SHERRILLS FORD, NC, (May 11, 2012)-Making NASCAR history as the youngest driver to start a top-tier NASCAR event is a wonderful accomplishment for Jesse Little, but, following in his father's footsteps as a talent in one of the world's toughest sports is a larger then life experience for a 15-year old. Little started 15th in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series Blue Ox 100 at Richmond International Raceway on April 26th to set the historic mark.

Now his attention turns to making the most of his opportunities to continue moving up the racing ladder.

"My number one goal would be to have the ability to compete in the (NASCAR Sprint) Cup and (NASCAR) Nationwide Series' and be competitive," Little said. "As a second goal I would like to surpass my Dad (Chad Little, who drove the No. 97 John Deere Ford for Roush Racing in the late 90s) and the accomplishments he set. We are competitive in everything we do and I know he would be proud of me if I were able to beat him at those levels."

As a father Chad Little strives for his son to enjoy the sport of auto racing but understands that a working knowledge of a race car and a stellar education will carry his high school freshman son far in the racing world.

"I want Jesse to learn how the cars work mechanically and the importance of keeping a sponsor. This is the foundation for a longer career in NASCAR. A college education will help him succeed in life and make him more attractive to the corporate world. The important thing is Jesse has to want this. I can help shape the opportunity but he has to want it more than anything else," according to the elder Little.

The Little family is well-known in motor racing circles in their native Pacific Northwest where Chad's father, Chuck Little, was a racing pioneer and race track operator. To follow in those footsteps is awe-inspiring, according to rising star Jesse Little.

"I feel a lot of weight on my shoulders carrying the Little name, but I know that if the right opportunity came along under the right circumstances I would try to do nothing more but to add to the last name," he said.

To guide Jesse towards his goal of racing in NASCAR's top series his father started him at the age of five in quarter-midget racing which led to Legend cars and USAC Midgets. The ability to feel what the car is doing and relate that to a crew has been a big key to the success of a younger generation that is climbing the NASCAR ranks, according to Chad Little.

"The younger generation does not judge how the car used to feel...no ill conceived perceptions on prior set ups. Over the past decade cars set ups have changed both aero and mechanically. It's all about a lower center of gravity and sealing off the front ends."

Still, the opportunity to be in the right place at the right time with supportive parents can be an additional key to a young driver's growth, he added.

"There are more racing opportunities today, more interested dads and families having the ability to start their drivers in Quarter Midget or Go Karts at a very young age and manage him or her through the different ranks. When they are 15 or 16 they have the ability to be competitive at upper levels of racing."

Jesse Little understands much of this growing up in a racing family and becoming its third-generation NASCAR driver. At some point the day will come where racing under the bright lights with thousands on hand to watch will happen, he acknowledged.

"I believe that the potential to run in the higher ranks of NASCAR could be only few years away. I still have a lot to learn and I'm soaking in as much as I can. But I feel confident that I could run with the best in business in the right equipment."

A dedication that few can understand will guide him to that goal, his father added.

"A personal commitment is key. Racing is very competitive and without a 100% commitment you will not succeed. He has to minimize distractions and mistakes. The fewer mistakes made at any given race will produce better results."