Derek Burseth had the desire to race since a very early age.  Believing that a racing career would happen one day - this race car driver from Bartlett, Illinois graduated as an auto technician.  At the age of 20 , he began to make his dream come true.

     His path to Formula BMW USA Championship was quite unique - having never raced karts competitively and with only  four race weekends with the Skip Barber Racing School under his belt Derek joined Formula BMW USA in its inaugural year and raced in the Championship again this season.  Now 22 years old, he says, "I think Formula BMW is a good series to get started in.  No matter if you continue in open-wheel racing or move to sports cars - it is a great way to get the right experience.  Watchling Derek in Formula BMW USA is his mother Cheryl.  Cheryl is  an enthusiastic motorsport fan.  She decided to start their own team- Burseth Racing, LLC.  "My mother is my manager and co team owner with me.  To run our own team was the best idea for us because now we run the show and we are in charge." stated Derek.

     Derek's red, silver, and blue No. 98 FB2 race car and helmet are an eyecatcher because of its unique Spiderman paint scheme.  He state " Spiderman is a fascination for me.  I like the movies and the Spiderman theme is a way to get the kids interested.  My goal is to make a difference in the life of young people."  Sponsors logos from Children' memorial Hospital of Chicago, Cardiovascular Association CVA of Elk Grove, IL, PUMA Motorsports,, GrafSystem, and Trackside Communications, Inc can be found on his car.  To help the wonderful efforts of Children's Memorial Hospital, Burseth Racing donated all the profits made from the team merchandise to the Hospital.  Derek also talks to different scout, church and school groups about having a goal and working towards that goal.

     About the FB2 Derek says, "It is a very well-designed car.  The Michelin tires and the carbon-fiber chassis are very good.  The engine has proven to be dependable and the gearbox is awesome."  About the Formula BMW USA he states, "This series gave me the opportunity to race at such great tracks this year and last year.  Driving in support of Formula 1 in Montreal and Indy  was a special moment for me.  Montreal is my favorite race track.  You always have a big crowd of spectators and that makes it especially awesome to race there."

     Derek is not only a race car driver and team owner, but also a successful businessman.  Burseth Racing, LLC is an official PUMA Motorsport Distributor for racing gear and owns a shop in his hometown.  "Having a business keeps me quite occupied away from the track.  I put my focus on racing and my business during the week." Derek says, "I always work hard  and working on expanding my business.  That doesn't leave much time to go out with friends.. 

     Racing comes first now, but the versatile young man has a lot of other interests.  "I am constantly thinking about new ideas for my business and other interests.:  I would love to write a movie script - a sequel to the movie Ghostbuster 3.   I would also like to try acting.  I took acting classes when I was a kid.  Photography is also a big interest to me." comments Derek.  He also stays active by working out and jet skiing.

     Ready to graduate from Formula BMW USA,

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