Cedric Ritchey loves to race

Cedric Ritchey

Cedric Ritchey is only 7 years old and he is living his dream of racing. Cedric, son of Jonathon and Mary has been racing since his 5th birthday and he has been having fun ever since. You can see it in his face when he talks about racing his cars, this is what he loves to do. He has been racing 120 cu, 160 cu and box stock cars. No matter which car he is in, he is winning races.

Cedric is full of energy telling me about his racing while his younger brother Theo is right by his side, talking about how he is getting ready to race. Cedric talked about why he loves to race, he stated, "Because I really wanted to go fast. I watch the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and I wanna be just like them. I like going fast. I love racing so much." Cedric is so excited, he showed me his car and explained what the kill switch is, he said "The kill switch is to turn off the motor." The thrill in his face as he explains racing shows how much he loves the sport. When asked why he likes racing, he stated, "because I choose this sport, you know it's a sport?"

He has his favorite part of racing, he stated, "Getting first place and having fun going fast in all my racecars. And after the races we all play, throwing a football or playing tag." He has won several races, in the last 3 weeks he has won three first place in the box stock race and 160 cu, two 2nd place and one 3rd place.

The events have been in Salem, Oregon with a big race coming in February.

In February, Cedric will be racing at the Nascar Youth Series in Fontana, California. Cedric will be part of the opening for the great Nascar Cup Series where he will be leading cars driven by Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson and the other greats. He is so excited about this event, he couldn't help but say, "Kyle Busch is one of my favorites."

He has recently stepped up to box stock cars, he stated, "My favorite racecar is the box stock because it has wings on it and looks like a mini outlaw sprint car. Plus it has a motor on the side of it and goes the fastest of my race cars." His favorite car has been helping him win first place, who wouldn't love that.

Cedric loves his sport, when asked what advice he would give to other young kids, he stated, "Do it! Race to have fun and always do your best. It makes new friends. It's not about winning or losing. It's about having fun with your friends." He talks about his friend Piper and how they have fun together. He stated his most fun, "Racing in Yakima trying to beat my best friend Piper. I always have fun as long as I'm doing my best. When I win I get to do wing dances and everyone loves it."

His Dad Jonathon is also in racing, in the Hornet class. He spoke about getting his son into racing, he stated, "I grew up in the racing community and it's such a family oriented sport. The love everyone has to help everyone be on the track is phenomenal. When a kid breaks down, most of the time other parents all jump in to help get that kid back on track. And just watching him grow as a driver at only 7 years old is absolutely incredible to see the things he does." Jonathan's advice to other parents, "If you're thinking about it, my advice is buy that car and get your kid into it! You'll create so many lifelong friends and skills. It's such a family sport you will literally have a second or third family. Plus who doesn't wanna say their child is a racecar driver? You can also see the pride in his face when he talks about racing with his sons, this is a family event and they all enjoy it immensely.

Theo, Cedric's younger brother who is 5 years old is also starting to race. Why does he want to race, he stated, "Because I like my brother and I like doing things with him. I wanna have a mullet like him and win just like him."

Racing is not a cheap adventure for any family, the Ritchey's live in Toledo which is all about community. Several businesses have sponsored Cedric in Toledo which has made it possible for him to race. He just recently started to race in box stock, the car is owned by Canon MotorSports. Cedric is able to keep his earnings and they pay his entry fees, which helps the family in the long run.

Spending time talking and watching these young boys talk about racing cars was such a treat, they lit up when they talked. It was obvious it was a family sport with everyone participating in the events. We will be keeping an eye on this young man as he continues to race cars and make Toledo proud! Keep up the good work Cedric, we look forward to talking more about the races you will be winning.