Coronado High School class of 2017 graduate Austin Varco is a man on a mission. He’s looking to become the first professional driver diagnosed with autism to win a NASCAR race.

This Friday, August 29th, the 25-year-old will have his first-ever crack at it, as he will drive the No. 72 car for Strike Mamba Racing at the ARCA Menards Series, Portland 112.

“I really want to advocate for people who are on the spectrum, mostly because I’ve lived it and I have a unique viewpoint to offer to people, which is valuable and would be a disservice not to share it,” said Varco. “As for this weekend, this has been a dream of mine for I don’t know how long. I’m going to be a NASCAR driver on Friday, which is kind of wild to say, but I am going to live in and enjoy the moment.”

The racing roots run deep

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