Van Zant's interest in racing began when he was frequently around a family friend's USAC sprint car racing team as a child. His career would not being however until 1986, where he formed a street stock team, and won track championships between 1987 and 1988. Other members of the crew also drove in street stock competition in car that were built by Van Zant, and the team accomplished five track championships. Van Zant moved to late models in 1989, and he ran on and off races for Haupt up until 1997. Van Zant then attempted only three ARCA races in 2006, finishing tenth at Winchester, failing to qualify at
Toledo Speedway, and finishing thirteenth at
Berlin Raceway. The Berlin event is his most recent event as a driver, as he has not competed in the series since then. ==Personal life==