Daison Pursley’s blossoming young career reached new heights on Saturday night after securing the USAC National Midget Series championship at the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ventura (Calif.) Raceway.
While Pursley was unable to win the coveted 83rd running of the midget event, a podium finish (third) was enough to cap off a stellar season that saw the 20-year-old snag seven victories and 16-top-five finishes.
Aboard the CBI Industries No. 86 midget with former dirt racing star Chad Boat leading the way, Pursley felt he could’ve won had he been more strategic with his lane choices throughout the 98-lap event.
“You definitely have to pick your battles of how hard to run it,” Pursley said. “The track changes so much and I felt like honestly I was the first one to really make gains on the bottom there.
“Almost got to the lead and the top kinda got cleaned off again too. It was just a matter of jumping back up there and then trying to get back to the bottom.
“Just didn’t do a good enough job with picking those lines and stuff. To finish 98 laps is nonetheless something special and a true testament to the cars that Chad and them build.”
As he reflected on his breakthrough season, Pursley credited his team and the tireless effort to reach the pinnacle of USAC midget racing.
“Chad was a phenomenal race car driver and now a phenomenal owner and crew chief,” Pursley said. “If it wasn’t for him and the CB Industries team, this wouldn’t even have happened. Just unbelievable to finally say I’m a champion.
“Bittersweet moment, I don’t even know what to say.”
Prior to his title-clinching performance at Ventura, Pursley’s next step in his career was already finalized in October as he’ll vault to High Limit Racing full time next season with Buch Motorsports to compete for a 410 winged sprint car title.
As Pursley reflected on his time in USAC, he feels the open-wheel series has been a great outlet for him to grow as a driver.
“It’s a big turning point,” Pursley began. “It’s probably one of the best seasons I’ve ever had driving a race car. Just goes to show with everyone I’ve been a part of and USAC’s been home for me for the last four or five years.
“It’s kinda developed me into the race car driver that I am. No matter if that’s non-wing sprint cars, midgets, USAC Silver Crown.
“Any of that stuff, it’s a true testament to USAC and the development that they do for drivers to use it as a stepping stone.”