Disney Channel Jr. Drag Racing Movie Prem"ears" tonight.

[RhondaS]

Some of you may remember my past posts regarding my daughter, Malarie, racing in the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League.

Since my last post about the subject, Malarie was crowned the 2002 Quick 16 Champion and Most Improved Quick 16 Driver at our home track, Texas Raceway .

This year, not only is Malarie (age 15) competing, but so is our youngest, Erin (age 8). Malarie's current car/motor combination is running 8.44 seconds at 78 mph in the 1/8 mile, while Erin's fastest thus far has been 12.98 seconds at 49 mph. (NHRA limits their "legal" times and speeds in competition according to their ages, i.e. 7.90 seconds for ages 13 & up, 12.90 seconds for 8 & 9 yo's, and 8.90 seconds for 10 thru 12 yo's.)

Well, I just wanted to let anyone interested to know that The Disney Channel is premiering a movie tonight that is based on the true story of two sisters, Erica and Courtney Enders, and their Jr. Drag Racing career. It is scheduled to air at 8pm eastern / 7pm central.

Now, I hear that Disney decided to take a few, uh, what shall we call it, liberties with their special effects. Let me be the first to tell you all that the Jr. Dragsters do NOT regularly do wheelies when they take off (haven't seen one do this in almost 3 yrs of watching), nor do they frequently spin out and crash (only know of one spinning and that was when it was sprinkling - long story). Malarie also wants you all to know that the drivers don't wave to each other while racing down the track.

Anywho... it should still be fun to watch and thought some of you might like to see some of what our family enjoys, because this is really a family affair and we are having a blast!

 

[janette]

I expect the girls will be watching

Just make sure Erin doesn't let Samantha know, I've heard "I want to do that" enough already! If she knew it really was possible I don't think I'd hear the end of it

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Thanks for clearing that up RhondaS. I grew up, literally, next door to Maple Grove Raceway outside of Reading, PA- home of the Keystone Nationals in September.

I have to ask- What makes the Erica and Courtney Enders so special? Were they picked for a reason or were they chosen more randomly? MY dd who, is 11, has seen Cristen Powell race, but I guess she was already in the Pro class of Top Fuel at the time.

I'm not familiar with any kids in the Jr. Dragster competition and it didn't exist until I was older. Let us not forget the lady who started the women's class of drag racers- Shirley "Cha Cha" Muldowney.

Congratulations to your girls and good luck to them this season!

 

[RhondaS]

Blue, I'm not sure how Erica and Courtney were chosen. Not sure if they went out "shopping" their story or if Disney came to them. From what I understand, Erica was involved with the Jr. Dragster racing from almost the beginning of the sport (11 years ago) and has quite a few victories to her credit.

I'm really anxious to see exactly how Disney portrays our sport, it should be interesting.

Maple Grove is home to the NHRA Jr. Dragster Eastern Conference Finals this year (in June), and has hosted them for the past few years. Since we race in Division 4 (south central U.S.A), we have the choice of racing at either the Eastern Conference or the Western Conference Finals each year. The tracks around here always choose to head to Bandimere Speedway in Denver, Colorado (last weekend in July) for the Western's because it's so much closer.

These are some big events. The winners of each age group, 8-9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 & up take home not only a covetted NHRA Wally trophy, but a $5000 savings bond! We also compete as 10 driver teams for more Wally's and savings bonds. Last year at Denver, there were over 600 kids competing, and I'm sure there were close to as many at Maple Grove.

Each week at our home track, the kids race in 4 different classes. 8 & 9 year olds, 10 - 12 year olds, 13 & up, and Quick 16. Each class winner gets a $75 savings bond, trophy and 3 gallons of racing fuel (methanol), the runner up receives a $50 savings bond, trophy and 2 gallons of fuel. Semi-finalists get trophies.

It's some hard work on old Mom and Dad, but good grief, do we have fun!

 

[wvjules]

Thanks for the reminder. I might have forgotten about it. DD has been looking forward to it since they showed the first preview last month.

 

[RhondaS]

Janette, Erin wants to know when Sam's going to come watch her race?

 

[wvjules]

That was a good movie. Too bad DD fell asleep before it was over. I guess she'll catch it another time.