The roar of engines at Daytona International Speedway will signal more than just the start of the 2025 Ride the ’Dente 200, it will again mark the realization of a lifelong dream for NDSU junior Bryce Haugeberg.
On Feb. 15, the West Fargo native will take to the track in the ARCA Menards Series, making his season debut on one of the most storied circuits in American motorsports. For Haugeberg, a mechanical engineering student and a seasoned driver, the opportunity marks his fourth start at Daytona. It’s a fact that seems surreal to Haugeberg.
He’ll also be racing for the first time with his car proudly covered in the familiar colors of NDSU’s green and yellow.
“I’ve been racing since I was 8 years old,” Haugeberg said. “It’s been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. And now, racing at Daytona, it’s a dream come true.”
Haugeberg’s racing career began on the dirt tracks of Red River Kart Club in Fargo, where he first got behind the wheel of a go-kart. His love for the sport grew as he traveled the country, competing in higher divisions and honing his skills. Today, he races dirt winged sprint cars at regional tracks, including Red River Valley Speedway in Fargo and Buffalo River Speedway in Glyndon, Minn., which his family operates.
“Racing has always been in my blood,” Haugeberg said. “It’s not just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.”
Balancing racing with academics is no small feat, but Haugeberg sees a clear connection between his mechanical engineering studies at NDSU and his performance on the track.
“I’ve always been interested in how things work,” he said. “Racing is all about understanding the mechanics of the car, and studying mechanical engineering was a perfect fit for me.”
That knowledge provides him with a unique advantage. While many drivers focus solely on driving, Haugeberg understands the intricacies of aerodynamics, suspension and powertrain performance, allowing him to work closely with his team on fine-tuning his car.
“It’s not just about driving fast, it’s about making sure the car is set up right,” he said.
A typical race week for Haugeberg is a whirlwind of travel, preparation and competition. He usually departs by Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the location, and spends the days leading up to the race in practice sessions and qualifying rounds. On race day, the schedule is packed with media obligations, technical inspections and last-minute adjustments before he climbs into the car.
Despite the demands of racing, Haugeberg remains grounded, crediting his family, friends, and mentors for helping him reach this stage in his career.
“My parents have been huge supporters and I’ve had a lot of friends I grew up racing with who’ve followed my path,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without all of them.”
One of the aspects of racing he enjoys most is the camaraderie within the sport.
“Some of the best people I know, I’ve met through racing,” he said. “There’s a real brotherhood in this sport. But I also love the fans. I try to be a role model, especially for younger kids. I know what it’s like to be that kid looking up to a driver. When someone takes the time to take a picture or talk to you, it makes your whole day. I try to do that for my fans, too.”
As Haugeberg prepares to race on one of motorsports’ biggest stages, he is bringing Bison pride along for the ride. His Daytona car design will be fully decked out in Bison colors, mirroring the university’s athletics uniforms and featuring the NDSU logo.
“For Daytona, the car is all NDSU.” Haugeberg said. “I’m really excited to represent the Bison on such a big stage.”
A lifelong Bison fan, Haugeberg grew up cheering for NDSU’s FCS national championship football teams and has attended the Frisco championship game nearly every year.
“Attending NDSU just felt like the right move,” he said. “It’s a great place to be and the friendships I’ve made here are something I’ll carry with me long after graduation.”
While making his Daytona debut is a significant milestone, Haugeberg is far from finished. He hopes to continue racing at higher levels, using his engineering background to explore opportunities both behind the wheel and in the technical side of motorsports.
“I want to stay in the racing industry,” he said. “Whether I’m driving or working on the cars, I just want to keep learning and growing in this field. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned at NDSU and apply it to the racing world. This is just the beginning.”
Event details
Race: Daytona Ride the ’Dente 200
Date: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
Race Length: 80 laps (200 miles)
TV: FOX
Live Stream: Fox Sports App
Radio: MRN / ARCARacing.com
Watch Party: 11 a.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings on 19th Ave.
