Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Racer Bio: Alyssa Rabon

VIPERIZER RACER BIO PRESENTS...
Alyssa Rabon!


Quick Facts

Name:  Alyssa Rabon
Age:  9 
Hometown:  Florence, SC
Home Track:  Darlington Dragway (IHRA)
                        Rockingham Dragway (NHRA)
Team/Crew Name:  Rabon Racing
                                 ^Click to follow her on Facebook!
Team/Members:  Jamie Rabon (Dad), Melissa Rabon (Mom), Nicholas Rabon (Brother), Buddy Rabon (Grandfather)



All About Alyssa

How long have you been racing?
2018 makes 3 years of racing.

How did you get into Jr Dragster? 
My grandfather, dad, and brother all Drag Race.

What is your favorite thing about racing?
Traveling and meeting and making new friends

What is your favorite track to race on?
Thunder Valley in Bristol, TN

What is one word that describes you best?
Ambitious

What sets you apart from other racers?
My sportsmanship and attitude


What are some of your racing accomplishments? 
2018
-1st featured driver of the week for JrDragsterLife.com
-Won first Wally at the NHRA division 2 LODRS at Galot Motorsports Park
-Ran 4-wide at the NHRA 4-wide in Charlotte
-Was featured on FS1 broadcast of the NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta during their segment on "Women of Drag Racing"

2017
-Ran 4-wide at Z-max Dragway & participated in the Yes program with the Army
-Won her very first race at Darlington Dragway
-Semi finish at Eastern Conference Finals
-Won Rockingham Dragway's 6-9 Points Championship
-Won the 4th Annual Kids Racing 4 Kids 6-9 year old class at Darlington Dragway
-Placed 4th in points for Drag Racers Association of Florence
-Most Improved Driver for Drag Racers Association of Florence

2016
-Featured in NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League's What's New 2016
-2 back to back runner-ups at the Carolina Dragway's IHRA Pro-Am Triple
-1st runner-up at Darlington Dragway points race
-Semi finish at Eastern Conference Finals
-Rookie of the year for Darlington Dragway
-Rookie of the year for Drag Racers Association of Florence (non-profit racing organization)
-Runner-up at the 3rd Annual Kids Racing 4 Kids event at Darlington Dragway for the 6-9 year old class

What are your goals for this season?  
To continue learning and become the best racer that I can be is my goal.

What other activities do you enjoy outside of racing?
I love to read and draw.






Monday, May 14, 2018

Racer Bio: Joey Petrone

VIPERIZER RACER BIO PRESENTS...
Joey Petrone!


Quick Facts

Name:  Joey Petrone
Age:  16 
Hometown:  Chandler, AZ
Home Track:  Wild Horse Pass
Team/Crew Name:  Joey "Drags" Petrone Racing
                                 ^Click to follow him on Facebook!
Team/Members:  Chris, Anthony, Stephanie


All About Joey

How long have you been racing?
8 years

How did you get into Jr Dragster? 
My father is into muscle cars and took me to the dragstrip when I was very young.  I fell in love with the junior dragsters right away!

What is your favorite thing about racing?
I have made the most amazing friends. Division 7 families are like one big family!!

What is your favorite track to race on?
I like Tucson, Vegas, Barona and of course, Wild Horse Pass!

What is one word that describes you best?
Perseverance.  I never give up! 

What sets you apart from other racers?
My Father is an excellent crew chief.  We work very well together as a team.  I also am known for my record in AZ with 21 Wally wins.




What are some of your racing accomplishments? 
Highlights
-4x local track champion
-21x Wally Winner (by far record holder in state - next closest racer with 4 Wally wins)
-Was a Division 7 Champion
-Won Race of Champions
-Was a Jr. Finals Champion

2018
-NHRA Division 7 Series Wally Winner @ WHP
-Currently #1 in points at WHP in Jr. Comp
-Currently #1 in Points Division 7 Series in Jr. Comp

2017
-Arizona Shoot Out Champion Wally Winner
-Halloween Havoc Wally Winner
-NHRA Division 7 Series Wally Winner @ Barona
-WHP Track Series Runner-Up (7.90 Class)
-WHP Track Series Runner-Up (Jr. Comp)
-ET Finals Runner-Up

2016
-NHRA Race of Champions Winner (Jr. Comp)
-NHRA Divisional Race Champion at Sacramento (Ages 13-14)
-NHRA National Dragster Wally Challenge Champion @Wild Horse Pass (Jr. Comp)

2015
-Recipient of Jr. Dragster Magazine's Top Performer Award (January 2015 Edition)
-NHRA National Dragster Wally Challenge Winner @ Wild Horse Pass (Ages 6-12)
-NHRA Race of Champions Winner (Ages 10-12)
-NHRA Divisional Race Champion @ Barona (Ages 10-12)
-Wild Horse Pass Track Champion (Ages 6-12)
-NHRA ET Finals Runner-Up

2014
-NHRA National Dragster Wally Challenge Winner @ Wild Horse Pass (Ages 8-12)
-Wild Horse Pass Track Champion (Ages 8-12)
-NHRA Divisional Race Champion @ Sacramento
-NHRA Race of Champions Runner-Up

2013
-NHRA National Dragster Wally Challenge Winner @ Firebird (Ages 8-12)

