Latrell Pruett never has let obstacles stand in the way of his dreams.
Some experts said Pruett, who was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old, would never speak and never be in regular school. The 15-year old currently is enrolled as a freshman at Newport High School and speaks proficiently. Why would his desire to race cars be any different?
Latrell’s father, Ethan, said his family was determined to make sure Latrell lived a normal life and it has payed dividends.
“When he was diagnosed, we just got this whole list of ‘nevers’ that he would never do,” Ethan Pruett said. “We never believed that. He started speaking when he was around six and his language skills started developing about three or four years ago.”
Once Pruett’s language skills developed, he professed a desire to drive race cars in the Quarter Midgets of America Association. Latrell started when was 11 years old, which isn’t the norm.
“Most kids start at the age of 5. Most of the drivers he was going against had been driving already for the past five years,” Ethan said. “It took him a little while to get over the hump. This year was the year he became so dominant.”
The track itself, which consist of a 1/20th of a mile track with 10 cars per race, requires each driver to make split-second decisions.
“The fastest cars on the track are going about 50 miles per hour. When you extrapolate that to a Nascar track on a mile course, these drivers have to process information at 220 miles per hour. Everything happens so quick and they have to react ridiculously fast,” Ethan said.
Latrell finished the 2014 QMA season with two championship victories, two-third place finishes and seven track records. Latrell’s finest victory came when he captured first place at the Quarter Midget Regional Championship in September. The Pruett living room is filled with trophies and plaques courtesy of Latrell’s performances.
“Some of the track records he set were held since 2006, some of those that he beat were considered unbeatable and were retired track records. He went in and just crushed it,” Ethan said. “The things he’s accomplished are pretty remarkable for anybody, let alone having autism.”
Latrell’s mother Jennifer couldn’t be prouder of her son’s accomplishments.
“It’s been absolutely amazing. We’ve never really thought of Latrell as being unable to do anything in particular. It’s really been a blessing to get him into something that he can excel at really well,” Jennifer said.
Latrell said crossing the finish line in front of other competitors is a thrilling experience.
“Winning first place and amazing everyone is really fun,” Latrell said. “It’s a pretty cool feeling.”
Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com
