Justin Grant Bio
Justin Michael Grant is an American racing driver from Ione, California, born on November 12, 1990. Grant has established himself as one of the top competitors in USAC racing, claiming championships in multiple disciplines. He is the 2020 USAC Silver Crown National Champion and the 2022 USAC National Sprint Car Champion, demonstrating his versatility across different types of open-wheel racing.
Early Life and Background
Justin Grant grew up in Ione, California, where he developed his passion for racing at a young age. He began his racing career in midget cars, competing throughout California and quickly making a name for himself in the junior ranks. At just 16 years old, Grant was crowned the 2007 Bay Cities Racing Association Midget champion, marking an early indicator of his future success in open-wheel competition.
Path to NASCAR
Grant moved to Indiana in 2009 at age 18, seeking greater opportunities in sprint car racing. He initially lived and worked in sprint car owner Jeff Walker’s shop, immersing himself in the Midwest racing scene. In 2010, Grant was named USAC National Sprint Car Series Rookie of the Year while driving for Kenny Baldwin. Over the following years, he drove for multiple car owners including Jeff Walker, Mark Hery, Rick Pollock, and Tony Epperson, gaining valuable experience across different teams.
Justin Grant Career
Early Career (2007-2016)
After his BCRA Midget championship in 2007, Grant continued building his résumé in California midget racing. He earned opportunities to compete in prestigious events including the Chili Bowl Nationals. In 2017, Grant drove the #39BC for Clauson-Marshall Racing at the Chili Bowl, where he won his preliminary qualifying night and started on the pole for the Saturday night feature, finishing third behind Christopher Bell and Daryn Pittman.
Grant’s career trajectory changed significantly at the end of the 2016 season when he joined Sam McGhee Motorsports. This partnership marked the beginning of the most successful period of his USAC career. In his first 21 races with the team, Grant recorded 18 top-five finishes, establishing himself as a consistent championship contender.
Silver Crown Breakthrough (2017-2020)
In 2017, Grant expanded his racing program when his car owner Chris Carli teamed up with Hemelgarn Racing in the USAC Silver Crown series. That year, Grant made history by becoming the first driver in USAC history to win the midget and sprint car season openers in the same year. He had an opportunity to become the only driver to win the opener for all three USAC national series, but engine trouble in the Sumar Classic at Terre Haute Action Track prevented that achievement.
Grant secured the 2020 USAC Silver Crown championship, showcasing his consistency and strategic approach to racing. Notably, he accomplished this feat without recording a single victory during the season, relying on steady finishes and smart racing to accumulate enough points for the title.
Sprint Car Championship Era (2021-2022)
Building on his Silver Crown success, Grant continued competing in the USAC National Sprint Car Series. His experience and development culminated in 2022 when he captured the USAC National Sprint Car championship. This title cemented Grant’s status as one of the premier open-wheel drivers in American grassroots racing, joining an elite group of drivers who have won championships in multiple USAC national series.
Justin Grant Career Wins
Justin Grant has achieved success across multiple USAC racing disciplines. His career includes championships in both Silver Crown and Sprint Car competition, along with numerous feature victories and podium finishes in midget racing events.
USAC Sprint Car Highlights
Grant claimed the 2022 USAC National Sprint Car championship, highlighting his ability to compete at the highest level of non-wing sprint car racing. His consistency throughout the season, combined with strategic race management, earned him one of the most prestigious titles in American open-wheel competition.
USAC Silver Crown Highlights
The 2020 USAC Silver Crown championship stands as one of Grant’s most significant achievements. Despite not winning a race that season, his consistent performances and ability to avoid major mishaps allowed him to outscore the competition and secure the title.
2025 Season Performance
Justin Grant continues to be a prominent figure in USAC racing as he competes in the 2025 season. Coming off his championship success, Grant remains a threat in both Sprint Car and Silver Crown competition. His experience with top teams like Sam McGhee Motorsports and his proven ability to contend for titles position him well for continued success. Fans can expect Grant to be a factor in championship contention as he seeks to add to his already impressive résumé in American open-wheel racing.
