For the last several years, the only NHRA class that has grown in numbers has been Jr Dragsters. The issue is that Jr Dragster racers don't increase the overall racer count because when they graduate from the Jr ranks they either can't afford their own race car - or more commonly, they simply displace their parent in the 'family' race car. This is why the Jr program is not a 'success' as intentioned. Very few kids can move on, especially if they head off to college - Benjamin included.... He wants to race during his college years, but time and money are significant headwinds.

Even for the fortunate few like Rachel, Megan and Julie - they indeed need a big sponsor to run TF or PS. I think Megan and Julie are capable, not sure about Rachel, but a sponsor is a definite - just ask Tony Shumacher!!

Ben won some $$ this past weekend, wants to put NO2 on his T/A....anyone wanna sponsor him!! :rolleyes:

You are 100% correct Marlin! Jr drags is great to get the kids into but as you say...it takes

allot of dedication to continue on into the pros. Not easy to get into these days without big

money and the sponsor to believe in you and your talent! Good looking kid and car Marlin.

How old is he now? The girls {Rachel, Megan and Julie} are very talented but money will

keep you in the game if your good enough. Tony may never come back? Tony has other

things to deal with on top of racing right now.

Dave
67 Nova Boy

Julie at Pomona
 

Ben is 18, and a Sr in High School. He's applying to 16 Universities (helps circumvent white penalty...), and will race his T/A in Street Class when possible. This is another issue with the Jr Dragster program, so many kids age out and think they need to run top alcohol dragster, a super comp, or a pro mod - what's wrong with Street Class with a mild muscle car or a cost effective 11.50 index type of car? Why not race with your parent as opposed to just taking over their race car?? I don't have the answer, but I do know that Ben's parents don't have a race car for him! :grin: I did tell him that I'd be fine if he wanted to sell his '69 Nova SS and buy a race car, he immediately said 'no'. :dunno: However, he'd love to run at a National event with those whom he looks up to: Erica, Jason Line, Butner, Matt Hagan, Langdon, Antron, etc....

His Dana 60 rear with 4.10's just arrived from Strange Engineering yesterday, so that's the Winter project.... Best ET was an 11.96 @ 114MPH back in October with the stock 7.5" rear with 3.23 gears! He drives it to High School every day! :eek:

Sounds to me Ben {& dad} is having fun racing! I guess it all depends on what the kids into when they get into college years. You really have to want it or have a good dad or team behind you to keep the fun going. I hope that Ben goes into some type of racing or keep that burning drive inside for a few more years!

Drag racing in any level is quite allot of dedication from week to week if he wants to be competitive. The kids that race once in awhile keep the track owners in business...they are paying the bills right now. I have been to many tracks on test and tune days/nights and that is what shows up unless they have an event. '

Small clip to help the Sunoco 260 flowing in your vain's!

https://www.facebook.com/NHRA/videos/514278972492742/

Dave
67 Nova Boy

Women who race today on Fox sports
 

Maybe, back into a pro mod car next year?
 

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...38&oe=5EA59370

https://scontent.fphl2-1.fna.fbcdn.n...fa&oe=5E798FEE

https://scontent.fphl2-1.fna.fbcdn.n...98&oe=5EAE94F1

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...95&oe=5EB24ACE

https://scontent.fphl2-1.fna.fbcdn.n...98&oe=5EAFE301

Wow!! :eek:

I am thinking your Ben could drive one of the race cars for LRC. Professor Benny has 2 cars and 1 driver so he could use an up and coming shoe for his stable. I think Ben could get his feet wet in the red "foot brake" nova that runs 10 teens with Pete's Automotive power.

Pro Stock driver of the decade...Erica Enders!!