Tim Preston
The Independent
CANNONSBURG —
One of the two youngest dirt-track racers in the country will join members of BB’s car Club during their monthly Cruise-in this afternoon before heading out to a nearby track to compete this evening.
Kirk Phillips, 13, of Cannonsburg, will bring his No. 21 race car, sign autographs and talk to racing enthusiasts attending the car show from 2 to 5 p.m. today.
Phillips has been racing at Willard Speedway and 191 Speedway in an effort to accumulate points in the Super Late Model division. He is also slated to be featured in an upcoming edition of a magazine dedicated to dirt track racing.
The young racer’s father, Todd Phillips, said his son began racing motocross at the age of 4 and advanced to alcohol-fueled go-karts when he was 8 years old. The 13-year-old driver, who will be a freshman at Boyd County High School when school resumes, began racing in the Super Late Model class this year and has already earned the respect of other drivers as well as fans, his dad said.
In response to requests from race fans, Phillips said his son will have official shirts and race apparel available for sale during today’s Cruise-In at Kyova Mall.
BB’s Car Club spokesman Jim Hayner said the monthly car show at the mall will be from 4 to 9 p.m., with early registration starting at 2 p.m.
Despite a gloomy weather forecast, Hayner said last month’s car show featured about 250 vehicles. With clear skies predicted for this weekend, Hayner said he will not be surprised if 350 vehicles register for the June event, which features a beach party theme.
Hayner said the club’s cruise-in is open to all vehicles, and has previously included a pedal car, bicycles, firetrucks and tractors.
“Our car club, to join it, you don’t even have to own a car,” Hayner said. “You just have to love cars.”
July’s BB’s Car Club Cruise-In will be a “Salute To America”, with flags for all participants in addition to honoring the nation’s military veterans.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.
