Clements , who calls Central , South Carolina , her home , has been wrenching since she was a toddler thanks to her father , Alton

Sr . She began racing Junior Dragsters with NHRA in 2001 when she was just eight years old . After a successful stint in the heads up 330 Outlaw class and a win at Donald “ Duck ” Long ’ s race at South Georgia Motorsports Park in 2010 , Clements moved into an ’ 05 Mustang in 2011 . Racing alongside her brother , Alton Jr ., Clements focused on NMRA Edelbrock Renegade and dipped into the 9s in 2012 – her first year in the

class . Clements worked relentlessly to improve both her car ’ s performance as well as her own and it wasn ’ t long before she was in the 8s .

When she finished her first year in Renegade , NMRA honored Clements by naming her the 2012 Rookie of the Year . Having gone from a Junior Dragster to an 8-second car within a span of 12 months was a monumental task , but she handled it with her usual grace and enthusiasm .

PHOTOS : CHRIS SEARS