Ignition System

In addition to the current magneto ignition system, NHRA will also accept a battery ignition ystem beginning in 2006. The battery ignition system is limited to the MSD Small Engine Ignition kits, part numbers 41500 and 41510. These are the only accepted units for NHRA competition. All other battery ignition systems or kits are prohibited. Any other attachment is prohibited, and ignition and its related components must be utilized in an unaltered manner consistent with the manufacturer's installation and instruction books unless otherwise approved.
For ordering information see our Products page and click on optional extras.

The trophy collection at the home of the junior drag racing champion Thompson siblings in Wildomar could fill an entire room.

Nineteen-year old California State University Fullerton sophomore Amie and 16-year-old Elsinore High School junior Kristie estimate their individual trophies number about 120. Little sister Jenna, at age 12 and a seventh grader at David A. Brown Middle School, is not far behind with 60-70 trophies accumulated since she joined the family sport four years ago.

Big brother Matt, 21, who is now working for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Menard’s Top Fuel Team on the professional drag racing tour, also contributed his fair share of the accolades.

One of the most recent titles captured by the Thompson family racers was won by Kristie in the 15-year old class division last month in the NHRA Junior Dragster Western Conference Finals near Denver, Colorado.

She competed against 600 other racers in a series of races to land the award and complete a quest she began as a Western Division semi-finalist in 1999, a runner-up in 2003 and securing two team championships in 2003 and 2005. Jenna also won her second team championship at the Western Conference Finals in her age category.

It’s a busy racing lifestyle for the Thompsons, including mom and dad, Kelly and Howard, who put more than 56,000 miles on their five-year old RV traveling to racing events from Las Vegas, Nevada to Phoenix, Arizona, but it’s also a family affair.

“It’s like a big campout every weekend,” said Kelly. “We see mostly the same people at the track and we all get together and have a barbecue or do potlucks. We’re all like a big family and you get to know everyone.”

The Thompson kids are following in their dad Howard’s trackmarks, a former stock and superstock racer who set aside his ambitions to help guide and support his children during their racing careers. Matt started racing at age 12, Amie was 10 years old and both Kristie and Jenna were 8. Junior competitors are eligible to race between the ages of 8 until they hit 18.

“It’s like flying”, said Jenna. “It’s an adrenaline rush,” adds Amie.

Professional drag racing is a relatively young sport. The NHRA was created by “Hot Rod Magazine” publisher Wally Parks in 1951 to promote safety in the sport. To honor his contributions to the drag racing world, trophies called “Wallys” are among the highest awards, and Jenna and Kristie took a couple home last month.

Drag racers compete in an acceleration race over a quarter mile distance. Professional drivers can reach speeds up to 330 m.p.h. to travel the track. Other factors besides speed determine the winner, such as the driver’s skill and reaction time. Disqualification occurs when the driver has “red-lighted” by crossing the starting line before the green light comes on, although drivers often accelerate in the split second between the changing of the yellow to green lights for a competitive edge. Junior dragsters race the length of an eighth of a mile track at speeds determined by their age category- between 55 m.p.h. and 85 m.p.h.

“That’s the whole premise of junior drag racing: anybody can come out here and compete. Whether you’ve got big sponsors, big money or if you’ve got a ‘mom and pop’ operation,” said Howard.

With an initial investment in a brand-new dragster like the $16,000 Phil McGee specially-ordered cars that Jenna and Kristie now race after outgrowing hand-me-down cars, or a $2,500 used dragster for sale at the track, depending upon the driver’s skill, the winner’s circle is wide open.

“That’s the beauty of it,” said Howard. A 13-second car with older technology can be a seven-second car depending on the driver. “There’s a million ways to lose and only about two ways to win,” he said.

The girls are experts at balancing school, racing and their social lives. Amie is busy at college and looking to advance into the super comp dragster racing. Kristie is on the EHS varsity cheer squad and maintaining an honors G.P.A. while Jenna plays basketball and takes dance lessons.

“We’ve learned to juggle school and racing,” said Amie. “We have to keep our grades up in the A’s and B’s range in order to race- it’s a family rule.”

For more information on junior drag racing, go to www.NHRA.com and click on the junior drag racing icon on the right corner of the web page. When Howard is not busy tinkering with the girls’ racecars, the cars are occasionally showcased at Discount Tires Center at 28007 Jefferson Avenue, Temecula (951) 694-5722.