Arianna Brown Attends Frank Hawley’s, Follows Family Traditions on Track

Growing up in the shadow of her multi-time NHRA Top Fuel champion father, Antron Brown, 21-year-old Arianna Brown never had a problem finding her own light with which to shine. Now, Arianna is busy building the life of her dreams – and that life definitely includes a big dose of drag racing.

Arianna raced in the NHRA Junior Dragster program when she was young, but the Brownsburg, Indiana, native took a few years off in her late teens to focus on school as well as her competitive dance career. “I’ve always had an interest in racing,” explained Arianna, “but I know I can’t dance forever so I chased that first.”

Ready to move up from her half-scale dragster to a full-size competition vehicle and follow in both her father’s and her brother Anson’s footsteps as both previously completed courses at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, Arianna recently attended so that she could obtain her NHRA Super Comp license and open the door of opportunity for a future filled with fast-paced action.

Thanks to her experience in the Junior ranks, Arianna had a good handle on what to expect but still took the time to actively prepare prior to starting the 2-day Super Comp course. “I thought it would be all professionals and experienced racers, but I was happy to see it was a good mix of people – some who hadn’t touched a car ever before and some refreshing their skills, and it made me feel comfortable,” she shared of her initial experience. “Nobody realized I was Antron Brown’s daughter at first, too, which was pretty funny.”

In the classroom, Frank Hawley’s candor and comforting personality made Arianna feel right at home, too. “He made sure we knew everything before we got in the car so that we would be safe,” said Arianna. “It reminded me of how I feel with my dad.”

For her first pass on the track, Arianna was both excited as well as nervous. She related the experience to a dance routine and went through the process of completing all the steps she had learned in order, and the result was nothing short of thrilling. “It was a light switch moment for me… this is where I want to be, so why didn’t I do this sooner?” she proclaimed.

After each run, Arianna and her classmates, including Joe Maynard whose family co-owns Don Schumacher Racing’s Top Fuel team, headed back to the classroom to watch their videos and review their performances; she was surprised to see how straight she was able to pilot the dragster down the track, even while topping speeds of 160 mph.

“I remember many years ago when Antron came and drove our Alcohol dragster. He was amazingly good, considering he had never raced those cars,” reminisced Hawley. Since then, Antron has returned with two of his children and has clearly passed on his skills. “Both of them did remarkably well. Anson had immediate success, winning his first two races! I can’t wait to see how Arianna will do. I wish her well!”

Although Arianna absolutely loved the thrill of blasting down 1,320 feet of pavement and having all of the attention on her instead of on her father for a change. “I especially enjoyed Frank’s lectures on the psychology of success. I can apply those lessons and insights to all areas of my life, including dance,” she affirmed.

Looking ahead to what will assuredly be a very bright future for Arianna, the ambitious young woman hopes to both own her a dance studio and maintain a racing career on the weekends with her father’s AB Motorsports team. “I don’t think I’ll be able to die happy if I don’t try Top Fuel at least once,” she laughed. “But, for now, I’m planning to do some bracket races around the Indy area and in the Midwest with my brother.”

Written by Ainsley Jacobs.

Seats in Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School courses are limited and sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! For more information on all upcoming class dates and locations, visit www.FrankHawley.com.

Competition License Classes at Vegas – May 1-2 or May 3-4!

One of our favorite west coast race tracks in the country is The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway!  It’s a great place to enjoy everything from restaurants, nightlife, Valley of Fire, mountains, Grand Canyon, and more AND lay down some fast runs at the dragstrip!  Drive our Super Comp or Super Gas race cars or contact us about bringing your own hot rod to class.  

Make a family trip of it and come and join us in Vegas!

Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly.  To reserve, call 866-480-7223.  Visit www.frankhawley.com for all upcoming class dates and locations.

Jeff Arend, 866-480-7223 x103, jarend@frankhawley.com

Paul Shields, 866-480-7223 x102, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com 

Competition license classes!  There are only a few seats left in the second class at Maple Grove Raceway on August 24-25.  In September we’ll be at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for classes on September 12-13 or 14-15.  Drive our race cars or contact us about bringing your own to class in these 2-day programs.  In addition to on-track time and video reviews, the classroom sessions cover the physiology of how your mind and body work together.  Participants will learn how to mentally prepare, perform at the highest level, improve focus and block out distractions.  Frank teaches how to practice more effectively whether at the track, at the shop or at home.

