PSC's Gates Wins First Race at Brookfield Speedway

Brookfield, NY ~ She can do it on the soccer field, on the basketball court, in the classroom, and now, on the racetrack.  Paul Smith's College rising Junior Hayleigh Gates (West Winfield, NY) nabbed her first-ever stock car win at the Brookfield Speedway on Thursday, June 15th.  

Coming from the back of the pack after drawing dead last in her initital heat, Gates climbed the ladder and finished in 2nd place, enough to propel her into the final where she would start in fourth position.  The race, which is the mini stock, single cam class, drew onlookers to the track from across multiple classes.  Her uncle, Kenny Gates, races pro stock (602 crate motor) and also won.  It was a special experience for the niece/uncle tandem and one that Gates won't soon forget.

"It was a special day to win my first race!" exclaimed Gates.  "Twelve years ago to the day (6/15/2011) my uncle Brett passed away in a tragic logging accident, so to win my first race on this day for him means so much."  Gates then talked about getting to Victory Lane with her uncle Kenny and what it means as a relative newcomer to win on such a stage.  "I'm looking forward to gaining more seat time and experience," she added. 

You can catch the young driver next at the Utica-Rome Speedway on Friday, June 23rd and every Friday throughout the summer.  Hot laps begin at 6:45pm followed by race start at 7:30pm.  Races are streamed on FloRacing (subscription required).  For more info, visit 2023 Schedule of Events | Utica-Rome Speedway (uticaromespeedway.com)

Hayleigh Gates (center) celebrates at Victory Lane with her uncle, Kenny Gates (right)