Free agent: Draik Beauchamp, looking forward
As a result of sponsorship offer retraction; Draik Beauchamp is on his heels but looking toward the future with more determination than ever. Draik is a recent High School graduate, who graduated early to train harder. He has spent the last month in Florida working and training.
After several seasons and 10 Regional Championships, he also secured the WERA Lightweight Twins National Championship in 2015. It was after that he was offered a chance to be part of the “1/4ley Racing: On Track Development” team to compete in the MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup. This opportunity was more than he could have expected and afforded him his first professional win as well as the chance to compete in the KTM RC Cup World Finals in Jerez, Spain.
With the recent turn of events, he is in the process of returning to his home in Knoxville, TN where he and his family are already making alternative plans. Always being realistic with his budget, and a good steward of the opportunities given to him, is what helped him have the many successful seasons he’s had so far. This season will be no different.
Draik’s new plan is to pursue the new WERA National 300SS class! In addition, he plans to run the 3 race series of WERA/N2 ULWT endurance; in which he won both of them that he raced last season, running them solo.
Draik’s tight-knit group of friends, mentors, and supporters have already been helping to formulate a plan to keep him on the track. He’s already had commitments from Peter Hupperrich of Red Fox Racing, Jesse Norton of yamahaR3racing.com, plus Dave Allison of 129photos.com, Cycle Gear, and LS2 Helmets are returning with their support again this season.
Even with these offers, there is a tough row to hoe for the Draik. After plans and budget have drastically changed, there are some unplanned shortfalls in operating expenses even running the more affordable series. Draik will once again be offering his sponsorship/fundraising shirts that have served him well as a self-funded racer. He’s returning home to TN to pursue a job and/or continue the lawn work he’s done on his own to fund his racing for several years past. He is also “pounding the pavement” seeking to be a brand ambassador for in and out of industry companies. Draik has always valued the relationships with sponsors and strives to over deliver on his promises.
Draik is also keeping himself open to any wildcard opportunities that may be presented and has already received his MotoAmerica license for the year.
From Quarterley Racing: A word about “The Draik” Beauchamp #77
Our team was honored to have Draik be a part of our first two seasons in the Moto America KTM RC Cup Series. His focus and work ethic got him to the top in the club level ranks at a young age. That along with dedication as 100% team players with he and his family was second to none, and it showed in his continuing progress and top finishes in 2017. They will be an asset to any program they are involved in.”