Following Reading & Vegas, we’ll be running classes all fall, winter & spring at our home track in Gainesville.  We have lots of dates starting with September 29-30 at Gainesville Raceway, so check out all of the class dates & locations at www.frankhawley.com.

If you’re looking to upgrade your license to the 6.50 range in the Funny Car or Dragster, we schedule those dates on request at Gainesville Raceway.  There are a number of dates available, so call Paul Shields or Jeff Arend at 866-480-7223 now to get on the calendar.

We should have some 2023 Gainesville class dates on the website soon, so keep an eye on www.frankhawley.com!

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

                                                                            Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 866-480-7223 x103

                                                                             Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 866-480-7223 x102

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

Thanks to his family’s unwavering support, accomplished Jr. Dragster driver Jonathan McClain took the next step towards accelerating his future when he completed the NHRA Super Comp competition licensing program at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School.

The young racer was gifted his 2002 Spitzer Junior when he was just seven years old. Although he didn’t make his first run until he turned nine, Jonathan showed tremendous natural talent as a driver and went on to earn some serious accolades.

Hailing from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, Jonathan was a runner-up at the 2015 NHRA Bracket Finals in Texas and went on to win the NHRA Western Conference Finals Championship in 2017. He earned many more wins and runner-up finishes over the years, and was both the Tulsa Raceway Park track champion and the Mid-West Drag Racing Series Jr. Dragster Pro champion in 2021.

Jonathan has been featured in multiple magazines, interviewed by many media outlets, and has received a plethora of awards for his impressive achievements. “He’s also made it to the final round at every Western Conference Finals or Eastern Conference Finals that he’s raced in for five years in a row,” added his proud father and fellow School graduate, Jacob McClain.

Jacob completed his Super Comp course with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in 2016 at Gainesville Raceway in Florida. At the time, he drove a big block Chevy-powered Altered and was hoping to improve his own career, but decided to sell his car and focus on his son’s future instead. “I tried to teach Jonathan a lot of what I learned from Frank [Hawley] about the mental and psychological preparedness so that he could put the knowledge to use, too,” noted Jacob. “I got a ton out of the class that I use in everyday life, not just at the track.”

Jacob and his wife, Jayme, wanted their son to enjoy the same great Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School experience, too, so the McClain family packed up and headed down to Gainesville in early February.

Just a few short days after Jonathan’s sixteenth birthday, he began the 2-day course and spent time in the classroom learning from Hawley’s comprehensive program. “Being in the classroom for 14 hours was a lot, but it wasn’t overwhelming – it was fun and Frank made it interesting. It was a lot better than being at school,” proclaimed the respectful young man. “I learned that you can’t make excuses about your environment, you’re in control and the outcome is based on how you handle everything.”

When the time came for Jonathan to step up into a big car for the first time, he was both excited and apprehensive. Just as expected, though, the experienced NHRA Jr. Dragster champion easily transitioned to the more powerful Super Comp dragster.

“It was different learning to use the trans brake instead of foot braking, but I came back from my first run with a big smile on my face,” Jonathan recalled excitedly of how he couldn’t wait to make another pass. “I would tell other drivers coming to the school that they should be prepared to get a lot of information really fast.”

Jacob and Jayme watched their only child from the sidelines with pride and were impressed by how consistent, and quick, his reaction times were. “It was a little like watching him run his junior for the first time. He took it seriously and seeing his excitement was worth every penny,” affirmed Jayme, who knows the Super Comp course will help Jonathan as he transitions into the next stage of his racing career. “I’m planning to have him go back to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School to take the Top Alcohol Dragster course after he’s been in a Super Comp-style bracket car for a year.”

