Jaina Embley: DragChamp Jr Racer Spotlight

This week’s DragChamp Jr. Racer Spotlight is all about Team EFR Racing Jr. Street competitor, Jaina Embley.

SAYLORSBURG, PA- Jaina Embley started drag racing four years ago after being introduced to the sport by her Dad. She currently competes in the Jr. Street class at Island Dragway or Maple Grove Raceway. Over the past four years, she has won two track championships as well as winning the Division 1 Jr. Street Championship in 2021. Jaina is apart of Team EFR Racing which stands for Embley Family Racing and it is made up of their family members and friends.

Jaina is also no stranger to our DragChamp Jr Top 10 lists. She was just featured on the list at the end of May, click here to check it out.

Her Race Car

Her current race car is a 1992 S10 Chevy Blazer that her family bought in 2014 for her sister who previously raced it in Junior Street. It runs 9.0s in the 1/8 with a 327 small block. 

Jaina’s Accomplishments

• 2020 Island Dragway Track Champion
• 2021 Island Dragway Track Champion
• 2020 Division 1 Runner-up
• 2021 Division 1 Champion 

Outside of Racing

When Jaina isn’t behind the wheel of her Blazer she can be found, sleeping, cleaning, or scrolling through TikTok. Her daily driver is a 2004 GMC Sierra truck and her favorite music artist is Morgan Wallen. Cheerleading is her favorite sport outside of racing of course and her favorite team is TGLC.

Jaina’s Q&A

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

I would love to get a faster car, preferably a 1971 vega and go to a bunch of big money races. 

What is your favorite race car, and why?

Either a 1971 vega or my dad’s 1969 Chevelle 

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?

My dad

Who do you look up to in the sport?

Erica Enders and my sister

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

Jayson Focarino because we are always helping each other and giving tips to each other for racing. 

What’s the hardest part of drag racing?

Having a consistent reaction time

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

Giving it back by .00 3 times in a row 

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

Please don’t be late

What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack?

Spending time with my family and friends 

Are you superstitious? If so, what are they?

Before I stage I have to touch my guardian angel on my visor. 

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

Hate to lose

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

Finish line

What motivates you to continue racing?

My dad 

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

I would have a 1971 vega for bottom and top bulb and a dragster, toterhome and stacker, and would travel around the country to race. 

How often do you use a practice tree?

Only at partys

Favorite movie or TV show?

Criminal Minds 

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?

Olive garden

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

My parents, my siblings, my boyfriend, my best friends, and all of team EFR. 

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

Enjoy every moment and meet so many new friends. 

For more DragChamp Jr. Spotlights, click here.