Dean Pratt, 17, has battled a type of autism called Asperger's syndrome to find success behind the wheel.
Joyriding
As a 15-year old Dean spent six months secretly joyriding in his parent's car in the early hours.
His parents Patrick and Shannon only discovered what he had been doing when he crashed.
Dean's psychologist told his parents to encourage his interest in cars in an attempt to curb his anti-social behaviour.
Racing
He took up banger racing in 2008 and left his first ever `Rookie Rods' meeting at Buxton clutching the winner's trophy.
Dean, of Firgrove, Rochdale, finished second in two qualifying heats but won the final.
He was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome aged 14 after years of bad behaviour. The condition means he has difficulty communicating.
Dean's father, Patrick, a residential care worker, said: "When we found out he'd stolen the car we rang the police to report him. We didn't want him to think he could get away with anything.
'Supportive'
"The police were very supportive and didn't press charges. But we still had to hide the family car keys.
"The doctor said people with Asperger's get a fixation and it completely takes hold and we needed to channel his interest and make it positive.
"We decided to try to get him into something and he took it upon himself that he wanted to try banger racing.
"He started last year and he's just really taken to the sport.
'Promise'
"It's not the safest sport, but he puts all his time and energy into it and shows real promise.
"If he can do well this season maybe he can move up next season, but we won't be able to fund the racing by ourselves.
"It costs about £100 a race for fuel, entry fees and upkeep."
The family is hoping to find a sponsor. Tweet
Comments
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Everyone is good at something. If only every child's energy was channelled in this way. Well done Dean.
Its hard to understand why so many cases of Aspergers Syndrome go undiagnosed.Of all the most common disorders its the easiest to spot.I know several adults who were diagnosed late in life.Their lives have been extremely difficult.They need constant support to get on track which is difficult.Its not like trying to help someone who has gone'OFF TRACK'.
Its more a case of someone who has never been on track,and needs to start from scratch with basic social skills.
Dean has been lucky that he has good parents,many are not that lucky.
When I learned about the disorder due to having a relative who is autistic I could go back years to quite a number of people I had known in the past who possibly had this disorder.
Well done Dean.Im so pleased that you and your parents have some answers at last and can look forward to the future.
Ovr the years Ive hardly ever seen the symptomslisted when there is a story regarding Aspergers.Its almost as if it is being kept a secret.
I understand the issues re labelling etc,but I know there are many more out there whos lives are extremely difficult as no one has spotted this disorder.
There should be some training for teachers to spot the signs of this disorder as early intervention can save a life of hell for the child and the parents.
Good Luck lad