Shari Ancona/courtesy

Go speed racer

Joey Ancona, 7, of Concord, won the national championship in the Junior Animal Class at the 2012 Western Grand Nationals from July 23-28, at the Portland Quarter Midget Racing Association competition in Portland, Ore. He beat 21 other racers ages 5-8 to win the 30-lap main event. Joey has been racing since he was 5, and his home track is Tri Valley Quarter Midget Association in Livermore. He is supported by his family, parents Joe and Shari Ancona, and sister, Ava.