Stephen Burke
One Lap of America Team Driver 2009, 2010, 2011
Born the son of a mechanic, Stephen Burke grew up in East Rochester, NY moving in and out of auto shops instead of daycare. When it came to turning wrenches for a living, it was clear that James Burke intended his son to choose a different a profession. Stephen’s father brought home a computer for the family, on the Kodak employee program, and this is where Stephen found his calling.
Today, Stephen is the IT Coordinator for Wayne ARC, where he is able to bring his passion for technology to those who need it most. While technology may have become Stephen’s main passion, it is in the garage where Stephen still finds peace.
Stephen has been married to the Mitsubishi platform of vehicles since 1996 when he bought his first Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T. A few years later he found his way into his first Galant VR-4. He would eventually own 4 of these limited edition machines, selling the Eclipse and falling in love with the four door platform. The limited edition car numbered 187/1000 was the 2009, 2010 One Lap team vehicle which was a long time project and track car. In 2008, Stephen bought a Mitsubishi Evolution X GSR which will be taking the place of the Galant VR4 for the 2011, 2012 One Lap of America.
In 1997 Stephen returned to Rochester after living in KY, and established theRochester DSM auto club, which is still active today. The club is a local forum community based around the Diamond Star Motors which was the joint venture between the Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
Stephen steps out of the drivers seat throughout the summer to teach at the Tire Rack Street Survival School, as well as at the Genesee Valley BMW Club’s Car Control Clinic at Watkins Glen. In 2010, following the passion for driving, Stephen became an instructor at Watkins Glen with the Niagara Region Porsche Club of America.
Stephen currently lives in Penfield NY with his wife Julie. When he is not in the garage, Stephen is on the water, where he the member of a local club focused on competition water skiing.
