Heartbreak and Determination Define Michael Robinson III’s 2025 Mini Stock Season

The 2025 Mini Stock campaign was one marked by resilience, setbacks, and perseverance for Michael Robinson III, who battled through a season filled with mechanical misfortune and hard-earned progress.

The year began on a difficult note, as Robinson and his team were forced to miss opening night at Sunset Speedway while waiting for their motor to be completed. With determination to get back on track, they sourced a temporary engine from another racer and made the trip to Peterborough Speedway for its opener — only for disaster to strike early when Robinson made heavy contact with the wall. The crash sidelined the team for several weeks as they regrouped and repaired.

Photo Credit: Short Track Musings

Returning to Sunset for the Allen Lankin Cup, back up driver Charlie Smith managed to complete two races before another setback — a blown motor and significant rear-end damage — once again ended their night early. Despite the run of bad luck, the team refused to quit. After installing a brand-new motor, their perseverance was tested yet again when that engine seized just three weeks later.

Still, Robinson and his crew pushed forward, building another motor in time for Sunset’s Fall Velocity. Their determination paid off, with Robinson scoring a strong fourth-place finish after charging from deep in the field — a well-deserved highlight in a difficult season.

Momentum carried into the final stretch of the year as the team headed to Flamboro Speedway for Frost Fest preparations. During testing, they identified and resolved mechanical issues, setting up a more confident showing. In the twin features, Robinson recorded a 7th-place finish and capped off the season with a top-10 result at Frost Fest — narrowly missing the top five.

Reflecting on the campaign, Robinson gave the season an overall grade of C, acknowledging the early hardships, but rated his own driving performance a B, considering the limited seat time and solid late-season results.

“We had a rough start, but we ended on a high note,” Robinson shared. “To come back after everything and put together a couple strong runs meant a lot.”

Photo Credit: Michael Robinson III

Looking ahead, the team plans to completely go through the car over the offseason, replacing suspension components and preparing a new look for 2026. Robinson’s goal is to compete in his first full season, though the venue remains uncertain pending the future of Sunset Speedway. Should Sunset close, the team plans to shift focus to Flamboro Speedway for a championship bid, with additional appearances at Peterborough Speedway.

Robinson also took a moment to express sincere appreciation to his family, crew, and sponsors for their unwavering support: Dad, Mom, Charlie, Grandma, Grandpa, Ken, and everyone who helped keep the # machine on track — along with his valued partners:

Gen One • Cintas • Lakeside Tire & Mobile • RJL Mobile Wash • East King Trucking • AE Electric • Auto Trim of Barrie • Towers Flowers • Hallview Farms • Ollies Door & Dock Inc. • Tire Depot • Iron Butterfly • WMI / Port City Racecars • JoMo Media • Stickers & Scuffs • Haffys

After a year of heartbreak and hard lessons, Michael Robinson III is ready to turn the page. With renewed focus and a strong team behind him, he’s aiming to make 2026 his most complete and competitive season yet.