Steve Dimmick - Photo by Jensen Photography
By: Torri Godsey
Seventeen out of Steve Dimmick’s twenty-two years has been behind the wheel of something going fast. Luckily for him, he was born into a racing family. His Father, Tim raced number 11 in the street stock class and also in late models at LaSalle and Kankakee, Illinois. The senior Dimmick gave up his own racing career so his son could race Go Karts.
At age five Steve started going Go Kart racing. One of his most exciting moments in his early racing career was when he qualified 9th at the National Indoor Championship against 140 other racers. He continued racing Go Karts until he was 14.
Dimmick set his sites next on Street Stocks, continuing running the family number 11. He raced Kankakee and Crowne Point, Indiana. When most kids are just happy to get their driver’s license, Dimmick was enjoying his first street stock victory. The next season, 2004 saw Rim Motorsports win three more features. 2005 added another seven checkered flags. Out of those wins, the $1000 to win Street Stock Showdown is one of Dimmick’s most memorable.
The Late Model class was the obvious next move for the family, including Mom, Sandy. In 2006 that is exactly what they did. With an older car and a learning curve, the first couple seasons were pretty tough. In 2008 they got a new Warrior Chassis and started getting top 5 finishes at Kankakee and KAMP Motor Speedway in Boswell, Indiana.
2009’s statistics show a huge improvement. Even Kankakee Motor Speedway agreed, giving Steve Dimmick the Most Improved Driver award. He also finished third in points; only five out of 2nd place against 92 other competitors.
July 16, 2010 at Kankakee was the biggest win of young Dimmick’s career. He backed that win up with six top 5s, two fast qualifiers, and won the hard charger award one time. He finished the season fourth in points, again very close to finishing third out of 101 drivers. He also had top 15 finishes at Vermillion County Speedway and at Fairbury.
Steve Dimmick enjoys working along side some of his competitors and fellow Warrior Chassis drivers. Frank Heckenast, Jr., Shawn Toczek, and Gary Schalmo all pit near the 11 team, they sometimes even work together to help each other. Also, while working with fellow drivers, the team includes Justin Mason and Nick Pateris. These guys work hard and play hard too, probably why they have been on the team for ten years.
The 2011 season hopefully is with a new Warrior Chassis. A Kankakee Track Championship is the goal for the team on Friday nights. Saturday nights will include more racing at Fairbury American Legion Speedway. They may also travel more, including trips to Eldora for the World, Dream, and their weekly programs.
When Dimmick is not racing he is working. Either doing his full time job as a Union Boilermaker for Local #1 out of Chicago. Or he is in the shop working on the racecar. During his down time, he can be found riding four wheelers or hanging out with his friends.
I asked Steve what was special about his team. His response was “their attitude to never give up and be the best we can every night.” It’s that attitude with a talented driver that will carry this team to success in 2011 and beyond. My side note: if you happen to see Steve at the track, don’t forget to take your kids back to meet him.
Steve would like to thank:
Mom and Dad
Steve’s Performance out of New Lennox
NAC Engine’s in Chicago Ridge
