PLACERVILLE, CA (8-17-10) - When Lainey Moon was born some twelve years ago she was faced with a series of serious illnesses long before she could even speak. Now, after overcoming such adversity, the local youngster is setting her sights on a singing career. After making her debut at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds last Sunday during the annual Placerville Police Destruction Derby, Moon has been invited to Placerville Speedway this Saturday night to sing the National Anthem for the much anticipated Golden State Challenge Sprint Car Series finale. The event will conclude the 2010 season for the traveling campaign and will name the newest champion as the "King of California."

"I'm really looking forward to singing at the races," said Moon, following her outstanding performance Sunday afternoon that brought spectators to a standing ovation as she exited the announcers booth at the annual derby following her performance. "I love singing, it's what I want to do some day."

Many youngsters have aspirations of one day becoming a successful performer and behind many of those that do is a story of trial and triumph that details their journey to success. At only 12 years of age, Moon certainly has a story of survival behind her already. Sunday, the lifelong resident of nearby Rescue brought chills to the spectators at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. Her personality, combined with her talent at such a young age, one would never imagine the struggles this young lady and her family went through as a very young child.

"The wonderful thing about Lainey is that she is a survivor with a strong will and spirit," said Julie Moon, Lainey's Mother. "She absolutely marches to the beat of her own drum and lives with her feet about 2 feet off the ground. When she was a baby her cry was so faint she could barely be heard, she sounded like a kitten. Now look at her."

Shortly after Lainey was born, Julie and her husband Jeff learned the heartbreaking news of Lainey's ailing health. When she was just three months old, she went in for the first of three major surgeries to have a hole patched in her heart. Lainey returned later to have an artificial heart valve installed and finally received a pacemaker to resolve the series of problems. According to Julie, Lainey will undergo at least one additional open heart surgery in the future.

A seventh grader and Pleasant Grove Middle School, Lainey has been singing her whole life. He parents began noticing that she was taking it very seriously when she was about 8 years old. She entered a 4th grade talent show and, according to Julie, she "brought the house down." She later auditioned for the most talented kid contest at the California State Fair.

"When she was finished, my husband and I looked at each other with the same shocked expression. Lainey wasn't kidding, she can sing," said Julie. "We joke around about the fact she runs on batteries due to her pacemaker. She is our own Energizer Bunny."

Lainey has now been taking professional singing lessons for the last couple of years. She has sang at a number of area fundraisers, little league games, contests, church performances and more. Saturday night, Lainey will ad Placerville Speedway to her list of performances where she will be heard by hundreds of spectators that are expected for this highly anticipated championship finale.

The gates to Placerville Speedway will open at 5 p.m. on Saturday night with warm ups starting at 5:30 followed by qualifying at 6:30. Lainey will perform the National Anthem following time trials at approximately 6:50 p.m. Adult tickets to the race will be $17, Juniors $12, Children $5 and under six will be admitted for free.

Saturday's race marks the final event of the year for California's premier sprint car series fro 410n cubic inch powered sprints cars. At the end of the evening not only will one driver pick up a $3000 victory but the 2010 King of California Champion will be crowned in victory lane.

Kyle Larson of Elk Grove is the current top point runner in the Golden State Challenge Sprint Car Series. Larson is being chased in the standings by 13-time champion Brent Kaeding of Campbell while hot shoe Even Suggs of Scotts Valley is third. Lady racer Alissa Geving is fourth in the ranks and former King of California Champion Jonathan Allard is fifth.

While 20 or more of California's GSC stars are expected on Saturday night, the event will mark the return of former champion and California favorite Tim Kaeding of San Jose. Kaeding now competes nationally in select events with the World of Outlaws tour and returns this Saturday as he prepares for the upcoming Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico next month.

It's expected a number of Placerville Speedway regulars will joined the field in 360 powered machines as well for this event that pays $3000 to win and $400 to start the A-feature. The fire breathing winged sprint cars will be joined by Midget Lites in the Bay Cities Racing Association.

Watch for additional information on this much anticipated race in the coming days at www.placervillespeedway.com or www.goldenstatechallengeseries.com.