Racing at Age 8: Meet NHRA Fan and Drag Racer Karter Platt

In this episode, host Melinda Russell interviews 8-year-old junior dragster racer Karter Platt, who shares her early start and growing passion for motorsports. Karter, from Texas, began racing at just 4 years old after attending the Amarillo Dragway with her Gigi and Papa. Racing quickly became a family affair, with her mom, Gigi, and Papa supporting her at every event.

Karter races a lime green, purple, and pink half-scale Junior Dragster in the 11.90 class, running primarily in the Summit Junior Drag Racing League Series. She competes at several Texas tracks, including Amarillo Dragway, Mocan, Ennis, and Pinwell, often racing against both boys and girls—many older than her. Despite her age, Karter has already secured a third-place finish and has her sights set on winning her own Wally trophy in the future.