10/14/2014 |
When most people see the 500cc Open Division karts fly around Millbridge Speedway at speeds topping 75mph they have the image of an adult behind the wheel. I mean what child could have control over a kart going fast, sideways, and side by side with another kart? Meet Ethan Mitchell, a twelve year old, that competes in the open division weekly at Millbridge Speedway. Ethan moved to North Carolina from Tennessee to live with his dad. The beginning of Ethans racing career was a learning curve for not only Ethan but his father as well. His father builds engines for Joe Gibbs Motorcross team and knew very little about circle track racing. It didn’t take Ethan long to learn the ropes and start racing in the box stock division. After 6 months and 2 wins in the box stock division, Ethan wanted more. He moved into the new intermediate division. As two wins came quick in that division, he was searching for more speed. Ethan was approved by Millbridge officials to move into the open division at such a young age. While in the open division Ethan has grabbed a win and many top 5 finishes. He is a tough contender each week and will only get better with age and experience. When the 7th grader isn’t racing he is going to school at Liberty Prep, playing basketball, and hunting. Ethan has big sponsors behind him weekly such as JGRMX, QRC, Arai Helmets, and Attitude Fabrications. He owes all his success to his dad “Bundy”, Mike and Max McLaughlin, Jimmy Elledge, His mom, Grandma, Gino, Joe, and Millbridge Speedway. Watch Ethan and all the other kids move through the ranks weekly at Millbridge Speedway. Follow his success on our Facebook and Twitter page Millbridge Racin. Good luck to Ethan on the remainder of the season.