FRANKLIN — Most eight-year-olds spend their summers riding bikes or playing backyard games. Franklin’s Axel Rivera spends his weekends strapped into a quarter midget race car, chasing checkered flags and living out a dream that began with a family tradition.
Axel, who races with the No. 52 in honor of his father Luis Rivera’s former No. 51, joined MyFM’s The Zone to talk about his rapidly growing racing career, his impressive season, and the family effort that has fueled his success.
Racing has always been part of the Rivera family. Luis competed himself before stepping away from driving after Axel was born, instead turning his attention to helping race teams and, eventually, building and maintaining his son’s race cars. After an “Arrive and Drive” experience at Little T Speedway in Thompson, Connecticut, Axel was hooked.
“We placed him in a car, he did a few laps, came out, and after that he just fell in love instantly,” Luis said. “We got our own quarter midget, went through the rookie training program, and he’s just continued getting better.”
That passion has quickly turned into results. Axel has already earned multiple race victories this season and continues to develop into one of the area’s promising young drivers.
When asked what his favorite part of racing is, Axel didn’t hesitate.
“Probably going fast,” he said with a smile. “I kind of want to go faster. I love going faster.”
He also appreciates the sportsmanship on the track, saying one of the best parts of the season has been how clean everyone races against one another.
Despite his age, Axel already understands the commitment required to compete. Race weekends begin with loading the car, traveling to the track, attending the mandatory drivers’ meeting, and then waiting for his turn behind the wheel.
“When it’s my race… I hop in the car, and then I pretty much go zoomies,” Axel joked.
Behind every lap is an incredible amount of preparation. Luis estimates they practice nearly three times each week, making the 45-to-50-minute drive to the track after work before spending hours tuning the car. Once they’re home, the work continues with oil changes, spark plugs, bearing inspections, safety checks, and cleaning everything in preparation for the next race.
“It’s just part of making sure everything is ready to go every weekend,” Luis explained.
Like many forms of motorsports, quarter midget racing requires a significant financial commitment. Entry fees can range anywhere from $20 for local events to $500 for larger regional and national races. A fresh set of tires costs roughly $350, and Luis says fresh tires each week are recommended to stay competitive in each race.
Luis says local sponsorships make all the difference in keeping Axel competitive throughout the season.
Fortunately, the Franklin community has stepped up in a big way. After a post sharing Axel’s story on a local community page, several businesses reached out to sponsor the young driver, helping cover the expenses that come with racing.
The support has been overwhelming, and Luis says it’s a testament to the community rallying behind a young athlete pursuing an uncommon dream.
Axel also has his sights set on an ambitious future. His racing hero is Formula One champion Max Verstappen, and one day he’d love to compete at the highest level of motorsports.
Beyond the trophies and victories, Luis believes racing has already taught his son lessons that extend far beyond the track.
“I think one of the greatest lessons is that it’s okay to fail,” Luis said. “If you understand where your mistake came from and how you can correct it, you always have another chance to make it better.”
Those lessons, combined with hard work, determination, and strong family support, continue to shape one of Franklin’s youngest and most exciting athletes.
Community members interested in following Axel’s racing journey or becoming a sponsor can find Axel Rivera Racing on Facebook and Instagram or contact the family directly through the email address [email protected].
