Driven to Inspire: Kourtney Baker’s Journey on and off the Track

Kourtney was first introduced to racing when she was about 7 years old. Her dad, who is from the South, took her to a race to watch one of his family friends compete. Later, after attending a race in Bakersfield, Kourtney told her dad that she wanted to start racing herself. From the beginning, part of her motivation was to inspire other kids, especially those facing health conditions or other circumstances that might otherwise hold them back.

She began racing at age 10 and quickly developed a deep passion for the sport and the possibilities ahead of her. Kourtney also understood that pursuing racing would come with challenges, including navigating other people’s opinions and balancing the demands of school with a busy competition schedule.

Much of her time is spent on the road, traveling to different states and competing at tracks across the country. Through it all, Kourtney says the support she receives from Maranatha has helped her continue pursuing racing while staying connected to school. Being able to communicate with her teachers and friends has been especially important as she manages both worlds.

Racing has also taught Kourtney the importance of discipline and priorities. No matter how far she hopes to go in the sport, she knows that her grades and schoolwork must remain a priority. Discipline has always been an important part of her family, and she is grateful for the lessons it has taught her, including the value of perseverance and knowing there are people willing to listen and offer support when things become difficult.

One of the most significant challenges in Kourtney’s racing career has been a back injury and subsequent surgery, which forced her to step away from racing for a time. That experience strengthened her desire to encourage other young people who may be living with injuries or health conditions they cannot control. She hopes her story can show them that challenges do not have to keep them from pursuing something they love.

Kourtney has also experienced the challenges of competing as a girl in a male-dominated sport. At the same time, some of her most meaningful moments come when young fans, especially little girls, approach her and share that they hope to accomplish what she has.

Racing has already made a significant impact on Kourtney’s life, and she knows there are many directions it could take her in the future. While she has not yet decided exactly what path she would like to pursue, racing continues to be an important part of her story and a way for her to inspire others both on and off the track.