Both racers have earned "Wally" trophies, the coveted award given to competitors that win National Hot Rod Association events. The duo from Richlands, Va. will try to add to their collection during the July 7-12 NHRA O'Reilly Junior Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals presented by Gaged Engineering at Bristol Dragway.
The "Wally" features the likeness of NHRA founder Wally Parks and is one of the most prized trophies in drag racing. Katie earned the trophy during her debut race, an NHRA King of the Strip Jr. Drag Racing League event in 2005. Seth had to wait a little longer, picking up his Wally at a King of the Strip event in 2006. He made up for lost time, however, earning another Wally by collecting the NHRA Division II 13-17 year-old championship later that season.
"It was awesome to get my first Wally," said Katie, "especially because I got one before my brother."
Seth has been racing since he was eight. The 17-year-old is now a junior at Twin Springs High School and already is making plans to step into a full-size drag car.
"Right now, I'm working on an '86 Camaro," explained Seth. "We're getting it ready and hope to make the move when I turn 18."
"My dad got me into racing, and I've been at the race track since the week after I was born," he continued. "I love to race. It's the rush and the G-forces I love the most."
Seth's stepsister Katie also was introduced to the sport by her stepfather and began racing when she was 10. Katie, now 14, is an eighth grader at Mercer Christian School and plans to move into a full-size car as well.
"I want to move into a door car [in the future]," she said. "I would really like a Firebird."
"Racing is awesome, just the rush is amazing. I'm always worried about my light and if I'm going to break out. I just try to concentrate on keeping it in the middle of the groove."
Katie says racing at her home track during the Eastern Conference Finals adds confidence that she will do well.
"It is an advantage competing in the Eastern Conference Finals at Bristol," she said. "It helps you fell more comfortable; it takes the pressure off. If feels like I'm at home."
Although the two have raced for several years, they have never met up at the starting line. When asked what would happen if the two did face-off, Katie was quick to predict the outcome.
"I would win," she exclaimed while smiling.
"Well, let's race sometime and see," Seth responded.
The Junior Dragster Eastern Conference Finals is open to drivers from Divisions 1, 2 and 3, and select tracks in Division 4. Each NHRA member track may send up to three teams of 10 racers to participate in the race. Team members earn points for their home track, with the top scoring team winning the conference final.
Individual winners in each of the eight age categories - 8-9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16-17 - receive a $5,000 savings bond and the coveted "Wally" trophy, featuring the likeness of NHRA founder Wally Parks. In addition, each member of the top scoring team will receive a $300 savings bond and a Wally.
The entry fee for participants is $85, while a full event crew pass is $40. Single day spectator passes are available for only $15. Kids six and under are free.
Gates and campgrounds open at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, with tech inspection at 9:30 and a test and tune session from noon to 5:00 p.m. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday with the Thunder Valley Challenge beginning each morning at 9:00. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday and Friday with time trials beginning at 8:00 a.m. each morning. Gates open at 8:00 on Saturday with final eliminations beginning at 10:00 a.m.
For more information about the O'Reilly Auto Parts Junior Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals presented by Gaged Engineering, please call (423) 764-DRAG or visit www.bristoldragway.com.