Archive for category: 305

Despite a year plagued by weather-related cancellations and limited track time, Tetreault and his small, self-funded team made the most of every lap turned—both on the track and in the community.

“It was such a weird, rain-shortened year,” said Tetreault. “Everywhere seemed to get rained out this season. It felt like a monsoon—but when the weather finally broke late in the year, we got to make up for it and get some good racing in.”

Tetreault competed in 10 events this season, with five top-ten finishes—a strong showing considering the limited opportunities to race. “Half of the time we finished in the top ten,” he noted. “You can’t complain about that. We know we’ll get better, and we’re building momentum.”

Racing Highlights and Lessons Learned

After early-season frustrations and mechanical issues—including a memorable night at Dothan where a driveshaft issue nearly ended his evening—Tetreault rallied with solid runs at Benton Speedway and Pine Ridge Speedway to close out the year.

The Dothan race became one of the most memorable moments of the season. Tetreault’s driveshaft unexpectedly popped out of the rear end, leaving him stranded in the pits, 400 miles from home, with no crew to help. Frustrated and convinced his night was over, he started to head toward the concession stand for his favorite racetrack snack—boiled peanuts.

“When you’re by yourself and something like that happens, you just think, ‘Well, that’s it,’” he recalled. “Next thing I know, I look back and nine guys are thrashing on my car trying to help me get back out there. Total strangers. That’s racing family right there.”

Thanks to their combined effort, Tetreault was able to make the feature that night. “I didn’t run great, but I was credited with a ninth-place finish—and that was all because of those guys,” he said. “That moment reminded me what this sport is really about. Everyone’s there to race, but they’ll still stop what they’re doing to help you.”

“Even though a lot of our top tens came from attrition, that’s part of racing,” Tetreault said with a laugh. “But it felt good to end the year actually passing cars and racing with the back of the pack instead of just surviving. That was a confidence booster.”

He also enjoyed the chance to race against both 305 and 360 sprint car fields, despite running a 305 engine all year. “It’s fun to challenge yourself like that,” he said. “By the end of the season, the car felt really comfortable, and we were finally able to get on the throttle and race the way we wanted.”

Community Connection and Growth

Beyond the racetrack, Tetreault made an impact through community and promotional events. This fall, his sprint car was featured at AutoZone Park, home of the Memphis Redbirds—the AAA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals—for a free family event that drew more than 2,000 visitors.

“Kids who had never seen a race car before got to sit in it and take pictures,” he said. “Some families even asked how to get their kids started in racing. That’s what it’s all about—introducing new people to the sport.”

Tetreault also supported local businesses throughout the season, including Midas, one of his growing marketing partners. He recently attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Midas store in the Memphis area and is already discussing expanded sponsorship opportunities for 2026.

“The folks at Midas have been incredible to work with,” said Tetreault. “They’re changing how people see auto repair—transparent, honest, and community-driven. We’re hoping to build that relationship even further next year, maybe even with a full wrap in Midas colors.”

Building for 2026 and Beyond

Looking ahead, Tetreault is already focused on next year’s goals, including returning to Central Pennsylvania for the National Open and adding more USCS and ASCS regional races closer to home.

“I’d love to make it back to Benton and Magnolia, and hopefully North Alabama,” he said. “We’re also talking with our engine builder about putting together a 360 engine, just to give us more flexibility.”

Tetreault also continues to grow his online presence, recently surpassing 1,000 Facebook followers—an important milestone for his grassroots team.

Baker River Racing is always open to creating new partnerships, whether it be for the entire season or one race at a time.

“Facebook doesn’t make us money, but it means people are paying attention,” he said. “They’re seeing what we’re doing, the racing and the community side, and that helps show our partners real value.”

A Season of Gratitude

As the season closes, Tetreault remains thankful for those who help make his racing efforts possible.

“I’m self-funded for the most part, but I’ve had amazing people step up this year,” he said. “The fans, our partners, and the Addicted2Dirt team have helped us grow so much. We went from 600 followers to over 1,000—and that’s just the start. I’m proud of what we’re building.”

For Adrian Tetreault, racing isn’t just a pastime — it’s a calling that’s taken him from the midget racing in New Hampshire to the sprint car circuits of the South. Now piloting a 305 sprint car under the Baker River Racing banner, Tetreault is navigating not only dirt tracks but also a deeply personal mission: to find speed, gain seat time, and ultimately give back to the sport that’s given him so much.

After stepping away from the driver’s seat for a few years, the racing itch returned with force. A night at a midget race back home sparked something. “I said to myself, ‘I need to do this again,’” Tetreault shared. And just like that, the journey resumed — beginning with a midget car in New Hampshire before work brought him south to Memphis, Tennessee, where midget racing opportunities are scarce. “The closest midget race down here is three to four hours away and pays $50 to start. That’s not sustainable,” he explained. “So, I pivoted to 305 sprint cars, which are more common here.”

While still early in his 305 career, Tetreault is already checking off goals. “I’ve only got maybe 100-120 laps in a sprint car, so just getting comfortable in the seat is the biggest focus this year,” he said. “I’ve already gotten a top 10 finish — sure, it was by attrition, but a top 10 is a top 10 in the books.”

Long-term, Tetreault’s vision stretches far beyond personal results. “I’m not in my 20s anymore — I’m in my 50s, and I know I’ve lost some of that edge,” he admitted. “My five-year plan is to get out of the seat and put a deserving young driver — someone who might never otherwise get the opportunity — into the car. I’m not going to sell the ride. I want to offer it to someone who deserves it.”

This philosophy of giving back isn’t just talk. Tetreault and his team are closely involved with the Cars on Main charity car show — the only invitation-only exotic car show in the Mid-South. Proceeds go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “It’s free to attend, and you’ll see QR codes throughout the show encouraging donations,” he said. “Every single penny goes to St. Jude. If you’ve ever read their mission statement — no child or parent pays a cent — it’s incredibly moving. Supporting them is something we take very seriously.”

In 2025, Baker River Racing plans to run the full schedules of the Southern Sprint Car Association and Renegade Sprint Car Series, with additional starts at Riverside International Speedway in West Memphis and select USCS 360 sprint car events. “We’re mixing in some travel to chase better payouts and stronger fields,” he noted. “Eventually, we’re looking to make the jump to a 360 motor — ideally before the end of this year.”

In terms of support, Tetreault is thankful for a tight-knit group of partners and volunteers who help keep the wheels turning. “John Howard builds our motors, staying within our modest budget — I couldn’t do this without people like the Howard family,” he said. “Most of our sponsors are product-based, and we self-fund the rest, selling T-shirts and spare parts when we can.”

He also plans to expand the team’s digital footprint through a YouTube channel, @BakerRiverRacing. “We’re not the next big thing on YouTube, but we’re putting together short updates and behind-the-scenes clips — just something to help connect with fans and maybe attract a little support.”

Ultimately, Tetreault’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion. “I love this sport. And I want to make sure someone else gets a shot that I didn’t have until I was almost 50,” he said. “We may be small budget, but we’re racing with big goals.”

Follow Adrian’s journey this season through Baker River Racing on social media and YouTube — and be sure to check out the Cars on Main charity event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Hospital.