Justin Endicott: DragChamp Racer Spotlight
Justin Endicott is in this week’s DragChamp Racer Spotlight. Learn all about this DragChamp Pro Member in his spotlight below!
FORT WORTH, TX – Justin Endicott has been immersed in the world of drag racing since he was about 8 years old, starting off in a Junior Dragster and moving up into a ’75 Camaro until he was around 19. After a hiatus from racing in 2009, he reignited his passion for the sport by rebuilding the family ’56 Chevy and eventually returned to racing in 2021.
His introduction to racing was deeply rooted in family tradition, with fond memories of spending time at Texas Raceway in Kennedale, TX with his father who had been racing since the 1970s. Racing became an integral part of Justin’s upbringing, shaping his love for the sport from an early age.
Currently, Justin primarily competes in the Super Pro/Box class, predominantly racing at local tracks in Texas and Oklahoma such as Xtreme Raceway Park, Ardmore Dragway, and the Texas Motorplex. One of his goals for the future is to start traveling to more big money events.
Learn more about Justin below!
His Race Car
Justin’s race car is a 1956 Chevy Belair that is jointly owned by himself and his father. Acquired as a shell in 1990, his father worked together with Jerry Smith and a few of his friends to build the car. It’s a back-half S&W kit ladder bar car. His father raced the car until 2007 when Justin took over the driving duties. This was his first “big car” that he made a pass down the track in.
With Justin taking time off from racing, the Belair sat until early 2019 before being rebuilt. Most of the work and updates were done by Wendell Dunaway and Mr. Wendell’s Motorsports. It’s now currently set up with a 9” ford rear-end, 40 spline axles, Powerglide transmission, Hughes converter, and a 555 cubic inch big block Chevy engine on methanol. The car weighs about 3,150lbs with no driver and averages high 5.90’s – low 6.0’s in the 1/8th.
Outside of Racing
When Justin’s not burning rubber on the track, he enjoys spending time with friends, catching stand-up comedy shows, and attending concerts. He also Iikes to read books, tune into podcasts, and get his sweat on at the gym, often shooting hoops too.
When it comes to TV, he’s torn between “Mr. Robot” and “Mad Men” as his top picks. Online, you’ll find him watching videos on YouTube, following automotive, travel, and camping channels, and staying updated on his favorite podcasts. Justin’s a big fan of college football and basketball, loving the thrill of the games. And here’s a couple of surprises: he used to be a college football player, and he’s been drumming for over seventeen years and used to be apart of some local bands.
Accomplishments
- 2000 Western Conference Finals Champion (10 y/o class)
- 2002 Buzz Post Series Junior Drag Racing League NHRA 10-12 y/o Champion.
- 2021 Ironman Winner
- 2022 Windmill Nationals Super Pro Win at Ardmore Dragway
- 2023 OG Million Split Round Day 1
- Various wins at XRP
Justin’s Q&A
What’s on your bucket list, future goals, what do you hope to achieve?
Branch out to bigger money bracket races, make some good road trip memories with family and friends, and win enough to help fund some of the cost of it all.
What is your favorite race car, and why?
Gotta be the tri-fives just because we’ve always had various 55 – 57 Belair race cars and street cars.Aside from that, maybe a Malibu/Chevelle. Anything that has a decent amount of headroom that I require..
Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?
My family in general for the support from an early age.Also, other great racers that I grew up with and raced against at the track from an early age.
Tell us what you do for a living?
I work for a justice program which provides federal resources to agencies across the country on missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases.
How do you support your racing, side hustle, sponsor, partner, etc.?
All through work and savings. My dad and I split all costs in half for the rebuild as well as entry fees, fuel, etc., and split earnings as well.
Who do you hate to see in the other lane, and why?
There are a few I don’t want to see first round, but no one that I “hate” to see necessarily.
What’s the hardest part of drag racing?
The mental aspect. Rebounding after a bad lap, light, etc., and sticking with your routine.
What’s your most embarrassing moment in a race car?
Nothing in particular that sticks out.The occasional flinch or taking a mile on the big end is never fun and I’m always hard on myself in those cases, but that’s part of it.
What are you saying to yourself just before you stage the car?
Usually try to have no thoughts or inner dialogues, just some deep breathes and my normal staging routine.
What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack?
Having family out to visit, the anticipation in the staging lanes, and the occasional post victory beer or two.
Are you superstitious? If so, what are they?
My phone and hat are always in the same spot on the passenger side after putting my helmet on. But that’s it. No extreme superstition and just some other minor routines.
Do you love to win or hate to lose?
I’d say I love winning more than I hate losing. The high after a win lasts a long time and never really fades. Being disappointed after a loss usually takes a few days to get over, but there’s always a chance at redemption with the next race.
Which are you better at the starting line or the finish line?
I’m a little more consistent on the starting line. I rely on the car being there on the big end and tend to do more than I need to if anything.
What motivates you to continue racing?
The memories being made with family and friends at the track for sure. After 10+ years away, I was excited to get back into it rather than see the car continue to sit and likely end up selling it. That time off has kept the past couple of years fresh and makes you appreciate it all over again.
If money were no object, what would your racing operation look like? Car, trailer, class, race schedule, etc.
I’d probably like another door car to run no-box in and another truck/trailer. Or a stacker to haul both cars. It’s what we enjoy doing most, so I think given the chance we’d still stick to just bracket racing and just try to make the circuits to all big money races around the country.
How often do you use a practice tree?
Not as much as I should. Might pick it up a few times in the off season.
Favorite music, artist?
Right now, my rotation right now is Charley Crockett, Tyler Childers, and Flatland Cavalry. Mostly country, but I have some favorite artists in every genre depending on the occasion.
What are you really good at?
Cooking and picking up/learning new skills and hobbies.
Would you rather hang out with a crowd or have a quiet evening at home?
I’ll take a social night out with a crowd of good friends.
What’s your favorite thing to eat? Individual item, meal, or restaurant?
Breakfast. I could eat it for every meal of the day. Aside from that, give me some authentic Mexican/Tex-Mex.
Who would you like to thank, who helps you the most?
My dad, Jeff Endicott, and my cousin, J.J. Endicott, for their support and knowledge that they pass down both on and off the racetrack.
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