Approaching the finish line, Hunter Young is already prepared for his next race
GROVEPORT – A third-generation sprint car racer, Hunter Young was injured in an accident in 2021 and spent 25 days in the burn unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Young, a Teays Valley High School student in the Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools’ Pre-Engineering program, is having quite the senior year and is looking forward to summer, not because there is a break or vacation on the horizon, but because the opportunity of a lifetime awaits.
As part of a social studies assignment last year, he wrote to State Senator Bob Peterson requesting his help to shine a light on the importance of establishing a state-recognized Burn Awareness Week. Thanks in part to Young’s testimony in front of the Ohio Senate, Governor DeWine recently signed a law whereby Burn Awareness Week will be recognized in Ohio the first week in February each year beginning in 2024.
“I didn’t think anything would come of this,” said Young. “Hopefully it will encourage others to take action on things they really care about though.”
Speaking of things he really cares about, in February he underwent another surgery to relieve tension in his foot as a result of his racing accident nearly two years ago. The care he’s received at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the connections he’s made with the staff and other patients have ignited a passion for giving back whenever and however he can. Last December was his second year collecting gifts and fundraising for his annual toy drive. He collected $5,000 worth of toys in just two weeks, which he then donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. And recently, he wrapped up a clothing drive for hospital patients in which he collected more than 100 items of clothing.
And, as part of being named a Patient Champion for Nationwide Children’s, he was introduced to none other than retired NASCAR racing star, Dale Earnhardt Jr. What happened next was beyond his wildest imagination. After sharing his racing experiences and love for engineering, Earnhardt offered him an internship set to kick off this June. If things go well, Earnhardt has already indicated there is an opportunity for Young to earn a college scholarship and possibly a permanent spot on the JR Motorsports team.
Young still has a lot to accomplish before he graduates. He says that he is simply taking one day at a time. He won his SkillsUSA event in early March, which involved reverse engineering a part on a CNC machine based on a blueprint, and is headed to the state competition for the second year in a row. He will also be preparing for what could potentially be his last racing season.
As if that wasn't enough, he’s soaking up as much information as he can working for his dad at his engineering firm, TMR Products, which is one of the largest quarter-midget car part manufacturers in the U.S. He is also engaged in his work-based learning opportunity with Murray Display Fixtures Ltd. in nearby Grove City, where he recently took on a new role overseeing all of the company’s CAD software.
Young says that a lot can happen in just a few months, but he has many options. If his internship with JR Motorsports concludes in July, he has North Carolina State University in his sights, where he would enroll to study mechanical and aerospace engineering.
He proves that with passion, drive, and excellent time management skills, you can do anything you set your mind to.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Approaching the Finish Line, Hunter Young is Already Prepared For His Next Race
