Quick Facts |
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Hometown | Albuquerque, NM |
Racing Since | 1999 |
Occupation | Mechanical Engineer |
About Derrik
Derrik Ortega is 25 years old and resides in Albuquerque, NM. He graduated in 2014 from The University of New Mexico with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
He has a strong family background in racing and attended his first race on April 14, 1991 at two days old. His father, Manny has been involved in racing as a driver or crew member since the age of 16. His mother, Annette grew up around dirt track racing with her father and brother.
Derrik's career began at the age of 8 in quarter midgets at Valley of the Sun QMA in Phoenix, Arizona. Racing from California to Ohio prepared him for the rest of his racing career. In 2004 he made the move to Micro sprints racing in the Southwest and Oklahoma. After winning a pair of Outlaw main events at I-44 speedway in 2006 it was time to move up again. In 2007 Derrik ran wing and non wing 360 sprint cars. In the end of 2009 Derrik was injured in a non wing 360 and took the majority of 2010 off to focus on recovery and college. After running a handful of races in 2011 and 2012 the Ortega's decided it was time to take a step back. Through 2013 and 2014 all the sprint car equipment was sold and micro equipment was purchased. Through 2015 and 2016 Derrik raced a handful of micro races and crewed on the Mike Martin Racing 16 USAC 360/410 Sprint Car. For 2017 He is working on building a new Hyper X7 and heading to race as much as possible with the best competition in the midwest.
Career Highlights
2002 Sr. Honda Grand National Champion
2002 Region 12 Sr. Honda/Lt 160 Champion
2004 NM Modified Midget Association Rookie of the Year
2005 NM Modified Midget Association Champion
2008 ASCS Rocky Mountain Sprint Car Rookie of the Year/Champion
Crew Members
Mom, Dad, Katie, Mark, Scott, Tyler, Justin & Alli
Sponsors
Ortega's Appliance Service, Advanced Racing Suspensions, Hyper Racing Chassis, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, Seros Racing Engines