Both parents have worked hard to give Jonathan every advantage they can to help him understand all aspects of the racing business. They encourage him to work out his own deals with sponsors, such as FTI Farm Team, E3 Spark Plugs, Trailer Alarms LLC, and Viperizer, and know the practice will help him later in life, too. “We truly appreciate everyone that has helped us along the way, and we wouldn’t be where we are without the assistance of good people, great friends, and supportive sponsors,” added Jacob.

Looking ahead, the McClain family plans for Jonathan to continue to run his McClain Racing Jr. Dragster until he ages out of the category and has also secured a seat for him in a Super Comp dragster so that he can race in the Mid-West Drag Racing Series’ Top Dragster class as well.

“The NHRA Jr. Dragster program is a fantastic way to get started, and every Junior driver we’ve had does a great job. Jonathan was a classic example of that; he was very familiar with the sport and took to the Super Comp car quickly,” added Hawley, whose school has hosted hundreds of second- and even third-generation drivers over the years. “I had very supportive parents throughout my driving career and Jonathan does as well. I look forward to working with him and his family in the future.”

With many years of on-track experience under his belt already, the up-and-coming driver’s time spent at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School will surely aid Jonathan wherever he winds up – whether that’s crewing on a top-level Nitro car or, perhaps, even driving one himself.

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

Conveniently situated in the center of the country to be easily accessible for racers from many surrounding regions as possible, Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas, will open its doors to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School on June 6-8, 2022, to give racers the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry.

Anyone who has ever dreamed of driving a drag car will be able to do so with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School’s 2-day NHRA licensing course, held on June 6-7. While no prior experience is needed, seasoned competitors will also be able to hone their skills and brush up on techniques. Participants can choose from either a Super Gas car a Super Comp dragster, and the class includes both classroom lectures as well as plenty of on-track seat time with personalized feedback and guidance after each pass.

“Having Heartland Motorsports Park back on our schedule is exciting,” exclaimed Frank Hawley, School owner. “I raced Top Fuel Dragsters and Nitro Funny Cars at Topeka. We are really looking forward to getting back to America’s Heartland to make some noise and have some fun.”

For those wanting to feel the incredible thrill of driving a dragster in a side-by-side drag race while accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds but who don’t necessarily need or want a competition license, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is making its awesome Dragster Adventure available to the public on June 8. No past driving experience is needed, and participants will be able to feel what it’s like to speed through the traps at roughly 130 mph.

“I raced for over thirty years, but I was astonished at how much I learned from taking Frank’s classes – even after having already driven Pro Mods,” noted Chris Payne, Owner of Heartland Motorsports Park. “I was a self-taught racer and Frank could have helped me exponentially if I had taken his courses earlier. Having Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School at our facility is hugely beneficial to our racers and we’re happy to be able to give people in the area access to it.”

Located in the heart of the United States, Heartland Motorsports Park will host Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School on June 6-8, 2022. Frank Hawley and his team will share a tremendous wealth of information and knowledge with speed-hungry participants of all skill levels, and this is surely an opportunity not to be missed.

Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! Visit www.FrankHawley.com for all upcoming class dates and locations

Contact Jeff Arend, 866-480-7223 x103, jarend@frankhawley.com

Contact Paul Shields, 866-480-7223 x102, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com 

Aspiring Arizona Racers Can Get Licensed at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

The Arizona desert heats up as Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School heads to Tucson Dragway for a 2-day competition license class on May 2-3 and its popular Dragster Adventure on May 4, 2022. The NHRA-sanctioned quarter-mile dragstrip located on the Pima County Fair Grounds has given many successful names their start in the sport. Budding drag racers and experienced racers alike can all enjoy the School’s sessions at the iconic facility.

Starting on the first Monday in May, the 2-day licensing course in Super Comp or Super Gas covers a wide variety of topics suitable for racers of all levels. From the immersive classroom lectures discussing practical theory, techniques, and more, to the hot on-track environment giving racers the chance to practice what they’ve learned, Frank Hawley and his team provide valuable insights to help beginners and veterans improve their skills while working towards their NHRA competition licenses.

“Jim Hughes and Matt DeYoung do a fabulous job with the track in Tucson. We look forward to visiting them each year,” Hawley said excitedly of the School’s upcoming class and experience in the Grand Canyon State on May 2-4. “The racing surface at Tucson is one of the fastest in the west.”

