Jakob Peterson

Chasing an F1 Dream in the No. 8

At just 12 years old, Jakob Peterson is already chasing a dream that reaches far beyond the short tracks where he is building his racing career.

Peterson, from McConnells, South Carolina, is a first-generation racer. There isn't a long family history of racing behind him—Jakob is the first person in his entire family to pursue the sport.

And he's not doing it with a huge operation behind him. Jakob and his dad make up the team, working together to get the No. 8 Bandolero to the track and keep the racing dream moving forward.

With Charlotte Motor Speedway as his home track, Jakob is gaining experience behind the wheel while continuing to develop as a young racer.

But Jakob isn't thinking small when it comes to where he wants racing to take him.

His dream is to make it to Formula 1.

That's an enormous goal for a 12-year-old, but every racer has to start somewhere. For Jakob, that journey starts with a Bandolero, a No. 8 on the side, and a father working alongside him every step of the way.

Away from the track, Jakob is a pretty typical 12-year-old. His favorite food is steak, but racing is clearly where his biggest passion lies.

From the Pits to the Stands is proud to support Jakob Peterson as he continues learning, competing, and chasing his dream of one day reaching Formula 1.

Driver Card

Driver: Jakob Peterson
Age: 12
Birthday: January 29, 2014
Hometown: McConnells, SC
Division: Bandolero
Car: No. 8
Home Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Team: Jakob Peterson & Dad
Favorite Food: Steak
Racing Background: First-generation racer
Dream: Make it to Formula 1

From the Pits to the Stands Partnered Driver

Jakob Peterson is part of the From the Pits to the Stands Supported Driver Program, where we help showcase young grassroots racers and share their stories with race fans.

We'll be following Jakob and team as they continue their season, both on the short tracks and wherever else the racing schedule takes them.

Real Racing. Real People. Real Stories.

You can follow Jakob’s journey on Pits to Stands and his Socials:

Facebook‍ ‍

TikTok