Johnstown native Paityn Feyen has made history in NASCAR-sanctioned racing, becoming the first female track champion at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina. The 18-year-old captured the track’s 2026 Limited Late Model championship, becoming the first woman to win a track championship in the speedway’s 75-year history.
Feyen, who competes professionally as Paityn Mary Jane, also secured the Paramount Kia Big 10 Racing Challenge championship and earned multiple Rookie of the Year honors during the 2026 season. In a written interview with Johnstown Republic, she shared memories of growing up in Johnstown, the challenges of leaving Colorado at 16, and her plans to continue pursuing a NASCAR career.
Growing Up in Johnstown
Long before becoming a championship-winning driver, Feyen spent her childhood enjoying the open spaces, sunsets and outdoor activities around Johnstown. She remembers playing in fields with her family, gathering around bonfires with friends and appreciating the nearby mountains.
“Growing up in Johnstown, Colorado meant getting to enjoy the country while still being close to everything,” Feyen told Johnstown Republic. “I loved having open space around me and seeing the prettiest sunsets, especially at the end of a long day.”
She described Johnstown as a community that offered room to explore while remaining connected to family and friends. Those memories have stayed with her as her racing career has taken her across the country.
Her interest in NASCAR began in 2019, when she attended the Daytona 500. The experience introduced her to the excitement of professional racing and inspired an ambition that would eventually change the direction of her life.
“My interest in racing began when I attended the Daytona 500 in 2019,” she said. “I loved the adrenaline, the energy of the fans, and the atmosphere of a NASCAR race.”
After attending the event, Feyen began telling her parents she wanted to become a NASCAR driver. Three years later, she started racing herself, beginning the journey that eventually brought her to North Carolina.
Leaving Colorado at 16 to Pursue Racing
Feyen’s pursuit of a professional racing career eventually led her to North Carolina, where she moved at just 16 years old. The decision placed her closer to NASCAR’s racing community but required her to leave behind her family, friends and hometown.
“The most challenging part of moving from Colorado to North Carolina was leaving my family and friends and figuring out how to build a life in a new state,” Feyen said. “Since I was attending school online, I also had to find ways to meet people and get involved outside of school.”
The transition required her to become more independent while adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings. She said the experience helped strengthen her work ethic and pushed her to become more outgoing.
“I wanted to show others, but especially myself, that I moved away from my family and hometown for a reason—and that I was willing to work hard to pursue my goals,” she said.
Historic Championship at Hickory Motor Speedway
Feyen’s dedication produced a historic result during the 2026 season at Hickory Motor Speedway, a NASCAR-sanctioned short track in North Carolina. Driving the No. 88 Limited Late Model for MKM Racing Development, she became the first woman to win a track championship in the speedway’s history.
According to the official Hickory Motor Speedway standings, Feyen finished first in the Limited Late Model division with 828 points, ahead of second-place driver Don Carlton, who recorded 766. She also secured the Paramount Kia Big 10 Racing Challenge championship, another season-long competition at the speedway.
In addition to her championships, Feyen earned NASCAR Division I Rookie of the Year honors for North Carolina and the Southeast Region. Her family also reported that she received Rookie of the Year recognition at Colorado National Speedway.
The achievements were particularly significant because 2026 was Feyen’s first year competing in Late Models. Her success attracted national attention, including an October 6 feature published by NASCAR.
“Winning the championship at Hickory Motor Speedway was a surreal moment,” Feyen told Johnstown Republic. “Having my name on the board alongside people who have made history in racing and NASCAR is a true honor.”
The championship also represented recognition of the sacrifices she and her family had made to support her racing career. Feyen said becoming the first female track champion made the accomplishment especially meaningful.
“It meant even more to become the first female to win it, and I hope my accomplishment encourages other young girls to chase their dreams,” she said. “No matter how far away a dream may seem, hard work can help make it a reality.”
Looking Toward the Next Level of NASCAR Racing
With her first Late Model championship season completed, Feyen is preparing for the next stage of her racing development. She plans to continue working with MKM Racing Development and team owner Michael Klein, focusing on gaining experience and improving her skills behind the wheel.
Her next planned step is Late Model Stock competition, a more advanced category of short-track racing. The progression would provide an opportunity to compete against more experienced drivers as she works toward her long-term goal of racing in NASCAR’s national series.
“After winning multiple championships and earning rookie of the year honors this season, my goal for 2027 is to keep building on that momentum,” Feyen said. “I want to keep improving as a driver, learn as much as I can from my team (MKM Racing Development) and Michael Klein, team owner, and be consistently growing on and off track.”
Although she is proud of her accomplishments, Feyen recognizes that reaching NASCAR’s national racing series will require continued development. She said her focus remains on learning, gaining experience and making the most of future opportunities.
“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I know there’s still a lot to learn,” she said.
A Message to the Johnstown Community
Despite living and competing in North Carolina, Feyen continues to identify Johnstown as an important part of her life. Asked what advice she would give young people in her hometown who have ambitious goals, she emphasized persistence, hard work and a willingness to learn from setbacks.
“I’d tell young people in Johnstown to believe in what they want to do, even if it feels like a big or unusual dream,” Feyen said. “You don’t have to have everything figured out right away.”
She encouraged young people to recognize the importance of consistent effort, even when progress may not be immediately visible. Her journey from attending the Daytona 500 as a fan to becoming a championship-winning driver reflects the dedication she described.
“Shoot for the stars and keep putting in the work, even when no one is watching,” she said. “The effort behind your dream is often what takes you the farthest.”
For the Johnstown community, Feyen offered a personal message of appreciation and a reminder that her hometown remains part of her identity.
“To everyone back home, thank you for being part of my story,” Feyen said. “Johnstown will always be a part of who I am today.”
She added that growing up in Johnstown gave her a place to call home and that she would always carry those memories with her.
This article includes original reporting and a written interview with Paityn Feyen conducted by Johnstown Republic in October 2026. Additional championship information was obtained from NASCAR and Hickory Motor Speedway’s official standings. Photographs were provided by Feyen’s family and racing team.
