivers between the ages of 12 and 15 compete in the Young Lions division and race at this level before advancing to the Semi-Pro division.

After transitioning from a Bandolero to a Legend Car last September, Purdy said the biggest difference between the two cars was the level of horsepower.

“There is also different braking and shifting, but I am getting used to it and am really enjoying it,” he said.

Purdy found his passion for racing at a young age and has made it his mission to be the best driver he can be. “When I was about 4 years old, I remember watching NASCAR races with my grandfather,” Purdy recalled. “I told him, ‘Hey I wanna do that.’ He responded by telling me when I get older we can look into it. Now here I am.”

When it comes to racing on the frontstretch quarter-mile at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Purdy said he normally gets a lot of butterflies until they start going green after a lap or two.

“I just try to tell myself to keep calm, run my race and stick to my lines,” Purdy said.

Hoping to continue on his path of Bojangles’ Summer Shootout Series success, Purdy is going to focus on maintaining his mind and body.

“In terms of my preparation for a race, I really just try to stay focused and remain hydrated,” Purdy said. “I have a lot of fun racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway because the competition is extraordinary. I am always working to be the best race car driver that I can be. My family is currently moving to North Carolina, and I’m looking forward to my future in this sport and the friends and skills I will gain along the way.”

For more information on the Bojangles’ Summer Shootout Series, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit charlottemotorspeedway.com. Connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or get all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.