Behind The Wheel…of a Race Car Enthusiast

Kylan Wallis, 11, seems to be like any other student at Jenks High School. But, what many people might not know is his passion for cars and racing. Whether he is preparing the cars, doing a ride-along at the circuit, or videoing the vehicles in action, he can be found at the races. 

Wallis discovered his passion for cars at a very young age. Growing up, he would spend a lot of time with his Dad, who also had a passion for the auto industry. Wallis has created a special bond with him through racing and working on cars. Some of Wallis’s favorite memories were when they would race each other on the Xbox at home. 

“I would always try to use the fastest cars and he would pick the slow ones and still try to beat me with them,” said Wallis. “Sometimes he would win, and sometimes he wouldn't, but that was the fun of it.” 

When his Dad opened a car shop fixing brands like Volvo and Saab in 2015, he finally got to experience what it was like to fix cars. When he is at the shop, Wallis helps with all sorts of services to keep the cars running smoothly. 

“I love getting to work at the shop with my Dad and his business partners,” said Wallis. “They have really taught me the ins and outs of a car and taught me how to do things like my first oil change.” 

Eventually, Wallis started to spend more time with the cars at Hallett Jennings, a motor racing circuit in Sand Springs. Even when he is not driving the cars, he still stays involved by helping out where he can. Wallis also spends a lot of his time at Hallett videoing races and photographing the cars. 

“Getting there on the race track and being involved in any way is what's important to me,” said Wallis. “I enjoy going to Hallet for many reasons but I love going there for photography, filming the cars, and riding along with the other drivers.” 

Hallett Motor Racing. Circuit Photo Credit: Google images

Outside of racing and filming at Hallett, Wallis also enjoys racing at home virtually through his PC console in a virtual league. In his virtual league, a Porsche league, everyone races the same Porsche gt3 so there is no unfair advantage. Virtual racing can be very easily accessible for busy students like Wallis and can be just as fun. 

“I enjoy the virtual league a lot,” said Wallis. “You get to race on different tracks around the world each week with your friends while still being comfortable at home.” 

Juggling school and a hobby like racing can be very difficult for a high school student. Driving out to the track and preparing the car is a timely and sometimes stressful process. Through virtual racing, Wallis has found a way to save some time while still having fun and even winning money. 

After he graduates high school, Wallis said he wants to pursue a career as a pilot as well as fixing cars every once in a while. Wallis plans to be around his Dad's shop as much as possible but when it comes to racing the cars, it can become too dangerous. 

Being around the auto industry has made a huge impact on every part of Wallis’s life and his goal is to get the community involved as much as possible. If you are interested in the auto industry or are want to meet people who share a passion for cars, a club Wallis is involved with, the Volvo Club, meets at Lagom Coffee.