13 Year Old California Racer Kylie Glick has her eyes set on Late Model Racing (Interview)
Glick in her racing suit, at the track
November 29th, 2023,
Introduction
In the heart of California's racing scene, fourth-generation racer with a humble, yet very competitive nature is making waves, and her name is Kylie Glick. She was still 12 years old when 2023 began, now 13 years old as of the spring, Kylie is the youngest of the Glick family to race, marking the early stages of what promises to be an exciting racing journey. Coming from the Lincoln Area of Northern California, Glick, who shows impressive poise, expressed interest in car racing from a young age. Full of confidence, and embracing of challenges, in this article we will look at her racing past, look into the team she has joined, and consider her future potential, while getting her own thoughts and expectations in that regard.
Quarter Midget Racing
In 2021, piloting a quarter midget, she advanced to the A-Main and finished on the podium for a national trophy, at the 2021 Silver State Winter Nationals in Las Vegas, an event that attracts talents from all over America, and from Canada, as well. She also claimed the Senior 2021 Rookie of the Year for the California Monza series, a notable achievement in a quarter midget series. This national and regional recognition underscores her versatility and skill across different racing categories. In 2022, she ran 4 classes in a quarter midget, and when she was ready to advance and she tried a few things, it was clear that she had her heart set on asphalt, template bodied Late Models.
Mike Naake & Naake-Klauer Motorsports (Driver Development Program)
Mike Naake's program is renowned for its success, including/notably with female drivers. The decision to join forces with Naake was strategic, considering not only his track record but also his genuine commitment to seeing his drivers succeed. Naake's methodical approach to training aligns with Glick's career path, making the prospect of advancing through junior late models, Pros, and eventually Super Late Models via an exciting and well-structured journey. Mike Naake is a figure synonymous with excellence in California racing. Despite his busy schedule, and a full-roster of drivers, both the insistence of the Kylie Glick team, and his recognition of her potential underscored the family's belief in her talent.
Feel free to skip to the next section “Kylie Glick’s transition into a Jr Late Model”, or continue reading if you want some background on some of the drivers who are, or have been involved with this team.
Their program is spoken about very highly, in 2019 then 13 year old Grant Thompson of Alabama, was the 2019 Pro Truck Champion at Mobile International Speedway, Alabama. In 2019 Grant also competed in the Jr. Late Model Challenge Camp at Madera Speedway, California, and out of hundreds of applicants across the country was chosen as the winner, and he became a racer for Naake-Klauer Motorsports. In the time since, Thompson has raced numerous Pro and Super Late Model races, including the Snowflake 100, and the Baby Rattler (Pro Late portion of the marquee race Rattler 250 in Southern Alabama). Grant Thompson is now alumni of the team, though the potential for him to race for Naake-Klauer in the future is still there.
The team currently fields Joey Iest of Madera, California in it’s ranks, Iest also started in a quarter midget at a young age, and ran in Madera, California. Now 20 years old, Iest began running some asphalt as well as dirt in 2018. In 2019, Iest steered the #88 Chevrolet Late Model for Naake-Klauer Motorsports in the 51FIFTY Jr Late Model Series, the series that Glick is now running. He clinched the championship that year. His prowess extended beyond the Jr Late Models, too, participating in 7 Nut-Up Pro Late Model Series (Now called Lunker Daddy Late Models) races at Madera Speedway, California. Iest’s versatility was evident as he also delved into selected USAC Western Speed 2 Midget races, achieving an impeccable record of 7 wins in as many starts and securing the championship.
