Young Start in High-Stakes Racing: Debates are ablaze over the early immersion of drivers into high-stakes racing, with Joey Logano’s story as a prime example. Starting his racing journey at a tender age of 7 has sparked discussions. While some tout the benefits of an early start, voices like Jeff Gordon’s, a NASCAR icon and four-time Cup Series champion, oppose the idea of strapping a child into a race car at such a youthful stage.
In a candid conversation with Joe Buck, Gordon revealed, I would never ever put my kid in a Sprint car at age 13, acknowledging his own early beginnings in racing.
Reflecting on the peril of young entrants in Sprint cars, he emphasized, They claim lives of drivers every year in these cars, especially back then; it was immensely hazardous. Most I raced against were in their mid-thirties or forties. But truthfully, I didnt grasp the depth of it.
Gordon recounted his ire with his stepfather during his initial Sprint car race interval, feeling deceived about the challenges in this perilous facet of motorsports.
This year, former Cup champions and current team owners Tony Stewart and Brad Keselowski have voiced concerns about parents thrusting children into racing too early.
Stewart criticized, I disapprove of where motorsports is heading. Not just NASCAR, but other series, placing kids in late models at 12 or 14 makes no sense to me.
Keselowski was forthright, highlighting the detriment it poses to children’s personal growth, stating, Its unfair to them. It stunts their growth as individuals, restricting their potential in the long run.
Amidst legends and team owners raising alarms, speculation arises whether NASCAR will revisit age regulations in their feeder series, even if they can’t oversee grassroots racing.
ALSO READ: Tony Stewart Strategic Move: Nurturing Cole Custer’s Triumph in NASCAR
Our Reader’s Queries
How young do race horses start?
It’s important to keep in mind that in California, a horse must have celebrated its second birth date before it’s eligible to participate in a race.
Who is the young 16 year old jockey?
Fieldsman, trained by Tony Carroll, helped young jockey Jack Doughty, aged 16, secure his first career win at Southwell on Friday. It was a momentous occasion for the budding jockey, who rode with skill and determination to achieve this impressive feat. Congratulations to Jack and his team on this well-deserved victory!
Why are thoroughbreds raced so young?
For those involved in horse racing, the yearling age is a pivotal moment. It’s the perfect opportunity for breeders to highlight the potential of their young horses and catch the eye of savvy buyers. This stage is crucial for both breeders and owners alike.
Can a 13 year old race a car?
NHRA has a Youth Racing program that allows teenagers aged 13 to 16 to compete against each other in street vehicles. This program is part of NHRA’s diverse range of racing series and includes vintage machines as well as new models fresh from the showroom floor. With this program, young racers can experience the thrill of competition and hone their skills on the track.
