Cassidy Keitt

Cassidy Keitt is a rising North Carolina racer who’s been turning heads since she climbed into a go-kart at seven years old, and she’s not slowing down—whether she’s beating boys two years older or making her Late Model debut with NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program.

EARLY YEARS

Cassidy got into racing after a conversation with her uncle, Ryan Sparks—who happens to be a NASCAR Cup Series crew chief—when she was just a kid. At eight years old, she was already dominating on the track, leaving competitors (mostly boys) in her dust. She started her racing career at age seven in go-karts at Millbridge Speedway, competing in Beginner Boxstock carts. Her first win came in that same category, and by age ten, she was already in her third year of racing and beating kids two to three years older. Racing runs deep in the family—her grandfather, Bobby Sparks, is a former racer himself, and her dad, Justin Keitt, along with her uncle Ryan and grandfather Bobby, all believed early on that Cassidy had the talent to go as far as she wanted in the sport.

OTHER INTERESTS

Off the track, Cassidy is deeply involved with her church and helps her family with volunteer work through Meals on Wheels and Project Hope. She’s also a dog lover—she has two labs, a chocolate named Jewel and a yellow named Banjo. When she’s not racing or volunteering, she’s just a regular kid trying to balance school, friends, and a full-throttle racing career.

EARLY SUCCESS

By age ten, Cassidy was already making waves in karting, impressing seasoned racers and family members alike with her aggressive, front-running style. She transitioned from karts to INEX Legends cars, where she continued to prove she belonged. In 2022, she became the Young Lions Winter Heat Champion, winning two races throughout the season. That same year, she earned multiple top-five finishes at the Cookout Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Her success didn’t go unnoticed—at fourteen, she was selected to participate in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine in Mooresville, one of only a handful of girls in attendance. She told reporters at the time that she wanted to see more women participate in racing, and she was determined to be an example.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2022: Young Lions Winter Heat Champion, winning two races[1].
• 2022: Multiple top-five finishes at the Cookout Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway in U.S. Legend Cars[2].
• 2024: Selected for the 20th anniversary class of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program with Rev Racing[3].
• 2024: Competed in INEX Legends series, finishing 42nd in final national point standings[4].
• 2025: Made Late Model Stock Car debut with Rev Racing at Florence Motor Speedway[5].
• 2025: Competed in Hickory Motor Speedway Twin 40s and additional Late Model events across North Carolina[6].

INSPIRATIONS

Cassidy’s love for racing was sparked by her uncle, Ryan Sparks, a NASCAR Cup Series crew chief who introduced her to the sport. Her family’s racing legacy—particularly her grandfather Bobby Sparks, a former racer—gave her both the encouragement and the foundation to pursue her dreams. She’s also built a connection with Austin Dillon through her sponsor, Andy’s Frozen Custard, which has supported her career. Austin helped facilitate that partnership, giving Cassidy not just financial backing but also a role model in the NASCAR world. At fourteen, she met NASCAR drivers and attended her first Daytona 500, soaking in everything she could about what it takes to make it at the highest level.

REPUTATION

Cassidy is known for her tough, front-running racing style and her refusal to back down, even when she’s the only girl on the grid. She’s earned respect from competitors, crew chiefs, and fans for consistently finishing inside the top five and holding her own against older, more experienced drivers. Her family initially had reservations about her racing, aware of the risks and the male-dominated culture, but Cassidy’s talent and determination quickly won them over. She’s become a visible example for other young women in motorsports, proving that racing isn’t just for the boys. Her work with the Drive for Diversity program has positioned her as not just a competitor, but a trailblazer.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

In 2025, Cassidy stepped into Late Model Stock Cars with Rev Racing, competing at tracks like Hickory Motor Speedway, Florence Motor Speedway, Ace Speedway, and Tri-County Speedway. She’s continuing her training and development with the goal of moving up the NASCAR ladder. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, she’s focused on gaining seat time, building her resume, and proving she has what it takes to compete at the highest levels of stock car racing. She knows the first ten laps of any race decide whether anyone sees you at lap 100—and she’s determined to be seen.

REFERENCES

[1] In the Pits with Cassidy Keitt | INEX Series
[2] NASCAR and Rev Racing Announce 20th NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Class
[3] Youth Female Kart Driver Continues to Impress | WS Chronicle
[4] Cassidy Keitt | Andy’s Frozen Custard
[5] Cassidy Keitt’s 2026 | The Charlotte Mercury
[6] Cassidy Keitt Ready For Florence Motor Speedway Late Model Debut | Rev Racing
[7] NASCAR’s Combine in Mooresville Works to Fuel a Diverse Crop of Talent Into Racing | WFAE
[8] Young Lady Dominates Boys on the Track | Winston-Salem Chronicle
[9] 14-year-old Cassidy Keitt Discusses Racing Career | YouTube
[10] Rev Racing Will See Action Across North Carolina | Rev Racing