Dustin Hillenburg Bio
Andrew Miles Hillenburg, born April 30, 1963, is an American former professional stock car racing driver and current team owner and track owner. His race team, Fast Track Racing, fields multiple cars in the ARCA Menards Series and formerly fielded entries in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He is credited with reviving the North Carolina Speedway, now known as Rockingham Speedway, after the track lost its NASCAR dates starting in 2005.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Miles Hillenburg was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He began his racing career at age eleven when he competed in the Indianapolis soap box derby. His early exposure to motorsports in Indianapolis helped shape his career path in racing.
Hillenburg won the state quarter midget championships consecutively from 1975 to 1979, demonstrating exceptional talent at a young age. These formative years established the foundation for his future success in stock car racing. His early achievements in quarter midget racing showcased the natural ability that would later define his professional career.
Path to NASCAR
Hillenburg transitioned through the ranks of motorsports, eventually finding his way into stock car racing. His development included testing opportunities with major series, including serving as a test driver for the International Race of Champions and Team Racing Auto Circuit series. These roles provided valuable experience and connections within the racing community.
His breakthrough came in the ARCA Racing Series, where he established himself as a competitive driver. Success in ARCA opened doors to NASCAR competition, allowing him to demonstrate his skills on bigger stages. His journey through development series proved crucial to his eventual entry into national NASCAR competition.
Dustin Hillenburg Career
Early Career
Hillenburg achieved significant success in the ARCA Super Car Series, winning the championship in 1995 with three-time ARCA Champion Bob Dotter serving as his crew chief. This championship victory marked a major milestone in his racing career and established his reputation as a capable driver in the ARCA ranks.
His ARCA career included two victories in the prestigious Daytona ARCA 200, winning the event in both 1995 and 1997. The Daytona ARCA 200 is considered the premiere event in the series, making these wins particularly significant. His performance at Daytona demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level of ARCA competition.
NASCAR Cup Series
Hillenburg competed in sixteen Winston Cup Series starts throughout his career. His team ownership ventures included attempts in NASCAR’s top series, most notably entering the No. 71 Ford driven by Frank Kimmel in the 2007 Daytona 500. However, that entry did not make the field for the race.
His Cup Series career spanned multiple seasons and teams. While he did not achieve victory in the Cup Series, his experience at the top level of NASCAR provided valuable insight that would later inform his team ownership endeavors. His participation in the series demonstrated his standing as a competent driver capable of competing against NASCAR’s best.
NASCAR Busch Series
Hillenburg had limited appearances in the NASCAR Busch Series, now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He entered one race in both 1992 and 1993 in his No. 42 car. In 1994, he attempted a part-time schedule of six races, although he only qualified for one of those six attempts.
His most notable NASCAR Busch Series achievement came in the 1999 NAPA Auto Parts 300. Driving the No. 18 MBNA Pontiac Grand Prix for Joe Gibbs Racing, Hillenburg secured a third-place finish. This result stands as his best finish in NASCAR competition and highlighted his potential when partnered with a top-tier organization.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Hillenburg made four starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, now known as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. His team ownership efforts in the Truck Series were more extensive than his driving career, with Fast Track Racing fielding entries between 2007 and 2010. The team most notably operated the No. 47 and 48 trucks during this period.
In 2003, Hillenburg’s team fielded a No. 10 truck in two races. These efforts in the Truck Series represented his expansion into team ownership, a path that would become a major focus of his career in later years. The Truck Series provided opportunities for both driving and ownership development.
Indianapolis 500
Beyond NASCAR competition, Hillenburg competed in the 2000 Indianapolis 500, finishing 28th in the prestigious open-wheel race. This appearance demonstrated his versatility as a driver capable of competing across different forms of motorsports. The Indianapolis 500 represents one of the most famous races in the world, and qualifying for the event is a significant achievement.
His participation in the Indianapolis 500 added to his diverse racing resume. The experience competing in open-wheel racing provided additional skills and perspectives that complemented his stock car racing background. This versatility helped distinguish him among his peers in the motorsports community.
Fast Track Racing Era
Hillenburg’s transition to full-time team ownership came through Fast Track Racing, a team he established to compete in the ARCA Menards Series. The team currently fields multiple entries with car numbers including the Nos. 01, 9, 10, 11, and 12. This operation has become a significant presence in ARCA competition.
Fast Track Racing has evolved to become one of the established teams in the ARCA Menards Series. Under Hillenburg’s leadership, the team provides opportunities for drivers to compete at a high level. The team’s consistent presence in the series demonstrates Hillenburg’s commitment to developing racing talent and maintaining a competitive organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hillenburg’s driving career showcased particular strength at superspeedways, as evidenced by his two Daytona ARCA 200 victories. His ability to perform at Daytona, one of racing’s most challenging tracks, highlighted his skill in drafting and superspeedway competition. His partnership with experienced crew chiefs like Bob Dotter further demonstrated his ability to work within successful team structures.
Notable Races and Milestones
The 1995 ARCA Super Car Series Championship stands as Hillenburg’s most significant achievement as a driver. His two victories in the Daytona ARCA 1995 and 1997 represent signature moments in his racing career. The third-place finish in the 1999 NASCAR Busch Series race at Daytona for Joe Gibbs Racing remains his best NASCAR result. His participation in the 2000 Indianapolis 500 adds another milestone to his diverse motorsports resume.
Dustin Hillenburg Career Wins
Andrew Miles Hillenburg achieved his most significant success in the ARCA Racing Series, where he won the championship in 1995 and captured two victories in the prestigious Daytona ARCA 200 event.
ARCA Racing Series Highlights
Hillenburg won the ARCA Super Car Series Championship in 1995, working with three-time ARCA Champion Bob Dotter as his crew chief. His victory at the 1995 Daytona ARCA 200 marked his first win in the series’ premiere event. He repeated this achievement with another victory in the 1997 Daytona ARCA 200, solidifying his reputation as a force at Daytona International Speedway.
Other Performances
Hillenburg’s best NASCAR result came in the 1999 NAPA Auto Parts 300 NASCAR Busch Series race, where he finished third driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. He also competed in the 2000 Indianapolis 500, finishing 28th in the prestigious open-wheel event. His career included sixteen NASCAR Cup Series starts and four NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts.
Dustin Hillenburg Family
Personal Life
Hillenburg has been married since 1991 and is the father of four children. His family has been a constant presence throughout his racing career and subsequent ventures in team ownership and track operation.
2025 Season Performance
Fast Track Racing continues to field multiple entries in the ARCA Menards Series under Hillenburg’s ownership. The team maintains operations with cars numbered 01, 9, 10, 11, and 12, providing competitive opportunities for drivers in the series. Hillenburg’s focus remains on team management and driver development through his established ARCA program.
The 2025 season represents another chapter in Hillenburg’s ongoing contributions to motorsports through team ownership. His Fast Track Racing organization continues to be an active participant in the ARCA Menards Series, building on the foundation established during his transition from driver to team owner. The team’s sustained presence demonstrates Hillenburg’s lasting impact on the ARCA racing community.
