Alissa Fargo: Jr DragChamp Racer Spotlight

This week’s DragChamp Jr. Racer Spotlight is all about Florida Junior Dragster racer, Alissa Fargo.

ARCADIA, FL- Alissa Fargo is a Junior Dragster driver who has been racing in and around Florida for a little over one year. Her Dad and Sister also race and are the reason she was introduced to the sport.

She currently competes in the Intermediate Junior Dragster class and considers her home track to be Bradenton Motorsports Park. This past year, she also raced at Immokalee Regional Raceway and Capital City Motorsports Park.

Alissa earned the #2 spot on our DragChamp Jr Racer Top 10 list last month for her back-to-back victories at the Bradenton Motorsports Park JDRL Challenge/ Drag Race for a Cure weekend.

Her Race Car

Her current race car is a 2012 Jr Race Car with a ZR3 motor onboard which powers her to run 8.90s. She has owned the car since December 2021.

Alissa was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, but that hasn’t stopped her one bit from living her dream to race. When she first started racing, she had a hand brake installed in her Junior Dragster. But, as she grew more comfortable she had the hand brake removed and now uses a brake light which lets her know if her foot is resting on the brake pedal when she is driving.

Outside of Racing

When Alissa isn’t turning on win lights at the dragstrip, she can be found spending time with her family, watching YouTube videos, and cheering on her favorite hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Her favorite music artist is Luke Bryan and her favorite TV Show is Street Outlaws.

Alissa’s Accomplishments

• 2021 Bradenton Motorsports Park The Birds Runner-up
• September 2022 Bradenton Motorsports Park Intermediate Junior Dragster Winner
• 2022 NHRA TV Junior Dragster Challenge Intermediate Wally Winner
• 2022 Drag Race for a Cure Intermediate Junior Dragster Second Chance Winner
• 2022 5th Place Points Finisher at Bradenton Motorsports Park

Alissa’s Q&A

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

I would like to win a first place “bird” because mine is for runner-up,  I would also like to travel more next season.

What is your favorite race car, and why?

I have 2 favorite races cars, one is Jon Siegel’s wheelie wagon because it does wheelies and is very fast and Mr. Norton’s roadster because it is fast and looks cool.

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?

My dad, because he helps me with everything I need and is always there to support me.

Who do you look up to in the sport?

Mr. Roy Hagadorn, he is always there when I need advice and is always encouraging me to do my best. 

Tell us what you do for a living?

Student at Faith Community Christian Academy in Arcadia FL

How do you support your racing, side hustle, sponsor, partner, etc.?

My Sponsor, Sarasota Transmission

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

Cameron Rich because he is an amazing driver and always pulls good lights. 

What’s the hardest part of drag racing?

When I have to race one of my friends because if I win I feel bad.

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

When I red lighted in the finals for the Bird.

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

I got this and do not go red.

What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack?

Hanging out with friends and meeting new people.

Are you superstitious?  If so, what are they?

No

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

I love to win, but I get upset with myself when I lose.

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

Starting line

What motivates you to continue racing?

My love for the sport and all the people that support me.

If money were no object, what would your racing operation look like?  

Car, trailer, class, race schedule, etc. I would love to have a motor home to pull my big trailer so we could travel more and I would be driving a brand new Half Scale and have a spare car as well. 

How often do you use a practice tree?

I do not really use one.

What is your daily driver?

I am too young to drive.

What are you really good at?

Math 

Name one thing most people don’t know about you?

I was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

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

Quiet evening a home because I am shy until I get to know you.

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

Seafood, I love going to Ruth Chris Steakhouse

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

I would like to thank my parents for always supporting me and being the for me whenever I need or want anything, as well as all the people I have met while racing. Brian and Peyton Shook for always working on my motors and making sure my car is set up correctly. I’d also like to thank Brett & Laurie Sloat for their junior sponsorship and support.

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

Always follow your dreams!

For more DragChamp Jr. Spotlights, click here.