“The Lawman” Makes His ARCA Debut in Portland
In a time when law enforcement is often portrayed negatively, it is refreshing to be able to experience the humanity of one such vilified individual-dedication, family and of course the love of racing.
Caleb Costner started racing when he was twelve years old. He has progressed from racing four-cylinder dirt cars to asphalt pro late models with the hopes of a NASCAR future.
A full-time Deputy...part time wheel man. Caleb Costner and his family race team are from Gaston County N.C. His uncle, Frankie Costner has served as his mechanic and all-around car chief. Heck Frank, a former racer himself, even built the engines.
Deputy Costner has been taking off his policeman’s uniform and slipping into his driver’s suit as many weekends as possible. The first 2020 dirt race in February at Cherokee Speedway had its issues. The hood buckled during practice and the car became tight. Caleb finished ninth overall.
Clyde Costner, Caleb’s grandfather-Frankie’s dad, raced at the Carolina Speedway back in the fifties. The track is still there, and Caleb finished fifth (in the sixth race of the season) despite overheating issues.
In the last race of the season the #11 car of Caleb Costner was in the running to win the 2020 season championship. After going the last year from nothing to forming Costner Motorsports; does the team capture their first championship?
You will have to watch the well-produced episodes of Caleb’s racing adventures on the Gaston Talks Facebook page or on Costner Motorsport’s Youtube channel.
This writer won’t provide the ‘spoiler’ in this article – the episodes are well worth the watch. Episode four features a guest appearance from two-time NASCAR Busch Series (Xfinity) champion Randy LaJoie.
Where does Caleb’s passion and dedication get him and the team in 2021?
Question: What can fans expect from ‘The Lawman’ in 2021
Caleb Costner:
Well, the 2021 season is winding down and it’s been a heck of a year. We went from starting our season off in a dirt modified transitioned out of dirt back to asphalt, went road racing, won at Daytona and then started a late model team and if you wouldn’t know we’re sitting here looking to make our ARCA debut this weekend. Really this year has just left me speechless and I’m just excited for the future to see what opportunities come available next!
Question: Tell us about your ARCA Debut
Caleb Costner: I’ll be making my ARCA debut in the #77 Toyota Racing Camry for Performance P-1 Motorsports at Portland International Raceway this Saturday, September 11th. I’m humbled to announce we’ll also be honoring the 13 lives lost of our service members in Afghanistan along with remembering 9/11 on the 20th anniversary with a special decal. It will be a memory I will hold on to for some time to come for sure. I’m just thankful and blessed for the opportunity!
Performance P-1 Motorsports (PP1M) is a NASCAR race car team running the ARCA West Series and the Whelen All American Series with an emphasis on driver development. Since 1998, in 184 races, PP1M has obtained five wins, 26 top-5s, 77 top-10s, and one pole position.
Be sure to cheer him on as this “Lawman” picks off his outlaws . . . the ARCA competition, at Portland Raceway on the 11th. Caleb will be behind the wheel of the #77 Jan’s-Thin Blue Wine Cellars Toyota owned by Joe Nava with Dave McKenzie as his crew chief.
The race will be shown live on NBC Sports Gold’s TrackPass with a live audio feed available on ARCARacing.com.
A delayed broadcast of the event will air on NBCSN on Saturday, Sept. 18, starting at 12 a.m. ET.
Costner’s Sponsors:
- Thin Blue Wine Cellars
- Thin Blue Line Foundation
- Mello Yello Productions
- West End Hardware
- Mechanical & Industrial Solutions
- The Wounded Blue
Click here for Costner Motorsports Merchandise
