Peanut's Racing Journey

 

Peanut, a 12-year-old racing prodigy from Ocean Isle, North Carolina, has been competing since the age of seven. Over the years, Peanut has established himself as the number one ATV big tire mud racer in the world. He is also the Ultra4 National Champion in the Mod Class for two consecutive years and achieved victory in the Vegas to Reno 2024 Youth 1k Race.

 

Race Planning & Teamwork

 

This year, the team knew they wanted Peanut to compete in the youth class again, but they also aimed to have him race a Can-Am Maverick R in the Pro Mod UTV in Ultra4, as well as the Pro UTV in the BITD. To make this possible, they reached out to a talented driver, Cruz Lecroy, a ten-year-old from Alabama, who started the Pro Mod car for Peanut since that race began one hour before the youth class.

 

Youth Class Race

 

Peanut began the youth class in his Can-Am X3, but encountered overheating issues and lost his GPS halfway through the race. Despite these setbacks, he managed to cross the finish line at the 70-mile mark in second place. Afterward, the team quickly loaded the car and raced to catch the pro mod car at Pit 5, two hours away!

 

 

Pro Mod Race & Challenges

 

The team switched drivers and co-drivers, with Peanut taking over the Pro Mod Maverick R with his father, Brian Fulcher, co-driving and driving another 270 miles to the finish line. The journey was marked by grit, determination, and willpower as Peanut persevered through three right front flat tires. Their dedicated pit crew—Jeb Wallis, Kyle Chaney, Shane Blanks, Pat Lepene, Kyle Stercay, and Tony Ramos—kept Peanut moving, with the last flat occurring just ten miles from the finish.

 

 

Final Push to the Finish Line

 

At Pit 10, Peanut expressed doubt about finishing the race, saying, “Dad, I don’t know if I can finish.” Brian told him, "We only have 20 miles left!" A little white lie that kept his spirits up as Brian continued praying. After 100 miles, Peanut remarked that it was the longest 20 miles he had ever driven. Brian reassured him that the finish was near, but with just ten miles to go, he fell asleep at the wheel, hit a rock, and burst another tire at 11:55 pm. Brian quickly jumped out to change the tire, and Peanut was able to drive the car across the finish line.

 

 

Achievements & Appreciation

 

Peanut earned the distinction of being the youngest driver ever to complete the 500-mile race and should be in first place unofficially in the Pro Mod class of Ultra4. Special thanks go to Cruz Lecroy and his father, Jon Lecroy, for helping Peanut by driving the first part of the race.

 

 

Sponsors

 

I want to thank all our sponsors who help us get to the finish line.

Performance East
KMC Wheels
EFX Tires
Hoonigan
Evolution Powersports
Carolina Custom ATV
Double E Racing
Topline Racing
Can-Am
SD Lighting
Ct Race Worx
Turner Cycles
Pocket Change Fab