AUBURNDALE, Fla. — Ayden Carmichael’s favorite parts of racing are in the thick of the competition.
“To be honest, it has to be like the actual race, and I really like passing people,” Carmichael said.
The track is his domain. It’s been that way since he was 4 years old.
When he’s in race mode, it’s like he’s on the hunt, just like a shark.
“My grandma, me and her used to always read shark books,” Carmichael said, explaining how he got his nickname, “The Shark.”
“Every time I pass somebody, it was just my driving style. I would come up on you, push you out the way, and my uncle said, ‘just like a shark’.”
Ayden Carmichael, 12, is nicknamed ‘The Shark’ for the way he chases down other racers. (Spectrum Sports/Brandon Green)
Carmichael started by driving go-karts. Since then, he has graduated and is now driving a U.S. Legend car, which goes around 120 mph.
The Cocoa native comes from three generations of racers. Granddad Bill; his uncle, Nate; and Carmichael work on the car together.
“It means a lot that they would spend their time [here], instead of with other parts of the family, just relaxing and helping me do this. It means a lot,” Carmichael said.
At just 12 years old, Carmichael earned the reserve champion honor for 2025 Legends Division points standings at Auburndale Speedway. He’s the youngest driver to accomplish the feat.
“It means a lot to be the youngest driver, especially beating the big dogs,” Carmichael said.
“We got second overall last year, adults and children. They don’t separate them at the local tracks,” said Nate Carmichael, his uncle and crew chief.
Nate Carmichael has been coaching Ayden since he started racing.
Nate Carmichael, Ayden’s uncle, has been coaching the young racer since he was young. (Spectrum Sports/Brandon Green)
“It was a lot of hard work, some bad words, a lot of sleepless nights,” Nate Carmichael said. “A couple bent frames, it’s just very rewarding to come together as a team.”
Carmichael’s motivation to be the best comes from knowing it’s possible.
Last year, he participated in the Summer Shootout Series in Charlotte, N.C., and went to work alongside and learned from the NASCAR driver who he said is his favorite, Bubba Wallace.
“It was really great. He’s a good, down-to-earth guy. He really helped me with my line over at Charlotte,” Carmichael said.
This past weekend at Auburndale Speedway, Carmichael added to his trophy case by winning the Showdown Series. It was his first win in a U.S. Legend car.
Brandon Green
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