StC News

Mason Bailey '16 wins at Southside Speedway

Youngest competitor in field wins in only his second race.
In the summer, high-school students find part-time jobs, go on vacations with their family or friends, participate in various club sports or even take summer-school classes.

Not Mason Bailey '16.

The rising St. Christopher's School junior is turning heads in the Nascar Whelen All-American Series. Bailey won his first race June 20, a 30-lap race for modified cars at Southside Speedway.

It was only Bailey's second ever race, and he held off a seasoned veteran and multiple-race winner Thomas Stinson for 24 laps.

"It was pretty crazy. [My race team] never told me who was behind me," Bailey said. "The way we had my car set up, it got looser as the race went on. At the very end of the race, I was holding on to that car and not trying to wreck it."

Bailey drove a slick black and red No. 05 car, sponsored by ABS Technology Architects out of Hampton, Va. Bailey earned that sponsorship on his own and is still looking to gain more sponsor support now and in the future.

Being the youngest competitor (16 years old) among experienced drivers, some in their 40s and 50s, and driving with such patience and care, has earned Bailey rave reviews and hopefully more sponsorships soon.

He'll continue to drive at Southside Speedway on Fridays, and the former Karting champion is not done.

"Most people, they go out to get used to the car and earn respect from the other racers," Bailey quipped. "To be honest, I want to win some more races!"

Bailey works for the Drive Technology team based in Richmond, and is a mechanic during the week and a tire specialist on race day, when he's not racing.

Racing is a passion that he wants to continue as long as he can.

"School comes first, racing is a close second. I put in the hard work to get the car prepared. And then ... 'Shake and bake!'"
Back