Many 12-year-olds dream of scoring goals or hitting home runs. But Dylan Rosen is on a different track.
“I’m not a stick-and-ball kid,” the Coleytown Middle School rising 8th grader says. “I’m more of a helmet-and-fireproof-jacket kinda kid.”
His family had no racing experience. So Dylan and his father Frank turned to neighbor Jim Torok. The dirt track driver in turn steered them toward karting.
After one visit to the Norwalk Karting Association at Calf Pasture Beach, Dylan was hooked.
Dylan Rosen with Hugh Gorman, at Calf Pasture Beach.
A used kart from engine builder Forrest Edelman soon arrived.
Then came 22 races. He lost them all.
But Dylan did not give up.
A chance meeting with 2009 Staples High School graduate Parker Kligerman (and former NKA racer) at Daytona was pivotal.
The professional NASCAR driver gave Dylan encouragement and advice, especially on his struggles making qualifying weight.
Dylan Rosen with Parker Kligerman.
Early this past season, Dylan’s kart stalled. Standing nearby was Hugh Gorman, a former Sports Car Club of America crew chief.
He offered help, and a mentorship began.
Gorman walked the track with Dylan, taught him race lines, and helped him rebuild the kart.
Dylan was also preparing for his bar mitzvah and doing a volunteer project. He and his mom Barrie connected with Fairfield County-based Piston Foundation, which provides mentors and scholarships for young people interested in pursuing a career in the collector car industry.
Dylan became a youth ambassador, raising over $5,000 for the scholarship fund. He proudly carries the Piston Foundation name on his kart, jacket and helmet.
Mayo Smith — a Westport resident, Piston Foundation board member, and former Rolex 24 driver and podium finisher — oversaw the effort. He mentored Dylan, and set up a trackside booth.
Dylan Rosen and Mayo Smith.
With guidance from Smith and Gorman, Dylan climbed from the back of the pack to third.
“There’s nothing wrong with a respectable third place,” Smith notes.
Dylan will enter the fall season more determined than ever.
Right now, he’s racing toward another goal. Dylan’s bar mitzvah will be celebrated soon at the Spanish synagogue in Prague, following a family tour of Poland.
(Westport is filled with interesting young people — and “06880” is honored to tell their stories. If you enjoy reading them — or any other feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
