The New Generation – The Young Guns Of TR Speedway
Written By: Robin Green
These are the great drivers of the future in our midst. We watch history in the making ever time these youngsters between the ages of 10 and 17 roll their cars on to the track. Statistics show that about 1/2 will remain in the sport for years to come (maybe off and on, but never the less some how affiliated) and maybe one will make it a career choice.
By far, this is one of my favorite classes to watch each week. Am I biased? Yes, of course I am. Children are really our future in every aspect of life, including dirt track racing in South Carolina and all around the world. I am also proud to see more females taking the plunge. Last week (August 22nd, 2009) 3 young ladies strapped their selves in for a ride in this division. 2 of them new and one having just the week before gotten her first win.
You never know what is going to happen from week to week, but all of us adults can take a page out of their book. They have all become a close nit group on and off the track, by things as simple as showing support for one another. Now they may have their moments, but for the most part, they hope each other has a good safe race week after week.
So here’s to you, The New Generation of dirt track drivers. Drive it like you stole it and keep it between the wall and your fellow drivers. Be aware of your surroundings and stay safe.
Junior Searcy has been racing at TR on and off over the last few years. Driving the #7, he has been able to grow as a driver among local young guns of the same caliber.
Hunter Leonard has not been on the scene very long, but came out with the willingness to do his best and hang in there with those who have been running longer. He seems to be the shy one of the bunch, yet supports his fellow drivers and has made many friends.
Greg Hall has been running for most of the 2009 season, until a few weeks ago when a mishap caused some serious damage to his car. He may or may not decide to come back into the Young Guns division, but what ever he chooses to do, I have no doubt he will do well.
Jasper Brown has only been seen a few times at TR, but made a big impression with me. He is a super nice young man and as positive as they come.
Dereck Burgess started out at TR at the end of the 2008 season. Though he has changed colors and numbers of his car, his kindness, calm sense of self, thoughtfulness of others and good nature has made him a great asset to racing.
Matt Odom brought his car out for the first time this 2009 racing season at TR. With his sister running in the same class, he has managed to maintain his own identity and driving style. Each week, he improves, adding to his skills behind the wheel.
JB Moser makes friends with just about everyone at the track. He has the ability to run with the best in his class and has been doing so for some years now at TR. This is one of those individuals who will succeed in what ever his life has in store for him. Racing may be just a hobby now, but may become something more in the future.
Alyssa Charping made her very first trip to TR this past Saturday night (August 22nd, 2009). I know very little of this young lady, but look forward to seeing her on the dirt track often.
Amanda Odom has been running at TR all of the 2009 season. She has worked long and hard with a huge family support system to keep her dream alive. Her first win came August 15th, 2009 and a roll in the mud followed. This young lady is one to watch closely in the future.
Rodney Stepp started racing at TR in the beginning of the 2009 season. He has come a long way and is soon to find his first win. He brings a lot to this class of young drivers, and has made a name for himself.
Jason Calhoun visits TR on rare occasions, but is always a pleasant young man to be around. He is an all around sweet kid who supports each of his fellow team mates in every way possible.
Austin Aker makes his way to TR when he is not at his home track of Westminster (the remodeled track just opened). He has a great sense of self and is most often smiling.
Christina Worthy has only participated in 2 races so far, but is well on her way. Since beginning, she can’t seem to get enough. Fun, enthusiastic and even head strong, she looks to be in it for the long haul.
Zeke Whitman ran Young Guns at TR for the first part of the 2009 season. He has since moved up to Stock 4 racing some at Cherokee Speedway.
Raymond Ebbler has been running at TR until some mechanical problems has had him off the dirt for a bit now.
Chris Goodman has been a fixture at TR for several years now, but looks to be moving up soon.
Morgan Gentry has been running at area tracks for some time now and been a fixture at TR most of the 2009 season. (This may be updated soon with a picture.)
Mitchell Marcus shows up on occasion to run with the other young guns of TR, but also visits other local area tracks.
Steve Derita only ran a couple of races at the start of the 2009 season.
Chastain Blackwell
Points so far this season as of August 15th, 2009
1st #32 Amanda Odom -1746 / 2nd #99 Dereck Burgess – 1526 / 3rd #23 JB Moser-1436 / 4th #14 Rodney Stepp-1368 / 5th #07 Austin Aker-1124 / 6th #10 Zeke Whitman-1062 / 7th #04 Raymond Ebbeler-1046 / 8th #92x Chris Goodman-932 / 9th #7j Junior Searcy-824 / 10th #11 Matt Odom-790 / 11th #4 Morgan Gentry-784 / 12th #73 Greg Hall-644 / 13th #17 Mitchell Marcus-600 / 14th #83 Jasper Brown-536 / 15th #2x Steven Derita-338
© 2009, Dirt Track Gone Wild. 2008 – 2012 Dirt track Gone Wild All rights reserved.
Some of these kids look so young! Did you say they can race at 10 years old.
Yep, some of the young ones are 10 or maybe 11 by now. Not sure on that one.
[...] Coming this week will be an article highlighting the local talented drivers in the Renegade division at TR Speedway. It will be very similar to what we did last week for the Young Guns. The New Generation – The Young Guns Of TR Speedway [...]
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