British Junior Dragster sensation Paige Wheeler is hoping to take the American racing world by storm later this month when she participates in two stateside races.
"I think it is an amazing opportunity, to be able to go out to the USA and race against other children that love drag racing too," the 12-year-old racer said. "I’m looking forward to making lots of new friends and taking part in one of the largest Junior Dragster events in the world."
Wheeler, who made headlines in her own country last year by winning the Junior Dragster class at the FIA finals at Santa Pod in England, will race in the Mike Bos Chassis Craft Jr. Dragster Nationals on July 23-24 at Bristol Dragway and will flow right into the big event in Thunder Valley – the July 25-30 NHRA Junior Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals.
"In England, we only get to race a few times a year," Wheeler said. "It's exciting to be able to come to the States and do so much racing in just a few week's time. Racing is what I love to do and I can't get enough time behind the wheel."
She will be racing a dragster prepped and supported by Half Scale Dragsters Inc.
Since meeting Funny Car and Pro Mod driver Melanie Troxel last year in England, Wheeler has become part of the R2B2 Racing family, and she will be flying R2B2 colors on her dragster during both events at Bristol.
Wheeler said she would love to add to the R2B2 Racing trophy case when she visits the team shop in suburban Atlanta following her racing in Bristol and a quick vacation to Florida.
"I can’t wait to meet up with Roger, Melanie, and the team in Atlanta," Wheeler said. "I can’t believe that I am able to represent R2B2 in the USA. It’ll be a memorable experience. I hope I do R2B2 Racing proud."
