American Peck primed for Aussie debut

Indiana racer Justin Peck will take on an Aussie summer of speedway for the first time in at least nine races culminating with the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic.

Peck will drive for Domain Ramsay’s team based in Geelong, Victoria and will make his Australian debut in the SRA Open Sprintcar Series at Simpson Speedway on Wednesday, December 27.

Nine races at Simpson, Avalon, Borderline and Premier Speedway are already confirmed with the team still in discussions to expand it to 12.

The 25-year-old from Monrovia is heading down under fresh from signing a deal to race full time in the high Limit Racing Sprintcar Series in 2024.

Over the last two years Peck impressed in the #13 Buch Motorsports machine, with a highlight his win over Kyle Larson on home turf Kokomo Speedway in August.

Looking ahead to his Australian campaign, Peck admitted the chance to race in the 51st Grand Annual Classic was a “big drawcard”.

“When American drivers think of Australia and Sprintcar racing the Classic is the big draw card,” said Peck this week.

“I’ve run almost 80 shows this past season here in America and I’m excited to team up with Domain, I’ve never met him but Bernie (Stuebgen) from Indy Race Parts confirmed he’s a heads up guy and that’s what I want whenever I race for someone.”

American racer Justin Peck is coming to Australia. Image: Supplied

“Domain asked me if I wanted to come and do just the Classic or more and I told him I’m coming to race so let’s do as much as we can fit into the schedule before my season starts in February.”

Ramsay is excited to see what his new American driver can do.

“I’ve watched Justin a lot and he’s quick, he’s extremely talented at the wheel of a Sprintcar and I know he’s a great guy,” said Domain. 

“I know we’ll have some fun with him so we’re excited for Christmas to come and then we can get straight into it.”

In addition to his 2023 season, Peck registered eight feature race wins in the 2022 Allstar Circuit of Champions tour on his way to second in the championship behind Tyler Courtney.

When reflecting on his career highlight, Peck pinpointed the 2023 Knoxville Nationals which also doubled up as his lowlight.

“If I had to say just one highlight it has to be going second quick at the Nationals on my qualifying night,” Peck said.

“I was out early and set a great time that I thought nobody was going to beat until David Gravel was out late and beat me by two thousandths of a second.

“I had a great car that night and I raced from the eighth to second in my heat and was racing for fifth in the preliminary feature when I touched Sheldon’s (Haudenschild) right rear and destroyed the car.”

Justin Peck – Australian Schedule

Simpson Speedway, December 27 – SRA Open Sprintcar Series

Avalon Raceway, December 30 – Sprintcar Speedweek

Premier Speedway, January 1 – Sprintcar Speedweek

Premier Speedway, January 2 – TBC

Avalon Raceway, January 12 – Sprintcar International

Simpson Speedway, January 13 – TBC

Avalon Raceway, January 17 – President’s Cup

Borderline Speedway, January 18 – Kings Challenge

Premier Speedway, January 19-21 – Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic

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