Waylon Bennett: DragChamp Jr. Racer Spotlight

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

SHARPSBURG, GA- Waylon Bennett is a Junior Dragster racer from Georgia who has been involved in the sport for seven years. He got his start thanks to his grandfather, known as “Oppa,” who races in the Super Street class. Watching Oppa compete sparked Waylon’s passion for drag racing, and he jumped into the driver’s seat as soon as he was old enough.

Today, Waylon competes in the 10–12 age group Junior Dragster class and regularly races in the NHRA National Open and Lucas Oil Series, as well as any Junior fun races he can enter.

Follow along with Waylon’s racing career at his Facebook page, @WaylonRacing.

Get to know more about Waylon below!

His Race Car

Waylon currently drives a Lightning McQueen-themed Jr. Dragster, which features a Mike Bos Reverse Wing chassis and is powered by a Huddleston Sniper engine.

In addition to driving, Waylon takes an active role in maintaining his race car. He’s been involved in several engine swaps and handles key responsibilities such as changing the oil, draining the methanol, and managing his tires at each race.

Outside of Racing

When not behind the wheel of his race car, Waylon enjoys riding his dirt bike and Burromax, spending time with his friends, and playing drag racing games. His favorite movie is Cars, and he’s a fan of country music. In addition to motorsports, Waylon enjoys football and golf, and his favorite team is the Buffalo Bills. One thing most people might not know about him is that he likes welding and woodworking. When it comes to food, his go-to meal is a Number 1 combo from Chick-fil-A.

Major Accomplishments

Waylon has achieved an impressive list of accomplishments so far in his racing career. His major victories include winning the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, two National Open Championships, a Lucas Oil Championship, the JDRL 8-Car Shootout Championship, and the 2022 Mike Bos 6-12 Year Old Fun Run Championship.

Most recently, he was honored with the Director’s Choice Award at the NHRA Division 2 Banquet. In addition to these wins, he also earned runner-up finishes in the highly competitive $5K race at Christmas on the Coast and in the Lucas Oil Series.

Waylon’s Q&A

Which win are you most proud of?

My Eastern Conference Finals win and getting baptized in the creek during the event. 

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

Immediate Bucket List would be to win a $10K or $20K race! Future goals would be to race Pro Stock or Top Fuel 

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?

Oppa

Who do you look up to in the sport?

Alex Laughlin and Justin Ashley. Both guys have been really good to me, and are always there to answer questions and be supportive. 

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

I never pay much attention to who I’m racing. Mr. Gene always told me that I’m just racing myself and not to worry about who’s in the lane next to me. We called him ‘The Doc,’ so we always say “Doctor’s Orders.” He passed away, but we’ve never forgotten what he taught us. If I red light from nerves because I’m too focused on who I’m racing, I’ve already lost — so his advice helps keep my head clear. 

What’s the hardest part of drag racing? 

Staying consistent on the tree. 

What do you enjoy the most about racing?

My race family. 

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

Love to win!

What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack?

My favorite thing about drag racing is making new friends and getting to hang out with different kids from all over.

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

I think the finish line. 

What advice would you give to young aspiring racers?

Always have fun, and if you’re not having fun it’s time to rethink your game plan. 

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

I’d like to thank JCM Racing for their Drivers Development Program. We have social media zoom meetings, they help us with how to talk to sponsors and so many other opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Ida Zetterstrom and Alexis DeJoria are full of advice and hands on opportunities in their pits. 

For more DragChamp Jr. Spotlights, click here.

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