By Thomas Grant Jr.
At just 11 years old, Pelion native Kenneth “Preston” Blevins is already accelerating through the early stages of what looks to be a promising kart racing career.
The young driver has captured three junior titles along with the 2025 U.S. and E-World championship in North Carolina. Now, Blevins has successfully transitioned from indoor competition to outdoor racing — and made an immediate impact, winning his first outdoor race by eight seconds.
“He is the learning curve,” said his father, Kenneth Blevins. “There’s no other way to describe him as far as watching him drive. I think his development is every day. He’s getting better. Even though he’s great, he’s still finding a way to be better.”
Denmark Bound
Next up is Preston’s biggest challenge yet — and farthest trip from home.
He has qualified for the Karting World Championships, an international open event featuring 18 drivers ages 9–13. The competition is scheduled for July 22 through Aug. 1 in Vandel.
To help offset travel and racing expenses, the Blevins family has been actively fundraising. They recently attended the February 24 monthly networking meeting of the Lexington County Blowfish, where support for Preston’s racing journey continues to grow.
Team co-owner Bill Shanahan has been an early supporter. During the Blowfish’s NASCAR Night this past season, Preston met fans and posed for photos while showcasing his karting background. The Blowfish organization was also among the first contributors to the family’s GoFundMe campaign.
“He has been a great support system for us,” Kenneth Blevins said of Shanahan.
Busy Schedule Ahead
Before heading overseas, Preston will compete in an ARKC indoor event in Greenville, where he plans to race in both the youth and adult divisions.
His schedule also includes:
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The FAT Kart Mid-West Series, which runs through October
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The K1 Speed Nationals in May
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Monthly K1 Speed competitions to qualify for next year’s Nationals
With international competition on the horizon and a packed racing calendar ahead, Preston Blevins continues to prove that age is just a number when it comes to talent, discipline and determination on the track.
