Local race car driver, Tristan Wright, earned his first win at Senoia Raceway this past Saturday at the Hence & Reba Pollard Memorial on April 12. The Lamar County native is 19 years old and graduated from Lamar County High School in 2023.
When he was seven years of age, young Tristan began racing go-karts. Though he experienced some racing success as a young child, he stopped when his grandmother fell ill. However, now he is back on the track.
Wright officially began racing competitively on February 1 after spending some time learning his 602 Rocket Chassis. Wright had a breakthrough this weekend. His victory marks a major milestone in his journey, and he has put in a lot of hard work to earn this win.
When he is not behind the wheel, Wright is working on his car, toiling for countless hours to maximize the performance of his vehicle. He also plays races back on video, trying to improve his strategy. He is a very helpful teammate.
Wright races in the 602 Charger Class. This level is specifically for beginners. Winning two more races at this level will promote him to the next level of competition. Drivers seldom climb to the next level quickly. Sometimes it takes years, but Tristan Wright may be ahead of the curve. He hopes to win more races this season.
Michelle McLeskey, Tristan’s girlfriend, was right there cheering him on after his first win. When they began dating, she asked him a simple question. “Why do you race?” she asked him. His response was one of maturity and class. “Racing has always been a passion of mine,” he said. “It brings my family together and allows me to be a part of an uplifting community.”
His values show up clearly both on and off the track. While many drivers decorate their cars with humorous or flashy sayings, the message on the back of Wright’s car is simple: In God We Trust. Before each race, he gathers with his family to pray—for wisdom, for safety, and for the other drivers, too.
His humble mindset and work ethic have already begun to turn heads, and his win at Senoia is proof that his dedication is paying off.
Fans can follow his journey and see upcoming race updates on Facebook at Tristan Wright Racing.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
