Jason Black and his daughter Emmalyn are pictured after a race at Stateline Speedway. Black is hosting a fundraiser Saturday to help support his, and his daughter’s love of racing. Submitted photo

SPRING CREEK – For nearly three decades, racing has been part of life for local driver Jason Black. What began in the 1990s with his father and uncle owning a race car has grown into a family tradition that now includes the next generation.

The 44-year-old Spring Creek resident has been around dirt track racing most of his life, though he didn’t begin racing himself until his early 20s. He started in the front-wheel-drive Challenger class at Stateline Speedway before stepping away from the sport for several years. Seven years ago, he returned behind the wheel of a Pro Stock and has steadily built a successful career.

Stateline Speedway is his home track, where he races nearly every Saturday night during the season. This year marked a milestone for Black. He captured his first-ever points championship at the track. Over the season, he recorded five wins, 14 top-five finishes, and 17 top-10 finishes.

Racing has also become a family affair. His seven-year-old daughter Emmalyn is entering her third season of go-kart racing in Pittsfield, where she races on Friday nights. She quickly showed the same passion as her father.

“She’s a motorhead,” Black said. “She loves four-wheeling and snowmobiling. Racing just kind of came naturally.”

While racing may look effortless to its spectators, the work behind the scenes is extensive. Between races, every nut and bolt on the car must be checked, tires must be prepared and maintenance is constant. Black does nearly all of the work himself, drawing on his background in auto body repair.

“It’s really like a second job to do it and be successful. You have to put in a lot of time in the garage.” Black said.

To help offset the high cost of racing, which can run into the thousands of dollars each season, Black and his family host the annual 5B Racing Party. This year’s event will be held Saturday at 4 pm at the Sugar Grove Volunteer Fire Department. A $10 donation includes food, drink, entry into a door prize drawing and access to a Chinese auction and other fundraising activities.

Proceeds from the event help cover expenses such as tires, fuel, pit passes and car repairs. Funds raised are split between the Pro Stock car and Emmalyn’s go-kart program.

Black emphasized that the event is as much about gratitude as fundraising.

“It’s really a thank-you to the people who support us,” Black said. “It’s not just one thing that makes it all work, it’s everyone that contributes.”

Unlike large corporate sponsorships, most of the team’s backing comes from small local businesses and friends.

Despite the demanding schedule, the family works to find balance, squeezing in camping trips and family time when possible. Still, most summer weekends are spent at the track, a commitment they willingly make.

“We’re just a small-town family that enjoys doing this together,” Black said. “We do the best we can with what we’ve got.”