When Vince Napp, an NHRA member-track owner with
a passion for drag racing, built a half-scale dragster for
his kids in 1991, he never dreamed that his invention would
launch an exciting new sport for thousands of young people
across North America. But, that's exactly what happened.
Early in 1992, Napp showed his
Jr. Dragster to National Hot Rod Association officials.
It was a timely presentation considering the NHRA had already
been planning a publication for its younger drag racing
fans. The Jr. Dragster became a catalyst for the NHRA
to start a whole new league: the Jr. Drag Racing League
(JDRL).
The Jr. Dragsters were unveiled
to the public on July 9, 1992, during the 23rd annual Mopar
Parts Nationals at Napp's Old Bridge Township Raceway Park
in Englishtown, N.J. The capacity crowd witnessed
the first Jr. Dragster exhibition race by Jill Caliendo
and Napp's son, David.
Two more
dragsters were built, and the exhibition tour continued
through the remaining 10 NHRA national events of the 1992
season. At each site, an information tent was on display
to determine interest and solicit information sign-ups.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. NHRA member
tracks began adding JDRL programs, and dozens of builders
began filling orders for Jr. Dragsters.
Racers began competing at local
tracks in 1993 as the League grew at an astounding rate.
Jr. DRAGSTER, the official publication of the JDRL,
debuted in September of that year.
In 1994, NHRA sponsored the first
Jr. Drag Racing League National Championships at Indianapolis
Raceway Park in Indianapolis. More than 500 young
drivers qualified and participated.
Each season, the JDRL continues
to achieve new levels of success. Seven years after
the first exhibition run, the JDRL has approximately 5,000
members, 4,000 of which compete at more than 130 tracks
across the country. The NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League
Eastern and Western Conference Finals are the premier events
of the JDRL season, awarding more than $1 million in scholarships
since 1994.
Jr. Dragsters are half-scale
dragsters powered by five horsepower Briggs & Stratton
engines that produce speeds up to 85 mph.
The NHRA Jr. Drag Racing
League (JDRL) competes on an eighth-mile distance.
NHRA national events are contested over a quarter-mile.
Founded in 1992, the JDRL
has approximately 5,000 members, of which about 4,000
are drivers.
Anyone can join in the JDRL,
but kids must be ages 8-17 to compete as drivers.
Drivers age 8-9 may run
as quick as 12.90 seconds (about 45 mph) on the eighth-mile.
Drivers 13-17 may run as quick as 7.90 seconds.
About 25 percent of JDRL
members are female.
About 130 tracks in North
America have JDRL programs.
A basic Jr. Dragster cost
about $3,000. The helmet, clothing and other equipment
are additional.
It cost $15 per year to
join the JDRL ($24 for drivers), which includes a year's
subscription to Jr. DRAGSTER (six issues).
The average age of a Jr.
drag racer is 12 years old.
The states with the most
competitors are California, Texas and Florida.
The 2000 JDRL season will
culminate in the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern
and Western Conference Finals; $100,000 in college scholarships
will be given away at each.
Competitors at the JDRL
Eastern and Western Conference Finals are split into
eight age categories (8-9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16-17).
The JDRL is one of two National
Hot Rod Association youth programs. Youth &
Education Services is the other program.
Q: How old do I have to be
to join the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League? A: Jr. Drag Racing League membership is open to anyone,
but you must be 8-17 years old to drive a Jr. Dragster.
Q: How much does it cost to
join? A: The membership fee is just $15 for an entire year.
You'll receive a one-year subscription to the Jr. DRAGSTER
newsletter plus a rulebook and a membership kit filled with
cool League stuff. If you want to race, there is an addtional
$10 participant fee for a total of $25 per year. To
join, have a parent call 626.250.2399, or visit http://www.nhra.com
and print out a membership application.
Q: Where can I race? A: About 130 NHRA Member Tracks nationwide have Jr.
Drag Racing League programs. All are listed in National
DRAGSTER's and Jr. DRAGSTER's Track Directory.
Q: How much does it cost? A: A ready-to-race car from one of many reputable chassis
builders will cost anywhere from $3,000-$5,000. Some
builders have kits available, and depending on how much
work you and a family member or friend can do, it could
reduce the building cost by as much as half. Other
cost include manditory safety gear, a trailer, entry fees,
and maintenance. Many Jr. racers het sponsors, just
like the "big guys," to help pa for their racing
cost. For information to help with your sponsorship
earch, call NHRA Field Services at 626.914.4761, ext. 228.
Q: What kind of engine does
a Jr. Dragster use? A: All Jr. Dragsters are required to use the same basic
five-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine. The
engine can be used in stock form or be modified to go quiker.
The Briggs & Stratton engine is used because it is strong,
dependable, and affordable.
Q: Where do I get the fuel
and parts for a Jr. Dragster? A: Parts are available just about everywhere aross the
country at Briggs & Stratton service centers, go-kart
speed shops, and through mail-order companies. Many
parts suppliers and chassis builders advertise in Jr.
DRAGSTER . Stock Jr. Dragsters use pump gasoline
for fuel, bust most engines are modified to burn alcohol
(methanol) for quicker times.
Q: What do I need to be ready
to race? A: Before you can drive a Jr. Dragster at an NHRA member
track, you must have a JDRL Perticipant card (that's the
$10 perticipant fee). Safety is a priority: NHRA requires
every recer to wear an accepted helmet, neck collar, arm
restraints, driver restraint system (seat belts), protective
clothing, and gloves.