PHOTOS: COLE ROKOSKY |
If Justin Kirk has learned anything about his family, it is they are not afraid to take chances. The third-generation racer saw that first-hand in 2016 and the end result was two Top Dragster victories and a PDRA world championship, all at just 23 years old. It also netted him a prestigious spot on Drag Illustrated’ s 30 Under 30 list, all thanks to not being afraid to trying something new.“ It was the middle of the season and we changed motors and changed cars,” Kirk said.“ One race we were second in points to the next race being the great unknown. But that’ s what we needed. That was the turning point when we made a big change, and that made the difference.
“ We’ re not afraid to try new things. That’ s our biggest thing, we’ ll try anything. They call us crazy, but they don’ t call us crazy when it works.”
It worked impressively well down the stretch for Kirk, who finished the season on a strong 15-2 tear. It included a pair of PDRA victories( GALOT and Bradenton), a semifinal finish and then a runner-up finish at the ADRL race at St. Louis in November.
A new motor and a new combination might
|
JUSTIN KIRK have been the great unknown for Kirk, but that was never the case for the young standout when it came to his career aspirations. His grandfather, Carl Kirk, was a member of the famous Rod Shop drag racing team, while his father, Doug Kirk, was
a two-time IHRA Pro Stock world champion and multi-time ADRL winner. Being the next in line could have created plenty of pressure, but Justin Kirk insisted he never looked at it that way.
“ I’ m just trying to make a name for myself,” Justin Kirk said.“ Everyone knows Kirk Racing, the Kirk family and the individuals behind it, but I
|
want to make a name for myself. That’ s what I want to do.”
A year like 2016 is a strong start to doing so, but Kirk also doesn’ t take his chances for granted. He might have been born into a racing family, but Kirk has been adamant and steadfast in chasing his goals. Kirk is also plenty appreciative of each opportunity given to him.
“ I grew up in the sport and I’ m lucky to be involved the way I was,” Kirk said.“ When I sit back and look at it, it’ s hard to take in. I’ ve been very fortunate. It’ s one of those deals that has just been unbelievable. Being able to do these things are once in a lifetime opportunities. This is our way of doing things together as a family.”
Not many families have done it better than the Kirk family and Justin’ s impressive start to his Top Dragster career assures the success will continue. But he’ s not satisfied with just one world championship, meaning he has big goals for the 2017 PDRA season as well.
“ The world championship meant a lot and the( 30 Under 30 honor) is kind of the icing on the cake,” Kirk said.“ But we want to go back-to-back in PDRA. That’ s the plan and that’ s the goal.”
– JOSH HACHAT DI
|
November 2016 |
DragIllustrated. com | Drag Illustrated | 117 |