Cole Dasenbrock started racing go-karts at four years old and the rest is history. Residing in Deer Park, Washington, he is testing the competition on the East Coast, looking to compete for the 2026 INEX Young Lions National Championship.
Hometown: Deer Park, Washington
Team: JD Industries / Amidon Motorsports
Division: Young Lions
Favorite Track: Mission Valley
Number: 24C
1. How did you get your start in racing?
A family friend started racing at a home track and I started watching them race. After that my dad wanted me to do something other than being in the house. He got me a go-kart when I was four and I got my first Bando when I was eight and have been racing ever since.
2. How did you get your number?
I used to be number 37 when I had my go-kart. When I got my Bando, I changed it to number 24 to be like Jeff Gordon.
3. Who is your biggest inspiration?
I really look up to Jeremy Doss. He’s done a lot of really cool things, and I would like to make it up to where he was one day.
4. What is your favorite racing memory?
Probably my first win on the East Coast over at Wake County with Darren Amidon. It was my first time at that track, and I wasn’t expecting to be as fast as I was. First practice went well; I went top of the board which got my hopes up. I qualified on pole and was able to get the win. It was my best racing experience because I won somewhere that was across the country.
5. How do you get focused before a race?
Just stay away from my phone so I can get in the zone. I don’t talk to many people so I can just focus on what my goal is and what I can do to get my goal done.
6. How do you measure success while racing?
The wins are always great, but, if you learn something from every race, you just get better and better.
7. You are running more East Coast races this year, what has that experience been like? How does it compare to racing on the West Coast?
It’s a whole different ball game out here (East Coast), racing is more competitive and aggressive out here. Its super cool and I am glad I get to do it. Out on the West Coast its more of a hobby, where here it’s more competitive.
8. What is your favorite track?
Mission Valley Super Oval, it’s a really unique track, and I don’t think there are many tracks like it at all. Everyone there is super friendly, it’s a family-owned track and they keep it ran well.
9. What are your racing goals for 2026?
Be a better driver and hopefully chase down the national title.
10. If you could race at any track in the world, what would it be?
There are a lot of good ones out there, but probably Phoenix. That’s a pretty cool track and I would like to run Arca, O’Riley’s, or Trucks out there some day.
11. What's the biggest lesson that racing has taught you in life?
You can go hero to zero or zero to hero. No matter what you have to just stay humble.
12. What are some of your hobbies outside of racing?
I like going hunting and fishing. Just being outdoors really.