Lefty’s Reading Challenge Merges Motor Culture & Learning Skills For A Win

Kyle Larson, 20-year-old Yonese - fourth generation Japanese - is a California native.  He is not going to miss college at this time of his life but last week, he was back to school to present cash prizes to schools who complete Auto Club Speedway's youth initiative known as Lefty’s Reading Challenge. Image Credit: Albert Wong

Lefty’s Reading Challenge Merges Motor Culture & Learning Skills For A Win

More than 110,000 elementary school students from San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles Counties are on track to read over 700,000 books during Lefty’s Reading Challenge for a chance to win thousands of dollars for their school libraries.  The challenge, named after Auto Club Speedway mascot Lefty, is part of Auto Club Speedway’s Youth initiative.

 Oakmont Elementary Schools with enrollment up to 600 students won a cash prize of $2,000. Here Kyle Larson presents the cash prizes and membership cards to students who completed Lefty’s Reading Challenge. Image Credit: Albert Wong

All students who successfully complete the challenge receive a Certificate of Completion and free admission for themselves and their parent or guardian to NASCAR Qualifying Day on Friday, March 22 and the NASCAR Royal Purple 300 on Saturday, March 23.  In addition, each student receives a free membership card to Lefty’s Kids Club which provides great benefits such as free admission to NASCAR and INDYCAR races at Auto Club Speedway and much more!

Ted Porter Elementary School with enrollment of 601+ students won a cash prize of $3,000. Here Kyle Larson presents the cash prizes and membership cards to students who completed Lefty’s Reading Challenge. Image Credit: Albert Wong

Kyle Larson will be racing on Saturday, March 23 in the NASCAR Nationwide Royal Purple 300.

Larson winning record in racing's minor leagues is turning heads throughout the sport.  He is one of the hottest prospects in American motor racing with his eye toward joining NASCAR's best driver.

Larson made over 500 Outlaw Sprint Kart starts in eight years, collecting a total of 27 championships, 129 A-main wins and four Rookie of the Year awards.

After making his first start in a midget car at 13 years old, Larson became the youngest driver to participate, and win, in a dirt Sprint Car in the state of California in 2007 at the age of 14.That same year, continuing his streak of young successes, Larson became the first driver under the age of 16 to compete in a World of Outlaws Sprint Car.

*2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Champion in his first full season of stock car competition

*Collected three top-10’s, including a runner-up finish;led 91 laps in four NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts

*One of two drivers to sweep USAC 4-Crown Nationals, Winning in Silver Crown, Sprint Cars and Midgets in one night

*Finished second in his Daytona International Speedway debut in the ARCA Racing Series in February 2013
(ht: Albert Wong)

... notes from The EDJE