Sorensen crowned 2022 Summit USMTS National Champion
Dustin Sorensen captured the 2022 Summit USMTS National Championship presented by RacinDirt. The 21-year-old is the youngest champion since Ryan Gustin in 2011.
Sorensen earned the richest paycheck in series history as $100,000 is going back to Rochester, Minnesota, along with the first Leon Ramirez Trophy which will be awarded to every champion from now until the USMTS ceases to exist.
Affectionately called “The Leon,” the trophy is a homage to Leon Ramirez, who passed away February 19 after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer.
"I still don't know what to think," Sorensen said. "It's something I dreamed of since I was a kid. This was my favorite thing to do five years ago was come watch these races and didn't think I'd be here this young winning this but it's super cool.
"Everything I got is because of him and my mom and all my crew. I can't thank them guys enough: Josh, Dylan, Scott and Jeff--they've been with me all year long they don't get paid or nothing they just do it for fun so I can't thank them enough.
"We didn't take a provisional all year or have a DNF all year but I guess when it was all sealed up last night was the night to have one.
Sorensen's sponsors include Heavy Hitch (Terry and Shannon, Family), Action Race Engines, MB Customs Racecars & CMD Shocks, 63 Club (Scott and Teri, Family), Ford Metro Glass, Rochester Chevrolet, J&S Repair - JCB, Gunshepherd.com, CJs Auto Sales, Crenlo Engineered Cabs, Carroll's Corn, Paulson Rock Products, Jusright Farms, Schaeffers Racing Oils, Eibach Springs, Wehrs Machine and Ultraforce and Scheonfeld Headers.
Sorensen's car is owned by his father Mike Sorensen and mother, Elaine Sorensen. His crew consists of Josh Augustin, Daylen Augustin, Scott Kautz and Jeff Burton.
While Sorensen scored his first USMTS title this year, previous USMTS national champions include Dereck Ramirez (2021), Rodney Sanders (2013-2014, 2019-2020), Johnny Scott (2018), Jason Hughes (2010, 2015-2017), Ryan Gustin (2011-2012), Tim Donlinger (2008), Jason Krohn (2007) and Kelly Shryock (1999-2006, 2009).