Building Champions from the Ground Up: Conley Racing & Doug Wright Racing continue partnership for 2026 Team Development

At Conley Racing, we believe success on the track starts long before the green flag drops. It begins in the shop, in the notebooks, in the conversations, and in the willingness to learn. That’s why we’re proud to continue working with Doug Wright Racing.

Doug’s role with our family team goes far beyond coaching from the side of the track. He has become a trusted mentor not only to Riley and Dylan, but to our entire family team.

Purdue Grand Prix

Doug’s shop was filled with karts for the Purdue Grand Prix. This is an annual karting street race that has been held on campus since 1958. Doug proudly won it in 1985 and a poster hangs on his shop wall of him and his Dad in Victory Lane. We met Lindsey & Sophia from Windsor Racing Sorority who are both Mechanical Engineering majors working on their kart getting it ready for the big race day. It is known as "the Greatest Spectacle in College Racing." It hosts approximately 3,500 live spectators per year, with many more watching televised or streamed broadcasts.The primary function of the event is to raise money for Purdue student scholarships under the aegis of the Purdue Grand Prix Foundation and its motto: 'Students Helping Students.' Though the race is traditionally held on a Saturday, associated festivities, parties, parades, and other events, both sanctioned and unsanctioned, begin the weekend before and are held throughout the week. The Grand Prix is also a large event for alumni and previous Champions (cue Doug Wright) who often return to campus for the weekend. Doug continues to be successful in the Grand Prix with his karts parking in Victory Lane the past SIX years!! Congratulations Doug and we wish him and the teams the best of luck in the upcoming race!!

More Than Driving — Learning the “Why”

Driver development isn’t just about turning laps—it’s about understanding the theory behind what makes a race car fast, safe, and consistent. Doug works closely with the boys to help them understand the fundamentals of:

• Race car balance

• Track conditions and how they affect handling

• Reading feedback from the car

• Making smart adjustments throughout race weekends

• Understanding the relationship between driver input and chassis performance

By focusing on the “why” behind the changes, Riley and Dylan are gaining confidence not only as drivers, but as young racers who truly understand their equipment.

Supporting the Whole Team

One of the things we appreciate most about Doug is that his guidance extends beyond just the drivers.

He works with Dad, helping fine-tune setups and explaining how small changes can create big results on the track. His approach helps turn theory into hands-on knowledge, allowing our team to make informed decisions instead of guessing.

And yes—Mom is learning right alongside them.

From understanding setup terminology to following the logic behind adjustments & ensuring changes are documented, Doug has helped make sure that everyone in the team understands the process and using the proper terminology to better communicate with one another. That shared knowledge makes us stronger as a family-run race team.

Building Confidence for the Future

Racing at the micro level is as much about education as it is competition. Through Doug Wright Racing’s mentorship, Riley and Dylan are gaining tools that will benefit them for years to come—on and off the track.

They are learning:

• Patience and discipline

• Problem-solving skills

• Mechanical awareness

• Confidence in decision-making

• Respect for the science behind speed

These are lessons that extend far beyond racing.

Investing in Growth for 2026

As we head into the 2026 season, our partnership with Doug represents an investment in growth—not just results. Every adjustment, every conversation, and every lap logged is part of a bigger journey toward becoming smarter, more confident racers.

We are incredibly grateful for Doug’s time, mentorship, and dedication to helping our boys—and our entire team—grow.

Because at Conley Racing, we’re not just raising drivers…

We’re building racers who understand the craft.

—Conley Racing

No silver spoons. Only silver tools. 🏁