Young driver holds her own

Area youth

finishes 3rd at national event

By Mark Jones

Sports Editor

Some kids have talent, and then there is Williston resident Arianna Nelson.

Nelson finished third in her division at the National Hot Rod Association Junior Drag Racing event in Denver on July 25.

"She has been going to the drag strips since she was still in the womb," said Arianna's father, Kyle Nelson.

Arianna, 11, was one of 400 children to attend the event in Denver last month. The event was open to all NHRA junior programs west of the Mississippi River.

In addition to winning a trophy, Arianna also came away with a $1,000 savings bond from her trip to Colorado.

However, she had her hopes set on something even bigger.

"I wish I would have taken the Wally," she said.

The Wally Parks Trophy is awarded to the winner in each division at the national event. It is named after the founder of the NHRA.

"It is the most coveted trophy in drag racing," Kyle said.

Arianna started racing at the age of 8. In her first year of racing, she was a champion in Sturgis, S.D. A year later, she was the runner-up.

Three years after her first race, Arianna has claimed victories at tracks in Sturgis, S.D., Bowman, Minot, Dickinson and Estevan, Sakatchewan.

"We're pretty proud of her," Kyle said.

However, she is just following in the footsteps of her family.

Kyle and his father, Doug, have been regulars on the drag racing circuit, although Kyle is taking time off to focus on the other two. Arianna also has a younger brother, who is a year away from being able to race.

"It's a big family thing," Kyle said. "The juniors can't drive to or from the start and finishing lines, so we have to toll them. It's our camping or fishing trips. It's a lot of fun."

Drag racing is an expensive hobby.

Kyle says to build a new car, it would cost as much as $18,000. A used one could be purchased for much less.

"You won't get more than a couple years use out of (a used one)," Kyle said.

Race cars used in the junior drag racing series can not weigh more than 225 pounds without the driver. The engine of the car is similar to that of a lawn mower. The total distance from start to finish is 660 feet. The cars can cover that distance in 8.9 seconds, topping out at 75 mph.

The secret to Arianna's success is paying attention to her surroundings.

"You have to pay attention to the wind," she said. "Because it will really affect you."

Racing is also helping Arianna to excel in other areas of her life.

"We use it as a tool," Kyle said. "If she doesn't get good grades, we don't go. Anything you can get as a parent to make your kids better, you've got to take advantage of that."

There was one time when Arianna got in trouble at school. And as punishment, she had to sit out the weekend of racing.

"I didn't like it," she said.

Moving forward, Arianna knows exactly what she wants to do.

"I want to make it to the pros," she said. "Whether I do or not is another story."

She is appreciative of everything those close to her have done.

"I want to thank my grandma and grandpa (Doug and Cheryl Nelson; Joe and Linda Jackman) for everything - the car and supporting me," Arianna said.

She will take to the track again on Aug. 21-23 in Minot. Arianna will also take part in a special race for juniors on Sept. 6 in Minot, with the winner claiming a $1,200 savings bond.