NASCAR dream drives kids in Bandolero cars

Photos from an assignment at Texas Motor Speedway last night. Kids as young as 8 compete in what are essentially high powered go carts, Bandolero cars. Their dream.... to reach NASCAR one day. Several NASCAR drivers, including Joey Logano and David Ragan, got their start in Bandolero.

Michael Meek, 9, rehydrates in the garage after qualifying for the Bandolero Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway, Saturday, August 21, 2010. Young kids from across the country will be competed for the overall national title in the two Bandolero divisions - Bando Bandits (ages 8-11) and Bando Outlaws (12 and up). Special to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram / Brandon Wade

Michael Meek, 9, gets a push from his grandfather, Mike, left, and father, Robert, right, onto the scale after qualifying for the Bandolero Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway, Saturday, August 21, 2010. Young kids from across the country will be competed for the overall national title in the two Bandolero divisions - Bando Bandits (ages 8-11) and Bando Outlaws (12 and up). Special to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram / Brandon Wade

Michael Meek, 9, races down the back stretch during qualifying for the Bandolero Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway, Saturday, August 21, 2010. Young kids from across the country will be competed for the overall national title in the two Bandolero divisions - Bando Bandits (ages 8-11) and Bando Outlaws (12 and up). Special to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram / Brandon Wade

Sean Glennon (8) and Tyson Goudy (Boo) avoid hitting Joseph Graf (12) as he spins out in turn four during practice before the Bandolero Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway, Saturday, August 21, 2010. Young kids from across the country will be competed for the overall national title in the two Bandolero divisions - Bando Bandits (ages 8-11) and Bando Outlaws (12 and up). Special to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram / Brandon Wade

Zack King races down the front stretch during qualifying for the Bandolero Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway, Saturday, August 21, 2010. Young kids from across the country will be competed for the overall national title in the two Bandolero divisions - Bando Bandits (ages 8-11) and Bando Outlaws (12 and up). Special to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram / Brandon Wade