LAKE COUNTY — Kaleigh Sullivan, 16, a junior at Kelseyville High School, will be highlighted in an independent documentary that is currently being filmed at Lakeport Speedway.
Filmmakers Dana Gedrick and Barry Shaw are chronicling events and programs for the film. Gedrick said she was taken with Kaleigh, who has been racing for three years. Her father, Mike, has been racing since the early ”90s. Kaleigh has been around racing her whole life.
“She”s a really good kid. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and she works hard at everything she does, ” Mike Sullivan said. “We”re a hard-working racing family. A lot of our effort is seen on the track. It helps to realize a lot of life lessons, like when you make a mistake it can be unforgiving.”
He said Kaleigh has learned how to assess people and deal with many personality types as a result of racing. He added that it helps with confidence.
“I”m really proud of what we”ve accomplished. Racing has brought us together, Mike said. “We”re good friends.”
Kaleigh is currently racing a bomber, a ”75 Nova owned by David Furia.
“It”s maintained by me and her,” Mike said.
Kaleigh”s younger sister, Taylor, 13, is also getting ready to race this year. The youngest of the three sisters, Riley, 8, is getting ready to race Go-Karts.
“My girls know how to change oil and race cars, Mike said. “They are self-sufficient.” He considers the sport of racing as a relationship catalyst.
Kaleigh”s racing is made possible by sponsors including her stepmother, Kenna Sullivan, owner of Perfect Nails By Kenna; her uncle, David Sullivan of Sullivan Masonry; Mike Rose of Kelseyville Auto Salvage and David Furia at Furia Construction.
Furia said that Lakeport Speedway supports youth. As an example of this, each week students from school district”s in Lake County alternate in receiving free admission to the races. This weekend, any student who shows proof of being a Lakeport student may enter the races free-of-charge. Lawn mower races and the new Outlaw class are featured this weekend.
Memorial Day weekend will feature the boat races.
For more information about the speedway call 279-9577 or visit the website at www.lakeportspeedway.com. It may also be found on Facebook.
