"Be Real campaign features Lisle go-cart racer "

By Marni Pyke - Daily Herald Staff Writer
Staying on track isn't just an expression for Adam Carlson. It's a way of life for the Lisle boy, both at home, at school and when he's maneuvering his go-cart around a racetrack at 65 mph.

The 11-year-old is one of 30 children in Illinois chosen as a model for the "Be Real" program. The campaign, led by Gov. George Ryan and his wife, Lura Lynn, encourages junior high children to stay away from cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. Posters of Adam in his go-cart are circulating across the state as well as at Lisle Junior High School, where he's a sixth-grader.

Adam climbed into his first go-cart when he was 6 with encouragement from his father, Scott, who races stock cars. His victories include six first place finishes in International Karting Association races this year.

"You've got to be prepared for what other people do," he said explaining his strategy. "You need to be able to manipulate the car, you need good hand-eye coordination."

Adam chose .08 as his cart number, which refers to the state's blood-alcohol limit for drunken driving. His concern about how people can abuse drugs or alcohol was sparked by a visit to the garage where his father works as a tow-truck driver. He saw a number of wrecked vehicles involved in drunken driving crashes. "They were pretty messed up," Adam said.

Closer to home, Adam said he knows some children his age that have used drugs. Because of those experiences, Adam says he's determined to stay out of temptation's way. Having a full schedule helps. Sue Carlson says her son's activities include symphonic band practice, bowling, confirmation class and piano lessons. "I like listening to different tunes on the radio and picking out the music and playing," Adam said.

And there's racing on Saturdays. "We get up at 6," Adam said. "We leave at 6," Sue Carlson corrected him with a smile.

Maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle is also going to be important in Adam's future. "I want to be a professional race car driver and I want to be a M.D.," he said.

In order to qualify for the "Be Real" program, Adam wrote an essay in which he explained that "in order to be a successful race car driver you must stay drug and alcohol free."

As a result of being chosen for the "Be Real" campaign, Adam met with Laura Lynn Ryan at a ceremony Oct. 22. He also received kudos locally from Lisle police officer Colleen Reilly, who teaches the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program. "I couldn't think of a better choice for a 'Be Real' ambassador," she said. "He truly is a great role model for his peers."