Patrick Bourke’s father bought him his first motocross bike in 1982. Four years and two motorcycles later, his racing career began at the age of 13, and he progressed to professional status in Motocross and Supercross competition over the next three seasons.
When injuries sidelined his motocross racing in 1986, Patrick built a Sprint Car from an old chassis and parts found in Hall of Fame member Sid Blandford’s race car junkyard. Sprint car racing became Patrick’s new game! He continued to race in motocross, but shifted full attention to racing 410-class sprint cars across the region and the Midwest in 1993. A move to local racing at Rocky Mountain National Speedway in the 360 division while teaming with Colorado Sprint car expert Rick Montgomery resulted in Patrick’s first two track championships.
An ambitious 42-race schedule in 2004 led to another RMNS track championship as well as a rookie of the year award with the NCRA 410 Outlaw Sprints. Patrick claimed the 2006 American Sprint Car Series Rocky Mountain Regional championship, then won his last title as a driver in 2011 with a second regional United Rebel Sprint Car Series title.
After trying his hand at Midget racing and competing in a “bucket list” event with the 2018 Chili Bowl, serious health issues brought about the end of Patrick’s driving career, and he accepted new challenges as a car owner for some deserving drivers. He also assumed the duties of Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association President, guiding the club though the difficulties of the pandemic while revising club rulebook to allow greater participation from drivers in other racing organizations in club events.
The success Patrick earned on the track has followed him to his role as a car owner, as he won his first championship in 2022 with Keith Rauch driving his #27 Midget to the RMMRA title. Patrick’s description of his life as a race car owner: Pure Excitement!
Patrick Bourke’s racing career has been marked by a fierce competitive spirit, resilience in overcoming serious injuries to race again, and an undying love of the sport. His runner-up finish in the 1998 NCRA series and making the A-main in the 1998 Knoxville Nationals are two of the highlights he cherishes.
In view of his outstanding racing achievements, are now proud to accept Patrick Bourke into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023!
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