Brendan Nuttall: Continued Racing Success
This week’s DragChamp Jr. Racer Spotlight is all about 2019 Eastern Conference Finals champion, Brendan Nuttall.
RUTLEDGE, TN- Brendan Nuttall has been racing a Junior Dragster for the past 7 years. Racing is a family affair in the Nuttall household with everyone in his family having had success racing throughout the years. His Dad, Michael, Mom, Ann, and Sister, Shannon all currently race alongside Brendan at their home track, Bristol Dragway.
Throughout the years, Brendan has been able to win some impressive titles including 2019 ECF 11 Year Old Champion, 2020 ECF Fun Race Champion, and most recently 2021 High Roller Cherokee Dragway Jr Race Winner.
About his Race Car
His Junior Dragster is a 2007 Halfscale with Jerry Dunahoo powered Blossom race engines that run 7.90s and 8.90s.
Outside of Racing
When Brendan isn’t dropping it dead-on at the racetrack, he can be found playing MLB The Show, cooking breakfast, and watching his favorite baseball team, the LA Dodgers. His favorite TV show is Impractical Jokers and he enjoys spending time on YouTube. He also likes to play baseball, basketball, and with his dog, Zip!
Brendan is currently a Freshman at Grainger High School.
Brendan’s Accomplishments
- 2016 NHRA Division 2 Champion Atlanta
- 2017 ECF 11.90 index winner Bristol
- 2018 Kids racing for Kids 10-12 winner Darlington
- 2019 ECF 11 year old Champion Bristol
- 2020 ECF fun race Champion Charlotte
- 2021 High roller Jr Race Winner Cherokee Dragway
Brendan’s Q&A
How do you support your racing, side hustle, sponsor, partner, etc.?
I have a few sponsors that help me with my car such as Rob Major for all the fabrication work! Jerry Dunhoo engine power!
Who do you hate to see in the other lane, and why?
Tucker Brown because he is the reigning track champion and is very tough to beat !
What’s the hardest part of drag racing?
Cutting consistent reaction times.
It’s taking more concentration because we are switching set ups from 8.90–8.20-7.90- slow truck in jr street.
What’s your most embarrassing moment in a race car?
2016 ECF pro tree race. Uuugghhh
Breaking out by .003 while my buddy Phillip Radford is broke on the starting line.
Who do you look up to in the sport?
Jeg Coughlin. He was nice enough to sign my first fire jacket and I had a lot of success with it. My parents surprised me with a new one this year signed as well.
What are you saying to yourself just before you stage the car?
Stay calm and do your job.
What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack?
Hanging out with my friends.
Are you superstitious? If so, what are they?
I try and wear something red. Sometimes it works sometimes it don’t. Lol
Do you love to win or hate to lose?
Love to win!
Which are you better at the starting line or the finish line?
Finish line now! I have been paying attention!
What’s on your bucket list, future goals, what do you hope to achieve?
I would love to win the Western conference finals one day and compete at the IHRA finals.
What is your favorite race car, and why?
I love Jared Pennington’s Nova!
I love the color red and it’s FAST !
What motivates you to continue racing?
If I quit racing I will let my family down. lol
If money were no object, what would your racing operation look like? Car, trailer, class, race schedule, etc.
Toter home with a stacker and 2 door cars and a dragster. Super Comp.
How often do you use a practice tree?
2-3 times a week.
What is your daily driver?
Honda scooter
Favorite music, artist?
lil Tjay
Would you rather hang out with a crowd or have a quiet evening at home?
Quiet evening at home.
What’s your favorite thing to eat? Individual item, meal, or restaurant?
Shrimp nachos from Salsaritas.
Who would you like to thank, who helps you the most?
My parents for sure.
My sister Shannon for all her support.
Scott smith part time crew chief!
Rob Major fabrication
All my fellow Bristol racers…we are a big family.
What is a piece of advice that you’d give to an aspiring race
Don’t think about it too hard and have fun.
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