TJ was born on October 2, 1991 in Puyallup, WA, to Ted & Ann Hartman. He is now a sophomore in High School, with plans to further his education in an engineering field. He has made many friends in racing, and is well known and respected by his fans and peers for his abilities. His family and close friends have always employed a policy of family togetherness and fun. TJ enjoys racing on any type of track, dirt or pavement, but he especially likes racing on dirt. His driving style has been described as "methodical in his approach." He is always calm and quiet, and is well known for his intoxicating smile wherever he goes.

TJ began racing quarter midgets when he was 6 years old. His family has always been completely involved and supportive, and looked for an activity where they could all participate together. Younger sister Nicki, has been racing quarter midgets as well, and his parents are always helping somewhere. This has set a great example and has taught TJ to be hands on in everything. Other parents routinely call upon him for set-up and handling advice on their children’s cars. His dad repeatedly jokes that TJ doesn't need him for anything except to drive TJ to the track. He has learned a great deal by building and working on the cars as well as driving them. This type of approach will always be an asset and will certainly help him in anything he chooses to do in life.

TJ ended his quarter midget tenure following the 2006 season, and after 9 years of racing quarter midgets, he had compiled a long list of accomplishments. When the 2006 season was over, he felt it was time to start working towards his next goal. He ended his quarter midget tenure with many accomplishments, including four National Championships, an uninterrupted string of 14 Class Championships at his home track, 127 A-Feature event wins, and an ability to accomplish virtually anything he had set out to do. He felt it was now time to move on and challenge himself further. His ambition was to drive a sprint car, and that is what he set his sights on.

The 2007 season was set aside to learn and develop an understanding of the path he had chosen. Even with 9 years of racing experience, TJ would once again be a rookie. The new plan included more than just learning to drive and work on the bigger cars. He was also required to create within himself an understanding of the choices he faced, as well as an understanding of the consequences of the decisions he would be making. The plan included a stiff regiment of physical training to prepare his small physique for the rigors of a more physically demanding sport. His hope is to be as successful in sprint cars as he was in quarter midgets, and it required the same level of commitment. That dedication paid off early for TJ and his team. Making his debut in a sprint car on June 30, 2007 in Madras, Oregon, the 15-year-old served up a plate of surprise and captured the win in his very first race. The monumental accomplishment confirmed TJ’s own belief that he was ready to challenge himself beyond a quarter midget.