Tanner VanDoren, the 17-year-old Modified racing sensation, kicked off the 2025 season with remarkable performances at All Tech Raceway in Florida during the Short Track Super Series Sunshine Swing. VanDoren secured top-seven finishes in all four features, including two podium appearances, culminating in a second-place overall standing.

Key to VanDoren's success has been his intensive off-season preparation, particularly focusing on physical conditioning. "I put a lot of time into myself...going to the gym and all kinds of different stuff that not many drivers know you really need to do until you actually do it," VanDoren explained. This new workout regimen was implemented after noticing a pattern of late-race performance decline in previous seasons.

His father, Jason VanDoren, revealed that Tanner thrives under pressure and takes on substantial responsibilities in the team's operations. "Racing wise, he does everything in the garage himself. Shocks, setup, works on the car, washes it," Jason noted. The decision to incorporate professional physical training came after an eye-opening experience where Tanner struggled to exit his car following his victory at Allentown.

Despite his youth, VanDoren displays remarkable maturity in his approach to competing against veteran drivers like Matt Sheppard. "You just have to believe in yourself and know that you can go out there and run with those guys. Have confidence in your car and everything you're doing," he stated.

For the upcoming season, the VanDoren team will compete full-time at New Egypt Speedway and run the complete Short Track Super Series South Region schedule. They'll also participate in Orange County Fair Speedway events with their big block modified and select New York races as resources permit.

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