Shelby Stanley is a multi-sport phenom from Coeburn, Virginia, who splits her time between dominating high school athletics at Eastside High School and wheeling stock cars around Lonesome Pine Speedway—proof that some people really can do it all.

EARLY YEARS

Growing up in southwest Virginia’s racing territory, Stanley came from a family steeped in motorsports. Her father, Jamie, was already entrenched in the local racing scene, which meant she grew up around the smell of burning rubber and the roar of engines. Racing wasn’t just a hobby in the Stanley household—it was the family business. But before she ever strapped into a race car, Shelby was making a name for herself on basketball courts and cross country courses across the region.

OTHER INTERESTS

When she’s not behind the wheel or suited up for a race, Stanley is an absolute powerhouse in high school athletics. She competes in cross country, basketball, softball, and volleyball for Eastside High School, racking up accolades that would make any athletic department proud. Her list of sports is so extensive it reads like she’s trying to personally keep the entire athletic program afloat. As a junior, she won the Virginia state cross country championship with a blistering time of 19:58.9, leaving 95 other runners in her wake[1]. She was also part of Eastside’s state championship girls basketball team and placed as state runner-up in cross country another year[2]. Her mother, Brandi, noted that Shelby is “a very humble kid” and that she has to “pull some excitement out of her sometimes,” which is the most mom way of saying your daughter is annoyingly good at everything and won’t even brag about it[3].

EARLY SUCCESS

Stanley made her racing debut at Lonesome Pine Speedway—affectionately known as “The Pine”—in Coeburn, literally in her own backyard. She settled into the Sportsman Car division for her first full season, learning the ropes of stock car racing on the 3/8-mile asphalt oval where local legends are made[4]. In the opener at Lonesome Pine, she finished third, an impressive start for someone juggling a race car with a full roster of varsity sports[5]. The Stanley racing operation got a boost from fellow racer Chase, who houses their cars in his Blountville shop while continuing his own successful run on the track[6]. Jamie works alongside his daughter as crew chief and mentor, creating a true family racing effort. Shelby’s early races at Lonesome Pine were documented on her growing YouTube channel, where she shares race footage and the experience of piloting a 500-horsepower machine as a female driver in a male-dominated sport[7].

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• State champion in cross country as a junior at Eastside High School with a winning time of 19:58.9[1].
• State runner-up in cross country[2].
• Member of Eastside High School’s state championship girls basketball team[2].
• Third-place finish in her opener at Lonesome Pine Speedway in the Sportsman Car division[5].
• Second-place finish in a Twin 30 race at Lonesome Pine Raceway[8].

INSPIRATIONS

Stanley’s racing inspiration comes directly from her father, Jamie, who has been a fixture in the local racing community. Growing up watching him compete and work on cars gave her a front-row education in what it takes to be competitive on the track. The family atmosphere extends beyond just her dad—her mother Brandi is a constant presence at the track, managing the behind-the-scenes details and offering quiet support even when Shelby’s trademark humility keeps her emotions in check[3].

REPUTATION

In southwest Virginia, Stanley has built a reputation as someone who doesn’t pick a lane—she dominates all of them. She’s known as a fierce competitor whether she’s running cross country, draining three-pointers, or diving into turn one at Lonesome Pine. Local media has profiled her multiple times, highlighting her rare ability to excel in both traditional high school sports and the rough-and-tumble world of stock car racing[9]. Her humility, noted by her mother and coaches alike, makes her stand out even more in a sport where egos often run as hot as the engines. On the track, she’s earned respect as a serious racer, not just a novelty act—a young woman who can handle a powerful race car and hold her own against more experienced competitors.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

As a member of Eastside High School’s Class of 2026, Stanley still has time to add to her already impressive résumé[10]. She continues to compete in the Sportsman Car division at Lonesome Pine Speedway while chasing more state titles in cross country and basketball. Her YouTube channel suggests she’s thinking about her brand and her future in motorsports, engaging with fans and building a following that extends beyond her local track[7]. Whether she pursues racing full-time after high school or continues to balance multiple sports, one thing is clear: Shelby Stanley isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

REFERENCES

[1] PM Boys Harriers Defend State Title, Lee All-State In Girls’ Race – The News-Gazette
[2] Shelby at the Wheel: Local teen makes her mark in a stock car racing family – WCYB
[3] Shelby at the Wheel: Local teen makes her mark in a stock car racing family – WCYB
[4] Shelby at the Wheel: Local teen makes her mark in a stock car racing family – WCYB
[5] Kingsport Speedway reaches halfway point of season – Times News
[6] Shelby at the Wheel: Local teen makes her mark in a stock car racing family – WCYB
[7] Shelby Stanley – YouTube
[8] Second place at Lonesome Pine Raceway! – YouTube
[9] Eastside’s Shelby Stanley shines in athletics and racing – WCYB
[10] Shelby Stanley – Hudl