One of this season rising stars in the Giffords Ice Cream Bandolero Series is 8 year old Charles Macko, from Chester, Vermont.
Charlie first felt the need for speed when on vacation with his family, “I went to Phoenix Arizona with my family on vacation. While we were there, we went to an amusement park. They had a kart track there. I was really small (3 years old), but there was nobody there, and the guy let me into the kart. I have loved driving and going fast ever since.”
This season Charlie is racing the number 99 The Killarney Pub bandolero at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. There is quite difference from the quarter midgets that Charlie raced in the past compared to the bandoleros cars now. “The bandolero car is very different from the form of karts I was in before. It is enclosed, much faster, and really big. I have to steer it with more force. It is much more work.”
With a couple podium finish already this season Charlie knows how to get around the “Mini Magic Mile”. “The racing groove with way out wide next to the wall. The entry to the corner is very late. No brakes. Get back into the gas as soon as you can. Usually, I try to stomp on it about 75% through the corner.”
The one thing that seems to upset the bandolero race cars is making the transition in turn one from the flat to the banking. “If you stay low in 1 and 2 the banking really upsets the car. You have to have the car pointed for the exit or it will take you to the wall.”
With two top 3 finishes already this season it won’t be long before we Charlie you in victory lane. “I hope we win really soon. It is going to take Jordan having some difficulty. I really like him, Both he and I race and play hockey. He has taught me a lot racing with him.”
It’s pretty amazing that these young drivers get to race on the same track as their NASCAR hero’s. “My favorite driver is Carl Edwards, You know the driver of the 99 Subway, Fastenal, Aflac, Ford Fusion. It is really SWEET to race on the same track as him. I hope to be the first 99 Bandolero to win at NHMS. I will give my trophy to Roush, Carl and T-Bayne.” Maybe one day soon we will get to see Charlie do his back flip in victory lane.
Charlie did have to make some modifications to his race car. “I was having to look through the steering wheel. The track photographer was showing us the pictures. We had to buy a steering wheel with the top cut out!”
When Charlie isn’t racing, he still keeping busy. “I play hockey, go skiing and snowboarding all winter. I play soccer. I have been studying Bard owls and Bald eagles.”
Charlie would like to thank all his sponsors. The Killarney Pub , Pinnacle View Equipment, Making The Rounds, K & B Auto, Gramma Jo (Joann Macko)