Joey Tanner has secured a major career milestone, winning the 2026 NASCAR Local Racing Series Division I national title at Willamette Speedway. This victory is particularly notable as Tanner is the first dirt racer to be crowned champion in the series since Gary Webb in 2000.
Tanner shared that his lifelong passion for racing began in childhood, growing up around the sport in Oregon. While he has driven various types of cars, he emphasizes the unique camaraderie and community found in dirt racing, which he values highly.
He credits his success to the hard work of his crew and the unwavering support of his family. Tanner noted that the constant changing track surfaces of dirt racing present a unique and challenging element that requires constant setup adjustments.
The full interview with the champion is embedded below for fans to see how he achieved this incredible feat.