A Palm Coast, Florida resident and lifelong auto racing enthusiast, Wesley Brown is the founder of the Minority Racing Association (MRA), a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the inspiration for the TV show G.R.I.T. – From Rags to Racing. Wesley created the MRA after noticing the severe lack of minorities in professional auto racing.
Wesley is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an over-the-road trucker. He is also the President of Wesley Brown Racing. Brown was inspired to initially create the MRA after noticing the severe lack of minorities in professional auto racing pit crews during the many nationwide races he has attended.
The MRA’s core mission is to provide at-risk and minority youth and young adults with hands-on training in automotive skills, ranging from building a race car to developing social and teamwork skills, and potentially even becoming race car drivers themselves—all at no cost. Brown aims to keep these youth and young adults from “falling through the cracks” and guide them toward potential careers in the motorsports industry. In a world where speed rules, Wesley has slowed things down to change lives.
A native of Daytona Beach, Florida, Dylan LeBeau grew up with racing in his blood, as his father was an amateur racer. His passion for the sport started at a young age, famously wearing the pedals off his first toy race car. As a teenager, LeBeau logged over 500,000 miles at his home track, the iconic Daytona International Speedway, where he earned his Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) membership.
LeBeau competes in various series, including the NASCAR Advance Parts Weekly Series and Sportsman divisions, primarily at local Florida short tracks like New Smyrna Speedway and Citrus County Speedway. In addition to his competitive driving, he works as a ride driver and instructor for the NASCAR Racing Experience, making dreams come true for fans by giving them the chance to feel the raw speed of a superspeedway car at speeds up to 170 mph.
Dylan’s role as a cast member on the TV show G.R.I.T. – From Rags to Racing goes beyond just competition. He actively helps mentor youth and young adults. Dylan’s role is rooted in his belief that racing is a unique sport where anyone can truly experience what professional drivers do.
Through this program and the reality show, LeBeau aims to inspire the next generation by sharing his experiences working his way up the ranks and navigating the financial and competitive hurdles of a racing career. His story embodies the show’s title, emphasizing that success in racing is built on hard work and determination—not just resources.
Age 16, Orlando, Florida. Full-time student at Lake Nona High School.
Enjoys building custom computers, driving go-karts, and racing simulators.
Inspired by Formula 1 race car driver Lewis Hamilton, as well as his parents, who support all his dreams and goals.
Age 17, Orlando, Florida. Full-time student enrolled in virtual school.
Enjoys racing go-karts, racing simulators, and anything related to auto racing.
Inspired by Jesus and his parents, who continually motivate him.
Age 24, Jacksonville, Florida. Graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2023.
Enjoys dancing, acting, and spending time with friends, and is currently a choreographer for multiple community theaters in Jacksonville.
Inspired by her mom, who continually motivates Lucia and helps her strive to be the best she can be.
Age 17, Daytona Beach, Florida. Full-time student at Spruce Creek High School.
Enjoys spending time with friends and family and is currently working on obtaining her driver’s license. Inspired by her mom, who continually motivates her, and her brother, who encourages her to work hard and follow her dreams.
Age 16, Daytona Beach, Florida. Full-time student at Spruce Creek High School.
Enjoys watching auto racing, playing soccer, and playing and watching basketball.
Also inspired by his mom, who is strong, loving, and hardworking.
FROM RAGS TO RACING
From Rags to Racing
Currently in Production!
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