Racing Toward the Future: Right Trailer’s CJ Jenkins’ Journey from Junior Dragster to Sportsman
At just 16 years old, CJ Jenkins, a rising star from Greenville, North Carolina, is carving a unique path in the world of drag racing. With the 2025 season approaching, CJ is set to compete in both junior and sportsman categories across the NHRA, JDRL, and PDRA circuits, with an eye on his long-term future in the sport.
Growing up in a hardworking farming and entrepreneurial family, CJ is the first in his family to dive into motorsports. His passion and determination have propelled him through the NHRA Junior Drag Racing League (JDRL), and his recent achievement—earning his sportsman license—marks a major milestone in his racing career.
This next step after junior dragsters brings him closer to the professional ranks, but it is a crucial period of development in the sportsman class before eventually moving up to pro dragster racing. Although racing wasn’t a family tradition, CJ was drawn to the track early. “I still remember the first time I saw drag racing on TV. I was hooked and asked my dad to take me to the racetrack,” CJ recalls.
That trip to the track ignited his journey. “My dad took me, and they had juniors running! I asked if I could do that, and from that moment, I knew this was my future.”
From his very first time behind the wheel, CJ demonstrated a natural talent for racing. With each run, his love for the sport grew, and his goals became clearer. His accomplishments in the junior dragster ranks gives some hope for a promising career in the sport. Even Top Fuel professional driver Antron Brown took notice, saying, “CJ has a bright future in drag racing. He’s got the talent, the right attitude, and a superstar’s work ethic.”
As CJ nears the age limit for junior drag racing, he’s focused on solidifying his future in the sport. To sharpen his skills, he completed the Frank Hawley Racing School program, which has produced many of the sport’s top drivers. For CJ, the experience was pivotal. “It was a huge step for me,” he says. “I learned a lot about myself as a driver and what it takes to compete at a higher level.”
Now stepping into sportsman racing, CJ is eager to take on the tougher competition. He knows he’ll be up against seasoned racers, but he’s ready to embrace the challenge.
“I know it’s going to be tough, but I’m ready to put in the work,” he says.
CJ is deeply thankful for the support of his sponsors—Right Trailers, US Foods, FTI, Red Line Oil, and others—who have been integral to his success. With a second car at his disposal, CJ is determined to create even more opportunities for his partners. “I’m incredibly thankful for my sponsors. They’re giving me the chance to chase my dream, and I want to make them proud,” he says.
Beyond his sponsors, CJ’s family has been his greatest support system. They instilled in him a strong work ethic that he carries both on and off the track, motivating him to succeed in every aspect of his life.
Looking ahead, CJ’s ambitions stretch beyond simply winning races. He is committed to growing as a driver, learning from each experience, and earning respect in the sportsman and pro ranks of drag racing. “It’s about learning, applying what I’ve been taught, and preparing for bigger opportunities in the future,” he says.
One such opportunity came when CJ worked with the Competition Plus team at zMax Dragway during the NHRA Carolina Nationals. Interviewing veteran drivers gave him valuable insight into the professional world he aims to join. Whether on the track or behind the scenes, CJ Jenkins remains fully dedicated to his racing career and is excited about what the future holds.With unwavering support from his sponsors, family, and friends, CJ is on a determined path toward his dreams, and he’s grateful to everyone who’s helped him along the way. CJ Jenkins is just getting started, and the journey ahead is filled with promise.
This story was originally published on October 18, 2024.
The post Racing Toward the Future: Right Trailer’s CJ Jenkins’ Journey from Junior Dragster to Sportsman first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
