Tulsa World: Son living dad's dream

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Son living dad's dream
Racer still seeking his first victory

Chili Bowl racer Dustin Morgan learned about racing from his father, Scott, who has watched his son compete on almost every racing circuit. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World

By GLENN HIBDON World Sports Writer
Published: 1/13/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 1/13/2009 3:05 AM

AUTO RACING has been a bonding experience for Dustin Morgan and his father, Scott Morgan.

Morgan, who turned 20 on Saturday, has lived his father's dream and is still searching for a breakthrough victory. He's hoping it comes this week when the 23rd Chili Bowl Midget Nationals unfold in the QuikTrip Center at Expo Square.

"Dad's always been there for me. Any decision made I give him 100 percent and he gives me 100 percent," said Morgan, whose father bought him a go-kart at a tender age. "He's always bought me the best equipment and he put up with me when I was growing up and maturing. He races through my eyes."

At 16, Morgan received his GED from Owasso High School and headed to Indianapolis to race Stealth midgets. He's competed on just about every circuit, including the World of Outlaws, USAC Silver Crown, the All-Stars and ASCS National Tour. Still, the big victory seems to elude him.

"I've had so many opportunities to win and something stupid happens," said Morgan, who will drive J.J. Yeley's midget at the Chili Bowl. "I feel snakebit. I'll try and keep the monkey off my back, but he finds a way to jump back on there."

Scott Morgan said his son has thought about quitting the sport, but many big-time drivers have advised him to keep going. Frustration sometimes sets in, but Dustin has refused to buckle. His father wants to enjoy the racing success that he never had.

"I always wanted to be a racer, but I didn't have the opportunity or the money," said Scott Morgan, owner of Ark Wrecking Co. "I bought him a go-kart because I never got one. I wanted to do things that were important to me. He started racing immediately and it's been a lot of fun. When Dustin played baseball, basketball and wrestled, family and friends came to watch. When he started racing, all the aunts, uncles and cousins came to watch. It has been very family bonding."

Morgan will have a big contingent at the Chili Bowl to see if he can win a feature or two. In his Chili Bowl debut in 2005, Morgan qualified for the A main prelims, becoming the youngest driver to advance that far. Subsequent races have been filled with breakdowns and crashes.

"I think this will be an awesome year.''

CHILI BOWL SCHEDULE

Where: Tulsa Expo Raceway, ¼-mile clay oval inside the QuikTrip Center at Expo Square

When: Jan. 13-17, 2009. Tuesday, Qualifying Night plus Chili Bowl Race of Champions. Wednesday, Creek Nation Casino Qualifying Night. Thursday, Warren CAT Qualifying Night. Friday, Qualifying Night. Saturday, Championship Feature Events

Tickets: A limited number of reserved seats for Tuesday night’s Qualifying Event and Chili Bowl Race of Champions are available for $26 per person and may be obtained by calling (918) 838-3777 or at the gate. Pit passes for all five nights are also available at the gate.

Glenn Hibdon 581-8396
glenn.hibdon@tulsaworld.com By GLENN HIBDON World Sports Writer

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droopy, wagoner (1/13/2009 7:10:32 AM)

Good article, Mr Hibdon. I'm looking forward to much more coverage of the Chili Bowl.

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