Sitting in her car, heart racing with anticipation,  freshman Kimmie Greig awaits the start of the race. She knows that when it begins, she’ll be determined to win.

“I’m only thinking about one thing, and that’s the race ahead of me,” Greig said. “There’s a thousand things going on around me, but I’m just thinking about my next move and how to finish the race.”

Greig first started racing when she was just 9-years-old. She started racing with the hopes of following the footsteps of her father, who has been racing for 29 years. Now, six years later, Greig is 14-years-old and is still doing what she loves.

The types of races Greig now competes in are junior faskart races and front wheel drive races on one-fifth mile tracks.

A junior faskart race involves driving go-karts that are designed to be bigger and safer for racing.

Front wheel drive racing involves the racing of cars that only drive using the front wheels.

So far in her career, Greig has had many wins, some of which were very close. From 2012 up until now, she’s had 37 wins, placed top five in 105 races and placed top 10 in 119 races.

A close friend of Greig and a fellow racer,  sophomore Kendyll Smith, says many kids who race, including Greig,  have spent their whole lives around the track. She says many racers have parents who do the same, so they are no stranger to the track.

Smith feels that for her and many others, being raised in the racing environment has made it a big part of their lives.

“I’ve grown up around the track,” Smith said. “I’ve made friends here and been here my whole life. It’s been a great experience.”

According to Smith and Greig, being around the track and being on it are two very different realities.

Greig says that when a racer is on the track, the two things going through their mind are how they will win and how they will stay safe while doing so. Both of which Greig and Smith feel can be difficult tasks to complete.

“Everyone wants to be able to win, but every driver wants to be able to climb out of the car on their own too,” Smith said.

Being on the outside of the car, Smith says, a racer’s family is thinking the same things: hoping the driver stays safe and is able to win.

Smith says she knows that racing is a very dangerous sport, so seeing someone she cares about getting onto the track scares her. Greig can relate, seeing how she has had many close experiences with racing before.

“Every time my dad goes on the track, my heart drops,” Smith said. “You never know what to expect, and you never know if a loved one is going to get out of the car safe.”

Despite the dangers of racing, people like Greig and Smith still race. Both say it’s because of the thrill and happiness racing brings them.

Smith’s father, Jeffery Smith, says he can relate. Throughout  his 19 years of racing, his favorite part has

always been seeing the smiles on his friend’s and family’s faces when he steps off of the track.

“Seeing my wife and kids smiling and crying with excitement, that’s my favorite part,” Jeffery said.

For Smith, her favorite part

is the thrill of not knowing what’s coming and being able to see her father be proud of her skills.

For Greig, her favorite part is all of it but especially knowing she gets to do what she loves.

Winning or losing, each race is a new adventure for them because Greig and Smith say they never really know what’s next.

Each time they walk on the track, they hope to get first place. However, no matter what, they feel like they’re winning because they’re doing what they love.

“I love walking through the crowds after a race and hearing people compliment my driving,” Greig said. “It’s the best feeling in the world, and it makes me feel like I’ve found my place in the world.”