The challenges of 2020 saw Iest tackling new frontiers, engaging in both the SRL Super Late Model Tour and various NASCAR ARCA Menard's Series West races. Adding another dimension to his racing journey, he inked a deal with David Gilliland Racing (DGR) to compete in 6 ARCA Menard's Series East events in 2021. In 2021, he embraced a full-time commitment in the ARCA Menard's Series West with Naake-Klauer Motorsports. Simultaneously, he raced in 6 events with David Gilliland Racing. The pinnacle of his season came with a triumphant win at Colorado National Speedway, culminating in a remarkable 5th-place finish in the championship standings for both the East and West ARCA Series. The subsequent year, 2022, witnessed Iest return to the ARCA Menards Series West with Naake-Klauer Motorsports. His consistent performance included 3 top 5 finishes, 6 top 10 finishes, ultimately securing a commendable 5th place in the Championship Points standings. In 2023, Iest had 2 top-5s in ARCA West races.
Along with Iest is Cassidy Hinds of Colorado. In 2018, Cassidy etched her name in racing history by setting four track records — two in Colorado and two in Livermore, California. Her crowning achievement was winning the AA/Modified World Formula and clinching a National Championship. The following year, in 2019, Cassidy demonstrated her prowess by finishing 9th in the NOW 600 Mile High Region Series. Micro Sprints witnessed her shine with two top-5 and nine top-10 finishes, while the Pro Truck Series saw her earn two top-10 finishes. In 2020, Cassidy made headlines as the first female to conquer a Pro-Truck race at Colorado International Speedway. Simultaneously, she showcased her skills by claiming the 8th spot in points in the 51-FIFTY Jr Late Model Series at Madera Speedway. This period also marked her transition to Pro-Late Model events, setting the stage for an exciting 2021 season.
Beyond the racetrack, Cassidy is more than a driver; she's a positive influence. Whether advocating for the underdog or speaking out against bullying, Cassidy brings a spirit of resilience and camaraderie to the racing community. The momentum continued in 2021 as Cassidy joined the Spears SRL Pro Late Model Series for Naake-Klauer Motorsports, securing victory at All-American Speedway, California. Her journey extended to the Snap-On Tool Pro-Truck Series at Colorado National Speedway and a foray into the east coast with the highly esteemed Lee Faulk Racing team. The Super Late Model debut at CNS marked a significant milestone in her ever-evolving career.
In 2022, Cassidy's return to the SRL Pro-Late Model Series with Naake-Klauer Motorsports, showcasing her competitive edge with notable finishes, including 2nd and 9th place at Kern County Raceway, California. Expanding her horizons, she entered the Super Late Model arena at Colorado National Speedway, consistently landing in the top-ten in seven starts. The Turkey Shootout at Tucson Speedway, Arizona proved to be another triumph, with 1st and 2nd place finishes in successive starts. A compelling chapter unfolded as Cassidy participated in the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Combine in North Carolina, leaving an indelible mark in a Late Model Stock car with TRD Development Team Lee Faulk Racing.
The Naake-Klauer team has some very notable alumni, too, such as NASCAR Truck Series full-timer Hailie Deegan of California, who had 2 wins en route to a 3rd place standings finish in 2019 in the ARCA West series, with another notable female, Brittney Zamora of the US Northwest finishing in 5th. That was a season that saw appearances from drivers like Noah Gragson, Ty Gibbs, Sam Mayer, Daniel Hemric, Austin Dillon, Cole Custer, Ryan Preece, Ty Majeski, Corey Heim, and many more notable names. Deegan is a very well known racer.
Jesse Love of California who just won the 2023 ARCA Mendards Series championship, and also races as a team mate to Cole Butcher in Super Late Models, under the Donnie Wilson Motorsports stable. Love appears primed for the NASCAR top touring series’, coming from strong Late Model and ARCA performances. With Naake-Klauer Motorsports he was the 2017 & 2018 Jr. Late Model Champion in California, and 10th place in the standings in the 2019 SRL Southwest Series Super Late Model Championship, a tour dominated by Derek Thorn, and Jacob Gomes for more than a decade.
Michael Self of Utah who went on to have a strong career in the ARCA Series, including finishing second in the standings in 2019 and 2020, behind Christian Eckes, and Bret Holmes respectively. Both drivers are currently thriving in NASCAR. Self spent some time with the team, helping to develop him into the strong driver he would become.
