Ethan’s First Lap—Let’s Go!💨

Ethan’s First Lap—Let’s Go! 🚗💨

What’s up everybody! My name is Ethan, and I’m a 3rd grader at Downtown Elementary and I’m super excited to be racing in the River City Gravity Race Program this year!

I’ve been wanting to be in this program for like… two years. Last year, I finally got to come to race day with my family and try it out at the Try Gravity Racing experience. That was my first time really seeing what it was like—and I already knew… yeah, I’m gonna like this.

Now I’m in it for real!

Since joining the program, I’ve made new friends, and we’ve been on some really cool adventures. We went to the Atlanta Science Festival, and that was super cool—I even met a real pilot! There were so many amazing people there doing big things.

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We also went to Andretti’s for team building, and my nana came with me—we had a really fun time together. That was one of my favorite days for sure.

I really like working with the coaches too. They’re teaching me how to build my car and use tools the right way. I’m learning a lot, and it feels good to actually build something myself.

My little brother wants to join too, but he has to wait one more year. But when he gets in… yeah, we’re gonna be the dream team for real.

On race day—May 16, 2026—I’ll be racing my own car, and I’m ready! And if I win, I could go all the way to Akron, Ohio to represent our city at the International Soap Box Derby. That would be crazy!

Right now, I’m raising $1,000 to help cover my race costs like my car kit, tools, and everything I need for race day. Every donation helps me get closer to my goal.

If you want to support me, you can:
• Place an ad in the River City Souvenir Journal
• Or reach out to my mom, Von Marie Cardona, at 787-676-9407
• Or contact Let’s Grow STEAMx at 706-577-3409

Thank you for believing in me. I’m gonna give it everything I got and race my heart out for my community!

See you at the track!

—Ethan💨
3rd Grade | Downtown Elementary