Sikeston teen earns first win in his second year of racing

Austin Rettig and his father Alan celebrate a win at the Riverside International Speedway on April 9. photo by dirtondirt.com

SIKESTON -- In only his second year racing in the Comp Cams Super Dirt Series, 16-year-old Sikeston native Austin Rettig picked a touching day to record his first win in the late model division.

Competing in the Riverside Invitational in West Memphis, Ark. on April 9, seven years to the day after his brother Nathan's tragic death in an ATV accident, Austin edged out race leader Billy Moyer Jr. on the final lap to record the victory.

"They announced it over the receiver (that I was first)," Austin said. "It was pretty intense. I got out of the car and everybody was running toward me congratulating me."

Currently in his fifth year of competitive racing, Austin started the race in fourth and slowly worked his way into a side-by-side battle with Moyer Jr. to start the final lap.

When the checkered flag was waved, Rettig had edged out Moyer Jr. by .040 seconds to take the win.

It was on the 31st lap of the 35-lap race that Austin was put in a position to challenge Moyer Jr. when he jumped into second place after a flat tire slowed down Bill Frye.

Austin is just the latest Rettig to take up racing as both his father and late brother also had roots in the sport.

"It's kind of a family thing we do," he said.

One of the youngest drivers to compete in the Comp Cams Super Dirt Series, Austin said he likes to compete in about 30 events a year.

If things continue to go well, he hopes to make racing his future vocation.

"I'd like to eventually try to make it in NASCAR," said Austin. "I want to make a career out of it."

Some information provided by www.dirtondirt.com.