John Luck’s love of racing began at Pikes Peak Speedway, where he says he was one of those kids playing under the bleachers or getting dirty in the infield. Before he was old enough to get into the pits, however, he was helping his sister with her first race car. In 1982, he built his first stock car from scratch: a 1972 Camaro for her to race. It was a decade later when he bought his own race car, a ’77 Pinto originally built by Hall of Famer Laramie Duncan. That first year behind the wheel was fun but humbling. He learned patience, discipline, and that finishing races was how you earned the right to race again next week.
Beacon Hill became John’s home track. He was Rookie of the Year in the Mini Stock division in 1992 and the division champion the next year. A move to the Street Stocks netted another Rookie of the Year award in 1995, followed by a move to Colorado National Speedway in 1996 and another Rookie of the Year Award in the same class.
John raced his way up the divisions at CNS, and his entry into the Pro Truck division led to a 2003 Rookie of the Year award and 2004 Track Championship. The move to the pinnacle Super Late Model Class brought more success, including John’s fifth Rookie of the Year award, this time at CNS, the 2008 division Championship at I-25 Speedway as well as a big race win at Pikes Peak International Raceway.
As his full-time racing schedule gave way to racing more for competitive joy than for season points, John shifted to dirt-track racing across the region from 2014 to 2021. A move to Arizona and the potential for retirement drew me back to the track once again in 2025.
Through the years of strapping into the car for the drop of the green flag, there have been championship runs and memorable milestones, including marrying his wife Linda at I-25 Speedway and celebrating the occasion by winning the night’s main event. John says that though it all, he never raced alone. Mentors like Mike Jones, Don Cullender, and Robby McCabe became lifelong friends. Family and crew became one and the same, and his son Jason now carries that racing tradition forward. From those early racing days to becoming a Champion, John has believed that racing teaches more than driving skill; it builds character, determination, and a sense of community. He grew up in the pits, learning teamwork and responsibility, and has seen how racing keeps people grounded, focused, and out of trouble.
John Luck notes his family, friends, and fans share his success. He often says racing gave him purpose and perspective, as well as a family that stretches far beyond the track. Racing also led him to his induction into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2025.
Recent Comments