WATSONVILLE—Kaiden Gowen is just 8 years old, but he already has a three-year racing career under his belt, and a handful of local and state championship wins to show for it.
He competes in quarter midget racing, which uses vehicles that are one-quarter the size of a midget racecar on a 1/20-mile oval track. It is designed for kids age 5-16
His two cars can reach speeds of about 30 miles per hour.
Kaiden said he was inspired to become a racecar driver when he was 4, and saw the sprint car races at Ocean Speedway. He went for a test drive at Baylands Midget Racing Club in San Jose and was hooked.
He now boasts local championships there, and with the California Monza Series — the biggest midget car series in the state.
Kaiden said he plans to move to bigger cars – and possibly racetracks such as Ocean Speedway – just before he reaches his teens.
“When I’m 12 I’ll have six years of racing experience,” Kaiden said.
Kaiden is in third grade at Watsonville Charter School of the Arts. He said he enjoys the speed and the challenge of the races.
“It’s fun,” he said. “I like the competition.”
Kaiden’s grandfather Mark Gowen said that racing has also taught Kaiden mechanics, as well as the finer points of competitive driving.
“That’s the neat thing,” he said. “You’re learning a lot more than racing.”
