Almost 15 months to the day her parents were killed by suspected street racers, eight-year-old Katie Manchester will appear in court Wednesday to give what is expected to be an emotional victim impact statement.

The Grade 2 student has had trouble moving forward after the devastating loss of her mother and father, Rob and Lisa Manchester of Richmond Hill.

The couple was out celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary on May 27, 2006 when their car was struck by one of two speeding vehicles on Yonge Street near Stouffville Road. Witnesses reported the cars racing along Yonge at speeds of 150 km/h.

In May, 22-year-old Ruben Rodrigues pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving causing death, while 19-year-old Marco Gasparro, of Richmond Hill, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

The day after the tragedy, Katie was seen with relatives clutching a storybook and stuffed animals, appearing as if she wasn't fully aware of what had happened. She had been staying with neighbours the night before.

Today, Katie understands her parents are never coming back. She also realizes the dangers and heartache that come with street racing.

"If people do it I think they should lose their licence and go to jail," she told CTV's John Musselman.

Katie now lives with her aunt and uncle in Aurora. She is doing better, but her loss still strongly affects her.

"When I'm really sad it's very hard to think and do school problems," she said.

Katie's guardian, Cathy Gray, said the young girl still has difficult days.

"We just kind of talk about it or let her be on her own," Gray said.

Katie's room is filled with dolls and pictures of her mother and father.

"Maple cookies were mom's favourite treat," she said. "When my dad came home from work, he always brought me candies."

Katie loves to play with her cat and enjoys art, gym and recess. She said she wants to work in an office when she grows up, just as her mother did.

Katie will read her victim impact statement in a Newmarket court Wednesday morning.

Sentencing for Rodrigues and Gasparro is expected to take place Oct. 3.

With a report from CTV's John Musselman