Dalton Parreira, a 16-year-old racer from Hanford, California, began his journey in racing at the tender age of eight, piloting a Jr Sprint car. His passion for racing has been a constant in his life, inspired by the early memories of watching Cole Macedo and Gauge Garcia at the Lemoore Raceway. From his very first race, Dalton fell in love with the sport, and now, in his ninth season, he competes in a Winged Outlaw Micro, with a string of race victories and championships to his name.
Dalton is not just a racer; he is also a high school junior, balancing his academic responsibilities with his racing career. The sport has brought him valuable friendships and memories, teaching him essential life lessons and skills. He credits much of his success to the unwavering support and guidance from key figures like Darin “Dog” Garcia, Norman Macedo, and their families. Without their help, Dalton believes he would not have had a racing career at all. His first race suit, for instance, was passed down through the racing community from Carson Macedo to Cole Macedo, then to Gauge Garcia, and finally to him. When his father needed to learn about race cars, it was Dog and Norman who patiently shared their knowledge and ensured he understood the intricacies of the sport. Even Cole Macedo lent Dalton his second helmet, advising him to invest the money he would have spent on a helmet into his race car instead. To this day, Dalton still uses the Macedo family’s trailer to transport his race car.
Looking ahead, Dalton envisions himself remaining active in the racing world over the next five to ten years, whether as a Sprint Car driver or as a crew member. His commitment to the sport is unwavering, and he plans to stay involved in racing in some capacity, driven by the same passion that ignited his journey years ago.
Outside of racing, Dalton enjoys simple pleasures like playing golf and fishing. His favorite movies include “Creed” and “Days of Thunder,” reflecting his love for sports and competition. This year, he is running his Winged Outlaw car and participating in some “A” class races for Brad Myrick, showcasing his skills and determination on the track.
Dalton’s journey in racing is a testament to the power of positivity and resilience. He advises others to maintain a positive attitude, stay calm when mistakes happen, learn from them, and keep moving forward. He emphasizes the importance of being willing to help others, a value he holds dear thanks to the support he has received from his racing community.
Several individuals have significantly influenced Dalton’s racing career. Gauge Garcia, who has been there from the start, allowed Dalton to take laps in his car, igniting his desire to have a car of his own. Gauge continues to push Dalton to be better, both on and off the track, embodying the role of a true friend and brother. Cole Macedo has also been a crucial mentor, teaching Dalton’s father how to work on the car and providing valuable driving advice. Jordan Silva, seeing potential in Dalton’s driving style, has designed and wrapped his cars since he moved into the bigger vehicles. Working out of Jordan’s shop this year has enhanced Dalton’s racing program, bringing it closer to consistent success. Other significant supporters include Jerrod Huckleberry of Ten-j Chassis, Shawn Smith of Carbon Copies, and Lovenburg Racing.
Born and raised in Hanford, California, Dalton remains rooted in his hometown, where he continues to nurture his racing career. Each racing season brings new goals and challenges. While his first year in the bigger cars was about getting comfortable and competitive, this year, Dalton aims to visit victory lane more frequently and improve on last year’s results in major races. Making all the Main Events at the big races last year was an achievement, but this year, he hopes to stand on more podiums and enhance his finishes.
Dalton Parreira’s story is one of passion, dedication, and the importance of community support. As he continues to race and evolve, his journey serves as an inspiration to others to follow their dreams, learn from their experiences, and always be ready to lend a helping hand.
Sponsors He would like to thank:
His Mom, His Dad, His Grammie Judy
Garcia’s and the Macedo’s
Kings County Firefighter’s Association
Markle Construction
Innovative Ag
Legacy Specialties
Wave Group LLC
Magic Valley IVF
TRS Performance
Rock Crushing Solutions
Valley Oxygen
Valley Collision Center
JRs Powder Coating
Myers Well Drilling
R.E Reid Appraisals
Dave Robinson, The Sheriff
A&M Livestock
Shea McGowan
Production Services
Total Image Detailing
Ten-j Chassis
Carbon Copies
GWC Media
Victory Fuel
Guhl Motors
FK Shocks
Lovenburg Racing
BPR
Keizer Wheels
Burnett Performance
Jordan Silva Designs
I am glad to see my cousin Dalton is doing so good in his racing keep going buddy