Toni Breidinger of California who has done quite well in numerous types of cars, getting lots of top-5s in many cases, between ARCA (National), as well as the East/West ARCA Series’, and various Pro and Super Late model outings. Between modelling and racing different series and car types, she also had 3 starts in the NASCAR Truck series this year.
The 51Fifty Jr Late Model drivers at Madera are: Cam Carraway, Vito Cancilla, Chase Hand, Mia Wright, Joey Kennealy, Henry Barton, Taylor Mayhew, Tristan Pena, Jacob Ryan, and Byrson “Cowboy” Brown. Glick is the only NKM Jr driver currently.
Kylie Glick’s transition into a Jr Late Model
After managing to have Mike Naake take Glick on as a Jr Late Model, as he also focused on his Super Late Model & ARCA program, a car was purchased for her in May, 2023, the #67, just before she turned 13. The Jr Late Model division, 51Fifty Jr Late Models at Madera is aired nationally (USA) on the channel MAVTV, as well as receiving some coverage at ShortTrackTV on YouTube. 12 cars race the features, and there are rigorous driver eligibility requirements, including prior racing experience and the submission of a racing resume for approval. The age range for drivers is 10 to 16 years old, and there is an exception process for drivers older than 16 lacking proper experience for the Lunker Daddy Late Models (Pro Late). Both late model type perimeter or straight rail chassis are approved, and there is an engine allowance of a cast iron block wet sump, and a requirement for a single 4bbl carburetor. There are also weight specifications for open engines and 602 crate engines, along with maximum RPM limits, managed by a restrictor plate. Regardless, the drivers still approach 80 MP/H down the straight away in races.
Madera Speedway's Jr. Late Model division plays a large role in nurturing and developing the next generation of racing talent on the West Coast. Owner of the track, Kenny Shepherd has a vision for creating a better training platform and there are many success stories of drivers who have come through this program. Since its inception in 2016, it has provided young drivers with a proper first step in full-bodied stock cars and the opportunity to work with experienced crew chiefs.
Glick started mid-season in June, which posed its challenges, but her rapid adaptation to the late model environment exceeded expectations. The first time she turned laps in it, she was completely enthralled by the experience. What began as a low-key goal — getting acquainted with the car and local tracks — turned into a full-blown commitment. Glick quickly became accustomed to running with 12 cars, adjusting to the art of shifting, and demonstrating a level of skill that surprised even her family. She registered a 9th place finish in her debut, 1 lap off of the pace, with a bet lap time near the mid-point of the race, that wasn’t far off of most of the field.
Glick, not to be deterred followed her debut up one position better, taking 8th place, and on the lead lap. Her third race, she ran into trouble and was only able to complete the first handful of laps. She finished the next race 1 lap down, all at the .333 mile Madera Track (roughly the same length as the Maritime Tracks where the Pro Stock Tour runs). She prefers to race a tight car, and while not a dirty driver, she isn’t afraid of taking chances. Her reflexes are great, she is good at watching ahead, and reacting quickly to avoid wrecks. Not surprisingly given her ambitious and confidence demeanour, she performs better under pressure.
At All American Speedway, she captured her first Jr Late Model podium. She did this in a tribute car, wrapping her car with a red 75. Her great grandfather Ray Glick raced there, going back to the 1950s when it was a dirt quarter-mile oval. Chuck Glick was a fan-favourite at All American Speedway, and ran for many years, maybe decades with the red 75. Kylie honoured her 4 generation history of racing at the track, and became the first female in that line to race there. Kylie finished 2nd place in a great race that had the crowd roaring. Along with a successful debut effort, young herself, she is already attracting little girls to her, seeking autographs. Glick has the potential to act as an ambassador for the sport, and an influence/inspiration for a new generation of racers.
Kylie behind the wheel of her honorary red wrapped #75 throw-back car
Kylie in her regular #67, in action
Future Goals and Upcoming Events
Looking ahead to 2024, Glick is set to embark on a full Jr Late Model season at Madera and All American Speedway. The prospect of championship titles at both tracks is a realistic goal, given her swift progress and natural talent. If all goes well, the next steps in her career will involve moving up the ranks within the Naake-Klauer team, with Pros and Super Late Models on the horizon.
