Going
Further, Faster
Representing Michigan City, Indiana. Every race, every lap, every hour in the garage brings me closer to the dream.
Meet the Driver
Owen Neisel
My name is Owen Neisel, and racing isn't just a sport to me — it's my calling. I fell in love with racing at three years old, watching Jeff Gordon on TV. At five, I drove my first go-kart, and I knew this was what I was meant to do.
However, financial challenges held me back, so I focused on other sports and became a Division II collegiate swimmer. But racing always felt like my true passion. At 16, my family moved to Michigan City, Indiana, and later to Quincy, Illinois, where I finally had the chance to buy a race-ready go-kart. The moment I hit the track, I knew I couldn't turn back.
Racing was a gift I believe God gave me, and I'm committed to chasing that dream with everything I have. Now, I'm fully focused on making this dream a reality. Every race, every lap, and every hour in the garage brings me closer.
This journey is about more than just me — it's about representing Michigan City and supporting the local businesses that make this town great. With faith, grit, and hard work, I'm racing to prove that anything is possible when you refuse to give up.
2026 Race Schedule
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| KCA Challenge Round 1 | May 2nd | 1801 Centerpoint Way, Joliet, IL 60436 |
| Ignite Challenge Round 1 — Kart Way 61 | May 2nd | 1578 US-61, Delmar, IA 52037 |
| Ignite Challenge Round 2 — Norway Motorsports Park | June 13th | 3674 E 2603rd Rd, Sheridan, IL 60551 |
| Ignite Challenge Round 3 — Kart Circuit Autobahn | June 14th | |
| KCA Challenge Round 2 | June 20th | |
| *Quincy Grand Prix | June 26th–28th | Quincy, Illinois South Park |
| KCA Challenge Round 3 | July 25th | |
| *Elkhart Grand Prix | Aug 7th–8th | 131-199 E Franklin St, Elkhart, IN 46516 |
| Ignite Challenge Round 4 — Mid-State Kart Club | August 8th | 160 Kender Ln, Dawson, IL 62520 |
| KCA Challenge Round 4 | Aug 29th | |
| *Rock Island Grand Prix | Sept 4th–6th | 1724 4th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201 |
| KCA Challenge Round 5 | September 19th | |
| KCA Challenge Round 6 | October 3rd | |
| Ignite Challenge Round 5 | October 17th | 700 Raceway Blvd, Madison, IL 62060 |
*14 total races but some overlap so it will be less. 12 races will be picked based off of OVERLAP.
Schedule subject to change. Follow on Instagram for real-time updates.
In the Paddock
Latest Posts
Being a Privateer Racing Driver in 2025
The struggles of getting started in owner karting without the funding or family connections. What it really costs to compete as an independent driver.
Read More
My Past, Putt Putt and The Story
Growing up in Arlington, Texas. How a trip to Putt Putt at age four sparked a lifelong passion for racing that would define everything.
Read More
Reflecting on the 2024 Riverwalk Grand Prix
My first adventure in owner karting at one of the hardest street circuits around. Heat stroke, engine problems, and lessons learned the hard way.
Read MoreHelp keep the wheels on the track
Racing as a privateer means every dollar counts. From tires and entry fees to engine repairs and travel logistics, the costs add up fast. Your support helps keep this dream alive and proves that hard work and community can overcome any obstacle.
Go Fund Me Page