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Montreal, Mo. —
A teenager from Montreal will spend the summer speeding toward her dreams a quarter of a mile at a time. Kendall Thiesse, 17, ranked second in the American Drag Racing League Pro Junior Dragster standings.
Thiesse, a Camdenton High School junior, is one of 16 drivers from around the United States eligible to compete in the elite drag racing series that attracts more than 50,000 fans at its stops around the country.
The junior drag cars Thiesse races can make a quarter-mile pass in less than eight seconds.
"It's exactly half the length of a top fuel car, which is the pro version. It has a small motor on it but it still goes quick," Thiesse explained.
For Thiesse, the 2011 eight-race ADRL schedule offers a chance to prove she belongs.
In 2010, the seven-year racing veteran stood atop her division's point standings when her racing team ran out of funding. With no sponsors to help finance travel and racing costs, Thiesse was forced to walk away from a potential points championship.
"My goal on the track this year is to regain my No. 1 position," Thiesse said.
She took third place at a race in Houston, Tex. and second place at Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter, Fla. This weekend, Thiesse races at Maple Grove Speedway in Mohnton, Penn.
The Camdenton FFA officer hopes to find sponsorship to finish out a full season and compete in October in the ADRL World Finals, known as "the Battle of the Belts," in Ennis, Tex. The ADRL also holds events in Kansas, Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina and Ohio.
Drag racing has been part of life in the Thiesse family since Kendall was 10. She hopes to further her career beyond junior drag racing.
"I've always been to NHRA races and I always enjoyed it. I personally enjoy traveling, and I got deeper and more involved in (racing)," Thiesse said. "Hopefully next year I will move into a bigger car."
About Kendall Thiesse
Age 17
School Camdenton High School, junior
Car type pro junior dragster
Speed up to 95 mph in the 1/4 mile
Sponsor information 573-286-2544
On the web http://www.adrl.us
A teenager from Montreal will spend the summer speeding toward her dreams a quarter of a mile at a time. Kendall Thiesse, 17, ranked second in the American Drag Racing League Pro Junior Dragster standings.
Thiesse, a Camdenton High School junior, is one of 16 drivers from around the United States eligible to compete in the elite drag racing series that attracts more than 50,000 fans at its stops around the country.
The junior drag cars Thiesse races can make a quarter-mile pass in less than eight seconds.
"It's exactly half the length of a top fuel car, which is the pro version. It has a small motor on it but it still goes quick," Thiesse explained.
For Thiesse, the 2011 eight-race ADRL schedule offers a chance to prove she belongs.
In 2010, the seven-year racing veteran stood atop her division's point standings when her racing team ran out of funding. With no sponsors to help finance travel and racing costs, Thiesse was forced to walk away from a potential points championship.
"My goal on the track this year is to regain my No. 1 position," Thiesse said.
She took third place at a race in Houston, Tex. and second place at Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter, Fla. This weekend, Thiesse races at Maple Grove Speedway in Mohnton, Penn.
The Camdenton FFA officer hopes to find sponsorship to finish out a full season and compete in October in the ADRL World Finals, known as "the Battle of the Belts," in Ennis, Tex. The ADRL also holds events in Kansas, Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina and Ohio.
Drag racing has been part of life in the Thiesse family since Kendall was 10. She hopes to further her career beyond junior drag racing.
"I've always been to NHRA races and I always enjoyed it. I personally enjoy traveling, and I got deeper and more involved in (racing)," Thiesse said. "Hopefully next year I will move into a bigger car."
About Kendall Thiesse
Age 17
School Camdenton High School, junior
Car type pro junior dragster
Speed up to 95 mph in the 1/4 mile
Sponsor information 573-286-2544
On the web http://www.adrl.us
