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
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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
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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
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November 2016 |
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