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July 01, 2026 2 min read
Most people see the smoke, shredded tires, and screaming engines. What they don't see are the people behind Burnout Nationals.
While covering Wicked Big Weekend, I wanted to do more than film the action. I walked through the pits and started talking with the drivers to learn who they are, how they got started, and what keeps them coming back weekend after weekend.
Rich was one of the first people I met.
Like many competitors, Rich works a full-time job during the week and spends his weekends traveling to Burnout Nationals events across the country. He isn't getting appearance money or a paycheck to be there. He does it because he loves the sport, the people, and the community that has grown around it.
During our conversation, Rich explained how Burnout Nationals has grown over the past five years into a traveling series that brings competitors together at events throughout the country. It's a close-knit community where drivers load up their trucks, travel from event to event, and compete because they're passionate about what they do.
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was learning that these competitors aren't paid to appear. They work regular jobs during the week and invest their own time and money to compete on weekends.
It's a side of Burnout Nationals that most spectators never get to see.
The trucks may grab your attention, but it's the people behind the wheel who make Burnout Nationals what it is.
Rich's story is just the beginning.
During Wicked Big Weekend, I had the opportunity to meet builders, drivers, event organizers, and automotive enthusiasts from all over the country. Over the coming weeks, I'll be sharing those conversations and introducing you to the personalities that make this community so unique.
If you enjoy authentic automotive stories, be sure to follow along. There's a lot more coming from Wicked Big Weekend and Burnout Nationals.
This series is just getting started. Check back soon for more interviews with the drivers, builders, and personalities behind Burnout Nationals.
Meet Willy Bishop
Meet Haywood
Gifted Garage
Twin-Turbo Escalade
The Cost of a Two-Minute Burnout
Burnout Culture: Lessons from Australia
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This site documents real builds, tools, and shop work from my own projects. Some pages are showcases. Some are how-tos and tool reviews. If you’re working on a project and want experienced guidance, I offer one-on-one coaching.