The racing world is abuzz with the rise of young talent, as a new generation of racers is making waves in the sport. From New Jersey to Ontario, these teenage drivers are proving themselves in the fast lane, challenging the established regulars and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. This article delves into the stories of some of these rising stars, exploring their journeys and the impact they're having on the racing community.
The Rise of the Young Guns
The 2026 racing season has been a testament to the talent that's emerging in the sport. Paulie Hartwig III, a 15-year-old pavement modified driver from New Jersey, has already made a name for himself by winning two Race of Champions Modified Tour specials in just two weeks. His victories over established regulars like Matt Hirschman and Patrick Emerling showcase his skill and determination.
Joe Hawksby Jr., a second-generation supermodified racer at Oswego Speedway, is another standout. His Hawk design is the fastest of the unwinged Oswego supersmodifieds, and his sons, Talon and Dawson, are following in his footsteps. Talon has recorded four wins, while Dawson has made one trip to victory lane, proving that the Hawksby legacy is alive and well.
Preston Trautschold, a 10-year-old racer from Roscoe, is another young gun with an impressive record. He runs a limited sportsman at Utica-Rome, Land of Legends, and Glen Ridge Speedways, and has already racked up sixteen feature wins in 2026. This is all the more remarkable considering the limited sportsman is a full-size dirt modified powered by a crate V8 engine.
The Simmons Dynasty
Jason Simmons, a veteran owner of race cars at Oswego Speedway, has also played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent. His 17-year-old stepson, Tyler Thompson, became the youngest driver to ever win the Budweiser International Classic 200, and later won another Classic. The Simmons team is now set to debut a new Hawk chassis supermod for Thompson, further solidifying their commitment to developing young racers.
Simmons' daughter, Savannah, is also making her mark. At just 15 years old, she became the first female to win a 350 supermodified race at Oswego when she won her qualifying heat race. This achievement is a testament to her skill and determination, and it's likely that she'll continue to make waves in the sport.
The Catalano Family Legacy
The Catalano family of Ontario is another example of the impact that families can have on the racing world. With five sons running pavement modifieds, the Catalanos are a force to be reckoned with. The oldest boys run the NASCAR Modified tour, but it's Troyer Catalano, at just 14 years old, who is making waves in the CNY short-track circuit.
C.J. Crawford's Breakthrough
C.J. Crawford, a 16-year-old small-block super driver at Oswego, won his first-ever feature race last Saturday night. This achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it's likely that he'll continue to make strides in the sport.
The Crane Brothers' Success
The Crane brothers, Connor and Chris, from New England, have also been successful running in the support divisions at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway. Their achievements in these divisions showcase their versatility and adaptability as racers.
The Super DIRT Series in Ontario
The Super DIRT Series for big-block modifieds had a pair of special events in Canada this week. Stewart Friesen, a seasoned racer, grabbed the early lead and sped to the $6,000 triumph at the Cornwall, Ontario Speedway. This victory was Friesen's 56th SDS career victory and fourth in 2026, further solidifying his status as a top racer in the series.
Weather's Impact on Racing
The weather has also played a significant role in the racing world, with waterlogged ESS Speed Week struggling to reach the checkered flag and the Land of Legends Speedway stuck in low gear due to weather conditions.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 racing season progresses, it's clear that the future of the sport is in good hands. These young racers are not only pushing the limits of speed and skill but also challenging the established norms and traditions of the sport. Their success and determination will undoubtedly inspire future generations of racers, and it's exciting to see what the future holds for these rising stars.
