NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Summit Racing Equipment will again be the title sponsor of the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, a popular racing league for kids ages 5-17, which features a host of special events during the 2024 season.

Summit Racing Equipment has been a longtime supporter of the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, which celebrates its 32nd year with a host of thrilling races, providing a memorable platform for young racers to perform at a high level. Back in 2024 are the exciting eight-car shootouts that take place at seven different NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national events.

“We’re proud to continue to support the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, which has enjoyed terrific growth and an incredible level of competition. For so many young racers, this is the start of a long career in drag racing, and we believe this is a great program to get their start,” said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports & Events manager. “Now in its third year, the Summit Racing JDRL National Shootouts have helped create more national exposure to Jr. drag racing and give the racers an even bigger and well-deserved platform.”

The eight-car shootouts debuted two years ago and will take place at NHRA national events across all seven divisions, beginning with the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals on April 26-28 at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. The final round will take place on Sunday and be included on the television broadcast during eliminations on FS1, with racers running alongside the stars in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

In addition to the exciting television spotlight for the young racers, the event winner will also be included in the parade of championships, giving the rising stars in the sport the chance to be recognized at the track and on NHRA.tv. 

“It’s really meaningful to see Summit Racing Equipment’s tremendous support of these talented young racers in the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League and provide an even bigger opportunity to shine with these eight-car shootouts,” NHRA Sportsman Racing Manager Sara Walker said. “Our member tracks and partners have been strong supporters of Jr. drag racing, which has played a huge role in the growth of the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, and we’re excited for further development in 2024.”

The special eight-car shootouts for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League will also take place at Virginia Motorsports Park in Richmond on June 21-23, Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk on June 27-30, Pacific Raceway in Seattle on July 19-21, Brainerd International Raceway on Aug. 15-18, Texas Motorplex in Dallas on Oct. 10-13, and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Nov. 14-17.

One of the other major highlights this year will be the NHRA Right Trailers Western and Eastern Conference Finals. Texas Motorplex will host its first Western Conference Finals race, welcoming competitors June 8-15, with Capco Contractors coming on board as a presenting sponsor as well. Bristol Dragway will again be the site of the Eastern Conference Finals with racing slated for July 12-20, with Mike Bos serving as the presenting sponsor. Each event’s schedule will include more than a week of racing activities, culminating in the crowning of eight individual champions. 

“The NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League continues to grow and receive amazing support from so many great partners,” NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said. “From the eight-car shootouts to the Right Trailers Western and Eastern Conference Finals, there are so many great opportunities for these young drivers to excel. Having a strong Jr. Drag Racing League is imperative for the future of the sport, and we’re excited for a great season.” 

The division championship competition is expanding again in 2024, with Division 1 joining Divisions 2, 6, and 7 in contesting season championship points series throughout their season. Complete schedules are available at www.jrdragster.nhra.com. 

NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League competitor’s race cars, called Jr. Dragsters, are half-scale versions of the iconic Top Fuel dragsters. They go as fast as 85 mph and as quick as 7.90 seconds in the eighth-mile using a five-horsepower, single-cylinder engine, though younger age groups are restricted to slower times and speeds.

Since its start in 1992, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League has provided a place for young racers to compete and been the start for many top NHRA professional drivers. The list includes world champions like Pro Stock’s Erica Enders and Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon, who won a JDRL national championship in 1997, as well as standouts such as Top Fuel’s Leah Pruett; Funny Car driver J.R. Todd; Pro Stock competitors Deric Kramer and Chris McGaha; Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Gaige Herrera, Cory Reed, and many more.

For more information on the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, please visit http://jrdragster.nhra.com/.