Meet the Drivers: #17/#71 Kyle Ellwood

Meet the Drivers is a new feature from the Riverhead-News Review, where we’ll highlight one driver from Riverhead Raceway each week. The racing season kicked off May 5.

Name: Kyle Ellwood

Age: 17

Division: Legends and Modified

Top 3 Sponsors: Riverhead Building Supply, Speed World FX and Buckleys Irish Pub.

For most 17-year-olds, driving a car is a relatively new experience. Not for Kyle Ellwood of Calverton. Whereas most kids his age are worried about road tests and getting their first license, Ellwood, a sophomore at Riverhead High School, can be spotted every Saturday cruising around the course at Riverhead Raceway. And not just cruising — winning.

Ellwood picked up his first victory of 2012 last weekend by winning the 20-lap legends race. It was his second career victory. He beat out Chris Young, the defending legends champion who also won on opening night.

Ellwood has been racing for 12 years at Riverhead Raceway beginning with go-karts. He also races in the modified division where he sports the No. 17 car.

His favorite memory was his first legends race victory last year, he said. Even when away from the track he enjoys working on his car. He also likes hanging out with his friends, he said.

The biggest supporters in his racing career have been his parents, John and Susan, he said.