Tishomingo County Teen Chasing NASCAR Dream at Just 16 Years Old

In the quiet stretches of Tishomingo County, Mississippi, where winding roads meet wide-open dreams, 16-year-old Carter Mitchell is setting his sights on something far beyond the horizon: a career in NASCAR.

While most teenagers are just starting to think about college or their first job, Carter has already strapped into the driver’s seat—literally. With a racing helmet on his head and the roar of a late model stock car beneath him, he’s chasing a dream that’s been with him since childhood.

“I remember watching races with my dad when I was five,” Carter said, standing beside his car at the local short track. “Ever since then, I knew this was what I wanted to do.”

Carter began racing go-karts at the age of 10, quickly climbing the ranks in regional competitions. By 13, he was winning regularly against drivers twice his age. Now, with sponsorship support from a handful of local businesses and a dedicated team behind him, Carter is making the jump into late model racing—one of the key stepping stones on the road to NASCAR.

What sets Carter apart isn’t just his natural talent behind the wheel, but his relentless work ethic. Between high school classes and helping at his family’s repair shop, he spends nearly every weekend at the track—studying data, turning wrenches, and logging laps.

“It’s not just about driving fast,” he explained. “It’s about understanding the car, reading the track, working with your crew. Every detail matters.”

Carter’s dream doesn’t come without challenges. Funding is always a struggle, and racing at higher levels requires resources far beyond what many families can afford. But that hasn’t stopped the teen or his community from pushing forward.

“We’ve got folks in Tishomingo County who’ve come out of the woodwork to help,” said Carter’s mother, Melissa Mitchell. “People believe in him. They want to see one of our own make it to the big leagues.”

Carter’s next big test comes later this summer at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, where scouts from NASCAR’s development series often keep an eye on rising talent. It’s a pressure-packed opportunity—but he’s ready for it.

“My goal is to make it to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series by the time I’m 18,” he said. “From there, I’ll take it one step at a time. I know it’s a long road, but I’m all in.”

As the sun sets over Tishomingo County, Carter Mitchell’s engine is just getting warmed up. And if his drive is any indication, NASCAR may be seeing a new star from Mississippi before long.