“Ups and Downs” is a phrase used quite a bit in racing, but it suits Will Armitage’s 2024 campaign fairly well. Fortunately, the Athens, IL driver logged plenty of “ups” to look back on fondly for years to come.
“Looking back at this season I wouldn’t trade all the ups and downs for anything as it resulted in our first feature win and a championship.” Armitage said of his 2024 exploits. “I think I became the youngest ever MOWA champion and that’s pretty cool to look back on. It was a fun year in the XKGLOW CHE Precision Inc #7A.”
Armitage logged a feature win at Red Hill Raceway, 7 Top 5’s and 16 Top 10’s en route to the Midwest Open Wheel Association championship title. It takes consistency to win championships but the 19 year old said there’s still some improvement to find in that category.
“The consistency we had in 2023 just didn’t fall into place this year, but that’s just part of competing at this level. It made us better prepared and our program really picked up pace once we sifted through some unexpected mechanical issues.”
The obvious highlight of the MOWA season for Armitage was the victory at Red Hill Raceway, where Armitage bested the field going 7th to 3rd in his heat race and 2nd to the win in the A Main.
“The win at Red Hill was a special feeling and it felt like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.” Armitage said. “It was a huge confidence boost for our whole team as well.”
Along with the full MOWA season, Armitage competed outside the series schedule numerous times with the IRA Sprints, POWRi 410 Sprint League, High Limit Racing and the World of Outlaws. While the #7A performed stoutly against national level competition, the high point was surely a Dash Appearance at the prestigious Ironman 55 event at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely, MO with the World of Outlaws.
“That dash was one of my most memorable racing experiences so far.” Armitage said of the accomplishment. “Unfortunately the feature ended with a broken steering pump for us, but it showed we are able to compete at the highest level. That’s thanks to my awesome crew, along with all the people and partners that continue to believe in me and this team.”
“The bigger picture of this deal is our crew that holds the same drive to succeed. My Mom and Dad, Brad Campbell, Hunter Bounds, Jim Craig, Cam Fitzsimmons, my sister, my girlfriend, and each and every friend that gave a helping hand. This dream would not be possible without them.”
While 410 Winged Sprint Cars and the MOWA Championship were the main focus for Armitage in 2024, the young driver was given many opportunities to pilot 360 Sprint Cars, National Midgets and other 410 Winged Sprints for several fantastic and reputable car owners across the Midwest.
“Dennis Gainey gave me an opportunity to get in a high caliber car at Knoxville Raceway early in the year which was a great experience.” Armitage reflected. “Bob Guess and Pam Jackson allowed me to wheel their National Midget which are memories I’ll never forget with Bob. These are opportunities that keep me digging and wanting more, and that’s why my eyes are already set on the 2025 outdoor season, or maybe some events earlier than that as well.”
While Armitage enjoyed success on the track in 2024, he realizes it’s just as important to represent your partners well off the track. Events at Alliance Community Bank and AlignLife Chiropractic’s “Trunk or Treat” stand out in Armitage’s memory of the 2024 season.
“We also made appearances this year off the track for our partners and at community events. Using this platform to take part in these functions is what it’s all about, and I was glad to have the opportunity to connect with fans at those events along the way this year.”
The 2024 season may have come to an end, but Armitage and the XKGLOW CHE Precision #7A team are already busy putting together big plans for 2025 and this winter season as well. A full 2025 schedule will be released in the coming months.
Will Armitage Racing would like to thank their 2024 partners for their support this season!
XKGLOW
CHE Precision Inc.
Armitage Collision Center
MPV Express
AlignLife Chiropractic
Smith Plumbing Heating and Cooling
Alliance Community Bank
Graue Chevrolet Buick
Gillmore-Allen Insurance Agency
Meteer Manufacturing
Craig Engines
Schure Built Suspensions
Maxim Racing
Guess Performance Parts
TI22
MetTec Titanium
Wilwood Brakes
MPD Racing
Sharp Advantage
Rise Graphics
Pacesetter Solutions
You can follow Will's race team on his social media channels! You can find Will Armitage Racing on Facebook at Will Armitage Racing (group), Twitter at @armitage_will7 and on Instagram at @will_armitage_7. You can also follow his PR with Box3 Media on Facebook, @box3_media on Instagram, and @box3_racing on Twitter.
Brendon Bauman Photo
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