Ben is 18, and a Sr in High School. He's applying to 16 Universities (helps circumvent white penalty...), and will race his T/A in Street Class when possible. This is another issue with the Jr Dragster program, so many kids age out and think they need to run top alcohol dragster, a super comp, or a pro mod - what's wrong with Street Class with a mild muscle car or a cost effective 11.50 index type of car? Why not race with your parent as opposed to just taking over their race car?? I don't have the answer, but I do know that Ben's parents don't have a race car for him!
I did tell him that I'd be fine if he wanted to sell his '69 Nova SS and buy a race car, he immediately said 'no'.
However, he'd love to run at a National event with those whom he looks up to: Erica, Jason Line, Butner, Matt Hagan, Langdon, Antron, etc....
His Dana 60 rear with 4.10's just arrived from Strange Engineering yesterday, so that's the Winter project.... Best ET was an 11.96 @ 114MPH back in October with the stock 7.5" rear with 3.23 gears! He drives it to High School every day!