Next week, Glick and her team will attend the PRI show, providing an opportunity to connect with major players in the racing industry. Anticipation is high as they look forward to meeting many people, including East Coast Racing contacts, expanding her network, and potentially opening doors to new opportunities. In conclusion, her journey is not just a story of a young racer; it's a testament to family legacy, determination, and the promising future of a talented driver, and it rests on the shoulders of a young female surrounded by males in the racing world. As she continues to make her mark on the California racing scene, the racing world eagerly awaits Kylie's next triumphs.
Prominent Female Drivers
[Author Note: This will highlight some of my personal opinions, and is by no means a full or comprehensive list of prominent female drivers] Hailie Deegan was already mentioned earlier, as she is an alumni of the same team that Glick has joined. I mentioned Brittney Zamora at the same time, as she had a 5th place finish in the 2019 ARCA Series. Just like California, especially outside of the SRL Southwest Super Late Model Series, the American Northwest is not as broadly covered for Late Model racing as the Southeast, The Northeast, North Carolina (primarily for Late Model Stock Cars), Michigan, and Wisconsin, which all have excellent scenes. Zamora of Washington gained Super Late Model racing experience locally, and has done some travel, as well. She finished top-5 3 times in 5 attempts in Alamaba’s Show me the Money Pro Late Model series in 2022, a series that has seen everyone from Augie Grill, Bubba Pollard, Giovanni Bromante, and Chase Elliot among many more grace it’s presence over the years. Zamora has also raced in the Snowflake 100, and finished 11th, on the lead lap in the 2020 All American 400 in Nashville, Tennesse.
Johanna Long-Robbins of Florida is my favourite female driver, she won the Snowball Derby in very exciting fashion in 2010, then just Johanna Long, before marrying fellow competitor Hunter Robbins. Going the Go-Kart to Legends Car route as a young girl, she was winning track championships in Alabama and Florida quickly. She became just the second female to win the Snowball Derby, with Tammy Jo Kirk having done it in 1994. Her very impressive resume quickly caught attention, and she ended up running 24 races in the NASCAR Truck Series, and 42 races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In my opinion, her story is one of “What If”, she faced a lot of adversity, sometimes out of her control, and never quite got the proper chance that she deserved. She showed some very strong potential, and could have potentially been a force with the right steps taken. By the mid-2010s, life got in the way, and she largely stepped away from racing, now only racing very infrequent one-offs, where she continues to show her strength.
Jolynn “JoJo” Wilkinson the teenager from Alabama hasn’t been able to win a big feature yet in a Pro Late Model, but she routinely faces excellent racers. What stands out about JoJo most to me, is her fantastic attitude, and pure love of racing. Even after a very scary accident at Five Flags Speedway as a 15 year old, when she was T-Boned hard in the driver-side door, it didn’t deter her or shake her up, as she was back in a racecar as soon as possible after.
Interview
You’ve been getting a lot of attention these days, as you transition into the #67 for a well established team. In an interview, you said how much more exciting racing is compared to soccer. What is it about racing that gets you so excited? How old were you when you knew racing was for you?
I found out by about the age of 10. We got into quarter midgets, and it was my first full season. Just the fact of winning, and how it feels like the top of the world when you do. No other feeling is like that - same with the adrenalin, that's one of the best feelings, almost. No other sport really provides that. I'm very competitive, and in racing, you're kind of your own team, you get to decide what you're doing, you don't have to rely on a whole team to make the decision on the track.
[Author: When you say you're your own team, I recognize it as the individual competitior aspect present in the sport, compared to a team sport on the field, or what have you. I'm not sure as far as far as quarter midgets go, but with Jr Late Models, how is your team set-up? Like - do you have a spotter and stuff like that, and how does that play into everything?]
