A young Belleville racer receives the first World Wide Technology Raceway scholarship.
Josiah Unaeze’s talent for racing has been observed by leaders at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison. So much so that Josiah, a 12-year-old Belleville child, was awarded the track’s Raceway Gives Foundation’s inaugural Ignite Scholarship.
Josiah, a Belleville High School student, competes in go-kart racing at the World Wide Technology Raceway’s Gateway Kartplex. Josiah got his scholarship during the pre-race festivities for the NASCAR Cup Series’ Enjoy Illinois 300 event at World Wide Technology, and it will be used to cover his family’s expenses so he can race in 11 other sites around St. Louis.
The St. Louis metropolitan region Josiah “has the ability to graduate to this next level of racing,” according to Larry Albus, executive director of Raceway Gives Foundation, and the $9,000 scholarship will provide financial aid to help Josiah advance.
The money can be used to pay for Josiah’s go-kart, training, supplies, and entrance fees, according to Albus, who is also a sports management instructor at Maryville University. According to Albus, the go-karts can achieve speeds of 60 mph. The charity, according to its website, helps teenagers ages 8 to 18, with a focus on the gifted, diverse, and underserved, as well as military families.
Last year, at Talladega, Alabama, Bubba Wallace became the first Black driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race since 1963, and he complimented the track’s attempts to reach out to a diverse audience. On Friday, Josiah and his parents, Jonas and Ciera Unaeze, met Wallace, who signed Josiah’s racing go-kart.
They also met NASCAR driver Richard “The King” Petty. Petty’s NASCAR organisation signed Wallace to his first Cup Series contract, but he has since left the firm and currently drives for a team owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Wallace told the BND that he supports Josiah and advises him to practise speaking with strangers and doing interviews. Wallace remarked, “It was simply funny to sit there and watch him soak it all in.”
“All he wants to do is race, so this extra stuff is him trying to figure out what’s going on and how to go around it.” “It’s only going to get worse from here,” Wallace continued, “so take it and enjoy it.” “If you’re going to be a celebrity, as everyone claims, embrace it and enjoy it because we’re all rooting for you.” “One day, you’ll be performing on the great stage, and you’ll be doing this.” “It has to be enjoyable for you.”
