Watertown, Wisconsin's Derek Doerr is about as versatile a driver as you'll find in the AFS Badger Midget Series ranks. He's done a lot on the pavement between Super Late Models and the Midwest Truck Series, which he still runs today. Before getting in a midget he toured the state's dirt tracks in a Legend.
Let's see what makes our 2020 Rookie of the Year tick.
Car Number: 20 D
Owner: Derek and Randy Doerr
Team Name: Derek Doerr Racing
Sponsors: Ashippun Amsoil, Emergency Starting and Towing, Klecker Heating and Cooling, Maas Refrigeration, Grinwald Ford, VMS Rod Ends, Mr Green Jeans Lawncare, Kathy’s Buffalo Bar, Isle Edge Seeds, River City Truck repair, Ryan’s Auto Care
Crew: Randy Doerr, Ethan Degner, Tyler Muller
BMARA: Were you a fan of racing before you got behind the wheel and if so, who were your heroes and what tracks did you attend?
Doerr: Yes, I have always been a race fan since my family has been involved in racing. Growing up at a young age I always admired Scott Riggs for the Nesquik car, Joey Logano, Ayrton Senna, and Bryan Clauson. I mainly attended the former Columbus 151 Speedway, Jefferson Speedway, and later on Angell Park Speedway.
BMARA: Give us a synopsis of your racing career.
Doerr: It all started in 2011 when my Dad and I started racing go karts out of a two place snowmobile trailer at Badger Kart Club in Dousman. I would go on to race there for two more years , and then move onto the American Super Cup Series from 2014-2015. I would then move onto the Midwest Truck Series, and Super Late Models from 2016-2019. After making various Legend Car starts, I decided I wanted to try Midget racing in 2020. Currently I still race in The Midwest Truck Series, and with BMARA since 2021.
Highlights would be:
2015 American Super Cup Champion
2018 Two Fast Times At State Park Speedway in a Super Late Model
2020 BMARA ROY
2022 Harry Turner 25 feature winner
BMARA: How much time do you spend on the car each week during the season?
Doerr: On average, my Dad and I are working on the car 3-5 days a week depending on what is required to race that weekend.
BMARA: What is your day job and how does racing fit in?
Doerr: I am an automotive detailer at Grinwald Ford in Watertown. I do everything from a simple interior clean, to paint corrections on all makes and models. Racing fits in well as my boss has been a long-time nostalgia drag racer. It's always fun to talk racing during the week!
BMARA: What's something interesting the fans might not know about you?
Doerr: I love animals, and have a one-year-old Cocker Spaniel named Zuccy, after Minnesota Wild player Mats Zuccarello.
I love to workout, play a round of golf, travel the state of Wisconsin and I'm also an avid wearer of Vans shoes.
If I have some free time I also like to cruise the streets on a BMX bike.
Music is a huge part of my everyday life. My favorite band of all time is Nirvana. I also love the Amity Affliction, Mac Miller, Joey Bada$$, Taylor Swift, and Prince.
Article by: Bill Blumer Jr. with Derek Doerr
Photo Credit: Bill Blumer Jr.
- William Blumer on Feb 16, 2024
- Article Date: 2/16/2024