Dillon Welch isn't much for TV makeup and bright lights, but the 16 year old race car driver is looking forward to his upcoming appearance on "IndySportsNation Overtime".

Welch will be a guest on the "live" sports wrap-up show Sunday night on Fox 59 in Indianapolis.  The 30-minute show airs at 10:30pm ET.

"It's a great opportunity for me," Welch said.  "I really appreciate the sports guys at Fox 59 taking an interest, not just in my career but also the sacrifice and commitment it takes to succeed in our sport."

(Photo: Dillon with three-time Indy 500 winner Johnny Rutherford)

Welch, who just completed his sophomore year at Carmel High School, drives for East Enterprises and team owner Bob East in the USAC Regional Midget Series.

"I've raced since I was seven years old," Welch said.  "Racing has taken me all over the country, but I believe some of the best racing takes place at short tracks right here in Indiana.  It's the perfect place to be racing at my age."

Physical training, acquiring sponsorship, balancing school and racing...all provide challenges to the young racer.

"It's not easy," Welch said.  "But that's part of it.  The sacrifices and the hard work is what makes opportunities like this special."

In today's racing environment, a young driver developing a presence outside the race track is an integral compliment to the results he gets on the track.  Being able to interact with adults, sponsors, and media is a key component of being a successful racer. That's why the teenager recently participated in the CARA Fashion Show with many of the Indy 500 drivers, and made the rounds at the Sam Schmidt Paralysis fundraiser.

"Whether you're a racer or not, being a good communicator is going to benefit you in whatever you do in life," Welch said.  "And besides, who wouldn't want to hang out with some of racing's greats."

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