HAMPTON, Va. — I caught up with Mason “Fastlane” Weakley at Langley Speedway before a race on the same track that has hosted NASCAR greats like Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jimmy Johnson. The 13-year-old Virginia Beach driver is already winning races and has his sights set on a career in NASCAR.
“I like the adrenaline rush. I like the speed. The competition’s very close. I like the whole atmosphere around the track," said Mason.
“He eats, sleeps and breathes racing, so the passion is what makes me have the nerve to watch him week after week," said his mom, Angela Weakley, with a smile.
Mason has been racing cars since he was 5.
“His middle name is Lane, but we call him Fastlane because he always wanted to be fast. Walking was too slow," his mom added.
Mason started off racing go-karts and is now competing in legend cars, which are smaller-scale race cars. He is following in the footsteps of racing icon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., who got his start in the legend car division.
Last year, Mason was the youngest driver in the legend class at Langley, and he won the last race of the season.
“These multi-track champions out here in their 20s and 30s—he’s racing against grown men," said his dad, Billy Weakley, proudly.
Mason's dad acts as his spotter.
“I’m his eyes and ears in the sky. We’re in two-way communication with the driver, telling him things like who’s around him and how clear he is behind another car," said Billy.
This is a family effort, with twin sister Hannah helping on the sidelines.
“She’s more like emotional support. She helps with my nerves, obviously, and gives me congratulations. She’s an all-around good person to have at the track," Mason said.
“I’m like, ‘Go, go! But be careful. Don’t do something crazy,'" said his sister.
Mason was the Young Lion Virginia State Champion last year, in the division just below semi-pro.
I wondered how he was allowed to race a car at 80 miles per hour when he doesn’t even have a driver’s license.
“I got a special racing license that comes with years of experience in go-karting and other lower divisions around these short tracks,” said Mason.
“He loves it, and it’s something we do as a family. We travel a lot. He’s stayed in more hotels on 95 than I’ve stayed in my whole life already," his dad said.
“The next step would be full-body stock cars, running around these short tracks, and hopefully getting recognized by a big team, getting a lot of funding to make it to NASCAR," said Mason.
Remember the name Mason “Fastlane” Weakley, as he is on the fast track to victory lane and is positively Hampton Roads.
