Hildebrandt Makes It Back to Junior Dragster Final

Tate Hildebrandt added to his impressive record by nearly becoming the first racer ever to repeat as IHRA SuperSeries Junior Dragster World Champion.

The talented Texan was just one round short of the unique feat by losing in the final round at the IHRA SuperSeries World Finals to Ryan Bell.

But the fact that the 2024 World Champion made it that far was awe-inspiring. His path to the final meant a Texas-sized showdown at Alabama International Dragway. Two of the best to come out of the Lone Star State faced off in the semifinals when Hildebrandt raced Ty Janousek.

Hildebrandt had the good fortune on his side as Janousek fouled by just -.001 at the start. Before that, the 15-year-old representing Edinburg Motorsports Park, Hildebrandt, got the advantage at the tree and defeated Liam Miller in the quarterfinal round. He posted an 8.054-second pass at 78.91 mph on an 8.04 dial-in.

He started racing over five years ago, and runs a 2020 American Junior Dragster with a 3.5-inch motor. Hildebrandt comes from a racing family, with his father, Jason, and grandfather, Kevin Theobald, being his biggest inspirations.

Other racing heroes include Luke Bogacki, who made history by doubling up as Top and Mod champion at the IHRA SuperSeries World Finals, and Cory Gulitti, another racer who has won his share of big bracket races like the Fall Fling Shootout.

Tate’s own record shows a number of marquee victories. He was the IHRA Division 4 (Renegades) champion in 2023 and 2024. In addition, he won the Division 4 Shootout in 2022. That same season, he picked up an IHRA Ironman trophy at the Southwest Jr. Dragster Finals.

He’s been a winner and top points finisher at multiple tracks in his home state, including Xtreme Raceway Park. Getting the chance to race for a second IHRA SuperSeries World Championship is something Tate is certainly proud of.

“It means a lot to me,” he said. “Just coming back was perfect. This feels good.”

Photo by: Hobbie Lee ProPhotography