To learn how to finess a race car in the turns and know how to fix a mistake to make yourself better can only come from years of experience, seat time, and age. So, when a 15 year old wins a NLMS race in only his second late model race you have think this kid has something special. Pearson Lee Williams, a Dublin, Ga. native, has been involved in racing his whole life. His first trip to the race track was at the age of 3 days old and he's been there every since. Pearson had plenty of influence in his life when it came to racing by having a father and both grandfathers who raced.
At the age of 13 he decided it was time to beg his parents to let him have a turn in the race car and a deal was made. If he could keep his grades up his parents promised him a ride. Pearson kept his end of the deal up and his parents let him drive in the Road Warrior division at Swainsboro Speedway in Swainsboro, Ga. He felt that first race was a whole new experience for him and as he went onto the racetrack for the first time he felt it just came to him. An addiction had begun. In only the eighth race he entered Pearson won his first race and two weeks later he started a winning streak that ended his season with nine, count them, nine consecutive wins.
This past season Pearson decided he needed another challenge in racing and asked his parents for a late model. They came through and got him the late model along with a crate motor to run the NLMS. Picking a number for his car was decided by combining the number 1 of his grandfather, John Lee Williams, and the 21 of his father, Frank Williams, to become the 121 car. Pearson's family has been an important factor in his racing. He will tell you it wouldn't be possible without their support. Most of his immediate and extended family have traveled and been to almost every single race he's ever been in. With the late model ride from his family Pearson, in only his second race, qualified on the outside pole at 441 Speedway for the NLMS race. On the first restart he came out with the lead and followed suit with the second and third restarts. After that they restarted in single file and Pearson led all the way until the end.
Pearson was the youngest ever to win a NLMS race and became a household name when he, at only the age of 15, won the points championship at 441 Speedway this past year. Talk about a talented driver. It's hard enough to win a race but at such a young age to win a points championship is a whole different story. It's not easy to achieve what Pearson's achieved but he's determined to make this a path in life for himself. After school he's in the shop every day making sure everything is working right on his car and that it's prepared for the next race. He's a devoted driver and gives up what other teenagers may take for granted like just hanging out with friends on a Saturday night. He was a football player in middle school and would have continued into high school but he made the choice to focus on racing and says it has completely been worth it because it's something he loves doing.
If being a success on the track weren't enough, the 15 year old is also an honor student at West Laurens High. After he finishes in the shop with his car he is in his room hitting the books. Dedication is a big factor with Pearson. He works hard at all he does and it shows. Pearson wants to make a career in racing and with determination, support from his family, and sponsors like, Atkinson Oil, Keyton Logging, Dublin Tire, Williams Body Shop, CV Products, Keyser Manufacturing, Wolfpack Racing, and Kenny Lamb Engines he is sure to reach his goals. In the upcoming year he has plans to run some big crate races and NLMS races along with his regular schedule. The future is bright for Pearson and people should pay attention because he may be the one you're rooting for in a future NASCAR race. When asked if he would change anything his response is "I wouldn't have it any other way." Good luck Pearson in the future, you have a bright path ahead of you.
