Kayla Martin

Kayla Martin is a third-generation sprint car racer from Indiana who started her racing career at just four-and-a-half years old and has rapidly climbed the ranks from quarter midgets to 305 sprint cars, all while still being a teenager.

EARLY YEARS

Racing isn’t just in Kayla’s blood—it’s practically her DNA. She’s the daughter of sprint car racer AJ Martin and the granddaughter of stock car racer Don Martin, plus micro sprint racers Dave Sams and Cyndi. With a family tree like that, it’s no surprise that Kayla was strapped into a quarter midget racecar before she could spell her own name. At four-and-a-half years old, she started tearing up tracks in .25 midget cars, a pint-sized powerhouse from the beginning.

Growing up in Indiana’s tight-knit racing community meant weekends at the track weren’t just about competition—they were family gatherings with fuel fumes and checkered flags. Kayla watched her dad and grandparents navigate the highs and lows of motorsports, learning early that success required not just speed, but grit, mechanical know-how, and the ability to shake off a bad race and come back stronger. She soaked it all in, determined to carve out her own legacy while honoring the family tradition.

OTHER INTERESTS

When she’s not at the track, Kayla is a student at Bethesda Christian High School in Brownsburg, Indiana, where she played volleyball and balanced the demanding schedule of competitive racing with school commitments. She’s deeply involved in her community and has positioned herself as a role model for younger racers, particularly girls looking to break into motorsports. Her willingness to mentor the next generation shows she’s thinking beyond her own checkered flags—she wants to open doors for others, too.

EARLY SUCCESS

Kayla didn’t just show up to race—she showed up to win. In quarter midget racing through the Quarter Midgets of America (QMA), she racked up multiple championships, including titles in Jr. Honda, Sr. Honda, and Light 160 divisions. By the time she aged out of quarter midgets, she’d already proven she could handle pressure, adapt to different cars, and consistently finish at the front of the pack.

From there, she moved up to 600cc micro sprints, racing throughout the Midwest and quickly adapting to the increased speed and competition. The transition wasn’t without its challenges—micro sprints demand precision and aggression in equal measure—but Kayla handled it with the confidence of someone who’d been raised in garages and victory lanes. Her ability to adapt quickly to each new class became her trademark, a skill that would serve her well as she continued climbing the ladder.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• Multiple Years: Three-time QMA quarter midget champion in Jr. Honda, Sr. Honda, and Light 160 divisions.
• By Age 17: Advanced to competing in 305 sprint cars throughout the Midwest, demonstrating rapid progression through racing’s ranks.
• Career: Consistently competed in micro sprint and sprint car events across Indiana and surrounding states, building experience in highly competitive regional racing circuits.

INSPIRATIONS

Kayla’s biggest inspirations are the ones who taught her how to turn a wrench before she could reach the pedals. Her father, AJ Martin, has been her mentor, crew chief, and biggest supporter, offering advice that balances encouragement with real talk. Her grandfather Don Martin and grandmother Cyndi also played pivotal roles in shaping her understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level year after year. She’s spoken openly about how her family’s racing legacy motivates her to push harder, not to live up to expectations, but to add her own chapter to the story.

Beyond family, Kayla draws inspiration from the women who’ve broken barriers in sprint car racing, proving that talent and determination matter more than gender. She uses her platform to encourage young girls to get involved in motorsports, showing them that they belong in the driver’s seat, not just in the stands.

REPUTATION

In the Midwest sprint car scene, Kayla has earned respect for being a smart, aggressive racer who’s willing to do the hard work both on and off the track. She’s not just showing up to drive—she’s learning the mechanics of her car, understanding setups, and constantly working to improve. That hands-on approach has made her a serious competitor, even at a young age.

She’s also gained recognition as an ideal brand ambassador and role model, someone who represents the sport well beyond race day. Whether she’s mentoring younger racers or participating in community events, Kayla carries herself with maturity and professionalism. Her involvement in fostering women in racing has made her a visible advocate for inclusivity in a sport that’s still overwhelmingly male. Peers and fans alike see her as someone who’s not just fast—she’s thoughtful, driven, and genuinely invested in making motorsports better for everyone.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Kayla has made no secret of her dream: racing at Eldora Speedway, one of the most iconic dirt tracks in the country. It’s the kind of goal that separates dreamers from doers, and everything she’s working toward points in that direction. As she continues to gain experience in 305 sprint cars, she’s positioning herself for bigger opportunities in regional and national sprint car racing.

Beyond her own driving ambitions, she’s committed to continuing her mentorship work with young women in motorsports, ensuring the next generation has the support and visibility she’s fought to build. Her 2026 racing schedule is still being finalized, but one thing’s for certain—wherever Kayla Martin ends up, she’ll be racing hard and inspiring others along the way.

REFERENCES

Kayla Martin Racing – Official Website
Kayla Martin Racing Career Profile – Driver Database
Kayla Martin Talks Racing, Family, and Dreams of Eldora Speedway – Chatpods
Kayla Martin – YouTube Channel
IMCA Sprint Car State Points
Cynthia Rae Bozard-Whiteside Obituary – Kokomo Tribune