Full throttle: Racing runs in 9-year-old TJ Shaffer's family

TJ Shaffer is similar to many other 9-year-old boys. During the week, he is a third grader at Buckeye Primary who plays football and wrestles.

It is the weekends he spends racing cars at speeds up to 90 mph that set him apart from most boys his age. And each time he wins a NASCAR Youth Series trophy, he's continuing the Shaffer family racing legacy.

His father, Tigh Shaffer, won the Lorain Raceway Park Modified championship and was a Grand National champion before retiring to coach his son. His grandfather, Paul Shaffer, won a championship in 1998. His aunt, Amanda Morog, also won a championship at Lorain in the Pure Stock Division.

Even after retiring from racing, the Shaffers’ lives continue to revolve around cars. Tigh and Paul are employees of Ken Ganley Kia/Medina Upfit. Tigh is the service manager at Kia and also manages Medina Upfit. Paul is a technician. TJ’s grandmother, Dorinda, works at Advance Auto Parts on Liberty Street in Medina.

His mother, Ewa, and 8-year-old sister, Emilia, help serve as his pit crew and are his biggest fans. Emilia had a short stint in racing but prefers cheering on her brother. The family travels throughout the country with TJ for races and award presentations. He began racing at age 4 in a go-kart powered by a lawn mower engine on an oval track his father built in the backyard.

Ewa admitted it is her heart that races when she sees her young son speeding around the track, but she finds comfort knowing he is protected with a helmet, neck protector and specially designed, fire-resistant head sock, suit, socks, shoes and gloves.

“The best part of the races is that we meet people from all over. TJ and Emilia have made so many friends,” she said.

TJ progressed to racing go-karts at Midvale Speedway in New Philadelphia and Sandusky Speedway. At age 6, he began competing in Quarter Midgets, ages 6-9, in dirt track and asphalt NASCAR Youth Series races. He earned his first national victory at Kansas Motor Speedway at age 7.

He competed in the Tulsa Shootout in Oklahoma two years ago and was one of the youngest drivers to win a lower main. During his first NASCAR Youth Series Dirt National race weekend in Middletown, Illinois, he competed against more than 30 drivers and won all three events. He was named the 2025 Junior 160 Dirt Champion and finished in the top 10 at the prestigious BC39 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July. Only 18 drivers nationwide were invited to compete.

The family celebrated his success at the NASCAR Youth Series championship banquet in mid-December. TJ then moved into a more senior division, the 600 Micro Division, racing drivers ages 9-20 at speeds ranging from 60-90 mph.

TJ has raced three types of cars: quarter midgets, micros and junior sprints. He will race a micro full time in 2026, carrying the Shaffer name and the No. 40.

“I am proud to race with the same number my dad and grandfather used,” TJ said. He added that he enjoys being a top contender in everything he does. “I feel like racing helps me focus on other sports. Racing is not easy. One week I can be a hero, and the next I can be struggling. I hope this builds a base for my life, not just in racing.”

His father agreed. “Racing teaches that you can be on top one week and challenged the next. That’s what life is about – building confidence, learning resilience and proving that nothing in life is given. Everything is earned through hard work and perseverance. I couldn’t be prouder.”

His grandparents share that pride.

“Paul and I are absolutely thrilled to follow TJ’s journey, and it’s incredibly tough for us to miss a single race,” Dorinda Shaffer said. “We invest countless hours helping with the quarter midgets and restricted 600. Every moment is worth it to see TJ’s determination, eagerness to learn and competitiveness shine through. Seeing him cross the finish line and collect wins and awards fills our hearts with pride. Even when TJ doesn’t outwardly express his excitement, the smile on his face says it all.”

Along with the excitement of junior NASCAR racing come significant expenses, including car purchases and maintenance, entry fees and travel costs. The Shaffer family is grateful for support from sponsors Ken Ganley Kia in Medina, Sandridge Crafted Foods, Medina Upfit and Rapacz CPA LLC.

To follow TJ’s racing career, visit his Facebook page, TJ Shaffer Racing.