The new Discovery+ series “Baby Drivers” shows the Black-owned Adams Motorsport Park cultivating young drivers with the hope of them becoming racing superstars.
Former NASCAR driver Troy Adams is the owner of the sports park that his grandparents founded in 1959. He trains youth from five to 16 years old in go-karting to prepare them for NASCAR, Formula One and other forms of professional racing.
“The “Baby Drivers” on Discovery+ is just that,” Adams said. “We’re blessed that it does feature the racetrack a lot, but it also features minorities in racing and people in racing.”
With motorsports being made up of predominantly Caucasian drivers, minority drivers tend to feel a sense of comfort at the Adams Motorsports Park due to it being Black-owned and the diversity among the athletes.
“But that space lets everybody feel comfortable,” Adams said. “We have a very balanced and diverse program at Troy Adams coaching.”
The show highlights the highs and lows families endure to have young drivers compete, from the large financial investments it takes to race to teaching the importance of sportsmanship to the thrill of winning races. A major takeaway Adams wants viewers to get is the importance of enjoying the journey.
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“Everyone wants to get to the promised land, which is Formula One, NASCAR, IRL, all those top things,” Adams said. “But what we forget is that it takes a lot of hard work, mentally and physically. But along that path, many people forget to stop and truly enjoy the journey.”
Among the athletes featured on the show is Adams’ son Truly. Having been exposed to Adams coaching racers since the age of four, Truly works hard to prove himself as the best. When Truly takes losses hard, Adams tells him to shake it off and get back to work while giving him a hug.
“I have a son that can drive the heck out of a race car,” Adams said. “His finishing position does not equate to the love that I have for him or my family.”
“Baby Drivers” also showcases the large amounts of money the parents spend for their kids to race. One racer and his father moved to California to train under Adams while some parents live vicariously through their children to fulfill their dreams of racing. Some parents occasionally intrude on Adams’ coaching.
“You’ll see in the show that I say multiple times and my parents hear: I do not like the parents,” Adams said. “Our kids are not just smart, but nowadays with computers and everything else, their minds and everything are just at a higher level and sometimes we need to get out of the way.”
Adams noted how his grandparents, aunts, and uncles were big on family and community when they started Adams Motorsports Park. He works to continue that same environment with his young drivers.
“What we try to portray and instill into the families that come into our program is that it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to be successful,” Adams said. “With Adams Motorsports, it really is about staying grounded and not forgetting where you came from … it’s not just about one kid, but it’s about all the kids.”
To watch “Baby Drivers,” visit discoveryplus.com.
