Page 98 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2017

SPORTS & OUTDOORS start your engines
Most new drivers get behind the wheel around the age of 16, but for one young Coast resident driving is second nature.
Chase Holland has been driving since he was just five years old. Back then he was just learning the ropes with a go kart, but these days Holland has upgraded to the big leagues. Though he may not be street-legal at the young age of 14, Chase has already made a name for himself in dirt track racing.
“Chase is a third generation racer,” said his father, Chavus Holland. “My dad raced when I was a kid, and I picked it up myself when I was a teen.”
For Chase, picking up where they left off was only a matter of time. “I
grew up around this, and when it was my time, I was ready,” he said. “Even though it’s something I got into because of my family, I do it bec“ause I love it.”
Having my family there to support me
means a lot,” said Chase. “It’s a great thing in my life and I’m thankful that it allows me to spe”nd time with them
Chavus and Chase’s mutual hobby has not only continued a family tradition, but given them something to enjoy together. The two pieced together each part of Chase’s custom car, starting with only a 2014 Larry
Shaw modified chassis. From there they installed a small block Chevy 380 motor, which makes between 550-600 horsepower.
The entire family takes part in supporting Chase, whether it be mechanic skills from his grandfather, George Holland; tire pressure checks by his nine-year-old sister, Avery; or cheers from three-year-old Ruby and mom, Adrian. “Having my family there to support me means a lot,” said Chase. “It’s a great thing in my life and I’m thankful that it allows me to spend time with them.”
With their support, Chase excelled in his first race, qualifying ninth out of 13 and going on to finish third
in the heat (preliminary) race and fourth in the feature (main) race.
The season for dirt track racing has come to a close, with the typical season running from March through
98 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2017
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story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos by Donn Hupp
YOUNG DIRT
TRACK RACER
CONTINUES FAMILY TRADITION