While waiting out COVID-19 restrictions, Paige has been getting herself back up to speed with a pair of races in the last two weeks, the ACE Super Slam at Dragway 42 in West Salem, Ohio, and the K&N Spring Fling GALOT presented by Optima Batteries at GALOT Motorsports Park in Dunn, N.C.
“Just like it was last season, my JEGS.com dragster is running really well,” Paige said. “The main thing is it’s repeating, which is what you want out of your car more than anything. My guys, Justin Beaver and Tony Collier, always make sure I’m 100% ready to go and I thank them for all their hard work during this extra-long off-season.
“I’m so thankful to finally be able to race again. It was a long time out of the seat but once we got started again it felt like I’d never left. We are trying to stay as busy as possible and I know the schedule will be packed from here on out but we’ll be ready.”
In less than a month, Paige will begin her quest to win the Division 3 Super Comp championship during JEGS Speedweek, July 16-19 at National Trail Raceway. She came up just one position short of title in 2019, finishing second to decorated veteran and friend Luke Bogacki.
The newest addition to the Team JEGS sportsman racer ranks is Brown, who finished a very successful Junior Dragster a couple years ago and now competes in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The Florida resident is contesting the Super Comp class in Division 2 and is using these summertime bracket races to learn the nuances of her new ride.
“I’ve jumped right in with some of the best bracket racers in the country and these drivers are tough,” Brown said. “It shows me how much practice and work goes into winning. I am so excited to get as many runs in as I can. The Ultimate 64 Shootout will be another weekend to learn and get a little better every round.
“I have amazing people like Justin Beaver and Dave Raurk helping on my car. We have it dialed in and running great. My grandpa, Jeg Sr., my uncle Jeg Jr., and T.J. have all helped me to understand how to dial the car, how to race to the finish, and how to find a spot on the tree. I have talked to all three of them extensively and they have all given me such valuable guidance. I’m also so thankful for everyone at JEGS.
“I just love being at the track. Every run down the track assures me this is where I belong. It is so much different than racing juniors but the love and passion is the same. These racers are tough and I know that going up against some of the best racers in the country in my first couple races is only going to make me better.”