On May 4, the School’s fun Dragster Adventure gives drivers the chance to experience the thrill of competing in a real side-by-side race. The perfect treat for friends, family, employees, customers, or anyone who’s dreamed of driving a full-sized, competition-style dragster in excess of 130 mph in the quarter-mile, reservations can be made online at www.FrankHawley.com.

“Tucson Dragway is happy to host Frank and his school in 2022,” added Matt DeYoung, Track Manager of Tucson Dragway. “Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School offers such an in-depth and powerful way of teaching new racers the ins and outs of our sport, all while teaching the most experienced racers things they never realized was so crucial to their programs.”

Coupled with two stops in Las Vegas in April and September, Tucson Dragway’s May dates mark the only opportunity for West Coast-based racers to obtain an NHRA license with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in 2022. Don’t pass up the chance to get licensed on May 2-3, or the chance to drive a dragster on May 4, 2022!

Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! Visit www.FrankHawley.com for all upcoming class dates and locations.

Jeff Arend, 866-480-7223 x103, jarend@frankhawley.com

Paul Shields, 866-480-7223 x102, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com 

Drag Racing Classes Coming to Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Sin City has always had the ability to turn big dreams into reality, and for those who have always wanted to learn how to drag race, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is making it happen with awesome instructional opportunities. Two-day NHRA competition licensing classes will take place at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on April 25-26 and April 27-28, 2022 as well as on September 12-13 and September 14-15, 2022.

Suitable for both beginners with no prior racing experience as well as experienced racers, the School’s 2-day licensing programs in either Super Comp or Super Gas offer a stimulating curriculum consisting of classroom lectures and on-track coaching. Upon completion, students will be eligible for their NHRA competition licenses.

The perfect blend of lecture-based education and plenty of seat time for students to implement and practice what they’ve learned, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School teaches procedures necessary for success in drag racing to beginners while seasoned veterans focus on perfecting their techniques and mastering their competition-day focus.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a storied landmark of motorsports excellence where many of drag racing’s biggest names have competed, allows racers to push their skills and experience new levels of performance in a safe and controlled environment with expert guidance and supervision. The Hawley team of talented instructors offers personalized feedback and valuable insights to further solidify the concepts that are taught during the 2-day courses.

“Las Vegas is known for its great hotels, food, entertainment, and one of the finest dragstrips ever built. Vegas is one of our most popular destinations and we can’t wait to get back to ‘The Strip,’” affirmed Hawley of the desert hot spot for racing. “You don’t want to miss it!”

“The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is one of the most iconic dragways in the world. We hold drag racing at every level from pros to juniors,” added Chris Powell, LVMS President. “We take great pride in hosting race fans from around the world and students of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School.”

Other than a stop in Tucson, Arizona, in May, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s April and September dates are the only chances that West Coast-based racers will have to easily obtain an NHRA or IHRA license on Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School’s 2022 schedule. Don’t miss the opportunity to get certified on April 25-26, April 27-28, September 12-13, and September 14-15, 2022!

Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! Visit www.FrankHawley.com for all upcoming class dates and locations.

Jeff Arend – 866-480-7223 x103, jarend@frankhawley.com

Paul Shields – 866-480-7223 x102, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com 

Once again, FIVE of the NHRA World Champions were our graduates! It’s amazing to know that the Frank Hawley School played a part in all of their careers. Congratulations to these great Champions! Steve Torrence– NHRA TF; Matt Hagan – NHRA FC; Erica Enders – NHRA Pro Stock; Stevie “Fast” Jackson – NHRA Pro Mod; and Megan Meyer – NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster. Additionally we’d like to congratulate Mike Bucher – NHRA North Central Region Top Alcohol Dragster Champion and Top Fuel driver Justin Ashley – NHRA Rookie of the year!

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

We have confirmed a number of 2020 class dates!  Next year we’ll be returning to some of our favorite tracks – Tucson Dragway, Auto Club Dragway, Houston Raceway, Route 66 Raceway, Summit Motorsports Park, Bandimere Speedway, Woodburn Dragstrip, and of course running classes all throughout the year at our home base of Gainesville Raceway!  We’re still waiting to confirm dates at Las Vegas and Maple Grove Raceway.

