Means Racing Enterprises Junior Dragster - Driven by Austin Means, Age 10

NHRA 7841         

Jr. Dragsters are half-scale dragsters powered by five-horsepower engines that produce speeds up to 85 mph on an eighth-mile distance. NHRA national events are contested over a quarter-mile. 

            Founded in 1992, the JDRL (Junior Drag Racing League) has approximately 4,000 drivers. Anyone can join the JDRL, but kids must be ages 8 to 17 to compete as drivers. Drivers ages 8 to 9 may run as quick as 12.90 seconds (about 45 mph) on the eighth-mile. Drivers 10 to 12 may run as quick as 8.90 seconds (about 65mph).  Drivers 13 to 17 may run as quick as 7.90 seconds and up to 85 mph. About 25 percent of JDRL members are female, although this number is growing every year.

About 130 tracks in North America have JDRL programs. A basic Jr. Dragster costs about $4,000. The helmet, clothing, and other equipment are additional. It costs $25 per year to race with the NHRA. The driver obtains a NHRA number, and registration, along with their bi-monthly publication.

The average age of a Jr. drag racer is 12. The states with the most competitors are California, Texas, and Florida.             The JDRL season culminates in the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern and Western Conference Finals; $100,000 in savings bonds will be given away at each.     Competitors at the JDRL Conference Finals are split into eight age categories (8-9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16-17).