When thinking of “traditional” sports, stock car racing is not usually the first to come to mind, but for one CHS student, it is all he can think about. Junior Christian McGhee is a top competitor in the sport of stock car racing, which is linked to the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). McGhee started driving at the age of nine and ever since then he has been addicted to the adrenaline-filled sport. McGhee was introduced to the sport because of his father, who owned the race team J&M Racing as McGhee grew up.

“I loved to go and watch and always wanted to try it,” McGhee said.

Trying NASCAR was very successful for him because he came in third in his debut race at the age of nine. Today, McGhee is ranked first in California and second in the nation. McGhee is placed according to the type of car he drives, meaning that he races against people that have cars of the same make-up an dengine as his. He is then ranked based off of how well he does in that league. Many people try to pursue the sport of NASCAR but not very many are able to be as good as McGhee at such a young age.

“My favorite part about racing is being able to race with guys that are twice my age and compete with them and rub fenders with guys who have been in NASCAR in previous years,” McGhee said.

Even though NASCAR is relatively well known, many people do not seem to understand that NASCAR is one of the most dangerous sports to compete in. There have been many serious injuries due to NASCAR racing, including fatal crashes and fractured or even broken bones, but McGhee seems to forget all of these fears when he gets in his car.

“When I strap the helmet on and get in the car, the butterflies dwindle away,” McGhee said.

Driving a racecar puts immense weight on the shoulders of someone who is barely able to drive with an actual automobile license, but McGhee works well under the tough pressure. McGhee drives within inches of other racers at speeds that surpass 140 mph and that itself takes a great deal of knowledge and skill.

Many athletes have someone that they look up to and strive to be. For McGhee, it is Kyle Larson, a 22-year old NASCAR driver who has achieved great things in his young life, including, but not limited to, winning the 2012 Turkey Night Grand Prix and becoming the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year.

“My idol in NASCAR would be Kyle Larson because he is a young kid and already doing really well. I idolize him because I’m also considered young in my division. I also really like his driving style,” McGhee said.
McGhee is a tough, skilled racer and it shows as he enjoys racing with big-name competitors. Although McGhee’s most recent season has ended, there is definitely more to come. McGhee has a bright future in the world of NASCAR.