His story
Darren Hagen began his driving career with go-karts at the age of 11. By the time he finished his third season, he had won more than 90 races, including the So Cal Championship, two Tri-C Championships and the California Junior State Championship in Junior Sportsman and Super Box. Darren began racing sprint cars at the age of 15 and midget cars at 16. He made USAC history in 2005 by becoming the first driver in series history to be awarded “Rookie of the Year” for both National Sprint and National Midget racing in the same season. In 2006, Darren won the prestigious “Hut Hundred” USAC National Midget Series race and officially became “The Fastest Sprint Car Driver in the World” by running a lap of 146.145 mph at Iowa Speedway. He held this record for 4 years! Darren made a strong run for the two USAC National Championships in 2007 (Sprints and Midgets), leading points in both series for much of the season, but some DNFs from mechanical failures ended his run at the points championships. In 2008, Darren won two prestigious races at the famed high banks of Winchester Speedway. Darren was also the winner of the 2008 “Copper on Dirt” National Midget Car Series race. Darren’s winning ways continued through the years to 2010, when he tallied several more wins and claimed the USAC National Midget Car Series Pavement Championship title! He went on to win that pavement championship for the next 3 consecutive years. In 2012 he also won the USAC National Midget Car Series Dirt Championship and the overall (dirt and pavement points combined) USAC National Midget Series Championship, making him the last driver in USAC history to win the overall USAC points championship that combined dirt and pavement points.
With dedication and focus, Darren has set records and compiled an impressive list of racing accomplishments. But what is most refreshing about this racer from Riverside, California is his humility. A hard worker, who graduated with honors one year early from his high school, Darren has always made it a priority to know his vehicle inside and out, and he attributes much of his success to his ability to communicate effectively with his pit crew. To further develop his knowledge, Darren worked apprentice-style for Keith Kunz Motorsports, learning how to build, repair and maintain the vehicles he raced. He sees himself as part of a team and competes to win, not just for himself, but for his crew and his family. While he dreams of someday driving a NASCAR Cup car, he knows his goal cannot be achieved without hard work and dedication in his daily life, both on and off the track. He strives to lead his life in a way that any team or marketing partner would be proud to be represented by him.
Family is important to Darren, as is his Christian faith. The middle of three brothers, he is known throughout his community as being generous, especially when it comes to the cause most near to his heart: children affected by poverty.
