Name Spencer Hite // 31
Age: 8
Team: Team Nitro
2025 Classes Cadet & Micro-swift
2025 Series: Trackhouse Karting Challenge, CKNA National Races
Kart racing is more than just a sport, it’s a relentless pursuit of precision, focus, and pure passion. For one young driver, the spark to race was ignited at the tender age of 2.5, and it has since fueled a journey that’s been marked by determination, challenges, and the thrill of competition. Today, this racer is breaking barriers, carving a path in the world of motorsport, and inspiring others to never give up on their dreams.
The Spark That Ignited a Lifelong Passion
For this karting champion, the racing journey began when his mother, Laeun, seeing Spencer’s unwavering desire, took him to Oreville Kart Club, the local track that would change everything. At just 2.5 years old, the sight of racing ignited an unshakable passion. It wasn’t long before the family built a dirt track at home, and with it came the introduction of the “Mud Monster,” a recreational kart. At the age of just five, Spencer got his first taste of competitive action in the Comer kid kart and 206 champ kart.
“I saw karts racing and I knew it was what I wanted to do,” he recalls. That was the beginning of a commitment to the sport, and the hunger to race would only grow from there.
Mental Toughness: Staying Calm and Focused Under Pressure
Kart racing demands more than just speed; it requires laser-sharp focus and a calm mind, especially when every second counts. When asked how he mentally prepares before a race, there’s no elaborate routine. “I just relax and keep my body and mind calm,” he explains. For him, staying grounded is key. There’s a certain peace in simplicity, and it’s in that space where the magic happens.
Overcoming the Toughest Challenges
Every racer faces challenges that test their limits. For this driver, Cup Karts Grand Nationals 8 was a defining moment—a race that demanded everything. “I was competing with the best of the best,” he says. Starting 2nd and falling to fourth on the start, it seemed like the odds were stacked against him. Negative thoughts crept in, but instead of succumbing to the pressure, he dug deep and pushed forward. Through moments of frustration and missteps, he persevered, seizing an opportunity when the leaders took each other out. It was a hard-fought victory, but it was one that proved his resilience.
And then came Daytona Kartweek 2025, a race that tested him in ways he never expected. After battling mechanical issues in Briggs 206, he found himself starting from the back twice. “I wanted to give up,” he admits, but instead, he fought his way through the pack, never losing sight of his goal. By the end, he had secured a 13th place finish (out of class of 28), a testament to his unwavering determination and belief in his own ability to succeed, no matter the obstacles.
The Pressure of Competition: Rising to the Challenge
Moving from kid kart to cadet and micro-swift was a meaningful change, and the competition only intensified. “In kid kart, I was the best, but moving up, it’s a lot harder. You must hit your marks every time, and one small mistake can cost you a lot,” he explains. The pressure is real, but so is the thrill of the challenge. And for this racer, the drive to compete is what keeps him coming back for more.
Learning Through Trial and Error
The journey to success in kart racing is far from linear. It’s a constant cycle of trial and error. One key moment that shaped him as a driver was realizing that every mistake is a lesson in disguise. Each race offers an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve.
“You can’t let one bad race define you,” he reflects. “It’s about taking those lessons, learning from them, and coming back stronger.” This mindset is what sets him apart—he views setbacks as stepping stones to greater success.
The First Taste of Victory: A Moment to Remember
Among the many memories he’s collected along his journey, one stands out as a symbol of his potential and growth. “The first time I finished 2nd at OVRP in Kid Kart,” he recalls. It was his second time racing at OVRP, and the level of competition was unlike anything he had experienced before. At just five years old, finishing second in such a competitive field was a massive achievement, a moment that solidified his belief that he could go far in the sport.
What Fuels the Fire: The Love of Competition
When asked what excites him the most about kart racing, his answer is simple yet profound: “Winning. Competition.” It’s not just about crossing the finish line first; it’s about the challenge, the drive, and the constant pursuit of excellence. For Spencer, this pursuit fuels the passion.
Bouncing Back After Setbacks: The Key to Staying Motivated
Like any sport, kart racing has its ups and downs. After a difficult race or season, staying motivated can be a challenge. Spencer’s approach during difficulties is to find time to reset. “I don’t talk to anyone. I need time and space,” he shares. But even in moments of solitude, there’s always one thought that keeps him moving forward: “I know I can win the next one.”
Words of Wisdom for the New Up and Coming Racers
For younger aspiring kart racers, his advice is clear: “Never give up and always keep pushing yourself to be better.” The road ahead might not always be easy, but with persistence and passion, anything is possible.
The Road Ahead: Big Goals, Bigger Dreams
Looking ahead, he’s set his sights on bigger goals. “I want to win 2-stroke championships,” he says. And with the drive, determination, and mindset he’s demonstrated so far, it’s only a matter of time before he reaches that milestone.
The Influence of Christopher Bell
As for who inspires him the most, this driver looks up to Christopher Bell, one of his favorite drivers. The way Bell has overcome challenges and risen to the top serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring racers everywhere.
Off the Track: Finding Balance in the Hustle
“I play/race my 1:64 scale NASCAR cars or watch motorsport events like NASCAR and Kart Chaser,” he shares. It’s all about staying connected to the sport, even during moments of downtime.
The Takeaway: Keep Pushing Forward, No Matter the Odds
The story of Spencer Hite is one that is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Through every challenge, every setback, and every triumph, he’s shown that the key to success is simple: never give up. Whether it’s in the heat of competition or in the face of adversity, he’s proof that anything is possible when you stay focused, keep learning, and always push forward.
The future of kart racing is bright, and with young racers like this leading the way, there’s no limit to what can be achieved.
