Junior Dragster Competitors Chase Fast Dreams at Bristol Dragway
Published: July 10, 2009
Updated: July 13, 2009
BRISTOL, Tenn. – The boisterous scene was reminiscent of a high school football game, family reunion, and the Little League World Series.
It was day two of the National Hot Rod Association Junior Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals at Bristol Dragway.
More than 500 competitors from 25 states are in town for the three-day event. Few were more eager than brothers Mitch and Gabe Ellison of Rogersville, Tenn.
“I’ve been looking forward to this race for weeks, and I’ve even dreamed about it,” Gabe, 11, said. “It’s just really important.”
The famed Thunder Valley complex was a sea of color Friday, as parents and racers dressed in the colors of their respective drivers and teams. Kids age 8-17 were divided into squads of 10 drivers representing dragways across the eastern United States.
The male and female racers were driving half-scale dragsters powered by five-horsepower engines. The sleek machines cover the eight-mile track as quick as 7.90 seconds or 85 miles per hour.
Like many of their peers, the Ellisons were introduced to the popular sport through a family member.
“My grandfather took me to our local dragstrip, and I loved it,” 14-year-old Mitch said, referring to Cherokee Dragway in Rogersville. “I’ve been racing for seven years now. It’s a bunch of fun.”
Andy Ellison plays the role of mechanic and motivator for his sons. According to the 38-year-old quality engineer at TRW Automotive in Rogersville, success in racing means much more than simply earning trophies.
For example, there are life lessons.
“Mitch and Gabe really enjoy what they’re doing, and they’ve come a long way as racers,” Ellison said. “When kids first start out in this sport, all they want to do is win. They can’t figure out how to lose gracefully, but there is a winner and loser in every round.”
The Ellisons experienced mixed results Friday, with Gabe losing his first round matchup and Mitch winning. In addition to competing for individual honors, the brothers are one of the three teams representing Bristol Dragway.
“This race is a lot harder because you have no idea how good your competitors are,” said Gabe, who competes in the regular bracket racing program at Bristol Dragway.
For Gabe, the allure of drag racing is fundamental.
“I like winning. I also like the fact that when you when you hit the gas, you can really feel it,” Ellison said.
While the brothers stay busy with multiple sports, they are constantly honing their drag racing skills. They have a practice tree at their home, which simulates the lights every drag racer must obey at the starting line.
“That’s the key to the sport, cutting good lights,” Mitch said. “My father tells me that before every race.”
The trophies are starting to pile up around the Ellison home. Andy has been delighted with the success and self-confidence of his sons, yet that doesn’t diminish one vital aspect of being a parent.
“We have fun together, but I’m still nervous before every race,” Ellison said.
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What: NHRA Junior Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals
Where: Bristol Dragway
When: The three-day event concludes today, with final eliminations in the eight age categories beginning at 8 a.m.
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