The JEGS.com Jr. Thunder class is one that is always fun to watch, you have the kids that just moved up from Jr. Storm and the kids that are ready to move up to Jr. Lightning all competing for the championship.  This past season, Brayden Deason, was a newcomer to the class but that didn’t stop him from competing at the highest level and win the 2024 championship.

Brayden started the season with a runner-up and semi-final finish during the first JEGS.com Jr. Dragster Series event of the year, putting him right in the championship hunt. Over the next few races, he continued to pile up round wins, with 3 final round appearances over the next 6 events and winning 2 of those.  Going into the final stretch of the season Brayden had the points lead and he continued to add to it with a semi-final finish and a runner-up in August. It was on the final points weekend that he parked his car in the Winner’s Circle both days to cap of an incredible season in the Jr. Thunder class.

“This year has been so much fun and been a lot of learning.  I was able to win my very first race ever in June with the help of Mark Tanzillo as my dad was away that weekend. This championship means so much to me, it means that all the effort I have put into racing has paid off, it has put me into a position where I can compete for championships. It also gives me confidence going forward into the next season and being able to enjoy racing with family and friends,” said a smiling Brayden Deason. “I have a lot of people to thank but first I want to thank my Dad Chris for all his hard work, my crew Adrion Blaine, Ryan Newberry, Levi Blackshear, my Mom Leah, my sister Autumn, my grandparents Steve & Bonnie Deason, Mike & Lin Lothamer, Dave & Debbie Albrecht and all of my aunts, uncles and cousins. I also want to thank my sponsors, Christian Billman, Pataskala Customs, Zabo’s Customs, Tru Concepts and Summer’s Way Foundation for their support this season.”

Next season Brayden plans on defending his championship and plans on racing some of the other Jr. races in the region when he can. His goal is to be a Funny Car racer like his favorite racer Matt Hagan one day.

Congrats to Brayden Deason the 2024 JEGS.com Jr. Dragster Series Jr. Thunder Champion!