Grayson Herbert: DragChamp Jr Racer Spotlight

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

Featured photo by Matt Gillette Photography

METAIRIE, LA- Grayson Herbert has been racing Junior Dragsters since the age of six but began competing seriously at the age of seven. Grayson’s father introduced him to the sport, taking him to the track when he was young. This sparked Grayson’s passion for racing, spending time either watching from the motorhome or riding up on the golf cart to watch the races. Racing runs in the family, with Grayson’s dad and Pawpaw both being racers, although Pawpaw’s racing days were before Grayson was born.

Currently, Grayson competes in the 8.90 class after three successful years in the 11.90 class. He participates in a wide range of events, from the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, various Big Money Bracket Races, WDRA Races, NHRA Races, to his local track points series. Gulfport Dragway is considered his home track, but he also races at No Problem Raceway.

Get to know more about Grayson below!

His Race Car

Grayson’s current car is a 2007 Halfscale, which his dad gifted him for his 5th birthday. He has had it for a little over five years now. The car is powered by a Huddleston Performance Ultimate Sniper 8.90 engine and a Huddleston Holeshot Clutch. With this setup, Grayson competes in the 8.90 class and has reached speeds of up to 76 mph.

Grayson is actively involved in maintaining his car and is eager to learn as much as possible from his dad so that he can eventually take on more responsibilities. His tasks include keeping the car clean, ensuring the tires have the correct amount of air, and making sure the car is fueled up before each round.

Outside of Racing

When Grayson isn’t behind the wheel of his Junior Dragster, he enjoys playing video games, with Roblox being a current favorite, helping his dad work on cars, building Legos, and expressing his creativity through drawing. He’s a fan of the Fast and Furious movies and loves watching Street Outlaws. As for food, tacos and chips with cheese top his list of favorites.

Major Accomplishments

In Grayson’s first two years competing in the 11.90 class, he finished in the top 5 in points in the BTE King of The Coast Series. In 2023, Grayson claimed the JDRL Track Championship at No Problem Raceway and went on to win the BTE King of The Coast 7-9 Series Championship.

Grayson’s Q&A

Which win are you most proud of? 

I am very proud of winning the BTE King of The Coast Championship. This was something me and my dad talked about in the beginning of the year and I set it as a goal to try and achieve.  He said lets just win rounds, not races, round wins add up and equal points. At the time I did not understand it but in the end I did. 

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

I hope that one day I can repeat as the BTE King of The Coast Champion in my age group. Maybe even win at ECF or WCF. My main goal though is to have as much fun as I can, spend time with my dad, family and friends. 

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success? 

I would have to say my dad has. While I may give him a hard time sometimes he is always patient with me and listens to what I say even if I am wrong. He has taught me a lot about on the track and off-track sportsmanship. He has provided me with the things I need to do well. 

Who do you look up to in the sport?

I look up to Mr. Luke (Bogacki). Mr. Luke is fun to talk to and he wins a lot. He always has good things to say and when your struggling his talks can help you out. 

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

I really hate to see my friends in the other lane. While I am focused on winning the race it feels weird to know that my friend may lose. I hate to see my friends lose.

What’s the hardest part of drag racing? 

The pressure of competition is challenging. Trying to control your nerves is probably the hardest thing. 

What do you enjoy most about racing? 

What I enjoy the most is getting to hang out with my friends. Even though we are all racing one another and only one of us can win we still seem to have a great time and pull for each other. 

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

I love to win, but understand that in order to win I’m going to have to lose.

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

I think I’m better at the starting line but the finish seems to bet getting better. 

Favorite music, artist?

Anything that sounds good, I really don’t have a particular favorite.

Where do you spend the most time on the internet?

Most of my time on the internet is spent on YouTube. 

What advice would you give to young aspiring racers?

Don’t try too hard when you’re just learning and listen to others who are trying to teach you. My dad always told me “you have one mouth and 2 ears for a reason, listen twice as much as you talk”.

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

I would like to thank my dad because if it wasn’t for him working hard then I wouldn’t be able to do this. My mom and grandparents for helping and supporting me also. 

For more DragChamp Jr. Spotlights, click here.

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