4/22/2025
The Dirt Track at Genesee
Rising Star Seth Johnson Eyes Growth and Wins in Second Mini Stock Season
BATAVIA, NY — At just 16 years old, Seth Johnson is already turning heads at The Dirt Track at Genesee. The Castile Christian Academy student from Castile, NY, is entering his second full season in the competitive Mini Stock division with clear goals: keep growing, stay respectful on the track, and find his way to victory lane more often.
Balancing school and racing isn’t easy, especially during the early part of the season. Johnson makes it work through a lot of determination. “It’s rough, but you know, I just put in the late nights and the early mornings if you want it bad enough,” he said. Once school lets out for the summer, he adds a job at Elitsac Lumber to his already full plate—proving that hard work doesn’t stop at the track. “Just my parents” make up his support system, and they’ve been there every step of the way.
Johnson already made waves last season with his first Mini Stock win—a major milestone for any rookie. This year, he's aiming higher: “We’re hoping for more wins and to be able to run up front and be consistent week in and week out.”
He’s especially motivated for the Mackenzie’s Memorial race, which carries personal meaning. “It just has a special place to me because you got all the out-of-towners coming in and you have to defend your home,” he said. “It’s just a special night with that memorial.”
While the championship isn’t always on his mind early in the year, Johnson knows what it takes. “You might blow up on week two or you might get to the end of the year and find yourself in that place where you have a chance—you’ve gotta bring the best.”
One area he’s working hard to improve is his restarts. “I’ve struggled there a lot. I’m trying to get off the line faster than the other guy, and there’s all sorts of games that guys play,” he admitted. A new rule penalizing early starters might help even the playing field, something Johnson welcomes: “It’s a little more high stakes, and I think they’ll do a good job enforcing it.”
Patience, he says, has been the biggest lesson from his rookie campaign. “Keep the nose clean and be there at the end,” he said. It’s a mindset that reflects his clean, respectful driving style—something that earned him admiration from fans and fellow racers alike.
He fondly recalls dueling with Robert Knapp and Brad Whiteside in last year’s Mackenzie race. “We don’t drive through each other. We raced clean and hard, and that’s what I want to see.”
Despite enjoying travel and visiting new tracks, Johnson says Genesee will always be home. “You roll in there and you feel like you know everybody. It just has that atmosphere.”
As the 2025 season gets underway, keep an eye on this rising young driver. Seth Johnson is proving that heart, hard work, and humility can go a long way—even in the dirt.
Article Credit: Jeremy Perry
Submitted By: Jeremy Perry
