Columbia teenager driving to the top

Jordan Anderson making a name for himself as racer, businessman

By TOURE FRANCIS

Special to The State

Columbia’s Jordan Anderson, a 15-year-old auto racer, moved up to the Limited Late Model division and was named 2006 Team Motorsports Lounge Driver of the Year.

Anderson, who started racing at 7, competed in two Limited Late Model races and finished as high as sixth this season. He also ran in that division’s truck races and was successful, picking up nine top 10 finishes.

And in 10 Legends Car races at the Summer Shootout Series at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Anderson recorded five top 10s and four top 5s. He finished fourth in overall points.

Not bad for a kid who also handles the business end of the sport, soliciting sponsorships from local businesses.

"I'm a very clean and consistent driver,” Anderson said. “I also take pride in the fact that I've never cheated or have been considered a dirty driver. I just rely on my instincts and my practice.

Anderson has been instrumental in landing sponsors for his car since he began racing. One sponsor who’s been with Anderson from the start has been Dick Dyer Toyota.

"He's always treated Jordan like one of his own sons and has taught him a lot about life," Cliff Anderson, Jordan’s father, said of Dick Dyer.

Anderson, who has his own Web site (www.jordanandersonracing.com), has also developed relationships with some of the most influential figures in motorsports.

"The biggest thing I've learned from my eight years in the sport is how to handle myself,” Anderson said. “In racing you have to maintain focus through so many ups and downs that you have to be disciplined and show perseverance. "With so many responsibilities, Anderson is an honor roll student at Covenant Christian School.

"I have a very stable home life with an extremely supportive family," he said. "That makes chasing excellence much easier."