Youngster Racing for the Lord...

Thirteen-year-old Simon Yates is one of the youngest racers to ever race at Highland Rim Speedway, located in Greenbrier, Tennessee.  He began his racing career last year, racing in the Pro Truck Series Racing Division.  Although there were many scrapes, bruises, busted fenders and sweaty hands, Yates still proved to be an up and coming pro driver in the making, and was awarded the Rookie Of The Year trophy, on Jan. 20 at the 2006 Thunder Racing Series Awards Banquet held in Nashville.

“As with any driver, we are glad to have Simon racing here at The Rim, but I was impressed by his determination to win, especially when it came to him winning the 100-lapper last year,” Larry Gerleve, Rim track owner said.

It all started when Yates was just a kid.  It was career day at Coopertown Elementary School, and all he wanted to be was a race car driver.  Even though he was only in kindergarten, he suited up, and wore his Dale Earnhardt #3 racing uniform.  Now, still a youngster, he is living his childhood dream and racing as much as possible, determining one day, if it be the Lord’s will, to race NASCAR.  But racing for Yates is not just a joy ride or physical activity, it is a spiritual mindset. 

When asked, Why he chose number 33?  “Well, it was about how old Jesus was, when He gave his life, died on the cross and rose again, so that we who believe can be forgiven, and have a home in Heaven,” Yates explained.  

Yates also races the logo S.W.A.T. TEENS^TM on the hood and sides of his truck.  “We are a group of teens who all have the same desire to do right, serve our community, be patriotic and live for God.  We all are ‘Saved With A Testimony,’” he said.

Yates support group is closely knit to the local church he attends in Greenbrier known as Calvary Baptist Church.  “I am thankful for the way the Lord uses our talents, as we submit ourselves to His service, like Simon has, to further perpetuated the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Jorgen Runquist, youth pastor and director of S.W.A.T. TEENS^TM, said.  “I am also thankful Simon has accepted the open door invitation, extended to all, giving us the opportunity to be his support group, while ministering to his every day needs.” 

Yates has several other local community sponsors such as: Edwards Home Improvements, Springfield Reality, Perry Roofing, Transmission Exchange and M & M Metals, and is looking to add a few others in racing season 2007.

Thankful for the support he has been blessed with, not only from his parents, Allan and Rhonda Yates, but also from his friends, fans, youth group and ARP Stock Car Bodies.  “If it were not for The Criswells and ARP Stock Car Bodies, I wouldn’t be on the track, ‘cause they provide our racing products, as well as Jerry Fitzgerald who builds and keeps our racing pro truck engine at top performance,” Yates explained.

Simon Yates took home several awards during the 2006 Thunder Racing Series Awards Banquet such as: Pit Crew Award, Fifth Place In Points, Most Popular Driver and Rookie Of the Year, and is looking forward to Racing Season 2007 at “The Rim” which begins in March.  For more information on racing times and dates visit: www.highlandrim.com, and cheer on Simon Yates #33 as he continues racing for the Lord.  For information on Simon Yates Racing call: 1-877-SWAT-USA.