Valvoline, one of the world’s leading suppliers of  lubricants and automotive services has announced that Wyatt Alexander of Ellsworth, Maine, has been chosen as the winner of its “Fast Track to Fame” contest, which was launched to promote grassroots racing.

Announced in February, the program invited amateur racers of varying backgrounds and experience to participate with intense passion and the will to win that fuels grassroots culture. The contest, which operated in two rounds, saw the public vote and decide the winner out of more than 800 contestants. Thousands of votes were cast.

Wyatt Alexander, Valvoline Fast Track to Fame winner | Valvoline photo

The 18-year-old victor, Wyatt Alexander, is a third generation mechanic and race car driver with professional racing aspirations. He is currently enrolled full-time at UNC Charlotte, where he studies mechanical engineering while he simultaneously works part-time for two race teams. He will be awarded a $50,000 check for the win.

“I’m living the dream, but I’m constantly on the go. It’s a balance of doing anything I can to be the next young gun, but also knowing that I need to focus on school,” remarked Alexander. “With this opportunity from Valvoline, I want to put a couple other big races on our schedule to get my name out there. It’s pretty simple: just do more racing.”

Travis Montgomery, Head of Sports Marketing and Entertainment for Valvoline, notes that “This program was an opportunity to show our continued support for motorsports and those who live the “Never Idle” mantra that Valvoline is rooted in. We were looking for someone with grit, passion, and drive, and there is no doubt we found those qualities and more in Wyatt.”

Supplementing Wyatt’s triumph, three runners-up – Morgan Ward of Watertown, South Dakota, Jonathan McKennedy of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and John Baker of French Lick, Indiana – will receive incremental prizes including cash and Valvoline products.

“We look forward to watching these young racers’ successes and will offer continued support as they continue to pursue their dreams in motorsports,” said Montgomery.

For more information, see Valvoline.