While most kids his age are busy working on their jump shot or perfecting their ability to skate backwards, Joey Silas is pursuing a different sporting dream.
The 17-year-old Port Coquitlam resident races cars and is gearing to win his third Mini Stock Championship with his No. 8 1990 Nissan 240SX at the Agassiz Speedway this weekend.
“Racing is my passion,” he said.
For Silas, racing is a family affair.
He said his dad is continually working to make sure his car is safe and ready for each race and he has a host of local businesses helping him keep his vehicle on the road.
Silas started out racing quarter midget cars in Aldergrove when he was six years old. Over the years, he has travelled extensively around Washington and California, competing and often winning various races.
When he turned 13 he got his first stock car and started racing in the mini stock class at Agassiz. He won his first championship in 2014 — the youngest ever driver to take the top prize at the track — and now he is hoping to take his third consecutive title this weekend.
He will also compete in the late model class and is hoping to garner rookie of the year recognition in that division.
The championship race gets underway Saturday night at the Agassiz Speedway. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and the racing starts at 7 p.m., featuring mini stock, street stock, late model, hornet and midget classes.
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