Veteran sprint car driver Sean Michael has been involved in racing for so long that if he wasn’t driving, “I wouldn’t know what else to do with myself on the weekend. It’s all I’ve done since I was five years old,” he says.

Joining Heffner Racing Enterprises, owned by Mike Heffner, as lead driver for the 2009 season starts a new chapter for Michael, who began racing quarter midgets when he was just six years old. A family affair, Michael’s father owned and worked on modifieds, while his older brother raced them; younger brother Curt races URC sprints; his mom worked the refreshment stands; and daughter Skye has just been named Miss Thunder on the Hill for 2009 at Grandview Speedway.

Michael has driven for some of short track’s most legendary owners, such as Jim Nace, Joe Harz, Walt Dyer and John Zemaitis. During his career, he’s had 104 career wins, six championships, and was awarded National Sprint Car Hall of Fame 410 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year for 1998.

Perhaps the accomplishment Michael is most proud of is his 2007 win in Port Royal’s first Dream Race Extreme. After trailing Greg Hodnett for most of the 50-lap race, Michael inched his way to the lead during the 48^th lap, holding steady for the $30,000 payday.

Michael is looking forward to being part of the Heffner Racing team and optimistic about the upcoming season.

“I’m excited about this season. Mike has put together a great, experienced team and an absolutely top shelf car. He is putting his trust and faith into the team and willing to spend the money to give us 100% the best equipment that you can buy," says Michael. "I believe this could be the best equipment I’ve ever had."