Local teen Justin Mitchell becoming star on race track

PERKINSTON, Miss. (WXXV) — 17-year-old Justin Mitchell is not easily intimidated when he straps in to his factory stock car and hits the dirt race track.

The Vancleave native and St. Martin graduate is already making a name for himself as one of the youngest competitors in his sport. Mitchell picked up five wins in his rookie year and has put pedal to the metal to start his second season.

Additionally, his family now owns Mitchell’s Motorplex in Perkinston. The track’s opening night for the 2026 season welcomed 85 racers from all across the Southeast.

WXXV News 25’s Elizabeth Keen caught up with Mitchell and took in the action in this WXXV exclusive.