Baney, who is in his sixth year of go-kart racing, is part of a family who has been racing for years. On his mother’s side, he’s a fourth-generation racer and on his father’s side, he’s a third-generation racer.
“Everyone in my family does it (racing). It’s a family tradition,” Baney said.
Baney races as number 61B under his family name of Baney Racing, which is part of the Trevitz Motorsports family. He started racing go-karts when he was 5 years old and will be driving in the Rookie 2, 9-12 class this year.
“When he first started, I wasn’t that worried,” mom Shawna Baney said. “But this year, I am because he is racing without a cage.”
For the most part, Baney races at the Selinsgrove Speedway, however, as he gets older, he ventures out to special races and larger tracks.
Last year, he went to Trailways, which is a much larger track than the one at Selinsgrove and a lot tougher competition.
“The caliber of racers (at Trailways) were some of the best in the state,” dad Jim noted.
This year, Baney is looking forward to attending several state races and he’d like to also score first in points this year at Selinsgrove.
Although Baney is the main focus of Baney Racing, his family plays a big role in his racing career. His mother, one of his biggest supporters is always there for him when he needs her and handles the paperwork at his many races.
His father on the other hand is a lot more involved.
“After a wreck I’m the one out in the garage fixing it (the cart) at three in the morning for the race the next day,” he said.
As a coach and a father, Jim has learned a lot about sportsmanship too.
“Don’t worry about winning,” he said. “Let the kids be kids so they have a fun and the wins will come to you.”
For parents who’s kids are interested in getting involved with go-kart racing, Jim suggests visiting the track and talking to the other parents there.
“Everyone is really friendly,” he said.
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