12-16 Page 8 | ATD Racing News

Fouquette’s foray into the Late Models ends with Rookie of the Year honors

By Meghan Diemel, Editor

ST. CLOUD, MN - Devin Fouquette’s entry into the WISSOTA Late Model class became a breakout season of his career when the final checkered flag flew for the No. 15 in October.

The son of Chad and Audrey Fouquette, Devin garnered the Rookie of the Year honors on the WISSOTA Challenge Series circuit, as well as the national Rookie of the Year nod for the WISSOTA Late Models. He picked up the Fiesta City Speedway track championship, as well as his first feature win, which came at Buffalo River Speedway.

During the 2025 season, the 2020 Sartell High School graduate brought home 14 top-five finishes, with seven of those runner-up efforts. He also finished 12th in national points, seventh in Challenge Series points, and seventh in Minnesota state points.

All The Dirt! Racing News: What was your favorite racing-related memory from the 2025 season?

Devin Fouquette: Racing for the [race] lead with the WISSOTA Challenge Series against longtime racing veteran Shane Sabraski, until ultimately blowing my motor with three to go. Then proceeded to drive home to swap motors to make the next night with the series.

ATD: What was the low light, racing related, of the 2025 season?

Fouquette: I’d say just the amount of mechanical bad luck with motors was a real downer. [It] makes it tough to race and make it night to night with motor failures, especially when it happened to me two times while leading or racing for a high-paying event.

ATD: What is your background in racing, and who has helped your racing career along the way, whether family, friends, or other racing mentors?

Fouquette: My father has been racing since I was born; he is my biggest influence in this and the only reason I quit trying to go play college football and to pursue racing.

Some of my biggest mentors I’d have to say have been Shane Sabraski and Dave Mass. Both of them have been a huge help throughout my career; they’ve taught me a lot from just learning how to drive a Super Stock back when I was 15 years old, to where I am now learning setup on a Late Model. Can’t thank them both enough.

ATD: From a wider perspective, what are a few of your favorite moments from your career to this point?

Fouquette: Winning a IMCA Modified feature in Arizona back in 2022 was a huge moment for me as a Mod racer, and racing against now Lucas Oil Late Model driver Ethan Dotson.

The Rookie of the Year titles in a WISSOTA Late Model in 2025 [are also a highlight, as was] winning against Dave Mass and Shane Sabraski at 16 years old in a WISSOTA Super Stock. [Getting] seventh in WISSOTA Modified points my rookie year in 2021 [is also a highlight].

ATD: Break down the reality of a racing season for you. What is your advice regarding how much time and effort goes into a successful season like you’ve had, for drivers just getting their start in dirt track racing?

Fouquette: As someone who was looked down upon coming into a Late Model in the 2025 season, I’d say my best advice to anyone is just to not care for outside opinions. I was told so many things about me getting into this, from not just drivers and fans but even some promoters [who] didn’t think I was ready for the Late Model world, but I never let that get to me or bother me to where it affected my personal drive to get better night after night.

I took on all challenges that came my way and even though I only had one win in 2025, I know I made my mark and showed that I can compete with the best WISSOTA had to offer for drivers.

ATD: What can be the hardest or most trying part of racing season for you, and why?

Fouquette: The toughest part to me is just getting the motivation to get in the shop and work on a racecar after working a 10- to 12-hour day at work. Working from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and then working on as race car for two hours just to go race for $800-$1000 over a weekend [is tough].

ATD: What is your favorite event of the year and why?

Fouquette: The WISSOTA 100 ... I’ll admit, I used to not be a big fan of it, but ever since I got in the Late Model and was able to compete in the event this year, it truthfully is a blast when the track prep is always going on and you get a quality race track along with racing some of the best drivers.

ATD: Is there a race or race track you have never raced in/at, and why do you want to race there?

Fouquette: Eldora or Fairbury. Eldora for all the history and the speed that track carries. Fairbury because its one of the coolest bullrings and I’d like to get a opportunity one day to race either of these tracks.

ATD: What will be your favorite part of the offseason, as we head toward late 2025 and early 2026, for you?

Fouquette: The time to rebuild and prepare for 2026, as well as getting my quality time with loved ones and friends [who] I didn’t get to see as much with the busy schedule I had.

ATD: What are your racing plans for 2026?

Fouquette: As of November 11 I have no plans for tours or traveling out of the Midwest. I need to see what is financially doable and what sponsors will be joining my team in 2026, ’til then I’ll be racing locally with my Late Model two nights a week and some part-time racing in a Modified.

ATD: Who are your sponsors you’d like to thank?

Fouquette: 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.; East Central Sports; Blaze Burwell Motorsports; GM Drilling; Rush Race Gear by Austin Witt; Dynamic Drivelines; Drury Designs; Schoenfeld Headers; American Racing Pro Series Wheels; Longhorn Chassis; DCF Enterprises; HH Photo & Video; AceMedia; and Pit Viper Lights.