Bladen Core: DragChamp Jr. Racer Spotlight

May 21, 2025

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

BENSON, NC- Bladen Core has been racing Junior Dragsters since 2018. His passion for the sport began at the age of five, when his dad took him to his first race. Captivated by the experience, Bladen spent the next three years asking for a Junior Dragster. His persistence paid off when, on his ninth birthday, he was surprised with his very first race car.

Bladen currently competes in the Junior Dragster and Junior Street classes. He races regularly at his home track, Rockingham Dragway, as well as at GALOT Motorsports Park, and participates in NHRA Division 2 events.

Get to know more about Bladen below!

His Race Car

Bladen’s current and third car is a 2022 Junior Dragster, purchased new and built by ECP. It’s powered by a ZR4 motor, assembled by his dad, and runs 7.90s in the 1/8th mile.

On race days, Bladen is actively involved beyond just getting behind the wheel. He’s responsible for oil changes, keeping the car fueled, reviewing performance data, and discussing setup adjustments. He also works alongside his dad to handle any maintenance or repairs that may be needed.

Outside of Racing

When not behind the wheel of his race car, Bladen enjoys spending his free time with family and friends, working out, and playing varsity football at South Johnston High School, where he plays center and guard. His favorite movie is Top Gun: Maverick, and he’s a fan of country artist Chris Stapleton. His favorite food is his mom’s homemade pizza.

Outside of racing, football is his favorite sport and he roots for the NC State Wolfpack in college football and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL.

While Bladen tends to be quiet around those who don’t know him well, he has a dry sense of humor that shines through once he opens up.

Major Accomplishments

2020 NHRA 10-12 National Open Champion
2020 ECF 12-year-old Runner Up
2022 PDRA East Coast Nationals Pro Jr Winner
2023 Rockingham Dragway Jr Dragster Track Champion
2024 Rockingham Dragway Jr Street Track Champion
2024 Rockingham Dragway Jr Dragster Points Runner Up

Bladen’s Q&A

Which win are you most proud of?

In 2020 the last time I raced at Atlanta Dragway before it closed, I swept the weekend and secured the NHRA National Open 10-12 Championship.

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

My biggest goal in Junior Dragster is to win ECF especially after my runner up finish in 2020. In Junior Street my goal is to win Rockingham Dragway track championship in 2025 as I did in 2024. My goal after high school is to continue playing Football at the collegiate level. My life goal is to drive Pro Stock.

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?

My dad…. My mom was a single mom for a few years and met my dad in 2012 when I was 4. They were married in 2015 and in 2019 he adopted me. He completely changed my life.

Who do you look up to in the sport?

My all-time favorite driver, Ron Capps. The first time we went to a National Event race at Zmax Dragway I got to meet and talk to him. After he won and drank his mellow yellow after his interview in the semifinals, he handed me his drink can. He is an amazing driver and person.

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

When I first started out racing my dad always told me “Don’t worry about who is in the other lane and just run your race” and that is what I have always tried to do…however I hate to see my good friend Gavin Corker just because of our friendship. But I know that when we do get paired next to each other it will be a good race!

What’s the hardest part of drag racing?

The mental mindset. To stay focused and not let any outside forces keep you from doing what you need to do.

What do you enjoy the most about racing?

Being at the track with my dad and going rounds!

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

Hate to lose!

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

I feel like I am better at the starting line but love the competition of the finish line

What advice would you give to young aspiring racers?

Don’t give up and don’t be scared of challenges. Hard work pays off. But most of all, RUN YOUR RACE (Hebrews 12:1)

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

First and always, GOD. My mama and dad and 2 older sisters, Hailey & Layna. I have been blessed with amazing family that shows up and they each have a vital role on race day—G-daddy Langdon, Uncle Derek Langdon, Uncle Trey McLamb, my best friend, Landon and his stepdad, Tyler Baker!

We couldn’t do any of this without our amazing sponsors: