Gavin Sharp: DragChamp Jr Racer Spotlight

November 16, 2023November 16, 2023

Gavin Sharp is in this week’s DragChamp Jr Racer Spotlight. Learn all about this DragChamp Pro Member in his spotlight below!

CHOUDRANT, LA- Gavin Sharp started racing Junior Dragsters five years ago after being introduced to sport by his Pawpaw. His Pawpaw first took Gavin to Twin City Raceway to spectate when he was just six years old. He later convinced Gavin’s dad that they should give Junior Dragster racing a shot. At Gavin’s seventh birthday party, he was first gifted a racing helmet. Then, as the grand finale, they led him outside to check out his very first Jr. Dragster, a Spitzer Shark.

Gavin competes in the Junior Dragster class and depending on the track either in All Run or split into age groups. He has raced in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. His home tracks are Prescott Raceway in Prescott, Arizona and Twin City Raceway in Monroe, Louisiana. Gavin also shares the love of drag racing with his brother, Landon Staggs, who also races Junior Dragsters.

Learn more about Gavin below!

His Race Car

Gavin’s current Junior Dragster is a 2005 JR Racecars chassis with a 3×3 bore ZR3 that runs 8.90s. They use a local engine builder, Mr. Mike, to build, check, and freshen his motors. Outside of his driving duties, Gavin also works to keep his tires clean, prepped, and wrapped after each pass. He is also responsible for cleaning his belt and fueling his car between passes.

Outside of Racing

When Gavin isn’t behind the wheel of his Junior Dragster, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing sports. His favorite music genre is Country and he particularly likes Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, and Jelly Roll. One thing people may not know about Gavin is that he enjoys drawing. Gavin’s favorite thing to eat is hibachi fried rice or a good steak with a twice baked potato.

Major Accomplishments

2018 Turkey Day Race at Twin City Raceway Winner
2019 Capco Allstar Shootout at Texas Motorplex Winner
2021 Turkey Day Race at Twin City Raceway Winner
2022 Great American Stars and Stripes New Year Spectacular Runner-up
2022 SMT JR National at Prescott Raceway Winner
2022 Overall Best Package at Inaugural Christmas on the Coast
2023 Qualified #1 and won first Wally at the Division 4 at Texas Motorplex
2023 Twin City Raceway Track Champion
2023 WDRA Southern Bracket Finals Race of Champions Winner

Gavin’s Q&A

Which win are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the Division 4 Wally and my race of the champions win.

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

I hope to race for or against some of my heroes on TV, for instance John Force, Steve Torrence, Matt Hagan or Aaron Stanfield.

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?

My Papaw, Mike Sharp has made the biggest impact. He has spent a lot of time and hours working on, thinking about, and losing sleep over my Jr. Dragster.

Who do you look up to in the sport?

I look up to Steve Torrence because he is a little fiery guy like me.

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

I hate to see Luke Jordan in the other lane because is a good friend that is hard to beat, he is a good driver.

What’s the hardest part of drag racing?

The hardest part of drag racing is trying to stay mentally prepared during a long race day. I also try to remind myself that it doesn’t matter who is in the other lane and just reassure myself that I got this.

What do you enjoy the most about racing?

I enjoy the overall opportunity to be able to race and to have tracks nearby that support me. I have a lot of friends that I race with and that support me, win or lose.

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

I hate losing and love winning, but I know I can’t win them all.