In a ceremony held earlier this month, Dominic Portera of Morgan Hill received a second-place trophy for his finish in the 2003 Mini Cup Junior Stars Division point standings.

Along with the second-place prize, Portera also received a plaque for the most improved driver of the year.

Portera also was the 2003 California State Champion for the Miniature Motorsports Racing Association (MMRA) and finished in second place in total points for the West Coast MMRA Future Star championship.

He also chalked up the fastest qualifying time in the Nationals held at South Sound Speedway in Washington.

Portera also ranked 33rd in the Valvoline Cup series, which includes all “scaled stock car” drivers across the country, including adults.

Besides racing, Portera has also been busy promoting MMRA.

Earlier this year, he and his peers brought their cars to the Roseville Downtown Celebration and the Taste of Morgan Hill.

Portera also participated in the Fourth of July Parade where he took first in his division.

Aside from racing, Portera is active in the community, including helping with the Chamber of Commerce and their volunteer barbecue.

Portera is looking ahead to racing at the Lakeport Speedway in the Northern California during the 2004 race season, as well as racing at Altamont Raceway and South Sound Speedway.