VENTURA, Calif. (July 24, 2003) – Camarillo teen Ashley Utts turned her first laps in a race car at Ventura Raceway this month, marking the third generation in her family to drive a race car.
The 16-year-old Utts, daughter of driving champion Charles Utts and granddaughter of former racer Charlie Utts, practiced in a Pony Stock class Ford Mustang prepared by her father.
“That was a lot of fun,” Ashley Utts said after turning an estimated 200 practice laps Thursday. “I enjoyed it, but I’m tired.”
Ashley Utts will begin her junior year at Oaks Christian High School in Thousand Oaks in September. She has a 3.9 Grade Point Average at Oaks Christian, is a member of the school’s volleyball program and plays club volleyball during the off-season.
The family is mulling the possibility of entering the rookie in the July 30 stock car event during the Ventura County Fair.
Charles Utts and his father Charlie both have raced at Ventura Raceway, as has Ashley’s mother, Kristen Utts. Utts Racing has more than 50 main event victories and has won track and regional racing championships.
