Newbie News: Austin Langenstein: 'Prodigy in Training'

As Austin Langenstein puts it, "I have been racing my whole life." As a third generation driver, this 15-year-old phenom indeed has racing in his blood and speed in his genes. 

It is no wonder that Langenstein has been affectionately dubbed "Prodigy in Training" by many who know of his racing pedigree and have watched him successfully battle on the track.

Langenstein comes from a racing family, following in the footsteps of both his grandfather and his father.

Austin's father, Charlie Langenstein, is an accomplished racer, with over 250 feature wins and countless track and series championships in the Northeast Dirt modified ranks. In 2008, Charlie was inducted into the Dirt Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Austin's dad currently works as the mechanical supervisor for Hendrick Motorsports and is responsible for the Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson Sprint Cup teams. In 2008, Charlie  received the Papa Joe Hendrick Award of Excellence.

Austin's mother Beth also comes from a racing family. In fact, his parents Charlie and Beth met through racing and it has been a part of their lives ever since.

Several of Austin's four other siblings are involved in the racing world as well. His sister Kasey loves racing, and has done internships in public relations for teams such as Stewart-Haas Racing. 

Austin's sister Riley, who has faced many challenges of her own, cheers her big brother on at ever race track where she can be present.

The Langensteins have a race shop right in their home where they work on the cars. "We do it as a family," said young Austin.

Austin Langenstein has been racing since he was eight years old. As with most race car drivers, he started racing in quarter midgets and then progressed to go karts.

Unfortunately, at that stage in his life, Langenstein developed terrible allergies. It was a struggle for him to even breathe in the race car.

After consulting with his family, Austin decided to sit out for a few race seasons, not wanting to jeopardize himself or anyone else on the track because of his allergies.

During this time away from racing, Langenstein focused instead on playing football, where he was a great competitor and had much success.

But Langenstein could not stay away from the car for long. With his allergies under control, he asked his father if he could return to racing full throttle and with complete focus.

For the 2009 season, Langenstein has dedicated himself to running the 600 Racing INEX Young Gun Bandolero series. He intends to run for the Bandolero Young Gun National Championship, with races at Lowe's Motor Speedway in their annual Summer Shoot Out Series and select races at Concord Motorsports Park, Bowman Gray.

Langenstein will also race in September at Orange County Speedway, the Spooktacular 100, and the Winter Heat Series events. The team will head to Atlanta Motor Speedway to prepare for Nationals and may make other "road trips" if points are needed to win the overall National Title.

While the family has been preparing the car as their "project," Austin has been working hard at preparing himself physically and mentally. Langenstein has been working out regularly and has lost fifty pounds.

"I go to the gym every day," said Langenstein. "I do weights, cardio and watch what I eat. That includes a lot of grilled chicken salads."

Langenstein admits, however, that he will allow himself an occasional indulgence. "When I cheat, I like Mexican food, spaghetti and Phillie cheese steaks," said Langenstein in typical teenage fashion.

Austin also prepares himself mentally, working with sports therapist, who he affectionately calls "Dr. Jacques."  One particular "Dr. Jacques" is Dr. Dallaire from Performance Prime Group, who has worked with over 500 race car drivers from all series, including Helio Castroneves and the actor-turned-race car driver Patrick Dempsey.

Dr. Jacques and Austin met in a most unusual way. They live close to one another and met at a yard sale when Austin was looking at a Formula One racing poster.

Since then, Dr. Jacques has taken Austin under his wing. He has worked with the young driver on focus exercises and also "how not to let other drivers get in my head," says Langenstein.

For his part, Dr. Dallaire has this to say about Langenstein:

"Austin is by far the most advanced and dedicated racer I have ever worked with at such a young age. His work ethic to succeed and grow is immeasurable and he has what it takes to make it big in motorsports today."

Langenstein is also focusing on his sophomore year in high school. He is home schooled and has an A+ average in his classes.

"My mom teaches me," said Langenstein. "I take on-line classes as well. I like anything automotive and also enjoy math and science."

Langenstein continued, "I'd like to go to college. It just depends where I am in racing at that time."

This young racer also has quite a heart for helping others. Langenstein recently did some work for the Jeff Gordon Foundation, taking his Bandolero car to the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital Asthma camp (pictured in this article, thanks to the Jeff Gordon Foundation).

Langenstein also has set some lofty goals for himself. He wants to continue to advance in his racing career and make this his life's work.

"I'd drive anything," said Langenstein. "I am open to any opportunity, from NASCAR to Formula One or even the Indy Racing League or American Le Mans Series."

For a teenager, Langenstein is also cognizant of taking care of his sponsors, including FIREFOLD.com, Rifenburg Construction, Scotty's Fashions, Pizza Logs, Walker Lawn Mowers, Mohegan Sun Resorts, and Charlie Langenstein Speed Shop to name a few.

Langenstein has spoken in front of 500 people in support of his sponsors, a daunting task for an adult let alone a teenager.

"I was a little nervous," admits Langenstein, who managed to wow the crowd in spite of his slight stage fright.

One thing that is not consuming Langenstein, yet, is having a steady girlfriend. "I'm trying to focus on my racing," said the sensible young teen.

Langenstein will go racing again this week at the Summer Shoot Out at Lowes Motor Speedway. To follow this "Prodigy in Training," check out Austin Langenstein's website at www.austinlangenstein.com.

Photo Credit:  Jeff Gordon Foundation c2009 JGF