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My name is Ethan and I am a 14 year old competitive racer who hopes to inspire others to follow your dreams even when it is hard! When I lost my racecar in a fire I was really disappointed and sad at first. But, I decided to think positive in order to keep my dream of racing alive. I believe that there must be a reason why this happened. I hope to get back on the track and use what I have learned from this bad experience to teach myself and others to have faith, follow your dreams and never give up!
Here is a video of that day and my story below.
I started competitive go-karting when I was 7 years old. As my skills got better I continued to love this sport even more and this year I was so excited to be moving up to automotive road racing. My parents have been saving for a long time, I started my own lawn mowing business two summers ago and I earned two business sponsorships. We were finally able to purchase my first racecar and all the safety equipment in December of 2021. My dad and I worked on the car almost every night getting ready for the race season.
I took all the classes and had to receive special approval because I am so young to get my SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) racing license.
Sadly, in my very first race (April 9, 2022) I had a fuel leak on the track which caused my entire car to start on fire. As soon as I realized flames were coming up my side and shoulder, I was able to pull off the track, activate the fire suppression system and remove the restraints so that I could get out of the car safely. I had been practicing how to escape in an emergency, but I know God was with me and saved my life. The fire was too large for the safety crew to put out right away and I had to watch it burn to a pile of melted fiberglass and metal. We lost the car and a lot of my safety gear & equipment was destroyed. But I thank God because I know those things are replaceable and I am not.
Racers have given me so much support and helping me learn all year as I was preparing for this season. I am paying that forward by being a mentor to two junior karters. I want to share some on-track driving skills and the passion to follow their dreams!
I know God gave me the strength to not panic but quickly escape like I had been practicing. Faith is an important part of my life and racing. When I am on the grid before every race, I say a prayer first and then I give Mom the sign of the cross. This keeps us both calm because we know God is with us. I hope to teach others how faith has given me confidence and helps me in my racing too.
We are trying to use what we can from the burned up car, but it will be very expensive to rebuild. I got a job working on weekends and for the summer, but it will take a long time to save enough. If you can help me get to my goal of getting back on the track as soon as possible, I would be very thankful! If you own a business and would like to talk about a sponsorship, please let me know!
Thank you for reading my story!
Ethan
Here are some photos of when I got my first go-kart, as I progressed and won karting championships and then my first road racing event, which didn't go so well.
Here is a video of that day and my story below.
I started competitive go-karting when I was 7 years old. As my skills got better I continued to love this sport even more and this year I was so excited to be moving up to automotive road racing. My parents have been saving for a long time, I started my own lawn mowing business two summers ago and I earned two business sponsorships. We were finally able to purchase my first racecar and all the safety equipment in December of 2021. My dad and I worked on the car almost every night getting ready for the race season.
I took all the classes and had to receive special approval because I am so young to get my SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) racing license.
Sadly, in my very first race (April 9, 2022) I had a fuel leak on the track which caused my entire car to start on fire. As soon as I realized flames were coming up my side and shoulder, I was able to pull off the track, activate the fire suppression system and remove the restraints so that I could get out of the car safely. I had been practicing how to escape in an emergency, but I know God was with me and saved my life. The fire was too large for the safety crew to put out right away and I had to watch it burn to a pile of melted fiberglass and metal. We lost the car and a lot of my safety gear & equipment was destroyed. But I thank God because I know those things are replaceable and I am not.
Racers have given me so much support and helping me learn all year as I was preparing for this season. I am paying that forward by being a mentor to two junior karters. I want to share some on-track driving skills and the passion to follow their dreams!
I know God gave me the strength to not panic but quickly escape like I had been practicing. Faith is an important part of my life and racing. When I am on the grid before every race, I say a prayer first and then I give Mom the sign of the cross. This keeps us both calm because we know God is with us. I hope to teach others how faith has given me confidence and helps me in my racing too.
We are trying to use what we can from the burned up car, but it will be very expensive to rebuild. I got a job working on weekends and for the summer, but it will take a long time to save enough. If you can help me get to my goal of getting back on the track as soon as possible, I would be very thankful! If you own a business and would like to talk about a sponsorship, please let me know!
Thank you for reading my story!
Ethan
Here are some photos of when I got my first go-kart, as I progressed and won karting championships and then my first road racing event, which didn't go so well.
Organizer and beneficiary
Linda Alexander
Beneficiary