We're on a very good team I would say. I have a spotter, and my dad, and a bunch of Mike Naake's guys, they help complete my car and make it super good. Mike Naake, the team owner, he's my spotter. And one of his other guys, Tony, he will step in if he needs to be my spotter.
[Mirinda, Kylie's mom: Mike has a full pit crew, we have 3 or 4 guys that will be with us at a race that will help us at the race. Dad helps, too, but Mike's pit crew is so dialed in.]
They've been with us for a long time, and we wanted to get into this sport knowing we had a good car. That way, when I'm learning and everything, we know that it's me that needs to fix something, and not the car. Madera - they've been racing that track for a long time, so they know what to do in situations. Like: if I say that the car is tight in this corner, they know what to do.
[Mirinda: Instead of us trying to guess what's going on, is it the driver, or the car? We know it's not the car. Mike's spent so much time with young racers, he knows what the right age is that things will click in, how long it usually takes for someone to pick up a skill - like, he'll say, 'okay, you need to do a thousand laps before you will be able to do x, y, and z'. He's done it so much. We all know racing is expensive, so it cuts out from the guess variables, and lets us just focus on the driver development, which is great.]
[Author: So, with the spotter, is he regularly talking to you on the radio during the race, and helping guide you, giving you advice, and things like that, or are you mainly making the decisions on the track?]
He definitely helps, and is on the radio a lot. If I am opening my entry too much, let's say, he'll tell me to close it up, or give me reminders. So if I am getting a little sloppy, he can remind me. That's definitely a big factor that helps me, too. Like in quarter midgets, I would have to pull off the track, and my dad would give me instructions, and then I would have to pull back on. With someone on the radio, it's a huge help.
[Kylie mentioned how Mike sincerely wants his drivers to succeed]
For people who may not be very familiar with racing in your specific region, what would you tell them about the racing scene and atmosphere in your area?
I would just say that it's like a family, everyone wants to help everyone out. You make a lot of friends through racing, and as you progress, a lot more people are a lot more competitive and stuff, but in quarter midgets and some of the lower level stuff, everyone is super fun. Even when you're on the track, with the helmets on and everything, you might not be friends on the track, wanting to race each other and everything, but afterrwards, all the kids are still super friendly and everything, and we're fine after the race - usually.
[Mirinda: A lot of those Jr's at Madera raced quarter midgets with us, so we knew at least half of the field coming into it, so we were able to talk to them about their experience. So we've known a lot of the families, and it's been really cool seeing the kids develop from quarter's and on up. And she's right, we were able to keep friends, for the most part. You know, everyone's got some tension when it comes to racing, but we can share tips and tricks. I mean, the whole point is: let's keep as many kids out there as possible, and keep it competitive. No one wants a 3 car race, you know. We want those 12, 14, 16 car races. Especially with West Coast racing, it's so much more difficult. Just in {Kylie: Car count} yeah, we race on the weekends, on the East Coast, they're racing 7 days a week. That's such a weird concept to us, to race on a Wednesday night, it just doesn't happen.]
I saw that you met Matt DiBenedetto, Justin Grant, Kyle Larson, and Jade Avedisian. I think you may have met Christopher Bell, as well. Can you tell us about that experience, or experiences, and how they came to be?
Racing is a close-knit community, and it's amazing how it allows young racers like me to meet some of the biggest names in the sport. Throughout my time racing quarter midgets and now in late models, I've had the incredible opportunity to meet renowned drivers like Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Kyle Busch.
At a national USAC quarter midget race at Auto Club Speedway, I raced alongside Brexton Busch, Kyle’s son. Christopher Bell was the Grand Marshall of the event. It was such a thrill for all of us kids to have these NASCAR stars there. They were so kind, taking the time to meet us, sign autographs, and share their experiences.
Last year, Matt DiBenedetto was visiting my hometown. I bumped into him at the gym and we started talking about racing and my goals in late models. Matt shared some valuable insights from his journey. It's easy to see why he's a fan favorite – he's genuinely a great person. He generously spent time with me and went above and beyond to meet my family.
