Emmaly Miller: Passionate Texas Based Jr Racer
This week’s DragChamp Jr. Racer Spotlight is all about 2021 Houston Raceway Park Junior Dragster Rookie of the Year, Emmaly Miller.
BAYTOWN, TX- Emmaly Miller is a third-generation racer who started competing in Junior Dragsters this past year. Her Grandpa started racing in the late 80’s and her Dad began racing in Junior Dragsters when the Jr. Drag Racing League got started in the early 90’s. Her Dad has been racing ever since and eventually got Emmaly to join in on the family tradition.
She currently competes in the Advanced Junior Dragster Bracket Program at Houston Raceway Park and follows the Southwest Junior Drag Racing Series.
About her Race Car
Her parents surprised her with a race car for Christmas in 2020 when she woke up to a Junior Dragster in their living room. It is a 2017 Halfscale with a ZR-4 7.90 motor onboard.
Emmaly’s Accomplishments
She has six runner-up finishes between the Houston Raceway Park Bracket Series, Southwest Jr Dragster Series and the 2021 NHRA ET Finals with multiple semi-finalist appearances. She was also awarded the 2021 Houston Raceway Park Jr. Dragster Rookie of the Year. Emmaly finished #6 in points in the Houston Raceway Park Advanced Jr class, #3 in the SWJDS 7.90 Index and #9 in SWJDS Bracket 330 Classes all in her first year.
Emmaly’s Q&A
What’s on your bucket list, future goals, what do you hope to achieve?
In the short term I hope to finish in the top 4 of the advanced jr points so I can race at Houston Raceway Park national event for 2022.
What is your favorite race car, and why?
Whichever is the fastest.
Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?
My dad because even when he loses, he has a positive attitude and shows me that you can’t get upset at the past and only be ready to change for the future.
Who do you look up to in the sport.
Erica Enders
Tell us what you do for a living?
Full time student!
Who do you hate to see in the other lane, and why?
I don’t necessarily hate to see anyone in the other lane- I can either win or lose and learn from them
What’s the hardest part of drag racing?
Staying Consistent
What are you saying to yourself just before you stage the car?
I tell myself a few positive things, depends on the day, but it always ends with “Be Aggressive”.
What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack? I think my favorite part is all of it- I Like the people, the friendships, traveling, and going fast
Are you superstitious? If so, what are they?
Yes, but not telling… haha
Do you love to win or hate to lose?
I think I love to win- because I know I finally learned something from the losses. My Dad always tells me that we learn more from losing than we ever will from winning.
Which are you better at the starting line or the finish line?
I think it depends on the day- some days I’m better on the tree and others it’s at the stripe- still working on that consistency.
What motivates you to continue racing?
Besides continuing the family tradition, it’s finally getting that win. I’ve had several runner up finishes over the last year, just ready to finish with the Win.
If money were no object, what would your racing operation look like? Car, trailer, class, race schedule, etc.
Complete Top Fuel Dragster Operation
How often do you use a practice tree?
Not as much as I should, but try to nightly before a race
What is your daily driver?
Well, I’m only 14 but I’m hoping for a Ford F-250 King Ranch for my 16th birthday- a girl can dream!
Favorite movie or TV show?
TV Show- Lone Star Law
Favorite music, artist?
Country Music- All of it!
Where do you spend the most time on the internet?
Facebook and Instagram Looking for the next race to attend.
Besides racing, what do you do in your free time?
School, Deer Hunting, Hanging out with my friend, and shopping
What are you really good at?
Deer Hunting and Drag Racing
Would you rather hang out with a crowd or have a quiet evening at home?
Hanging out with a group of friends is my favorite!
What’s your favorite thing to eat? Individual item, meal, or restaurant?
Chicken Strips always! Favorite places are Whataburger, Chick Fil A & Canes!
Who would you like to thank, who helps you the most?
I thank my parents for letting me do this and everyone at the race track for always helping us with anything we need.
What is a piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring racer?
Don’t be scared of any racer and know that you have to beat the best to be the best!
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