Some people get an exhilarating rush of adrenaline by strapping themselves into a roller coaster. Others get that same rush by skydiving, surfing, or any activity that sparks their heart rate.
For senior Mason Vejraska, that rush comes from the blaring of engines and high-speed races at the drag race tracks.
“Ever since I was born, I have been surrounded by drag racing, helping my dad, uncles and grandpa,” Vejraska said. “That’s what really got me into it — NHRA [National Hot Rod Association] races.”
Drag racing has been gaining popularity steadily over time, particularly as faster cars and expanded motor classes draw in more competitors and viewers to the sport.
“I was inspired by my dad, who has always been my idol,” he said. “Watching him race all my life is what inspired me to follow in his steps.”
Impassioned by his love for the sport and the inspiration from his father, Vejraska began actively competing in the sport recently.
“The first car I raced was my Dodge Challenger,” he said. “I went out on a testing night to get used to it, then would go as much as we could during the season
Since beginning his racing journey, Vejraska has been motivated to build his own car, a Ford Fox Body Mustang and occasionally borrows his dad’s Dodge Dart.
“I’ve been racing for two seasons so far, starting in the car I drive every day — a Dodge Challenger — and now building my own car, a Foxbody Mustang and racing my dad’s Dodge Dart,” he said.
According to Vejraska, the most important part of drag racing is actually what happens off the racetrack.
“The biggest part of racing is making sure your car is dialed in and the work outside of the racetrack,” Vejraska said. “It can be from checking wires and tire pressure to pulling your engine out and refreshing everything.”
Vejraska describes how drag racing is all about the small details, where a split second can make or break the outcome.
“Track races come down to thousandths of a second, where a reaction time of 0.1 seconds is considered bad,” he said.
Along with this attention to detail, Vejraska explains how making the proper preparations is essential to the driver’s protection and ensures maximum performance.
“There are so many factors to preparation and safety — shifting at the right spot, traction and being ready to hit water or oil,” Vejraska said. “If you hit a spot of water or oil, your car might pull to one side and cost your life, so the track prep before the race makes sure everyone can get home safe.”
Despite the intensity that drag racing carries, Vejraska ensures to make the most of his time spent drag racing, including making new memories with his friends.
“My most memorable moment is when my friend and I raced together for the first time,” Vejraska said. “We got to the
