Natalie Hubbard, an eighth-grader here in Benton, epitomizes more than mere academic excellence. She embodies bravery—a profound, admirable courage. As she stands on the cusp of high school, Natalie admits to feeling “a little nervous” about the transition. This admission, in itself, is a testament to her valor. Acknowledging those “stomach butterflies” and the unease of stepping into a new chapter requires a significant dose of bravery. Yet, in Benton, the community’s supportive spirit ensures that, despite initial apprehensions, Natalie will find her footing. Beyond navigating academic responsibilities, Natalie ventures into a realm that daunts even many adults: she is a race car driver. Since the tender age of eight, driven by an unwavering passion, she persuaded her parents to let her delve into the racing world. By 2022, Natalie had been carving her path on tracks across Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma, demonstrating a courage many of us can only aspire to.

Her race car—a striking ensemble of pink, yellow, and black—boasts a six-gear manual transmission, a complexity she navigates with aplomb. Unlike the automatic vehicles most of us are accustomed to, Natalie thrives in the adrenaline-fueled environment of racing tracks. When discussing the sport, she reveals a disciplined approach to managing nerves: “Before I race, I just try not to talk to many people, and I try to stay focused.” The absence of a speedometer in her car simplifies her objective: to outpace the competition and secure a leading position. Since her foray into racing, Natalie has consistently finished in the top five, a clear indicator of her tenacity and skill.

Adorned with a visored helmet amidst the pungent aroma of gasoline, Natalie zooms past, harboring dreams of racing in Oklahoma or perhaps gracing the NASCAR circuits. Her story challenges and redefines traditional narratives of bravery and determination. James Brown may have sung of a “man’s world,” but Natalie’s presence on the track is a vibrant testament to the shifting dynamics of courage and ambition.

Racing, for Natalie, is not devoid of fear. She recounts an incident captured by her mother on video, where a mishap led to her car flipping. Yet, her calm recounting of the event underscores a resilience and maturity beyond her years. Clad in her flame-retardant suit, she has already acquainted herself with the rigors of racing, a domain where she not only confronts but also transcends her fears.

Natalie Hubbard is not just a participant in her chosen field; she is a beacon of inspiration. Her story—a blend of vulnerability, courage, and relentless pursuit of passion— resonates as a powerful narrative of overcoming and excellence. As she navigates the hallways of high school or the racetracks, she exemplifies the essence of true courage: facing and conquering one’s fears. Natalie’s journey is not just about racing; it’s about setting a precedent for bravery, determination, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. She is, unequivocally, the real deal—a force of nature to be reckoned with, on and off the track.