Father, son compete on racetrack

HERMON – Racing is all about family at Speedway 95.

On any given weekend, fans can watch a set of siblings racing door handle to door handle or a father-and-son combination tearing up the track.

Look no further than the Colin Areys – I and II.

Colin Arey has been racing for more than 30 years. He raced in motocross for 27 years before he had to find a sport that was less punishing to his back and body.

The Greenville native has since moved to the Sport 4 division at Speedway 95 and the four-time motocross champion said he now enjoys racing stock cars.

“I love racing, but I had to find something that was easier on my body,” said the 45-year-old Arey.

The love for racing is something that wasn’t lost on his son, Colin Arey II. The eight-year veteran of motocross and two-time junior champion likes the Sport 4 division compared to the bikes.

“There’s a little more adrenaline when racing in motocross, but I like cars better,” said the younger Arey.

The Pudgy Motorsports teammates try to race each other a little more gently than the other competitors.

“I guess I race him a little easier,” said the elder Arey. “If we wreck the equipment, we have to fix it.”

The 16-year-old Arey echoed his father.

“I race him equally on the track. We’re a team,” he said. “I try to race him as cleanly as possible.”

The Sport 4 division has its share of tough competition, but the Areys said that they are their own stiffest challengers.

“I think my biggest competitor on the track is my son. He drives a 1987 Mustang with an Alan Berry roll cage. He’ll be tough to beat,” said the elder Arey, who is also the current Sport 4 points leader.

Arey II expressed the same respect.

“My biggest competitor is my dad. We have the same setup in the cars and are pretty equal as far as power and handling,” said last year’s Sport 4 Rookie of the Year who already has posted a win this season.

A championship is in both of their sights, but the larger classes have also sparked their interest.

“I’d like to move up a class,” said Arey. “Maybe to Super Street, to Limited Sportsman, or to Pro Stock. Money is tight, so I’d need a big-time sponsor.”

The younger Arey has even bigger aspirations.

“I would really like to get into NASCAR. Hopefully by the time I’m 18, I can get a ride in the Busch North Series,” he said.

If that happens, he would receive some aid from his father.

“Eventually I’ll retire and help him where I can,” Arey said.

Arey II appreciates all the help that his father has given him over the years.

“He’s definitely a great mentor. He helps me out every way possible and has taught me everything he knows,” he said.

The elder Arey currently sits on top of the Sport 4 points standings by 14 points over Jason Whitts of Bangor. Arey II has placed himself just outside the top five.