BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (July 14, 2026) – Back in May, I told you all that I had some very positive news that I’d be sharing “very shortly.” Well, in true racer fashion, “shortly” took a little longer than planned — but I promise you, it was worth the wait.
Van Den Brink Racing is back on track… and we’re moving up.
Starting this season, the #19v is stepping out of the Crate 604 class and into the Super Late Model division. For those of you who follow dirt racing, you know exactly what that means. For everybody else, here’s the short version: the Super Late Models are the headliners. Roughly double the horsepower of the Crate cars, the fastest full-bodied machines on dirt anywhere, and the class that closes the show on Saturday night. If you’ve read my old race reports, you’ll remember me saying the one thing that always held us back in the Crate cars was not having enough power to make the big moves on the outside. Well… problem solved.
Now before anybody asks — yes, I know exactly what I’m signing up for. These cars are a handful, and the Super Late Model competition down here in the Southeast is as tough as it gets anywhere in the country. I wouldn’t have it any other way. After the stretch I’ve just been through, I’m not looking for easy. I’m looking for fun, and there is nothing on this earth more fun than standing on the throttle of a Super Late Model.
Speaking of that stretch — for those just catching up, a string of injuries and five surgeries in one year kept me parked for almost all of 2025. I only made it to a couple of races all season and while we had really good results, those few races just about drove me crazy. But the surgeries are behind me, I’ve been putting in the work at the gym, and honestly, I feel better than I have in years. The doctors did their part. Now it’s time for me to do mine.
This new chapter is a big step for us in another way too: this program is 100% owned and operated by Van Den Brink Racing. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with some really good race teams over the years and made lifelong friends along the way — but everything under this tent now, from the car to the equipment to the marketing program, is ours, built from the ground up right here in Alabama. After 30-plus years in this sport as a driver, coach, and car builder, there’s something pretty special about being able to say that.
So here’s the plan: we’re putting in long hours right now getting the car together, along with fresh branding and a new driver’s suit to match. The goal is to be on track as soon as possible and run 10 to 15 races to close out the year at tracks across Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida. Then in 2027, we take this program across the entire Southeast.
And one more thing… I’ve got some major news about a new marketing partner for this program coming very soon. I can’t say more just yet, but trust me — it’s a game-changer, and you’ll hear it here first. (Hint: if you’re not on our email list yet, the sign-up box is right below this post. That’s where the news lands first.)
So that’s where we are. New class, new engine package, new program — same old hard head behind the wheel. Please keep watch on our Facebook and Instagram pages for build updates and pictures as the new car comes together, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the racetrack real soon.
Thanks for reading…
Until then,
DVB