4/10/2025
POWRi
Young Guns - Driven to Win: Midway Speedway & POWRi StockMod Empower Youth Through Racing
Midway, MO (4/10/25) A bold and inspiring partnership between POWRi StockMod, Midway Speedway, and local nonprofit Driven to Win is giving new life—and new purpose—to old cars and young dreams. Through a powerful combination of motorsports, mentorship, and mission, the Young Guns Program is setting the pace for the next generation of racers across the Ozark region.
Midway Speedway recently opened its seasonal gates and a nearby junkyard to ten eager teenagers, who were each invited to handpick their own soon-to-be Hornet race car. With a bit of imagination and a lot of elbow grease, those junkyard finds are being transformed into competition-ready racers in preparation for their debut in the newly launched DTW Young Guns division.
Founded in August 2024, Driven to Win is a nonprofit program created by local racer and Camdenton pastor Tim Day. Born from a passion for both motorsports and mentorship, DTW’s mission is clear: to help teens win at life and on the track by building friendships and life skills through the world of dirt track racing. The organization currently supports 20 teens between the ages of 14–18 from across the Lake and Lebanon regions.
“The main emphasis of DTW is suicide prevention and friendship building,” said Day. “In 2024, more than 150 local students sought emergency help for suicidal thoughts at Lake Regional Hospital, and that’s just the ones who asked for help. Our goal is to reach them before it gets to that point. We want these kids to know they’re valuable and loved.”
From October through March, DTW students worked side-by-side with mentors to turn five ordinary street cars into competitive POWRi Hornets. Along the way, they learned hands-on skills like fabrication, welding, engine rebuilding, wiring, setup, and driving; all while forming lasting friendships and gaining confidence. Practice began at Lebanon Midway Speedway in March, where students are now training for real competition.
“This partnership is the heart of what grassroots racing is all about,” said a POWRi StockMod Director of Competition, Jeff Albright. Going on to add, “We’re investing in young people, not just as racers, but as leaders, and responsible members of our community.”
With the DTW Young Guns class now officially part of Midway Speedway’s lineup, DTW participants will be able to race against their peers in a supportive, development-focused environment. As they grow in skill and experience, they’ll also have opportunities to enter POWRi-sanctioned Hornet events, giving them a clear path from learning to competing on Regional and National stages.
Driven to Win is completely free for students and operates solely through sponsorships and local support. Backed by racing-minded sponsors and community businesses, DTW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives one race car at a time.
To learn more, become a sponsor, or follow the progress of these incredible teens, visit www.driventowin.org or check out the Driven to Win Facebook page.
For upcoming race schedules, photos, and Young Guns updates, follow POWRi StockMod and Lebanon Midway Speedway on social media or visit www.powristockmod.com.
Submitted By: Cassy Staley
