Featured Racer: Emma Gannaway

 Team Viperizer Racer Bio 

Emma Gannaway

Name: Emma Gannaway                                                          

Birthdate/Age: 16

Team/Crew Name: Gannaway Racing

Team/Crew Member Names: Emma Gannaway (Driver), Richard Gannaway (Crew Chief), Aaron Rees (Pit Crew), Bucky Mayfield (Sponsor), Tim Givens (Sponsor)

Home Track: Centerville Dragway

How long have you been racing? 8.5 years

When does your season typically start and end? March-June & August-November

How many races do you participate in one calendar year? 20-24

How often do you practice/train? Mentally: Daily; Physically: As often as my parents work schedules and the weather allow

Why do you race? I race for the thrill, memories, and friendships racing provides. I have always been a thrill-seeker, racing was a safe way to receive that thrill. I have made tons of memories at the dragstrip; including my first win and many after that, giving fist bumps to all racers after a race and teaching new racers. I have also made friends with many people at the dragstrip, not just JR dragster drivers, but more experienced drivers who have bettered my racing as well. The race track is my happy place. 

What is your favorite racing memory and why? My favorite racing memory is my first time in the finals. I had only been racing for about a year. I was in a starter car; I was not very experienced yet. On this particular day, I was cutting amazing lights and carried lane choice all day. I made it to the finals against the track champion. I completed my burnout. I was then prompted to shut off my engine. My drain petcock for my oil had broken and I was leaking oil. I did not get to complete that race; however, I had the confidence I had never had before. That race day made me believe that I could be a track champion one day. 

What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a pediatric physical therapist. My hope is that I can help kids achieve things they do not believe they can accomplish, such as racing, because of a physical disability. I also want to continue to advance in classes as a racer.

If you were a racing coach, what would you tell your driver? Winning is not the most important thing, sportsmanship when winning OR losing is. 

If you could have a racing superpower, what would it be? If I could have a racing superpower it would be to wish my competitor good luck telepathically as we stage. My other superpower would be to cut perfect lights every round.