The Teen Championship Racing (TCR), originally named Junior E.T., was created by Beaver Springs Dragway track operator Beaver Bob McCardle over a decade ago. We presented the idea and format to IHRA, and they granted BSD an exclusive one-year pilot program. It was very successful, and IHRA made the program available nationwide the following year.
The concept was born out of kids being able to compete (along with their parent/guardian) without needing a purpose-built race car. You could race your tow vehicle, or buy the kid a beater to play with at the track -- and when they turned 16, that could be their CAR!
While the program started out with a lot of 2nd and 3rd generation drivers, they've discovered a whole new segment, as some outside/spectator families have gotten involved.
Lots of girls get involved, too. All young ladies final...
There's even been a couple of stick cars out there. How cool is that?