Dexter Bean
A versatile NASCAR journeyman who carved out a career by mastering both the driver's seat and the intricate mechanics of the pit box.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American racing driver & crew chief·Birthday: January 5·Millennials
Biography
Dexter Bean's path in motorsports is a testament to persistence and adaptability. Hailing from Wisconsin, he first made waves in the ARCA Menards Series, securing a notable third-place championship finish and proving his mettle on challenging short tracks and superspeedways. This foundation propelled him to the national stage of NASCAR, where he became a familiar part-time competitor across all three top series—Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks. Bean's story, however, isn't just about driving. He evolved into a dual-threat asset for teams like DGM Racing, seamlessly transitioning to the role of crew chief. This unique perspective, born from years behind the wheel, allowed him to communicate with drivers on a profound level while making critical strategic calls, embodying the gritty, multi-skilled ethos of stock car racing.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dexter was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dexter Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Dexter's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Finished third in the championship standings in the ARCA Menards Series, showcasing his consistency over a full season.
- Competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, reaching the pinnacle of American stock car racing.
- Successfully transitioned to a crew chief role, leading race strategy and car setup for a NASCAR Xfinity Series team.
- Raced part-time across NASCAR's three national series (Cup, Xfinity, Truck), demonstrating remarkable versatility.
Did You Know?
He is the son of former ARCA driver Bob Bean.
He made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the 2009 Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway.
He has driven for the underdog team Young's Motorsports in the Truck Series.
“You learn more from a tight race on a worn-out short track than from an easy win.”
