Racing is not just a way of life for Mikey Killen Jr., 19, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA- it's part of his DNA.

 

Born into a family whose roots trace back to the early days of stock car racing in Southern California, Mikey carries a legacy built on speed, grit, and passion. His great-grandfather, Art Atkinson, was a pioneering jalopy driver and short track promoter who played a key role in bringing NASCAR to the West Coast. 

 

Mikey's love for racing ignited at an early age. Mikey drove his first quarter midget at the age of 4.5 years old (SoCal Quarter Midget Association), and at 11 years old, he had the chance to meet NASCAR driver Cole Custer and race against him at K1 in Ontario. Although Mikey finished second, the autographed hat Cole gave him became a prized possession, one he wore proudly for years, a symbol of inspiration and possibility.

 

His parents, Mike Sr. and Monica, recognized his love for racing early on and have supported his journey every step of the way. Today, Mikey races not just for the thrill, but to honor the legacy of those who came before him - with pride, purpose, and a heart full of horsepower.

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At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Mikey joined iRacing - a virtual racing simulator - to stay connected to the sport he loved. Whether practicing solo or racing with friends, he credits the game for sharpening his driving skills and deepening his understanding of racing at a time when real-world tracks were quiet. When Mikey turned 14, he became eligible to compete in the Enduro class at Irwindale Speedway. Knowing how badly Mikey wanted to race, his late Uncle Mike Atkinson (former Race Director at Irwindale Speedway) had set aside an old red Enduro car, with the intent of testing Mikey in a race car. Tragically, Uncle Mike passed away on February 12, 2021, before his goal could be realized.

 

But the racing community stepped in. Robert "Master of Mayhem" Rice - a beloved and longtime Champion Enduro driver and the creative force behind the legendary Night of Destruction events at Irwindale Speedway- immediately took action.  As a tribute to his old friend, Robert worked tirelessly to prepare the old red car for Mikey's debut, honoring Mike's vision and helping ensure that Mikey would make his first start at the race track. Robert's generosity and passion left a lasting mark on Mikey's journey, and his passing in September 2025 was deeply felt across the racing community. 

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When Mikey finally made his debut in March 2021, it wasn't just Mikey's first race at Irwindale - it was a homecoming. On the same asphalt where he had spent countless days with his Uncle Mike and his cousins Sarah and Jannie, Mikey started carving out his own record. That year marked the beginning of his own legacy at Irwindale Speedway - one built on family, friendship, and the enduring spirit of those who believed in him. Mikey raced in the Enduro Stock Class for three years, taking his great-grandfather's number 2 as his car number. In 2022, his second season of racing, Mikey earned 3rd place overall. At just 16 years old, on March 11, 2023, Mikey captured his first-place finish in the Enduro Stock Class - the first of several victories that year. 

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With his passion for racing accelerating in 2023, Mikey took on a demanding challenge - racing in two back-to-back divisions at Irwindale Speedway: Junior Spec Late and Enduro Stock Class. That same year, Bob Bruncati, former ARCA team owner and founder of Sunrise Ford, launched a groundbreaking youth racing initiative at Irwindale. Committed to preserving the spirit of stock car racing for the next generation, Mr. Bruncati created a division specifically for drivers aged 12 to 17. His shop built 10 stock cars for the program, and Mikey was honored to be part of the inaugural class. The Junior Spec Late program became a turning point in Mikey's development. The skills he gained - both on and off the track - laid the foundation for his success. Mikey went on to earn multiple first-place finishes at both Irwindale Speedway and Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino, CA. To this day, Mikey remains the only alumnus from Bob Bruncati's Junior Spec Late program to reach the ARCA Series - a testament to his talent, determination, and the impact of a program built to inspire greatness. 

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In 2024, Mikey Killen reached a MAJOR milestone in his racing career - making his ARCA Menards West Series debut at Irwindale Speedway on July 4.  As a part-time ARCA Menards West Series driver, Mikey competed at Irwindale, Madera, and All American Speedway, gaining valuable experience at this professional level. At the same time, he continued racing in the Spec Late Division at Irwindale, where he secured second place in the overall championship standings -  a remarkable achievement for a high school senior balancing academics and racing. Mikey's ability to perform at such a high level while attending Damien High School in La Verne, CA, speaks to his discipline, focus, and unwavering commitment to his craft. 

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Following the unfortunate closure of Irwindale Speedway in December 2024, Mikey adapted quickly and embraced new opportunities. He transitioned to racing at Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino for the 2025 season and joined the CARS West Tour, competing in select races at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, CA, and back for one race at Orange Show Speedway. Despite the loss of a track that had shaped his early career, Mikey continued to push forward - proving that his passion for racing isn't tied to a single venue, but driven by a deeper purpose and a relentless pursuit of growth. 

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Although 2025 is already more than halfway over, it has been a breakthrough year for Mikey. In May, he graduated from Damien High School, closing one chapter and stepping into the next with purpose and momentum. Then, in October, he captured the Championship in the Limited Pro Late Models division at Orange Show Speedway - a career-defining win steeped in family history. 

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Nearly 50 years earlier, in the 1970s, at the height of racing in Southern California, Mikey's great-grandfather Art, served as the promoter of Orange Show Speedway, pouring his heart into the very track that would one day witness his great-grandson's triumph - and on that unforgettable night, Mikey honored it in the most powerful way.  Among the cheering crowd was Mikey's Uncle Bob, who, along with his brother Mike, had helped their father run Orange Show five decades before. Seeing Mikey cross the finish line, Championship in hand, was more than a proud moment - it was a full-circle tribute to the Atkinson family's enduring bond with the track. With determination in his heart and generations behind the wheel, Mikey didn't just win the Championship; he fulfilled a legacy. 

 

Now, Mikey is looking ahead. He plans to race at The Bullring in Las Vegas in 2026 and continue competing through the winter at Havasu 95 Speedway. His ultimate goal is to become a NASCAR Cup Series driver - and beyond that, to build a career as a crew chief and team owner, mentoring future drivers and continuing his family's legacy in motorsports. 

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Outside the track, Mikey is equally driven. He's currently attending college and working toward earning his real estate license, expanding his skills for life beyond racing. When he's not studying or behind the wheel, you'll likely find him spending time with his beloved Shih Tzu, ARCA - a loyal companion named after the racing series who joined the family right before his ARCA debut. 

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For Mikey, racing isn't just a passion - it's a purpose, a calling. And his journey is only just beginning.