Get to Know Race Car Driver and LCCS Sophomore, Sam Bigham
Lake Center Christian School offers many sports opportunities for their students, but one student’s unique talent led him from traditional high school athletics to his passion, racecar driving. At the age of 14, Sam Bigham is a champion iCAR, racecar driver. Bigham, a Sophomore at Lake Center Christian School (LCCS), blames his passion for racing on his parents, Paul and Nadine Bigham. While only 7 years old, Bigham’s mom and dad permitted him to test a go-kart during a practice session at Barberton Speedway. This was the beginning of a love for racing that progressed in from go-karts at Baberton and Midvale Speedways to the year 2017 when he began racing E Modified cars with an open motor. Taking his racing to the next level, Bigham started to compete in Sandusky, Lorain County, South Bend, and Bristol at the International Championship Auto Racing (iCAR) where his engine blew during lap 30. The competition is difficult. Young Bigham competes against drivers of all ages, some with 30 years of experience. Relaxed but focused, Bigham races at speeds of 108 mph around tracks with 36-degree banking.
Though the National Short Track Association regulations require drivers to be 16 years old to compete, due to letters of recommendation from track officials and fellow competitors, Bigham competed in the Top Speed Modified Tour in 2017 and was approved for the 2018 racing season. He was awarded the “Sandusky Rookie of the Year” and the “Sportsmanship Award” finishing 5th in points. This year’s highlights also include a “Future Win” at Sandusky Speedway. Chris Mize, Competition Director of Sandusky Speedway, said this about Bigham, “I have been working race tracks for almost 30 years and have seen all levels up to Nascar. Maybe 2 times, if you’re lucky you will see a kid come along with the complete package of sportsmanship, respect, and just plain raw talent. Sam is one of those kids I have seen in my time.”
Bigham’s upcoming racing schedule includes over 30 races in 3 states, including Ohio Michigan and Indiana. Congratulations on your success in this unique and exciting addition to your education at Lake Center Christian School.
