Freshman on fast track for racing career

Inspired by watching “Street Outlaws” on TV, Freshman Jadon Catherman started his drag racing career in 2019.  

Drag racing was always something his family and friends talked about, said Jadon. Hearing them talk about it and watching shows on his television about working on cars really inspired him to get involved, he explained. Jadon added that his cousin helped him get started with drag racing.  

Jadon said some of his favorite things to do other than drag racing are fixing and working on his vehicles and racing his go karts. On March 13, 2021, while racing at Pocono Raceway, Jadon said he won the Wally trophy. The Wally trophy is a trophy that only “the best of the best” can win in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) competitions, he explained.   

Jadon added that he plans to continue drag racing into the future. “I plan to do it till the day I die,” he said.  

One of Jadon’s favorite vehicles is a 1999 Dodge Dakota, which was the first vehicle he ever raced. This vehicle is also his favorite one to work on because he has had the most fun in it, he said.  

Jadon said that in order to drag race and race in general, the vehicle has to pass all of its inspections, and the racer must have a permit in order to drive. Without this, you won’t be able to race, he added.   

While racing, Jadon said he has gotten into some crashes. “I barrel rolled my truck six times,” said Jadon. The fear of continuing racing after getting into a crash is terrifying, he added.  

On June 7, 2021 after a bad crash, Jadon broke his arm. “I was holding onto the wheel and the wheel did a 360 with my hands on it,” he said.  

“I had a fear of crashing again, but I didn’t let that stop me,” said Jadon.  

Jadon’s dream is to make a living drag racing when he gets older. Drag racing is something he is very passionate about. “My racing dream is to race until I die,” added Jadon.  

Next semester Jadon will be a part of the auto shop CTE program in Milton, which he said will help prepare him for a career in racing.  

“I’m going to race in competitions and do grudge matches. You can make money from both of them,” he said. Grudge matches are a way for competitors to compete and see who has the fastest vehicle, explained Jadon.   

Auto Shop Teacher Mr. Nathaniel Persing said that working with students in the CTE program who have had experiences with racing and working on their own cars is beneficial.  

“They understand the value of good parts versus cheap parts,” said Mr. Persing. Students who grew up in a house where their family members supported their racing helps them understand the cost involved in it, he added.