Peterson leaves pits for the track

Working as a pit man for legendary Bemidji Speedway racer Junior Jones was all it took for Pure Stock driver Cory Peterson to get the itch to race himself.

The 23-year-old driver from Red Lake has been racing for three years in the Bemidji Pure Stock class driving the No. 7 Monte Carlo. When Peterson isn’t racing he’s working on cars as a mechanic at Verdell’s Garage.

“I’ve taken second place in the season points standings the past two seasons at Bemidji Speedway and have won numerous features,” Peterson said. “I enjoy the rush of racing, and my family is very active in my racing career.”

His goal this year is to bring home a season points championship. Peterson plans on racing at Bemidji and Grand Rapids speedways this summer.

“My dad, Glenn, was part of a pit crew in Duluth and was a great inspiration for me,” Peterson said.