Racer Bio: Mary Bannister

We are excited to present our newest racer: 

Mary Bannister!

Quick Facts Name:  Mary Bannister       Age:  15  Hometown:  Glenelg, Maryland                                   Home Track: Mason Dixon Dragway Team/Crew name:  MEB Motorsports Crew Members are: Big Tom Bannister (part time crew chief, full time dad) and Tab Bannister (part time slo mo photographer)

All About Racing      How did you get into Jr Dragster?  My dad used to race a 71 Nova at 75/80 Dragway.  As I went to national events, I saw the junior dragsters and instantly knew that I wanted to race. What is your favorite thing about racing? My favorite part about racing is the adrenaline rush.  As soon as you hit the throttle, it is an unexplainable feeling. What is your favorite track to race on? Numidia Dragway, because I love the views of the mountains of Pennsylvania. What are some of your racing accomplishments?  2014 Turkey Run winner (rookie season) 2016 Labor Day Weekend winner 6th out of 35 points at Mason Dixon Dragway What are some wise words for new racers? "Find your routine. Setting a routine while you're getting ready in your car helps you to focus and stay calmer.  Also, try to talk to other racers about how they hit the tree, drive the finish line, etc.  It really helps you learn other techniques."

Life Off the Track   What activities do you enjoy outside of racing? I love playing softball on a travel team, as well as playing varsity for high school.  Aside from sports, I love working on my dad's cars or riding the ATV. What are your plans after racing junior? I would love to race a super comp dragster, although I hope to be racing a 69 or 70 Mustang in the Super Pro class. What are your dreams for the future? My dreams for the future are to attend college at the University of Alabama, as well as hopefully racing a top fuel dragster.

#TeamViperizer Mary is a sponsored driver for Viperizer!

Racer Bio: Devin Almarza

Devin Almarza

Quick Facts Name:  Devin Almarza         Age:  13  Hometown:  Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii                                   Home Track: Kauai Raceway Park - Kauai, Hawaii Team/Crew name:  Times Are Hard Racing Crew Members are: Don Almarza (Dad, Crew Chief), Lori Almarza (Mom), Nana & Papa Niau, Shar Rumion (Aunty) and Jason Ubongen (Uncle).

All About Racing    How did you get into Jr Dragster?  My mom took me to the races at the age of 3 and I fell in love with it. I always liked cars, trucks and equipment as toys, so it was just meant to be. What is your favorite thing about racing? I love going down the track and feeling the wind go by - the faster, the better. What is your favorite track to race on? Kauai Raceway Park. What are some of your racing accomplishments?  Came in 2nd in points for 2015 and 2016 Various 1st and 2nd place wins Won a Wally at 2016 Junior Dragster Challenge Recognized as Racer of the Week on Draglist.com for the week of October 17, 2016 What are some wise words for new racers? "Be humble and kind to all, practice your light and always remember...you have to win some and lose some."

Life Off the Track What activities do you enjoy outside of racing? I like to ride my bike, go fishing and hang out with friends. What are your plans after racing junior? I really want to continue racing in possibly a full size dragster or an altered car. What are your dreams for the future? Dreaming big:  I'd love to race on the NHRA circuit some day!!

#TeamViperizer Devin is a sponsored driver for Viperizer!

Racer Bio: Brayden Tyler

Brayden Tyler

Quick Facts Name:  Brayden Tyler           Age:  11  Hometown:  Big Springs, KY                                   Home Track: 60 Dragway & Ohio Valley Dragway Crew Members are: Rick, Chrissy, Leslea & Mckenlea Dennis. All About Racing    How did you get into Jr Dragster?  I went with my dad at 2 years old. He also loves racing and got me a car. The track let me race at 6 years old. In my first car, I ran 14.22 and I now run 8.90. What is your favorite thing about racing? Competition and racing with my friends. Playing them between rounds and helping others. I let kids who come to watch get in my car and get their picture taken. What is your favorite track to race on? US 60 Dragway, Ohio Valley Raceway, Beach Bend Raceway and Greater Evansville. What are some of your racing accomplishments?  2012 Rookie of the Year 4 track championships at US 60 Dragway (2012, 2013, 2016, 2017) 3 time Bracket Finals winner 4 time Bracket Finals runner-up Won an 8.90 Wally at Ohio Valley in the 2017 NHRA Summit Jr. Dragster Challenge Won Outlaw Jr. Dragster race at Greater Evansville Has won 153 trophies and 13 plaques What are some wise words for new racers? "Start early if possible...always shake your competition's hand, win or lose...do good in school...treat other racers like you want to be treated....and good luck." Life Off the Track What activities do you enjoy outside of racing? Riding 4 wheelers, go carts and mini bikes...like to skateboard, play football and go bowling. Also love going to the lake but mostly drag racing. What are your plans after racing junior? Dad has a big dragster or a roadster and a Camaro to drive. He's even building a gasser truck for me. What are your dreams for the future? Going to school to be a nurse like my mom. That way I can work Tuesday - Thursday and Dad and I can race Friday - Sunday. Then I can come home Monday and rest. #TeamViperizer Brayden is a sponsored driver for Viperizer!

Racer Bio: Brendan Nuttall

We are excited to present our newest racer: 

Brendan Nuttall!

Quick Facts Name:  Brendan Nuttall           Age:  10                                    Home Track: Bristol Dragway Crew Members are Dad (Michael, Crew Chief), Mom (Ann, Event Coordinator), Brother (Donovan, Crew Member) and Sister (Shannon, Role Model).

All About Racing     How did you get into Jr Dragster?  By watching my older sister Shannon "Sha Money" Nuttall race and  I always had the need for speed! What is your favorite thing about racing? Winning!!!! Because it feels good! What is your least favorite part of racing? Losing....because it feels horrible! What is your favorite track to race on?  Bristol Dragway! Love my family and friends there! What are some of your racing accomplishments? 2016  NHRA Division 2 Champion  (6-9 year olds) Kentucky Big Buck Bonanza Beginner Winner 2017 Hudleston Performance 11.90 Index Class Winner ECF Fun Race Semi-Finalist (6-12 year old class) 16 wins in 21 finals career What are some wise words for new racers? "Be patient... let it come to you. Be comfortable and find your style. Enjoy yourself at the race track... make a lot of friends and be happy!" When Brendan said, "Be comfortable and find your style," one would think he was referring to racing...this brings a whole new meaning to "Eat, Sleep, Dream Jr Dragster!"

Life Off the Track What activities do you enjoy outside of racing? Baseball, basketball, and spending time with family. What are your plans after racing junior? After aging out in juniors, driving a Nova in super pro that does wheelies! What are your plans for the future? No academic plans at this time, but would love to play baseball in college.

#TeamViperizer Brendan is a sponsored driver for Viperizer!