Racing is a tough, demanding sport, but that hasn’t stopped a 13-year old Straughn student from excelling in the fast-paced racing world.

Straughn eighth-grader Justin Beck, son of Jeffrey and Beverly Beck, has been racing in the Mini Sportsman’s Division of Kinston’s South Alabama Speedway for more than a year, and has quickly taken to the sport.

In his first season, Beck earned one win, two third place finishes and finished in fourth place in points for the season. Beck also came away with the 2016 Rookie of the Year Award.

“It’s great that I have found my niche,” Beck said. “I love being behind the wheel of a race car.”

In his second season behind the wheel, Beck has claimed a dazzling five first place wins and one second place win. Beck is currently in first place in points of the Mini Sportsman Division. With up to 20 cars competing in the division that runs 20 laps on the 4/10 mile asphalt track, reaching speeds in excess of 70 mph.

The Mini Sportsman Division is one of the South Alabama Speedway’s largest group of competitors.

“I wouldn’t be able to do this without the help of my sponsors, Billy Bimbo of FOX 107.7, Bailey’s Pharmacy, Hammett Drilling, Joker Graphix, Wyatt Sasser Construction, Dr. Bob Bush and Snowden Sausage,” Beck said. “We hope to see y’all at the race track soon!”

Beck’s next race takes place next Sat., July 8, at Kinston’s South Alabama Speedway on Alabama Hwy 52.