Matt Scott loves racing at All American Speedway.

"If you can win there, you can win anywhere," Scott said. "It's a very competitive track. I've seen people leave because the competition is so tough."

Last season, at only 17 years old, Scott impressively won Rookie-of-the-Year honors in Late Models by winning four races and scoring 13 top-five and 25 top-10 finishes. Scott is ranked ninth in California and 44th in the nation.

Scott, who lives in Pine Grove, grew up in a racing family. Both his father and uncle raced street stocks and his grandfather raced quarter midgets all up and down the West Coast.

The young champion first started racing quarter midgets at 12. He raced in the Legends of the Pacific traveling series in California. In 2004, his rookie year, he had 26 wins. In 2005 he racked up 66 victories, and in 2006 he had 44 wins and won two Grand National titles.

Scott also won the prestigious Paul Tyler Rising Star award in 2007 from the Motorsports Press Association.

Scott leaned early that respect is a valuable commodity. While racing in the Legends of the Pacific, he found out if you make someone mad they will not be afraid to move you out of the way.

"It really all depends on your mindset," Scott said. "It's about being mature and respecting other drivers. We didn't replace one quarter-panel or a fender last year. If they have respect for me, I have respect for them," Scott said. "That's how it works."

Scott, a senior at Amador High School, won his first Late Model race on a day he almost stayed home sick. Even though he spent his time between practices and qualifying sleeping in the trailer, he was excited.

"I like the rush of racing, the people around racing, and how everyone gets together," Scott said. "The top 10 drivers are only about 1/10 of a second apart so it's really competitive.

The top rookie races with a small budget four-man team. His father, Mike Scott, uncle Chuck Scott, Brian Bates and Steve Bates. Joey Zampa and Tom Bickford also help out.

Sponsorship is always a problem, especially with the challenges the recession has brought to the racing industry. Last year Scott said he felt fortunate to have sponsors CatchYourEye.com, Christian Builders Construction, Clondaire Vineyards, Hobbs Construction, Robertson Plumbing and Sutter Hill Plumbing. He says finding sponsors is the hardest thing about racing.

"This year I've been everywhere and made a lot of phone calls," Scott said.

Scott is a young man with big plans. He hopes to win a championship and possibly race in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. He also wants to go to college and study engineering. In the meantime, he's just trying to be the most consistent racer he can be.

The first NASCAR Whelen All American Series race is April 3 at All American Speedway. There will also be Bombers, Street Stocks and SRS racing.