Collin Fern, FRS Racing owner and Norwich alum, poses for a photo with his driver, Kyle Weatherman, alongside Fern’s grandfather Dave Ring. (Photo from Collin Fern)

NORWICH – Norwich alum Collin Fern has been living the NASCAR dream for the last seven years.

Fern, a 2014 Norwich High School graduate, recently created his own NASCAR Xfinitiy team, FRS Racing, after getting a feel for the business and some behind the scenes experience.

Fern has returned home to visit family, friends, and play in the Canasawacta Country Club member-guest tournament this weekend before making his way to Watkins Glen.

As a team owner, Fern plays multiple roles and “wears many hats” as the owner, GM, public relations manager, and even the mechanic on his team. While studying at Coastal Carolina University after high school, Fern met a driver and helped out with a few races. After that, he accessed a license or a season pass to continue helping out for the remainder of the racing season.

Fern knew he would have to make a big decision after being asked to come on full-time to work in the racing industry. He took advice from several family members and went after his dream.

Fern spent the last three years as an assistant general manager, where he developed a better understanding of the business and that NASCAR truly is an expensive sport. Fern was also inspired by a young Xfinity team owner, Sam Hunt, who started out small with a passion of being competitive. That’s the same thought process Fern has in mind as well.

Fern loves the thrill and the competitive nature of the sport and when he’s not in control of the car once it hits the track, he can sit back and enjoy the race as any other fan.

Fern’s FRS Racing team competes in the Xfinity series, which is the “AAA of NASCAR” or the series just behind the Cup series. The difference between the two series is that Xfinity cars are lighter than the Cup cars. The Xfinity races take place on Saturdays prior to the main race on Sunday.

Fern and his team, that consists of two to four drivers, have traveled to many tracks this year, including Fern’s current favorite, Road to America in Wisconsin. Fern enjoys the atmosphere there and said, “the town around the track is fun and the fans are great”.

FRS Racing is looking forward to the Shriners Children’s 200 race close to home in Watkins Glen, NY on August 19. As team owner and New York native, Fern is pushing to get sponsorships from local businesses around the area, even from businesses in Norwich. Sponsorships are the driving force to help fund the sport.

Fern is excited for his driver Max McLaughlin, a fellow Upstate NY native, to compete in this race and come out with a victory. Look out for the number 96 car on your television screen on Saturday, August 19.

Before making his way to Watkins Glen, Fern will be competing in this weekend’s Canasawacta Country Club member-guest tournament with former NHS classmate Robert Jeffrey.

Best of luck, Collin!