At just 16 years old, Keegan Sobilo has already etched his name in Michigan racing lore. This teenage phenom from the Great Lakes State caught the motorsports world’s attention in 2022 by capturing the prestigious CRA Late Model Championship. With a maturity and focus belying his young age, Sobilo has blazed an accelerated path to becoming one of America’s most promising up-and-coming drivers.

We recently caught up with the champion to get insights into his meteoric rise, what fuels his passion for racing, and how he’s handling stardom before even getting his driver’s license.

1. How did you first get interested in racing at such a young age? My grandpa (I call him Papa) has always been a huge racing fan. When I was 6 years old, I was watching a race with him at my grandparents house. Ever since then (something must have clicked), I started watching the races, learning about the sport, and finding interest in it.

2. What was your first experience behind the wheel of a racecar like? I immediately knew that racing was what I wanted to do. Just to feel the vibrations, the sound, and the smell. It is an experience I will never forget. It took a long time for me to come off the race track in my first test session. When I was 8 years old (in my first test session), I ended up having a flat tire which forced me to come off the race track (started as a tire rub). If that didn’t happen, I would have kept going.

3. Who or what inspired you to pursue racing professionally? There wasn’t really anything that made me think “I want to do this for a living”. For me, I just have always had interest and passion for the sport. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. As hard as it can be at times, I remind myself the dream I have of racing in NASCAR and how I have a chance of doing so.

4. How have your parents supported your racing dreams from an early age? My parents have always supported my racing no matter the circumstances. We travel as a family every weekend to each race. My parents have put their lives on hold so I can make my dream a reality. Getting to share the sport with my family makes it so much more fun and enjoyable. Some of our best moments were at a race track. My dad and I also watch most of the Cup races together, and sometimes Xfinity and Trucks as well. (I am an only child just to clarify)

5. What drivers are your idols/ who you look up to (inspired by)? I am inspired by many drivers I would say. I have been a Joey Logano fan since I started watching racing. I can’t tell you why that is the case, I never had a reason. Last year, I mailed letters to all of the cup teams in NASCAR. One team invited me down to North Carolina to tour their race shop. That would be Hendrick Motorsports. Mr. Hendrick’s personal secretary was the one who set it all up, so I got to see all of the different buildings, Mr. Hendrick’s personal car collection and office, as well as getting to see pit crew training for the upcoming race (Coke 600). Because of their kindness, I respect and idolize the whole race team. Driver wise, Larson is extremely talented so I do look up to him. But overall, Mr. Hendrick inspires me a lot. I learned a lot about his story and how he started at a young age and didn’t let anything stop his success. Everything he has accomplished and all the good he does, I most definitely look up to him as a person.

6. What was it like winning the 2022 CRA Late Model Championship at such a young age? It was a big deal for me. Definitely my biggest accomplishment yet. It was a rough season as I missed the first race and I ended up having two DNF’s before that race. Because of limited track time, it was a little intimidating to come into Winchester knowing I have to compete at a high level. It was an intense race for sure, as almost all of the final 4 competitors were within a second of each other. But to be able to accomplish something at that level early into my racing career, it is something that I will value as I move up the ranks. It gives me a lot of confidence knowing that I can compete at a standard like that and helps me know that I belong in certain series like the CRA. It also helps me feel like I am one step ahead, can check off the box at that level, and I can continue working forward.

7. How do you balance racing with being a teenager and things like school? It is for sure very difficult. Especially when I have a lot of homework due the next day. However, my whole life has been racing. It is my only interest. So I know that the sooner I get my homework done (while still giving it my best), I get to work on more racing tasks. The sport is something I enjoy. It is difficult at times because there is so much to get done (it sometimes requires late nights), however, I know the end result will be worth it and I get to enjoy what I am doing.

8. What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle in your racing career so far? In 2021, I had 3 stuck throttles in a row. It was definitely destroyed my confidence and made it hard to race effectively. The first one resulted in flipping over the concrete wall and rolling two times outside of the race track. I ended up with a minor concussion. That was at the inner track at Salem Speedway. The second one was minor and it was at the same track. The third was at Anderson Speedway which was a pretty big one (not as bad at all). It was hard to deal with for sure, but after testing before I went back racing, I was able to somewhat not be afraid of going full throttle and hitting the rev limiter. I was petrified to race again. However, my first race back out was at Anderson in a junior late model with the CRA. I ended up winning that race and the heat race before. Now I know I can over come almost anything in motorsports.

9. What are your future racing goals and ambitions? My goal is to simply make a good living off racing. It is my passion and my main interest. However, my dream is to make it to the NASCAR Cup Series and to be competitive (winning races and championships).

10. How do you spend your free time outside of racing? There is not very much time that I have outside of racing because there is so much to do along with completing all of the tasks that school provides. However, I do karate lessons, I also spend a lot of time iRacing. I know that is still racing, but iRacing is one of may favorite things to do. Every lap I do helps better me as a driver.

11. Can you tell me about your recent visit to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan with your race car? I had the opportunity to meet a young man named Justin that was leaving the hospital after brain surgery. He is a huge fan of race cars so I brought my race car down to the hospital for his clap out (all employees were celebrating his departure). It was really cool to see his reaction. It has been a long time since he ran as fast to anything as he did to the car. I am happy I got to be a small part of such an amazing and inspiring event.

12. What inspired you to do that for the kids at the hospital? I have watched my grandmother battle cancer in the past as well as watching my grandfather battle with cancer now. My grandmother unfortunately lost her battle in 2019. My grandfather is currently undergoing treatment now. I know they are older, so I can’t even imagine what some of these kids are having to go through. It is definitely hard on a person mentally and physically. Whenever I have the opportunity be a part of different events with children, I always am excited to participate and hopefully shed some light on their day.

13. How important is it for you to use your platform to give back to the community? It is very important for me to give back as I am very fortunate that I get to do what love to do. Fortunately, I have always had great help and great support. Hopefully my story is inspiring as well as encourage other people to follow their dreams no matter how hard it is.