Braydon Deal in the Jr. DragChamp Spotlight

This week’s DragChamp Jr. Racer Spotlight is all about 13-17 year old Quaker City Motorsports Park Track champion, Braydon Deal.

Featured Photo by Lou Crouch

CANFIELD, OH- Braydon Deal started racing back when he was just 8-years old, took a few years off and got back into it when he was 14. His family started racing in 2001 with his older brothers and he now currently races Junior Dragsters alongside his brother, Brandon.

He now competes in the oldest age group and normally races at Quaker City Motorsports Park and also travels for big money races. Last year, Braydon made it to Bracket Finals for Quaker City and this year, he ran points at multiple tracks and claimed the 13-17 year old track championship at Quaker, which ended up sending him to the IHRA World Finals in Memphis, TN.

About his Car

Braydon’s Junior Dragster is a 2006 Halfscale that he got when he was 8-years old. It currently runs 7.90s.

Outside of Racing

When Braydon isn’t strapped into his racer, he can be found playing video games, hanging out with his girlfriend or family members, or cheering on his favorite football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoys spending time on Instagram and Youtube and his favorite music artist is Polo G. One thing most people don’t know about him is that he played baseball for 11 years.

Accomplishments this Year

Just this year, he has won three Wallys, an Ironman, and three big checks. He won the 13-17 year old age group track championship at Quaker City and won a Gamblers Race with over 270 cars entered at the NHRA Eastern Conference Finals in Bristol. With his track championship, he also raced at the IHRA World Finals. Braydon also defeated his bother, Brandon in the 2021 IHRA Division 3 Summit Team Finals Race of Champions final.

Braydon’s Q&A

What’s on your bucket list, future goals, what do you hope to achieve?

I hope to win at the New Years Nationals in Florida because that’ll be my last race and that’ll just be a great way to close out my junior career. I will be moving onto a big car next year. 

What is your favorite race car, and why?

Favorite car is a 69’ Camaro

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?

My parents because we have traveled to multiple different states and only taking one weekend off this entire racing season.

Who do you look up to in the sport?

My dad

Tell us what you do for a living?

Student

Who do you hate to see in the other lane, and why?

My brother, Brandon Deal

What’s the hardest part of drag racing?

Losing

What’s your most embarrassing moment in a race car?

Taking 100+ stripe and losing

What are you saying to yourself just before you stage the car?

Be Smart

What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack?

racing and hanging out with friends and family 

Are you superstitious?  If so, what are they?

Always have to do the same routine when I get in my car and when fueling up I always have to spill a little bit of gas.

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

Love to win

Which are you better at the starting line or the finish line?

Starting line

What motivates you to continue racing?

The love and passion I have for the sport 

If money were no object, what would your racing operation look like?  Car, trailer, class, race schedule, etc.

Big toterhome and stacker and I’d be going racing every weekend 

How often do you use a practice tree?

Couple times every week

What is your daily driver?

Chevy impala

Favorite movie or TV show?

The Walking Dead

Would you rather hang out with a crowd or have a quiet evening at home?

Depends on the day

What’s your favorite thing to eat?  Individual item, meal, or restaurant?

Chick-fil-A

Who would you like to thank, who helps you the most?

My parents and brother who’ve helped and supported me this entire year

What is a piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring racer?

Don’t take these times for granted

For more DragChamp Jr. Spotlights, click here.