Bridget Burgess is an Australian-American stock car racing driver who moved halfway across the world to chase the American racing dream—and made history by becoming the first driver to compete wheel-to-wheel against her own mother in a NASCAR-sanctioned event.

EARLY YEARS

Born December 26, 2001, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Bridget Burgess grew up in a family where motorsports wasn’t just a hobby—it was a lifestyle. Both of her parents were deeply involved in off-road racing and drifting, which meant the sound of revving engines and the smell of burning rubber were basically her lullabies. When she was seven years old, in 2008, the Burgess family made a bold move: they packed up their lives in Australia and relocated to the United States to pursue bigger opportunities in motorsports. It was a gamble, but for a family that lived and breathed racing, it was the only move that made sense.

Growing up in the States, Bridget didn’t just watch from the sidelines. She was handed the keys early and often, learning the craft from parents who weren’t just enthusiasts—they were racers themselves. Her mother, Sarah Burgess, is a professional racing driver and crew chief with experience in multiple disciplines. Her father, Adam, became her spotter. Racing wasn’t something the Burgesses did on weekends. It was who they were.

OTHER INTERESTS

When she’s not behind the wheel, Bridget balances her time carefully—especially when it comes to social media. She’s aware of the pressure that comes with being a young driver in the digital age, where every move is scrutinized and every post dissected. To manage it, she keeps things real and works on her car. It’s her way of staying grounded and connected to the mechanical side of the sport, not just the glamorous part. She’s also open about the mental health challenges that come with racing at a high level, acknowledging that the pressure is real and that it’s okay to talk about it.

EARLY SUCCESS

Bridget began her racing career in 2017, competing in the Open V8 class of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series. She wasn’t just there to participate—she was good. In her very first race, she landed a podium finish, proving she had the skill and the guts to compete with the best. It was a strong debut that signaled she wasn’t someone to overlook.

From off-road, she transitioned to stock cars, making the jump to the ARCA Menards Series West. In 2021, she ran all nine rounds of the West series, driving a Chevrolet entered by her mother’s team, BMI Racing. That season yielded two top-ten finishes: an eighth at one event and another solid run that showed she could hang with more experienced competitors. She finished ninth in the championship standings. The following year, in 2022, she improved to seventh in points and added more top-ten finishes to her résumé, including an eighth-place run at Sonoma and a tenth at another event. She was gaining momentum, consistency, and respect.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2017: Podium finish in her first-ever race in the Open V8 class of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series[1].
• 2021: Competed full-time in the ARCA Menards Series West, finishing ninth in points with two top-ten finishes[2].
• 2022: Improved to seventh in the ARCA Menards Series West championship standings; battled fuel pressure issues at Portland GP but delivered one of her strongest drives to nearly secure a fourth-place finish[3].
• 2022: Made history alongside her mother, Sarah Burgess, as the first-ever mother-daughter duo to share the starting grid in a NASCAR-sanctioned event at the LVMS Bullring in the ARCA Menards Series West, with sponsorship from eBay Motors[4].

INSPIRATIONS

Bridget’s biggest inspiration is right in her pit box. Her mother, Sarah, isn’t just her team owner—she’s also her crew chief and occasionally her on-track competitor. Sarah pulls double duty on race day, managing the team’s strategy while also giving Bridget guidance and support. Her father, Adam, spots for her during races, keeping her informed and focused. Racing is a family affair for the Burgesses, and that closeness fuels Bridget’s drive. She’s chasing her own dreams, sure, but she’s also carrying forward a legacy her parents started when they moved to the U.S. all those years ago.

REPUTATION

Bridget has earned a reputation as a hybrid racer—someone who’s comfortable on road courses, ovals, and just about anything in between. Her adaptability is one of her strongest assets. She’s known for being tough, resilient, and willing to grind through adversity, like the fuel pressure issues she battled at Portland that could’ve ended her day but instead became a showcase for her determination. She’s also building a name as someone who’s refreshingly honest about the mental side of racing, breaking the mold of drivers who pretend everything’s always fine. At 19 years old during her ARCA rookie season, she was already being recognized as a driver to watch—not because of hype, but because of results.

She’s also part of a unique chapter in motorsports history. Competing against her mother wasn’t a publicity stunt—it was a genuine, historic moment that showed just how deep the Burgess family’s commitment to racing runs. The fact that she’s doing it all while representing both Australia and the United States adds another layer to her story. She’s proof that talent and determination don’t have a passport.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Bridget has her eyes set squarely on the NASCAR Cup Series. That’s the goal, the dream, the whole point of the grind. She’s methodically working her way through the ranks, using the ARCA series as her training ground and proving she has what it takes to compete at the highest level. She’s locked in close top-10 points battles and continues to sharpen her skills on both road courses and ovals. With the support of her family-owned team, BMI Racing, and sponsors like GearWrench, she’s building the foundation needed to make that Cup Series dream a reality. She’s not just hoping to get there—she’s working for it, race by race, lap by lap.

REFERENCES

[1] Sarah And Bridget Burgess: The Mother-Daughter Duo Stepping On The Gas Pedal In ARCA

[2] Bridget Burgess – Speed Queens Blog

[3] Bridget Burgess has strong run at Portland despite mechanical issues

[4] Sarah and Bridget Burgess make history in ARCA West

Bridget Burgess – Wikipedia

In the Hot Seat with Bridget Burgess (Part I)

In the Hot Seat with Bridget Burgess (Part II)

Every day is Mother’s Day at the track for Burgess family – NBC Sports

eBay Motors to Sponsor Sarah and Bridget Burgess in Historic Mother-Daughter ARCA Race

Bridget Burgess: Chasing the American Racing Dream

BRIDGET BURGESS (BMI RACING) | Behind The Wheel Podcast

The Inside Lane | Episode 45: Bridget Burgess

Sarah & Bridget Burgess Will Make Racing History in Vegas!