Raleigh teenager Carson Haislip is making his mark at Wake County Speedway
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Carson Haislip grew up listening to the cars at Wake County Speedway long before he stepped onto the track.
"Just hearing it every Friday inspired me," he said.
He started racing at 11 years old when he was a student at Wake Christian Academy.
"I definitely have to say Wake County Speedway really drew the passion for me," Haislip said.
It doesn't matter whether Haislip is driving a bandolero, a Legends car or a late model stock; that feeling behind the wheel doesn't change.
"It's purely adrenaline," he said.
In 2023, Haislip won the U.S. Legend Car Semi-Pro national championship.
In 2025, he won the Wake County Speedway Late Model Stock Track Championship after earning 11 wins.
He's taken home four wins in 2026.
"It's definitely been cool to come as far as we have in seven years," Haislip said.
When Carson isn't racing, you can find him at the track helping coach the next generation of drivers.
The 18-year-old said it's super cool to help people in the community.
"Especially the younger divisions because they're gonna be the ones racing in five, 10 years," he said. "I had that when I was starting out, and I think it helped me out a ton."
Whether he's on the track, working his full-time job or taking college courses, Haislip is chasing the checkered flag with one dream in mind.
"I would definitely like to make it to NASCAR," he said.
Haislip is a finalist for the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, a premier development program for aspiring stock car drivers across North America. The program provides financial assistance and training in areas such as networking, marketing, fitness and personal development to help create young ambassadors, like Haislip, in the racing world.
You can stay up to date with Haislip's race schedule and learn more about Carson Haislip Racing on his website or social media platforms.
Website: https://carsonhaislipracing.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carsonhaislipracing
Instagram: @carsonhaislipracing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carsonhaislipracing/
