A lot has changed since Annabeth Barnes was 11 years old.
She has left behind basketball and braces and moved on to a drivers license and hanging out with friends. But one thing that remains steady in Annabeths life, even today at 16, is race car driving.
My dad raced stock cars, so I always grew up watching him race, Annabeth said. I just loved watching him and I want to be like my dad.
Annabeth got her start in racing after watching her sister, who is four years older, race go-karts. At age 7, Annabeth entered in her first go-kart race at Riverside Kartway.
I remember being scared and nervous, Annabeth said. But you can never be afraid Fear keeps people from doing anything.
In her short career, Annabeth has racked up 17 championship titles and has driven go-karts, Bandolero cars and limited late models. In 2011, Annabeth transitioned to late model stock cars and raced for the first time at Hickory Motor Speedway.
And she is no stranger to being in the spotlight. While racing at Hickory Kart Fest, a camera crew stopped Annabeth, then 11, to ask her about racing. Annabeth was one of dozens filmed that day, but the only girl chosen to be featured in a documentary called Racing Dreams, executively produced by actor/wrestler Dwayne Johnson, The Rock.
I knew I didnt want to make another classic competition kid film, said the films director, Marshall Curry. I was looking for people that could carry the story. Who was winning races wasnt as interesting to me as much as who had a good story.
Curry said he found that in Annabeth, a young girl making her way in a male-dominated sport. Racing Dreams follows Annabeth as she participates in the World Karting Association Asphalt Nationals and as she travels around the country. Filming took place in several states, including Indiana and New York.
It was such a great time in my life and its so great to look back on it, Annabeth said. It was a sense of family with the crew from the first day.
But Annabeth said there was a time in her career she questioned if racing was the right path for her. When I was in middle school, I was thinking, What am I doing? she said. All of that is captured in the movie.
Curry said he kept documentary production small, only allowing two or three people to follow Annabeth and her family at a time. The intimacy of the way I make movies allows people to feel more comfortable, he said.
The crew followed Annabeth throughout the racing season and visited her about twice a month at her home in Hiddenite.
Annabeth is a great kid and is very smart, Curry said. We caught her in an amazing year where she was in a crisis battling racing and being a normal kid.
Word spread, and the Great American Country network decided to feature Annabeth and her family in a four-episode series that aired in January. Although she had been featured in a documentary before, Annabeth said she was still nervous about the hour-long episodes that focused solely on her family.
We werent quite sure how they would portray us, because we are just normal, Annabeth said. It turned out unbelievably well.
As for the future, Annabeths goal is to become a NASCAR driver and also become the first woman to win the Daytona 500. But if that doesnt pan out, she said she would like to become a pediatric nurse. In the meantime, she spends almost every weekend racing last season it was 48 out of 52 weeks and preparing for a day she may become a professional race car driver.
Its all about believing in yourself, she said.
About ANNABETH BARNES
Staying motivated: I have to keep focused on my goal because the thought of making it always keeps me going. I tell myself that it might be easier to give up, but nothing worth having is ever easy.
To be considered wise: To me (thats) someone who understands that you only get one go-around in life. And they live their life knowing that every second is precious, every minute counts and every day is another chance to get it right.
Greatest obstacle: (That) will always be that I am a female in a mostly male sport. Most of the time people dont take me as seriously as they should, especially other drivers. But that just makes me race harder, knowing that I have something to prove to them, and to the world.
Three things everyone should always have with them: A smile, an open mind and a good attitude.
One thing worth remembering in tough times: The God on the mountain is still God in the valley."
Fun fact: Im obsessed with Arizona Green Tea!
Video : Racing Dreams trailer: http://bit.ly/9mXj4j .
Racing Dreams
The full-length documentary featuring Annabeth can be viewed online through March 24 at www.pbs.org/pov/racingdreams .
updated by @stars-radio: 12/05/16 04:09:31PM