Johnny Sauter (at left) will field a NASCAR Craftsman Truck for his father, Jim Sauter, to drive this Friday evening at the Milwaukee Mile.

Although it’s not the typical flannel shirt or necktie that most dads will receive on Sunday, it’s the perfect way for Johnny to show how much he appreciates all that his dad has done for him while growing up in Necedah, WI.

Jim Sauter led a storied career in racing, participating in ARCA, ASA, Busch Grand National and Winston Cup Series divisions, and remains a test driver for the Crown Royal IROC Series. It was only natural for Johnny to follow suit. Upon his father’s guidance, Johnny broke into the sport at age 18 and hasn’t looked back since. So for this Father’s Day, Johnny’s giving his dad the most appropriate present from one driver to another, a chance to race at his hometown track.

“No doubt about it, my dad is the biggest reason that I got into racing,” said Sauter. “I grew up watching him race each weekend, which made me want to do it. I guess it’s kind of like other kids going to their dad’s office and watching them work. I did the same thing, but it was at the race track. I loved everything I saw – the sights, the sounds, all of the excitement from the grandstands. I never considered having another job when I grew up. I wanted to be like my dad and drive a racecar.

“I learned so much about determination from my dad. He wasn’t able to help me out financially, so I had to earn my way into the sport. He always said, ‘if you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way to get it done.’ He was right. I worked on shoestring budgets and put in tons of hours to get my cars ready to race. I learned to appreciate everything I had and learned all the ins and outs of the sport. That’s the same way that my dad had to operate, so he was a great role model for what I was going through.”

It will be a special weekend for the Sauter family, as Johnny’s two oldest brothers Jay and Tim are scheduled to compete in the “Alan Kulwicki 250 presented by Forest County Potawatomi Racing” NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday night, June 26 at The Milwaukee Mile.

In an historic 2002 Milwaukee Mile Busch Series race, Jim raced against his three sons, with all four Sauters qualifing within the top-10. Jim was a teammate to his sons Jay and Johnny with Richard Childress Racing that day. Tim faired the best with a 9th place finish.

“It will be a dream come true to have my dad in my truck at Milwaukee,” Johnny said. “That’s his Father's Day gift. It’s neat to think that after all he’s helped me with, that I’ll be able to give that to him as a present. That’s a gift that I know he’ll love for sure.”

Start time is 8:00 pm EASTERN for the Friday night, June 25 “Black Cat® Fireworks 200” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, and an 8:00pm start is planned for the “Alan Kulwicki 250 presented by Forest County Potawatomi Racing,” in NASCAR’s first nighttime events at The Milwuakee Mile.