2012
-NHRA Divisional Race Champion @ Barona (Ages 8-9)
-NHRA Divisional Race Champion @ Famoso (Ages 8-9)
-NHRA Pacific Division Champion (Ages 8-9)
-NHRA Speedworld Jr. Dragster Wally Challenge Champion

2011
-NHRA ET Finals Champion (Ages 8-9)
-NHRA National Dragster Wally Challenge Winner @ Fontana (Ages 8-9)
-NHRA Divisional Race Champion @ Speedworld (Ages 8-9)
-NHRA Speedworld Jr. Dragster Wally Challenge

2010
-NHRA National Dragster Wally Challenge Champion @ Firebird (Ages 8-9)
-Team Firebird Track Champion 12.90 Class

**Exciting non-racing accomplishment:

Joey is an excellent student and takes all Honors classes. He was recently accepted into the HARVARD MedScience program this summer.  He will be studying at the HARVARD campus in Cambridge, MA this July.  Only 130 high school students were chosen for this program nationwide.  Joey has dreams of becoming a doctor one day.

What are your goals for this season?  
I would like to get both of my cars in the winner's circle on the same weekend during a Wally race!

What other activities do you enjoy outside of racing?
I also race Formula Ford cars (open wheel, road racing). I have a swift DB1 racecar.  I play flag football & basketball for my high school. I love science too!






Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Racer Bio: McKenzee Hogan

VIPERIZER RACER BIO PRESENTS...
McKenzee Hogan!


Quick Facts

Name:  McKenzee Hogan
Age:  7 
Hometown:  Youngsville, NC
Home Track:  Galot Motorsports Park
Team/Crew Name:  Hogan Motorsports
                       ^Click to follow her on Facebook!
Team/Members:  Skip Hogan (Crew Chief)


All About McKenzee

How long have you been racing?
Practiced all last year, this year will be the first year racing.

How did you get into Jr Dragster? 
Family races

What is your favorite thing about racing?
The people at the track and going fast




What is your favorite track to race on?
Galot Motorsports Park

What is one word that describes you best?
Funny

What sets you apart from other racers?
Racing isn't just about winning. It's about having fun.

What are some of your racing accomplishments?
2018
-Runner-up at Roxboro Motorsports Park (March 31)
-Won first race at Roxboro Park (May 5)

What are your goals for this season?  
To qualify for all of my races

What other activities do you enjoy outside of racing?
Play with my friends







Monday, May 7, 2018

Racer Bio: Makala Stevens

VIPERIZER RACER BIO PRESENTS...
Makala Stevens!

Shout out to Drag Coverage for the great photo!

Quick Facts

Name:  Makala Stevens
Age:  16 
Hometown:  Lexington, SC
Home Track:  Darlington Dragway
Team/Crew Name:  Dead on Racing
                                 ^Click to follow her on Facebook!
Team/Members:  Megan and Eric (Robert) Stevens


All About Makala

How long have you been racing?
2 years

How did you get into Jr Dragster? 
I went to Zmaxx 4 wide, saw them there and immediately knew it was something I was interested in.

What is your favorite thing about racing?
I love the time I get to spend with family and friends, meeting new people, and going fast.

What is your favorite track to race on?
Rockingham, NC

What is one word that describes you best?
Outgoing

What sets you apart from other racers?
My drive to win and be the best I can be



What are some of your racing accomplishments? 
I've runner'd up at least 2 times.

What are your goals for this season?  
To try my best in every race that I'm in and capture some wins this season

What other activities do you enjoy outside of racing?
Hanging out with friends and playing with my Great Danes







Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Racer Bio: Raul Meza

VIPERIZER RACER BIO PRESENTS...
Raul Meza!


Quick Facts

Name:  Raul Meza
Age:  15 
Hometown:  Lehigh Acres, FL
Home Track:  Palm Beach International Raceway
Team/Crew Name:  Drag Enterprises (the car
                                 is The  Alpha)
                                 ^Click to follow him on Facebook!
Team/Members:  Robert Boren, Madeleyne Santiago, 
                             Jairo Hoyos



All About Raul

How long have you been racing?
Since I was 11

How did you get into Jr Dragster? 
My mother raced imports when she was younger and I have been around race cars since I was born.  I love it.

What is your favorite thing about racing?
Hanging out with my friends and winning

What is your favorite track to race on?
Palm Beach International

What is one word that describes you best?
Happy

What sets you apart from other racers?
I am always complimented on my sportsmanship and ability to continue smiling and being happy even when I don't win.



What are some of your racing accomplishments? 
My racing has been challenging as this was new for my mom.  I did well the first year with 3 trophies from local races and 2 wins at my track.  The first year in the 7.90 advanced class was challenging but we managed to stay top 5 in points every year.  We have won some points races.  This year we are in a better position because my step-dad knows a lot about race cars and has been able to get my car consistent and doing well.  We expect a great year and many appearances.

What are your goals for this season?  
I want to win ECF!

What other activities do you enjoy outside of racing?
I'm a soccer fan. I played soccer as my main sport until I made the choice to dedicate myself to racing because I want to be a professional.  I still play and watch soccer often.  I Pokemon Go hunt with my mom and stepdad. It became a family thing. I also play basketball and online games with local friends.