It’s
been quite some time since I last posted to this blog. Things have changed quite a bit for Mason’s
racing program. We are very proud at the
accomplishments he has made so far during his short racing career. Back in 2011 when Mason started racing at the
age of 7, he set a goal of one day racing a Legend car. After our 2013 karting season, we decided it
was time for a change due to many changes that were taking place in the karting
industry. We checked into a couple
different paths. At that point I started
doing research on the Legends so we could pursue the necessary paths to make
that happen. Inex (sanctioning body of
US Legends) rules has an age limit of 14, therefore, we would have a couple more
years yet before he could compete.
Ultimately we chose the path of a Bandolero which is also sanctioned by
Inex. Spartan Speedway in Mason, MI is
the only race track in Michigan that has a Bandolero program. 2014 is the first year for this program. He was the first ever Bandolero driver on the
track and the first ever winner of a Bandolero race at the track. Mason has shown great racing skills this
season and is currently sitting 1st in points for the 2014 season
championship.
Our
original intentions for this season were to race the Bandolero and race a few
kart races locally. Mason has competed
in every Bandolero race to date and competed in a kart race at Owosso Speedway
on May 24, 2014. We were excited to get
back to doing some kart racing but that thrill quickly faded after Mason was
punted off the track by another racer during practice. Mason struggled through the races and was
beat around pretty good but kept on going.
Due to his persistence, he ultimately ended up with a 4th
place finish. Mason has decided that his
karting days are going to be few and far between from here on out.
While
speaking with the track owner of Spartan Speedway, Jim Leasure, about our plans
for the 2015 season, he suggested we should check into getting Mason into a
Legend. We questioned him on the age
requirement and he offered to contact Inex on Mason’s behalf and start the
necessary paperwork to get him approved.
We took Mason to the track to make a few hot laps in a Legend to see if
it was something he even wanted to pursue.
Within a couple of days after his test drive, and after sending Inex
Mason’s resume along with a recommendation from Jim, Inex approved him to race
a Legend car next season at the age of 12.
We
have been very pleased and proud of the accomplishments Mason has made. In his short racing career, he has been asked
by his competitors to drive for him and is constantly being commended on his smooth,
consistent driving style and ultimately reached his goal of driving a Legend
car. Well, almost! We have a lot of funds to raise and some
karting equipment and personal items to sell in order to make a Legend car
purchase.
Others
are constantly questioning the amount of money and effort we put into Mason’s
racing program. It’s something we enjoy
to do as a family. Not only that but we
see talent in our child and what kind of parents would we be if we didn’t
showcase that talent and do everything in our power for him to help make his
dreams come true? Some families have
kids that enjoy bat and ball sports and they are good at it. Well, ours just so happens to drive a race
car. If it means we have to drive our
old vehicles for a few extra years and wear the same clothes and shoes a little
while longer, so be it. There’s truly
nothing we would rather be doing.
We
love it when friends, family members and acquaintances have the opportunity to
see Mason in action on the track. Rick
and I understand that a lot of times when we are speaking about Mason, people
assume we are talking him up because he is our son. Well, of course that is true to a certain extent
but in all honesty, we get such positive comments from people after they themselves
witness his racing and driving abilities.
Mason has done his part as a driver and as his parents, Rick and I have
committed to continue this journey and do whatever it takes to keep him on the
path to achieve his goals.
