Meet the Avanti Athletes

Kyle Cummins is a second-generation non-wing sprint car driver, proudly following in the footsteps of his father, Mark Cummins. Born into a racing family, Kyle began his journey at the age of nine, competing in open karts. Over the years, he honed his skills across several classes, including champ karts and pro-modifieds, before making the pivotal transition to non-wing sprint cars at just 15 years old.  

Kyle’s racing career has been defined by remarkable success on the track and an inspiring ability to balance his responsibilities off it. As a full-time business owner, husband, and father, Kyle’s commitment to family and work has added depth to his journey, endearing him to fans and creating memorable storylines.  

One such moment came in 2020 at the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While his wife, Kelsey, stayed home, awaiting the arrival of their first child, Karsyn, Kyle flew to Tulsa to compete. During hot laps, he earned a cash bonus commentators dubbed "diaper money," a lighthearted nod to his growing family. In 2023, another similar situation unfolded as Kyle, then sitting third in the USAC National Championship standings, made the heartfelt decision to step away from two critical races to be present for the birth of his son, Krew.  

Off the track, Kyle is the owner and founder of  NewTech Precision Machining, a successful CNC machining business in Haubstadt, Indiana. Through his company, Kyle has produced high-quality parts for a wide range of industries, including automotive manufacturing, racing chassis and components, coal mining, and electronic devices.  

Balancing his passion for racing with the demands of family life and running a thriving business, Kyle Cummins exemplifies resilience and dedication, both on and off the track. As he continues to chase championships, his story resonates with fans and serves as a testament to the spirit of modern sprint car racing.  

Accomplishments in racing include:

• All-Time Winningest Driver of the Midwest Sprint Car Series
• 5-Time Midwest Sprint Car Series Champion
• 20 USAC National Sprint Car Wins (34th all-time)
• 2021 Hoosier Auto Racing Fans Sportsmanship Award
• 2022 Wild Card Award - North American Non-Wing Sprint Car Poll
• 2022 Sprint Car Smackdown Champion
• 2022 Kokomo Speedway Track Champion
• 2019 Hoosier Auto Racing Fans Driver of the Year
• 2019 Wild Card Award - North American Non-Wing Sprint Car Poll
• 2019 Undefeated season at Tri-State Speedway

Drake Edwards, a native of Surprise, Arizona, began his racing journey at just five years old, competing in quarter midgets at South Mountain Park. His passion and talent quickly became evident as he progressed through the ranks.  

At 16, Drake transitioned to Micro Sprints, where he made an immediate impact on the local racing scene. In 2022, he secured a 2nd place finish in the championship standings at Adobe Mountain Speedway. The following year, he dominated the competition, clinching the championship at Central Arizona Raceway during the 2023 season. That same year, Drake showcased his versatility by earning multiple wins in the highly competitive Western Midget Racing series.  

In 2024, Drake stepped up to the USAC Western States Midget series, delivering an impressive performance. He finished 2nd in the overall points standings and earned the prestigious Rookie of the Year title.  

Looking ahead, Drake is eager to take on a new challenge as he relocates to Indiana to compete in the USAC National Midget Series. With his proven track record and relentless drive, he’s poised to make his mark on the national stage.  

RJ Johnson, a second-generation driver from Phoenix, Arizona, proudly follows in the footsteps of his father, Ricky Johnson. RJ’s passion for racing ignited early, beginning his journey at just six years old in quarter midgets at South Mountain Park.

At 14, RJ transitioned to full-sized midgets, and by 15, he made history as the youngest driver to win a major championship in 2002. He continued to build on this success, claiming three additional Arizona Midget Racing Association Championships in 2003, 2008, and 2009.

In 2003, RJ moved up to sprint cars, earning Arizona Sprint Car Association Rookie of the Year honors in his debut season. Two years later, he stepped into the highly competitive USAC CRA series and captured the Rookie of the Year title in 2005. From 2013 onward, RJ’s dominance in sprint car racing became undeniable, as he secured five consecutive USAC Southwest Sprint Car Championships and was named the National 360 Non-Wing Driver of the Year during those same years. RJ added a sixth USAC Southwest title in 2020, followed by championships in the Central Arizona Speedway Sprint Car Series in 2021 and the ASCS Arizona Non-Wing Sprint Car Series in 2022 and 2023.

In 2024, RJ showcased his skill and consistency in the USAC CRA Series, earning two wins and finishing outside the top 10 only once across a demanding 22-race schedule. This remarkable performance culminated in RJ becoming the first Arizona driver to win the USAC CRA Championship, a historic achievement in his storied career.

