Cartersville racers win junior dragster finals
by Staff Report
Jun 09, 2010 | 789 views | 0 0 comments | 13 13 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Jennifer “Lead Foot” Jarrett is 17 years old and races a junior dragster. Her home track is at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce. This is her last year racing junior dragsters. Next year she will be racing Super Comp dragsters. SPECIAL
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Two Bartow County racers entered the winner's circle for the first time in their respective junior dragster classes recently at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce.

Hunter James, 11, a third generation Cartersville racer, defeated Austin Carden, 11, of McDonough, in the 8-12 Junior Dragster finals.

Jennifer Jarrett, 17, of Cartersville clipped John Gordon, 15, of Hiram, in the 13-17 Junior Dragster final.

James took the win in his category in 9.68 seconds at 66.44 mph. It was his first win since beginning the juniors program at age 8.

"I'd like to thank God, my Grandpa Gary for buying the car, my family, and Mitchell Hennessy for always cheering me on," James said.

Jarrett finished her race in 7.86 seconds at 82.05 mph.

She said she had "been struggling through it for five years" and after coming in second a handful of times, claimed her first win just before her planned move into a Super Comp dragster.

Jarrett thanked her parents Johnny and Judy, her "Paw Paw," Triple J Trucking and Rusty Denton.

Sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Atlanta Dragway is just off I-85 at Exit 149 in Commerce.