THIRD GENERATION VALENCIA
By: Paige Thom

I recently had the chance to catch up with Next Generation racer Skylar Valencia. Skylar is actually a third generation racer. His grandfather Gil Valencia owns and drives the Black Max nostalgia altered and Skylar’s father James occasionally jumps in it to put on a show. Right now Skylar is racing a junior dragster in NHRA’s junior drag racing league. It was a pleasure to be able to take a moment to talk to him. Here’s what he had to say.

Next Gen: So, Skylar how old are you and how long have you been racing?
Skylar: I’m 12 and I have been competing in my dragster for about a year and a half. It is a lot of fun.

Next Gen: What was your quickest ET and fastest MPH?
Skylar: I ran an 8.74 at 77 miles an hour! I felt like I was going a hundred though!

Next Gen: What was your scariest moment in racing?
Skylar: My visor fogged up and I couldn’t see down the track! It was pretty scary!

Next Gen: What was your most embarrassing moment?
Skylar: At a test n tune one time I slammed on the gas petal and the motor blew! I was so embarrassed I didn’t want to take my helmet off.

Next Gen: Do the kids at school know that you race? Do they treat you differently?
Skylar: Ya most everyone knows, to be honest I tell a lot of people! I don’t think they treat me different, everyone here is pretty normal. Or at least I hope no one does.

Next Gen: Do you have any other hobbies outside of drag racing?
Skylar: Not much but I do like to surf, snow board, and ride my bike!

Check out the video of Skylar with his junior!

If you are a Next Generation racer, email me so we can get your story! Send all emails to Editor@vintagefuel.com with NEXT GENERATION in the subject line.