Tyler Castle thrives on speed.
For the past five years, the 13-year-old Boonsboro resident has been racing quarter midget cars and winning.
This summer, he had his biggest win yet, placing first in the Light AA class at the 2008 Dirt Grand Nationals in Taylorville, Ill. He topped it off with a third-place finish in the Light B class.
Lap times for Tyler’s age group are about five seconds on tracks that are about one-eighth of a mile, at speeds of about 65 mph. This is his last year racing quarter midgets before he ages out of that category.
Next year, he moves up to the Microsprint category, which races at about 90 mph, even though he has raced several times using a Micro car he and his father built from scratch.
While most drivers Tyler’s age are in it for fun, Tyler is hoping to make a career out of it. Tim Castle said the family supports Tyler in his ultimate goal — to become a NASCAR driver.
Tyler is racing with sons of NASCAR drivers and has earned a reputation for being fast. Tim Castle said Tyler has a knack for sizing up a track the first time he drives on it and isn’t afraid to take risks.
“He’s a pretty exciting driver. He makes moves. He doesn’t just ride around,” Tim Castle said.
Tyler is quick to point out all the safety features in his cars, as well as the safety gear he wears. From his helmet and fireproof racing gloves and suit to the five-point harness and wrist restraints in the car, Tyler said he’s well-protected.
He said he’s flipped several times, but has never had to go to the emergency room.
Football, baseball, riding four-wheelers and playing ping-pong are among Tyler’s hobbies, but racing is his first love.
“It’s fast. I just like the adrenaline and stuff,” he said.
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