Hailing from the Midwest, Cael Slater aims to build on lessons learned during his rookie season in 2024. Today, racing is his primary focus and works to grow as a driver with his teammates, striving to make regular visits to victory lane and earn a track championship at Jefferson Speedway in 2025.
Hometown: Hayward, WI
Number: 11
Division: Semi-Pro
Team: Slater racing
1. How did you get your start in racing?
I’ve been going to the races since I was pretty young with my grandpa, but I’d say my buddies are the ones who got me into racing. They started racing, and I thought it looked pretty cool, so I decided to do it and have been in love with it ever since.
2. How did you pick the number 11?
Number 11 has just kind of always been the number I have picked for everything. It's just kind of the number that stood out to me.
3. Who is your biggest inspiration?
I’d say my parents, because they’re always pushing me to do better, trying new tracks. They just want the best for me.
4. What is your favorite racing memory?
I’d say picking up two rookie of the year awards last year at State Park Speedway and Jefferson Speedway.
5. How do you get focused before a race?
I’m either just talking to my teammates about the race coming up or just sitting in the trailer listening to music.
6. If you could choose one track to race on, what would it be?
Jefferson Speedway for sure. It's just a beautiful facility.
7. Do you have any hobbies outside of racing?
Not really. It's just racing nowadays.
8. You were at the 2025 INEX Winter Nationals. What was your experience there, in such a competitive Semi-Pro division?
It was kind of a wake-up call getting down there on the first day. I didn't know what to expect, but there's a lot of competition. I had to work my tail off just to get into the A feature, but overall, a great racing experience. I can tell it's going to help me with racing up here in Wisconsin.
9. How is having teammates in Slater Racing advantageous to your performance on the track?
It's always a good feeling seeing your guys do better than you and set a faster lap time. It's just fun having other guys racing with you, racing alone sucks.
10. What has been the most challenging part of driving a Legend car?
Honestly, driving a Legend Car is the hardest part. They’re just a super hard car to drive. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out the track and set up, and they’re just a challenge.
11. What are your 2025 racing goals?
Win a feature and win a track champion at Jefferson Speedway.
12. What's your ultimate goal in motorsport?
I’d like to make a name for myself and my racing team, have people recognize us, and possibly build cars in the future.