Nick Hutchins I spent last Saturday morning with a potential star in the racing world.

Local United Auto Racing Association (UARA) Stars racer, Nick Hutchins, met me at his shop at 9 am. He had been up until 3 am in the shop working on his car to get it ready to race at Bristol.

Nick is more than just the driver. On this small family–owned race team, he also functions as chief mechanic, set–up man, crew chief and business manager. The rest of his team is composed of his parents, who have dedicated their life savings to help Nick achieve his dream of becoming a full time racecar driver for a major sponsor; his fabricator, Mike Adams; and tire and gas man, Mike Kruger.

Only a few days before the big race and Nick Hutchins’ car still needs front fenders and a new rear end. Although Nick is only 20 years old, he is already a veteran of sorts having raced the go–cart circuit since age ten. For most of his go–cart career he was a factory driver and enjoyed the benefits of corporate sponsorship.

Since entering the UARA Stars Program, Nick has raced for a small independent family–owned and operated team. He has also received help from Adam Mosher at Amsoil, H and J Company of Columbia, Joe Edens, Naylor Racing Engines, W P (Wesley Page) Racing Shocks, Cuttino’s Collision, Greg Marlowe, Billy Cagle, and Greg Porr.

Nick Hutchins dons his racing suit. Lacking a big corporate sponsor, money is the chief obstacle to Nick’s ability to race more and win more. Last year he raced 15 races, won one, and placed in the top 10 seven times. But it is hard to keep things going well with such a small crew and limited funds. Nick is constantly looking for a sponsor or an opportunity to enter a driver development program for one of the established race teams.

Nick says there is no way to communicate the feeling of exhilaration he feels when he is behind the wheel of a racecar going 130 mph into the corners. “It’s living a dream a lot of people never get to do so I am really lucky to be able to get in that car.”

One of the chief advantages of being part of a small family–owned team is the deep relationship Nick has formed with his parents. They are all focused on his dream and working together has brought them closer than most families will ever be. Although it sometimes creates stress in their relationship they have used this common goal to keep Nick on the right track.

Nick lives a clean life…no drinking, no smoking, no substance abuse, and no partying because he wants to stay in top racing form and set a good example for other young people.

Aside from racing, Nick is the drummer for a band, Resound. The band has already cut several demos and is booking gigs around the Columbia area between races. He also works as a server at Ruby Tuesdays to help cover expenses and is a student at Midlands Tech trying to finish an associate of arts degree.

Nick got his start because of a bad break….literally. Due to an accident when he was eight, his leg was severely broken. As a result, Nick was forbidden to participate in physical sports where hard contact might stress and re–injure his leg. He began to race a go–cart around the yard. His parents were quick to notice his skill and talent, and the rest is history.

Before long Nick was a factory sponsored go–cart racer with a great record. When he was old enough, he entered the world of asphalt racing. Nick has proved his skill as a driver and proved that he can place in the top ten on a regular basis. Now all he needs is for someone in the racing world to notice him and take a chance on sponsoring a clear headed, hard working American kid or hiring him to drive for an established team.

Nick donned his racing suit to pose for a few pictures with his wounded car. During his last race, he was racing well when something went squirrelly in the rear–end. When they got the car back to the shop, the rear end was shot and in need of professional attention.

Nick had just gotten his motor back from being repaired and in the car when we talked, but the rear-end was headed to Charlotte Sunday morning. Front fenders go on this week, and the car will have to have new hubs, studs, and lug nuts to withstand the stresses of Bristol, which is one of the toughest tracks on the circuit.

Right before I left, I asked Nick what he thought it would take to build a successful race team. He shook his head and said, “Good equipment and good people are essential, and everyone having a clear objective. If I were to get the opportunity to drive for someone and get a sponsor, I know I have the capability to do a good job. I’m a good risk because I live a clean life and am totally dedicated to what I do.”

It hurts Nick to see the example that some professional athletes set for youngsters today and while he knows that outrageous behavior gets them noticed, he wants to make it on his skill as a driver and continue to set a good example.

I am glad he decided to spend some time talking to me so early on a Saturday morning as he feverishly prepared for his biggest race of the year. It made me feel important when he gave me his time and a little warm and fuzzy to know that kids can live their dreams if they focus, work, hard and stay secure within their friends and family. Go Nick! With your CAN DO attitude, you can do anything you set your mind to!

For more information on Hutchins’ racing or the band, Resound, you can email hutchten@aol.com.

John Dixon is a seventh grader at Cardinal Newman Middle School