Gainesville Raceway – January 21-22, February 4-5, February 18-19, March 17-18, March 24-25 Two-day competition license class; Dragster Adventure – March 27, 2020.   These are just the spring dates – we run here ALL YEAR!

Tucson Dragway – April 5 Dragster Adventure; April 6-7 Two-day competition license class

Auto Club Dragway – April 15-16 Two-day competition license class, April 17 Dragster Adventure

Houston Raceway – June 3-4 Two-day competition license class, June 5 Dragster Adventure

Route 66 Raceway – June 24-25 Two-day competition license class, June 26 Dragster Adventure

Summit Motorsports Park – July 13-14 Two-day competition license class, June 16 Dragster Adventure

Bandimere Speedway – July 27 Dragster Adventure; July 28-29 Two-day competition license class

Woodburn Dragstrip – August 2 Dragster Adventure; August 3-4 Two-day competition license class

You can earn your competition license to 7.50 in the two-day competition license class in our car or yours, so please contact us and we can answer all your questions about this program.  This is a great foundation if you’re building a car, moving up to a faster car or making the move up from Juniors.  Or maybe it’s on your bucket list to take the class.  You’ll learn so much more than how to drive the race car! Frank’s renowned “Personal Performance Development” classroom sessions cover the physiology of how your mind and body work together.  Participants will learn how to mentally prepare, perform at the highest level, improve focus and block out distractions.  Frank teaches how to practice more effectively whether at the track, at the shop or at home.  He’ll share techniques on how to remove the emotional baggage (everybody has some) that can often disrupt good performance .

If you’re looking for a fun day driving a dragster, the dragster adventure is for you, friends, customers and employees.  The Dragster Adventure is a fun course specifically designed for drivers that want to “DRIVE A DRAGSTER” and you can even compete in “SIDE-BY-SIDE” racing.  This program does not have the in-depth classroom sessions that our competition course does, but is great for team building and group events too!  Group dates are available on request.

If you’re currently racing and are ready to move up to a faster car, check out the 200 mph class!  These upgrade courses are designed not only for those seeking to compete in Nostalgia Funny Car, Pro Mod, Top Dragster, A-Fuel Dragster, Top Alcohol Dragster, but also numerous other types of programs such as Super Quick, Quick 16 Shootouts, Super Pro, Big Money Bracket Races or anywhere a competition license to run quicker than 7.49 in a quarter mile is required.  You can earn  your license to 6.00 in these classes. Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School offers drivers who are looking to upgrade their current NHRA competition license to 3A or 3B or 2A or 2B in this unique one day course.  Participation in this course requires a strong drag race history or successful completion of the Super Comp or Super Gas Course.

Call us with your questions or to book.  Seats are limited in all programs and pre-registration is required.

Please call Jeff Arend or Paul Shields at the numbers below with your questions!

Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 909-973-8279 c

Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 904-472-6312 c

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

We’ll be heading west soon for classes at Tucson Dragway, Auto Club Dragway and the The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway!

The school will be offering both the Super Comp and Super Gas Licensing courses as well as their fun Dragster Adventure Program.  The Dragster Adventure Program offers drivers a chance to get behind the wheel of a dragster for as little as $399 and also give folks a chance to do some ‘side-by-side racing!

You can earn your license to 7.50 in the 2-day competition license program and classes are filling up quickly at all the venues, so don’t delay in contacting Jeff Arend x103 or Paul Shields x102 to register at 866-480-7223.  During the 2-day license program novice and veteran races alike will benefit from Frank’s renowned lectures on Personal Performance.

Tucson Dragway – SC/SG/BYOC April 12-13;  Dragster Adventure April 15

Auto Club Dragway – SC/SG/BYOC April 18-19; Dragster Adventure April 20 or 27

The Strip at LVMS – SC/SG/BYOC April 30-May 1

And of course there are lots more dates & locations on our website at www.frankhawley.com!  Please contact our guys for information on any of our programs!  Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 866-480-7223 x103 or Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 866-480-7223 x102.

www.frankhawley.com

866-480-7223