Emmaly Miller: DragChamp Jr. Racer Spotlight

Emmaly Miller is in this week’s DragChamp Jr Racer Spotlight. Learn all about this DragChamp Pro Member in her spotlight below!

BAYTOWN, TX- Emmaly Miller has been racing Junior Dragsters for four years. She was first introduced to the sport through her dad’s side of the family, who have been involved in drag racing for over 35 years. With racing in her blood, it was only natural for her to follow in their footsteps. Both her dad and grandfather are racers as well, making it a true family tradition.

Emmaly currently competes in the Southwest Junior Dragster Series and Southeast Junior Series, typically racing in the 13+ Age Group, 7.90 Index, and All Run Big Money classes. As this is her final season in Junior Dragsters, she also has plans to move up into her full-size dragster soon.

Get to know more about Emmaly below!

Her Race Car

Emmaly’s race car is a 2023 Half Scale Junior Dragster, which she has owned for about two years. The chassis was built by Half Scale, and the car is powered by a ZR4 engine. It has run as fast as 7.57 seconds in the 1/8 mile, though she typically competes in the 7.90 index class.

Emmaly is also involved in working on her car. Her dad serves as her crew chief, and together they make a great team. Each week, he ensures the car is fully prepared for the next race, and at the track, Emmaly takes on several responsibilities beyond just driving. She preps the tires, handles the fuel, calculates the weight, and manages all the computer work to analyze her passes and dial-ins. It’s a full team effort, and she loves learning more about how everything works behind the scenes.

Outside of Racing

Outside of racing, Emmaly Miller runs a faith-based photography business, where she enjoys capturing the beauty of God’s creations through her lens. She’s also actively involved in serving at her church, which is something she’s deeply passionate about. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and believes it’s important to maintain a balance between racing, her business, and quality time with the people she cares about.

Emmaly’s favorite movie is Mamma Mia, and she enjoys listening to worship music with her favorite artist being Elevation Worship.

When it comes to sports, drag racing is Emmaly’s clear favorite. She doesn’t really follow other sports, as her true passion lies on the track.

Major Accomplishments

Some of Emmaly’s major racing accomplishments include winning two track points championships and earning the 7.90 Index Championship in the Southwest Junior Drag Racing Series. She also recently captured a $3K race win in the 13 & up age group with the Southeast Junior Dragster Series.

Emmaly’s Q&A

Which win are you most proud of?

Although I didn’t win this race, One of my favorite highlights was qualifying for the 64-car shootout at Christmas on the Coast, where I made it all the way to the quarterfinals. Each of these moments has pushed me to grow as a driver and motivated me to keep chasing bigger goals.  

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

Since this is my last year in juniors, I have some big goals I’m hoping to achieve. At the top of my bucket list is winning a class championship in both the Southwest and Southeast Junior Dragster Series. I’m also aiming to qualify once again for the Christmas on the Coast 64-car shootout and hopefully make an even deeper run this time. I want to finish out my junior dragster career strong, representing everything I’ve worked hard for over the years.  

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?

The biggest impact on my racing success has definitely been my dad. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and has taught me everything I need to know, both on and off the track. He’s not only my biggest supporter and crew chief, but also someone who’s always willing to help others at the racetrack. He takes the time to share what he knows with other racers and families, which shows just how passionate he is about the sport. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.  

Who do you look up to in the sport?

I definitely look up to all the female racers in the sport. Since racing is so male-dominated, it’s really inspiring to see women out there competing, winning, and proving that we belong just as much as anyone else. Watching them succeed motivates me to push harder and continue breaking barriers in the sport I love. 

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

I don’t hate to see anyone in the other lane because no matter who I’m racing, I always stick to my plan. I focus on running my own race with confidence and consistency. I usually go into each round with three solid game plans, and I trust in the work my team and I have put in. At the end of the day, it’s about doing my best no matter who’s beside me.  

What’s the hardest part of drag racing? 

The hardest part about drag racing is definitely the mental side of it. It can be tough when I’m not performing the way I want to, especially during time trials. I tend to get down on myself, and that can sometimes affect how I race. But I’ve learned to lean on my faith in those moments. I pray, remind myself that God has a plan for me, and trust that I’m capable and prepared. 

What do you enjoy the most about racing?

What I enjoy most about racing is the people I’ve met along the way. The friendships I’ve made at the track are so special and these people have become some of my best friends, no matter how far apart we live. The racing community really feels like a second family, and that’s something I’ll always be thankful for.  

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

I definitely love to win. There’s nothing quite like the rush of coming out on top, especially in drag racing. But I also understand that when I lose, it’s an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s adjusting my strategy, improving my technique, or fine-tuning the car. Every loss helps me become a better racer, and that’s what keeps me motivated.  

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

I’m definitely better at the finish line. There are so many different strategies I can work with to perfect my runs, and it’s where I can really focus on dialing in my performance. The starting line, on the other hand, takes a lot of practice, and I’m always working on improving that part of my race. It’s a balance, but I’m always striving to get better at both.  

Name one thing most people don’t know about you?

One thing most people don’t know about me is that I’ve only been racing for five years. A lot of racers have been in the sport much longer, so starting out in the 7.90 class and jumping straight in with tough competition was a real challenge. It wasn’t easy, but it pushed me to grow quickly and shaped me into the racer I am today. I’m proud of how far I’ve come in a short amount of time.  

What’s your favorite thing to eat?  Individual item, meal, or restaurant?

My favorite thing to eat is definitely Chili’s Chips!  

What advice would you give to young aspiring racers?

I know it’s probably cliché, but my advice would be to visualize the race before you even get on the track. An adult once told me that if you can visualize the race and imagine yourself winning, it will come easier. It’s a mindset that has helped me a lot, and you’ll be forever grateful for the clarity and confidence it brings. 

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

I’d like to thank my mom and dad for always keeping me confident and supporting my racing journey. I know it’s not easy for them because they don’t experience the adrenaline rush I get from racing, but they see my passion and always stand by me. Their constant encouragement means the world to me, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.   

For more DragChamp Jr. Spotlights, click here.

Want to become a DragChamp Pro Member like Emmaly? Check out the details here.