Paxton Schendel Inherits The Gusto
Story By: Paxton Schendel
Photos Provided By: Jennifer Metcalfe Schendel
My name is Paxton Schendel but you can call me Pax. I’m a 10-year-old racer from San Diego, CA, and wheelin’ my RZRs is my favorite thing to do. I come from multiple generations of off-roaders on both sides of my family. I’ve been going to the sand dunes since before I was a month old. I grew up riding quads and dirt bikes, and have always loved anything with a motor, so it was no surprise that when I first got behind the wheel of a RZR it just felt natural. I got my first RZR 170 for Christmas when I was 7 years old and have been hooked ever since.
My friends had been racing the Dirt Series and suggested I give it a try. I did my first race at Glen Helen Raceway in June of 2017. I was a little nervous for my first race but as my dad and I prayed on the line, something that has become our ritual, he assured me I would have fun, and boy was he right! I finished in 3rd place with a huge smile asking, “When can we do that again?” I did a few more races and scored my first sponsor, Powder 1 Inc., who is still a current sponsor of mine. I was racing the Dirt Series consistently and could see improvements in my driving. Thanks to some success, I got introduced to Bryan Carr of CarrOne Fabrication. We knew they built awesome and fast race cars and they had a fast #CarrOneArmy team. I was invited to be part of their #CarrOneArmy, and without hesitation, I said, “yes!” Soon after, I got a new 170 and sent it to CarrOne to be fully built out—my car was equipped with the best parts to go racing!
From 2018 through 2019 I focused on racing the Dirt Series, WORCS, GBC Series, UTV World Championships, and M.O.R.E Freedom Cup. A lot of my teammates were also racing these series. I enjoy a clean and fun battle with my buddies on the track. The battles always teach me something new and help improve my driving. Even when I’m not on the track racing, I love cheering my friends on, being pit chief, and supporting them in their races. I feel very fortunate to be able to travel all over the West Coast with my family to race. My family is by far my biggest support system and without them, my success in racing wouldn’t be possible.
Throughout my racing career, I’ve received sponsorship support from the best companies in the industry, I’ve joined the West Coast Motorsports team while still being part of the #CarrOneArmy, and I’ve added to my fleet of race cars. I’ve grown a lot as a racer, my knowledge of racing and how to handle my car. It’s really important for me to know how to work on my car, so I am constantly asking to help my dad in the garage.
My favorite memory was from last year. I had been improving so much I was ready to upgrade to a RZR 570, begging my parents for months to let me get one. I wanted to start the 2020 season in a new class. My parents told me I needed more time in the 170 before I could upgrade. It was the end of the year, so all of my buddies were getting new cars for the new race year; I was excited for them but bummed I wouldn’t be racing in a higher class with them. Or at least I thought… My family spends Thanksgiving out in the desert where we get to drive around for fun and get some seat time in. My dad wasn’t able to come with us right away due to work. Thanksgiving morning, my mom told me, “Your dad’s outside and needs help bringing stuff in, can you please go help him?” I walked outside and to my surprise, a brand new RZR 570, in my favorite color red, fully built out by CarrOne, was sitting there waiting for me to get behind the wheel! It was the best surprise I could have ever asked for, and to this day, I’m so grateful to my dad and mom who go above and beyond for me.
I was ready for the 2020 race season in my new car! We got a few rounds in but unfortunately, a lot of the schedule got canceled. I’ve been taking advantage of any opportunity I get to race. We recently traveled to Texas to race at Texplex for my first time and it was awesome.
Once racing starts again, I’ll continue driving my stock 170, production 170, and stock 570 at WORCS, GBC Series, Dirt Series, UTV WC, M.O.R.E, and who knows, maybe you’ll see me at some BITD races or the Mini Mint in the near future. My goal is to one day race Pro 4 off-road trucks, but I’m only 10, so you’ll see me at a lot of other races before then!
When I’m not racing I enjoy going to our river house. I can drive my RZR straight from our house to the desert. I have a go-kart that I like to rip around, I ride mountain bikes for training, and anytime I get to hang with my teammates, whether we’re at the track or not, is a blast! I work hard in school to maintain good grades to be able to race—my favorite subject is math.
I’m really honored UTV Sports Mag reached out to feature me. My advice to any kid who is looking to get into racing—have a well-built car, make some friends you can drive with and learn from, and just have fun when you’re racing. We’re so fortunate to be able to travel and race. At the end of the day, no matter how we finish, we are all really lucky kids. I think it’s important to remember that. If you ever see me in my bright red car at the track or in the desert, come say hi or give me a wave. I love meeting new people and talking about racing!
To continue following my racing career follow me on Instagram @pax_121
