Leah Hughes: DragChamp Jr Racer Spotlight
Leah Hughes is in this week’s DragChamp Jr Racer Spotlight. Learn all about this DragChamp Pro Member in his spotlight below!
PASADENA, TX- Leah Hughes is a third generation drag racer who has been racing for the past two years. Her entire family participates in the sport of drag racing including both of her grandfathers, grandmother, parents, and her little brother. Leah’s competition number is 479 which was her grandmother’s number when she raced.
When she was younger, Leah actually wasn’t a fan of going to the racetrack and would stay in the motorhome all weekend. When she turned 13, she decided that she wanted to give racing a shot. Her parents started her out in Jr Street to make sure she liked it and a few months later, they bought her a Junior Dragster. Houston Raceway Park was her home track up until its closure. Now, they travel more to races within the state of Texas and beyond.
Leah’s Race Car
Her Junior Dragster is a 2006 Halfscale with a 3 ½ engine built by Jim Rogers. It run 7.90’s at 82 MPH.
Accomplishments
In 2022, Lead won the 7.90 Index class at the Space City Showdown and she doubled up at Cody Pollage’s Racer Appreciation Labor Day race. The win that she is most proud of is when she doubled up on Labor Day weekend. Winning two races in one weekend is something her Dad has yet to do, so she is really proud of that.
Leah’s Q&A
What’s on your bucket list, future goals, what do you hope to achieve?
I want to drive a big dragster as soon as I can after I turn 16 and I would love to someday be able to win Big Money Bracket races just like my dad.
Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?
My Dad has made the biggest impact on my racing success because he does everything to make sure I have the best equipment and teaches me everything he knows.
Who do you look up to in the sport?
I look up to my dad, Stephen Hughes, the 2000 Million Dollar Race winner.
Who do you hate to see in the other lane, and why?
I don’t care who is in the other lane. It’s on me to make sure I do my best every round.
What’s the hardest part of drag racing?
The hardest part of drag racing is that you can do everything right, and still get beat.
What do you enjoy the most about racing?
I enjoy drag racing because it is a very unique sport and it involves going fast down the track.
Do you love to win or hate to lose?
I love to win; it builds my confidence.
Which are you better at the starting line or the finish line?
I am better at the starting line, most of the time I am pretty consistent on the tree.
Besides racing, what do you do in your free time?
I am a varsity cheerleader at Deer Park High School and I also dance at Twin Arts Dance Studio. This will be my 14th year of dance.
Favorite movie or TV show?
Friends is my favorite TV show and my favorite movie is Pearl Harbor.
Favorite music, artist?
I love to listen to Aaron Watson and going to his concerts.
Where do you spend the most time on the internet?
I am usually either on TikTok or Instagram
What is your favorite sport? Favorite team?
My favorite sport is Drag Racing
Name one thing most people don’t know about you?
I was a successful competitive dancer before I became a racer.
What’s your favorite thing to eat? Individual item, meal, or restaurant?
My favorite food is steak and my favorite restaurant is Perry’s.
Who would you like to thank, who helps you the most?
I would like to thank my dad for working so hard so I can go racing, have the best equipment, and he is always there for me to help me.
What advice would you give to young aspiring racers?
Don’t worry about who is in the other lane, just focus on yourself and what you need to do to win.
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