Off the track, RJ balances his racing pursuits with family life alongside his wife Megan and their three children—Eli, Regan, and Carter. He also runs his own business, RJR Suspension, a certified dealer and rebuilder of Competition Suspension Shocks based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Looking ahead, RJ is thrilled to join Petty Performance Racing in 2025, where he’ll defend his USAC CRA title while representing the team on the West Coast. RJ is also set to take on marquee Midwest events, including Indiana Sprint Week, as he continues to leave his mark on the national sprint car racing scene.

• 10-time Sprint Car Champion
• 4-time Midget Champion
• 5-time 360 Non-Wing Driver of the Year
• 149 Career wins

Cameron LaRose, an Arizona transplant, now finds himself immersed in the motorsports-rich culture of Southern Indiana as a vital part of Petty Performance Racing’s (PPR) operation. Working alongside Kyle Cummins in the team’s pursuit of a USAC National Sprint Championship, Cameron has quickly proven himself as an integral member of the PPR family. Since joining the team in July 2024, his support and collaboration have translated into significant results: four wins, seven podiums, and 16 top-five finishes for Kyle and PPR in just a few short months.  

While Cameron excels in his role behind the scenes, he’s no stranger to being behind the wheel. Before joining PPR, Cameron made a name for himself on the West Coast, climbing the ranks with impressive speed and success. His accomplishments include two micro sprint championships and five ASCS 360 wins, culminating in an ASCS Challenge Cup Championship—all achieved in a span of just 18 months.  

Now, Cameron is taking the next step in his driving career, piloting a non-wing 410 sprint car for PPR against Indiana’s fiercely competitive local and regional talent. In 2024, despite limited seat time with just four starts in the 13P machine, Cameron showcased his adaptability and skill, earning a top-10 finish in a stacked 42-car field that included national touring drivers.  

Although his primary focus remains his work with the 3P USAC National Team, Cameron’s goal is to continue honing his craft in the 410 sprint car whenever his schedule allows. His combination of mechanical expertise, racing talent, and determination positions him as a key contributor to PPR’s success both on and off the track.  

Daison Pursley is a second-generation racecar driver, proudly following the path of his father, Klint Pursley. Growing up immersed in the motorsports world, Daison’s passion for racing ignited early, leading him to start his journey at just 10 years old.

He began his career racing Micros at Port City Raceway in Oklahoma, while also competing on the NOW600 National Micro Series circuit. Over four years, Daison honed his skills, quickly gaining recognition for his talent and determination. At just 14, he made the leap into National Midget racing, earning opportunities with top-tier teams and proving his place among the elite by scoring wins on both the USAC and POWRi National Midget Tours.

In 2021, Daison was on track for his strongest season yet, amassing seven wins across both national tours. However, his momentum came to a sudden halt late that year when he suffered a major spinal cord injury during a USAC event at Arizona Speedway. Diagnosed as an incomplete quadriplegic, Daison faced an uncertain future and an uphill battle both personally and professionally.

Daison’s inspiring comeback began less than a year later in September 2022 when he triumphantly returned to racing and captured a win at Lake Ozark Speedway with POWRi, marking an emotional and miraculous milestone in his recovery.

In 2023, Daison expanded his horizons, transitioning to full-time USAC National Sprint Car racing while maintaining his presence in National Midget competition. He wasted no time making an impact, winning during his rookie sprint car campaign at the DirtCar Nationals in Volusia. By 2024, he had added a USAC Silver Crown dirt schedule to his resume, claiming victory at the iconic Port Royal Speedway.

Now, as he looks ahead to 2025, Daison is set to take on another new challenge. Joining the High Limit Sprint Car Series aboard the Buch Motorsports #13 machine—with the support of Pella Windows & Doors, Avanti Windows & Doors, and Big Spring Car Wash—he’s ready to continue building his legacy and making his mark in the world of racing.

Accomplishments in Racing Include:

• 2017 Restricted I-44 Speedway Champion
• 2017 Restricted Now600 Champion
• 2018 A-class Now600 Champion
• 2023 USAC Sprint Car Rookie of the Year
• 2024 Corn Belt Nationals Winner
• 2024 Eldora 4-Crown Midget Winner
• 2024 Eldora 4-Crown Sprint Car Winner
• 2024 USAC Indiana Midget Week Champion
• 2024 USAC Midget Champion