Schoolgirl on starting grid for Euro drag race
A schoolgirl from Northmptonshire will compete in a drag racing championship aged just 12.
Paige Wheeler will take part in her first European Junior Drag Racing Finals at Santa Pod Raceway.
Even though she is not old enough to hold a driving licence the Wellingborough schoolgirl has already hit a top speed of 76mph and can her personal car do 0-60mph in five seconds.
Her dad, Andy, who is part of her crew, said: "The family was soon going to Santa Pod every weekend, rain or shine, to watch the drag racing. But watching wasn't enough for Paige.
"She bugged us for about a year to have a go in the Santa Pod junior car. Paige is very shy and nervous and we didn't dream for a moment that she would go in a car in front of 40,000 spectators, but she did," he added.
"In the end we gave in and for her birthday we rented the Santa Pod car for the day and she had tuition."
It was clear Paige was hooked and her parents bought a car for her to race, which cost about 3,500, helped by sponsorship from Alamo Rent A Car, and her crew is made up of Mr Wheeler, mum Dionne and little sister Belle.
The car's engine is 350cc - much less powerful than the fastest dragsters raced by adults but safety is all-important.
As well as the car, they have had to buy a crash helmet, neck brace and wrist restraints, and there is a roll cage fitted to the top of the car in case of an accident.
Next weekend Paige, who goes to Wrenn School in Wellingborough, will be one of 13 youngsters competing in the European Junior Drag Racing Finals at Santa Pod.
She will be racing on the same strip as her idol, US speed queen Melanie Troxel, the first woman ever to race a car at over 330 miles per hour - an achievement Paige hopes to equal when she is older.
Mr and Mrs Wheeler say they are hoping their daughter will grow out of drag racing but Paige does not agree.
She said: "I just love going down the track and having fun. I love going fast."
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Weather for Northampton
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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