Earlier this month, I was at the Hangtown 100 race with my family. (If you can’t be on the track, the next best thing is to be at the track!) After Kyle Larson’s victory, I got the chance to meet him, along with Justin Grant and Jade Avedisian. They were incredibly gracious with their time, and it was fantastic to spend time with each of them.
[Author: Mirinda also commented on how approachable/accessible NASCAR is in the sporting world, as far as ability for people to meet the drivers, etc. Separately, we discussed her Did not Finish - DNF at Madera. It was a racing deal that she couldn’t avoid. Mirinda said how she kept her cool/composure, and her and Kylie said how they accepted it as a racing deal, with Kylie saying how Mike told her how it happens to everyone, not a single driver from the team hasn’t had it happen to them multiple times, and it’s part of paying your dues - it happens to everyone, and you go through those things before you win. Mirinda remarked how happy Kylie looked after the race, accepting it as it came.
Mirinda mentioned how after Kylie’s 2nd place finish that I mentioned above, in the throw-back race at All American Speedway, how they were impressed enough to let her tag behind the Pro Late Models in their race, not with the intent to race them, but for the experience, to get used to the pace of it, etc. Well, she went on to out-qualify several drivers, despite her restrictor plate. Mirinda went on to say how some families go to Disney, theirs goes to PRI, with Kylie saying how it’s their first year. They had to buy some coats, being used to the California climate.]
It's your first time going to PRI - what are your expectations, and what do you hope to get out of it?
I'm super excited, it's a big show with all sorts of different racing, so I'm excited to see all the different types, and things. And my coach, he said you're going to this one thing, of all things, you're going to this. He wants to walk me around, introduce me to a lot of things. I really hope to meet some car brands involved in racing, shake their hand, hopefully make an impression. I'm super excited to meet all the new people, and see all the businesses.
Who else inspires you: team mates, female drivers, drivers in general, etc.?
My favorite driver has always been Hailie Deegan. I've been following her career for as long as I can remember, admiring how she stands out and holds her own. She is always willing to try new things and stays positive, regardless of the challenges she faces. Joining Naake-Klauer Motorsports, the same team that helped launch Hailie's career, is truly a dream come true for me. I often find myself watching old footage of her races at Madera Speedway, learning from her approach and techniques during her time as a junior late model driver.
I’m lucky enough to occasionally practice alongside my current NKM teammate and ARCA driver, Joey Iest. Joey is literally the nicest and hardest working guy you’ll ever meet, but he transforms into an absolute beast on the track. As a former Madera Speedway champion, Joey is generous with his time, helping me fine tune my line while sharing his late model tips.
I'm also inspired by Jade Avedisian, another incredible talent who began her journey in quarter midgets. Jade's racing journey is nothing short of inspirational. Her exceptional talent is matched by her humility and dedication to her fans, which is something I deeply admire and hope to emulate.
Your parents play a big role, as does your team, and crew, who specifically would you like to thank? Sponsors included.
Even though racing looks like an individual sport, it takes a lot of people working together to make it successful. I'm incredibly thankful for my sponsors, especially Caliber Collision, and for companies like 51Fifty LTM and Mission Foods who support junior late model racing. I'm so lucky to have the best pit crew and race team who look after me and my car. My parents also play a huge part in my journey. They believe in my dream of becoming a professional driver and do everything they can to help me succeed. But most importantly, I want to thank my fans. Racing wouldn't be the same without all of you cheering us on. The best part of racing is competing on the track and then meeting people who love the sport as much as I do. Your support means the world to me.
Kylie, at just 13 years old has had some impressive achievements, and she is part of a team that has helped at a crucial juncture for many notable drivers who would go on to do big things, or are in that process right now. The sky is the limit for her, and it is going to be exciting watching her career from early on, as she will almost inevitably face some set backs and challenges along her path, but with her determination, and developing skill, she is showing the potential to overcome these things, and continue advancing her racing journey.
