ORDAN PAYNE , a 23-year-old , second-generation racer from Bedford , Bedfordshire , United Kingdom , is carving his place in the drag racing world .

Competing under the “ Sticky Situation Racing ” banner — a nod to his father ’ s racing legacy — Payne has shown tremendous talent in Competition Eliminator , winning at the prestigious FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway in England .

“ I guess it all started before I was even born ,” Payne shares . “ I grew up on the track with my family . My dad used to race in Super Modified , and I was always drawn to racing . I got my opportunity in 2015 at 14 years old , using all the money I ’ d saved up to go half with my parents on a Jr . Dragster . From the start , I made a deal with my parents that if I wanted to race , I had to fund it myself .”

Payne ’ s passion for the sport was obvious from the beginning . He took the challenge upon himself to find sponsors and secure enough funding to compete as a Jr . Dragster driver . With maturity beyond his years , Payne has now moved on to racing a 1962 Chevrolet Corvette in the Competition Eliminator category .

“ This year ’ s season has been a bit lighter as we focused on making engine upgrades to the Corvette , preparing for next year ,” Payne explains .

Despite the reduced schedule , Payne made an impact at the FIA European Finals , taking on a field of 23 competitors and emerging victorious .

“ Winning at Santa Pod was an amazing experience . It ’ s one to add to the list , and I ’ m grateful for everyone who helped me get there ,” he adds .

While Payne has found success in Europe , reaching eight national event final rounds and winning seven of them , racing to three European event final rounds and winning two of the three , winning the U . K . Junior Dragster national championship and runnering-up in the national championship twice , his goal is to compete in NHRA Pro Stock in the United States .

A recent trip to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway as a guest of VP Racing Fuels and Freddie Turza further fueled this ambition , allowing him to meet with KB Titan Racing and get a glimpse of what it takes to compete at the highest level of drag racing .

“ Ever since I was about eight or nine , my dream has always been to drive NHRA Pro Stock ,” Payne shares . “ Being at zMAX was incredible — it really solidified that dream for me .

“ My experience was amazing and I especially want to thank Eric Latino for his time because he really did go above and beyond on that trip ,” he continues . “ I ran a set of GESi ( Global Emissions Systems Inc ., a sponsor of Latino ’ s ) decals on the hood of my car at the FIA European Finals in September , the event we won , as a way of saying thank you to Eric for his time , hospitality , and showing me around and really making it such a good trip for me .”

On his journey , which also includes Payne and his team getting the accolade of “ Most Professional Appearing Team ” running in the U . K .’ s National Championship in 2019 , he wants to inspire the next generation of racers .

“ If you ’ ve got that fire and passion for something , the only thing stopping you is yourself ,” he says . “ You have to put in the time and commitment . I started by making calls and sending emails to businesses to raise money for my racing . Without that effort and the support of generous companies , I wouldn ’ t be where I am today .”

As he looks to the future , Payne hints at exciting opportunities on the horizon , including potential collaborations within U . S . drag racing .

“ I can ’ t say too much yet , but I ’ ve been working on some things behind the scenes ,” he teases . “ It could be exciting times ahead .” – KAYLA ZADEL DI

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