• Jr. Dragsters are half-scale dragsters powered by five-horsepower engines that produce speeds up to 85 mph.

• The NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts 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 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 13 to 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 costs about $3,000. The helmet, clothing, and other equipment are additional.

• It costs $15 per year to join the JDRL ($25 for drivers), which includes a year's subscription to Jr. DRAGSTER (six issues).

• The average age of a Jr. drag racer is 12.

• The states with the most competitors are California, Texas, and Florida.

• The JDRL season will culminate in the NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern and Western Conference Finals; $100,000 in savings bonds 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 NHRA youth programs. Youth & Education Services is the other.

Additional Links

History of The JDRL
Frequently Asked Questions About The JDRL