Drag racing is a family affair for 8-year old Blake Hickman.

"My dad Buddy Hickman used to race, and so did his dad, and my dad's uncle," Hickman said. "It's a big part of our lives."

Blake, nine, began racing in the IHRA 8 and 9 year old Junior Dragster Division last year, and has completed five races so far this season. With one race left to go in the regular season, he moved into second place in points after his third consecutive runner up finish of the year at the Coastal Plains Dragway in Jacksonville on June 6.

Blake's mother is Kaye Hickman of Laurinburg.

"We are all very proud of Blake and what he has accomplished," she said, adding that she doesn't worry for his welfare when competing. "We pray together before each race, and I let God take care of him."

Blake, who competes against 12 to 13 others in his racing division, plans to move up through the ranks of drag racing as he gains more experience.

"I want to keep racing, and move from Junior Dragster to Super Stock to the Top Sportsman Division," he said.

In addition to the race in Jacksonville, Blake has competed at a variety of locations in the state, including Mooresville and Kinston. His next race will be June 20 in Rockingham.

Blake and his father built the racing engine for Blake's car, which is capable of speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.

"I love to get on a road and feel the wind blowing on my face," Blake said of the racing experience. "That's a great feeling."

Blake is a rising fourth grader at Washington Park Elementary School in Laurinburg. He has an older sister, Lisa.