At just six years old, Cedric Richey from Toledo is doing exceptional things in his young life, but it’s no surprise given that it’s something his father and grandfather also do. This third-generation racer started the sport at the young age of five and has excelled at it since. Not only has Cedric won two main events, but he has also earned second place in five main events and third place in seven main events. He also placed tenth out of 34 drivers in the Monroe Winter Series and fourth out of 13 in Moses Lake. Cedric is a beast on the racetrack and loves every minute of it.
The love of racing all started with his Papa Joe Richey, who raced hobby stocks and modifieds. Cedric’s Dad, Jonathon Richey, races four-cylinder hornets and the young protégé Cedric races quarter midgets.
Quarter midget racing is a family-friendly sport where participants race on 264 feet long oval tracks, typically concrete, asphalt, or dirt. Cedric currently runs a 2005 Fiser frame with a Honda 120 motor modified to adhere to USAC quarter midget and QMA rules. The racecars have full roll cages, multi-point harnesses, and drivers wear full-face helmets for safety. The quarter midget racecar is one-quarter the size of the full-size midget racecar, hence the name. Midget racing has been known to have fewer injuries than little league football. Racing teaches a participant how to be patient, have good sportsmanship, car control, and that hard work pays off.
Quarter midget racing is popular across the country. Cedric races with a couple of different organizations. His home track is in Elma, a USAC I-5 quarter midget club. Cedric also races with QMA Racing Rascals out of Yakima. Of course, Cedric’s favorite part of racing is going fast, and he also enjoys the competitive aspect.
After competing against kids of all ages and skill levels from across Washington, Cedric’s favorite memory is going to Nationals and beating kids older than him. QMA Nationals was held in Montana this year, and Cedric raced against kids twice his age and earned a spot on the podium by finishing in third place. “Everyone pretty much gets the same equipment, and it is in the kid’s hands on how well they do,” says Jonathon.
As a first grader at Toledo Elementary School, Cedric’s favorite class, like many other six-year old’s, is recess. His parents, Mary and Jonathon, are both Lewis County born and raised. The pair graduated from Centralia High School and are now living their dream of raising their babies in the charming town of Toledo. They have loved watching Cedric grow in the sport, exceeding the expectations of most kids his age. He is earnest about taking care of his equipment and learning how and when to be aggressive on the track. Cedric has two younger siblings following in his footsteps. Theodore, who is five, will start racing next year. April, only one year old, will join the race team when she is older.
If you are interested in racing or would like to be a sponsor for Cedric, check out their Facebook page Cedric Richey Racing.
The Richey family would like to thank the following sponsors that have helped Cedric achieve his dream of racing quarter midget racecars: So Good Graphics LLC, Mr. Powder Kote LLC, Kerrigan Excavation & Land Development, Something More Creative, Red Camel Racing Inc., The Jessi Combs Foundation, A&M Automotive, CPG Designs, Chehalis F At F Auto Repair, FIX EM FRANK, Ignite Propane, Muffler Man, Uptown Clicks, Big G’s Racing Engines, Daarud Body Worx, LokoLance Racing, and RicheyRacing10.
Also, the family extends a big thank you to the amazing little town of Toledo for consistently rallying behind and supporting little Cedric.
Dale Earnhardt said, “The winner isn’t the one with the fastest car. It’s the one who refuses to lose.” Cedric continues to show everyone time and time again that he refuses to lose. This little boy has grit and determination and will do great things not only in the racing world but in life. He has a fantastic community that cannot wait to celebrate his wins and help him learn and grow from his losses. Did I mention he also has a sweet mullet that is the envy of many? This kid is the epitome of cool!
