2022 Grant Recipients

22-year-old Bryce Miller began racing at age 13. This was shortly after his father, Mark Miller retired from Late Model competition. Mark's only requirement of his son was that he needed to get a job and help with expenses. Bryce not only did that, but he wrote proposals and pitched sponsorship opportunities to local businesses. Many of those business became sponsors and continue to support Bryce and his efforts today. This proves that racing has a way of reaching beyond a racetrack and the importance of representing yourself well is essential to your success. 

Bryce believes that success is the results of preparation and hard work. He embraces wrenching on his race cars and prides himself on the knowledge he’s gained from being hands-on. His experience and knowledge is something he willing shares as a mentor to young drivers getting started in the sport. Bryce's desire to promote and develop the younger generation of racers has led him to work with Legends.Direct on writing "Future Legends", a driver development program for Bandolero drivers.

From his beginnings in a Go Kart to competing in a Midwest Truck Series truck and 602 Late Model, Bryce has learned there is no short cuts in racing. Preparation, dedication and motivation are his pillars of success. Reminded by the words of his father "you have to lose them before you can win them", Bryce watches hours of race replays every week. Studying himself and his competitors as an ever-learning student of racing.

In life, things aren't always handed to you. But there are opportunities in life to do what you want, to run your race. And in the race of life, there is only one lifetime. Jake Binash knows this well and doesn't want to live with regrets. Two years ago, he began chasing his dream of being a racer. When Jake signed his first autograph for a young fan, he remembered being that age; exploring the pit area and being in awe of his discoveries. Now he's a driver and wants to nurture that same passion in young fans – the next generation of racers.

In his first season of racing, Jake won Rookie of the Year in a 4-Cylinder. He did this with the guidance of his uncles Mike and Steve Weir – two veteran racers. The following year Jake moved up to a Street Stock and Mike was always in the garage helping. He and Jake would discuss track conditions and car setups at length. Sadly in December 2021, Mike's life ended unexpectedly. Jake lost an uncle, a mentor and his Crew Chief. He’s pledged to race in his memory and honor him with continued growth and improvement as a racer.

Away from the track, Jake teaches Tool Safety at the high school he attended. He passes his knowledge and experience on to students in hopes they'll learn to work safely with construction tools. That drive to teach and learn is what will help Jake succeed as a racer and a human. He believes knowledge, seat time and funds are keys to success on the track. He hopes to become a respected and revered racer that makes it to the ranks of Dirt Late Model racing.

The adrenaline rush and the thrill of speed is why Hanna Raley races. She loves to go fast. Though racing has incredible highs and lows, Hanna has learned to never give up. In her mind, nothing will stop her. She wants to live life to the fullest and not let anything get in her way. Hanna also wants that for her fellow competitors. At the track she regularly looks for those that need a hand. She loves helping racers along their journey and wants to see them succeed.

Hanna's ability to help and mentor her peers comes from her lessons with veteran racers Ray and Frank Kreyer, Rick Rogers and Andrew Morrissey. Her father, Andy Raley is someone she strives to be like. He never gives up and expects the same of his daughter. He always pushes Hanna to do her best and give her all. In a male-dominated sport, she holds her head high. No matter how tough things get, nothing will stop her from competing. Hanna is an advocate for female racers and takes pride in proving that "Girls can do anything boys can do, but better".

Racing demands as much of the car as it does the driver. You need to have determination and the will to compete. From her beginnings in a dirt Go Karts at age 8 to a full-size asphalt Late Model in her teens, Hanna has proven hard work wins and she is living her life at full throttle. She hopes to continue competing in Wisconsin and the Midwest and has ambitions to race in the south and at Speedweeks in Florida. Along with her goals she will continue to help the next generation of racers realize and reach theirs.