JCM Racing Opens Submissions for 2025 Jr. Dragster Driver Development Program
Jr. Dragster drivers around the country now have the chance to be a part of JCM Racing, the NHRA Top Fuel team that includes eight-time NHRA world champion Tony Schumacher and 2023 FIA European Top Fuel champion turned NHRA rookie Ida Zetterström. Through the JCM Racing Jr. Dragster Driver Development Program, young drivers receive mentorship from JCM’s drivers, crew chiefs, and marketing and social media experts, as well as monetary and product support. Submissions are accepted now through Sept. 8.
The 2024 JCM Driver Development class was announced at the 2023 PRI Show during the Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 press conference. The group includes representatives from each of NHRA’s seven divisions: Waylon Bennett (Division 2), Jeffrey Garner (Division 7), Albert Gouveia (Division 1), Katy Gunter (Division 4), Ty Jackson (Division 5), Maleah Mosley (Division 3), and Shadyn Parvati (Division 6). Throughout this season, drivers and their families had the chance to join JCM Racing at NHRA national events to learn more about what it takes to be a professional drag racer.
Joe E. Maynard with Waylon Bennett
“I think the program went well,” said Joe E. Maynard. “I met with three or four families in the last five or six races when we were in their areas, and 100 percent, families have been most appreciative. The drivers have been appreciative, and not just appreciative of the support we give them, but of the interaction with Ida and Tony and being able to talk to crew chiefs and come into the hospitality area. There’s financial support, there’s tools, there’s uniforms, but the real deal is the mentoring.”
Applicants must plan to compete in the Jr. Dragster category during 2025 season, have an established Jr. Dragster operation in place (no start-ups), have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and have established social media channels.
“You have to be able to represent drag racing the way that the professional drivers do, like the Ida Zetterströms, the Tony Schumachers, the Ron Capps,” Maynard said. “That’s the standard we’re trying to influence and teach. We want them to learn about it from people that do it.”
The NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League is celebrated as the launch pad for countless drag racing careers. Hundreds of Jr. Dragster drivers graduate to the NHRA Lucas Oil Series and other sportsman programs, and a select few take the next step to the NHRA Mission Foods Series professional ranks. Maynard’s goal is to help inspire Jr. Dragster drivers and give them some of the tools necessary to make that major leap.
“We’re trying to grow the next generation of top-quality drivers that have the desire to be pros and that will step in if some of our sport’s more mature, or older, drivers reach the ends of their careers,” Maynard said. “We’ve gotta have people coming up that are driven to succeed. We’re trying to build that next generation to keep the sport alive.”
Drivers interested in the opportunity to be a part of the 2025 JCM Racing Driver Development Program can apply here.
“We welcome drivers and families to submit an application,” Maynard said. “I expect a few of our drivers to stay in the program and I’m sure there will be changes too. I’m looking forward to the next crop of young drivers.”
This story was originally published on September 4, 2024.
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