5-year-old racer already a champion

Most 5-year-olds are just playing with race cars, but Presley Hackworth has been racing them for the last two summers. Don’t let his age fool you, though, he came out as the champion of Pocatello Raceway’s beginner box stock division this year — winning six out of 10 races.

To get the win, Hackworth beat out kids nearly double his age and size. When asked, he said his new tires helped him with his victories. Last year in his first season, he got 2nd place overall.

However, his dad Jerold Hackworth said his son has done more to help than just getting behind the wheel. If he’s in the garage working, Presley is most likely by his side helping.

“He’s changing the tires, greasing the chains, greasing the wheels — it’s commendable,” Jerold Hackworth said.

Presley’s grandfather Randy Hackworth decided to hang up his racing helmet after seeing his grandson do so well last year. He’s glad to see some good come out of his retirement.

“We put a lot into him and helped him a lot. It paid off for us in the end,” he said. “He won the championship, that’s pretty sweet for a 5-year-old.”

As for next year, Presley said he’s planning to win it all again. When asked about his strategy, he simply said, “The same thing.”

Since he became the champion this year, he qualifies to race in the intermediate level of the box stock division.

Jerold thanks the sponsors for helping make racing possible for his son to do.