- April 19, 2024
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Lucas Sobczak has competed in 20 races, placed in 18 and won eight in his first year of go-kart racing.
Sitting on the couch of his Palm Coast home, Lucas Sobczak tries to gather his thoughts. He’s sporting a blue Speed Racer T-shirt, and rightly so. When asked why he loves racing go-karts so much, it’s simple for the 7-year-old.
“It’s all about having a quick mind,” Lucas said. “If you have a quick mind, you can race. If there’s a spinout or a crash in front of you, you need to react quickly. I like it because I have passion for it, and it’s hard but it’s good on the brain.”
Lucas, a homeschooled first grader, began racing go-karts in May 2010. He saved up his allowance for almost two years until he purchased his first go-kart in Orlando. The plan was to take the kart home and drive it around and maybe race in the future. After driving it for the first time the day he bought it, however, Lucas told his parents he was ready to race.
On May 22, Lucas’ second day ever driving the kart, he took fourth place in the Florida Karting Championship Series Kid Kart race. That race was the only time Lucas didn’t finish in the top three until two weeks ago.
Video games and perseverance
Over the past seven months, Lucas has competed in 20 races, placing in the top three in all but two, and claiming first place in eight.
In August 2010, Lucas competed in a race at Monticello, in Tallahassee. Lucas spun out twice during the finals, but was able to overcome the time and finish in first place.
“He taught me a lesson about perseverance because I had given up and, to me, that’s amazing,” said Isabel, who is Lucas’ mother.
Recently, Lucas switched divisions, and now competes in the Micromax division — which is primarily for older children — and the karts go about 10 mph faster. In Lucas’ first race, he took second place Jan. 15, in the Ocala Grand Prix Spring Local Points Series race.
Tough race in Miami
Over the weekend of Jan. 29, Lucas brought his talents to South Beach. He competed in his second Micromax race in Homestead. Heading into the race, Lucas was experiencing problems with his kart. Up to two days before leaving for South Florida, Lucas’ kart wasn’t starting. But it was fixed just in time for the race.
In the finals, Lucas crashed but was able to finish the race safely, but in last place.
“This race provided an opportunity for learning racing skills as well as fostering character growth,” Isabel said.
Isabel said her son’s involvement in racing has been great for their family.
“It has unified us a lot, and we’re always together,” Isabel said. “I love that the sport includes everyone, and it’s very family-oriented.”
Isabel also said racing has even helped Lucas focus in school.
When Lucas isn’t studying, he’s honing his skills by playing video games. Racing games, of course.
