I would “barrow” my sister’s VW bug when I was 12.
80 mph on a race track is NOT that big a deal. A lot of kids with go carts would handle it just fine. However, it is a GREAT way to train him for the future for those who have the resources.
I mowed our lawn with a riding lawn mower when I was six.
I had to practically stand on the clutch to change gears.
My grandfather raced stock cars against some of the old drivers like Junior Johnson, etc. My uncle raced his entire life into his 70’s. I had drag cars till I was about 60, and didn’t have the energy to work on them anymore.
My grandson raced a stock against grown men for two years before he had a driver’s license. It never worried me any, he’s still a pretty good hand, but has to stop for awhile to get through graduation and be able to afford to play on his own! Needless to say, he never had much problem driving when he was 16.
Son, you’re gonna drive me to drinkin’.