Saturday at Darlington Dragway I had the opportunity to spend some time with Brooke Miller. As many of you know, Drag Illustrated wrote a great article on her about her stellar racing career thus far. I want to showcase the true Brooke Miller, a rising sophomore at Hartsville High School. Brooke has been an A/B honor roll student in high school, adding that her last report card was all A’s. Brooke states that math is her favorite subject. She did admit that this helped her crunch the numbers on time slips.
Brooke is working hard to become a great women’s volleyball player. She is a middle blocker for both of her teams. She plays for her high school as well as the prestigious Sandhills Volleyball Club travel team, playing on the 16U team at 15 years old. Brooke states the travel team picked up several medals during the 2019 season. Although modest about it, Brooke was voted the most improved player on her high school team in 2019. Brooke and her parents are both quick to point out that a college education is a must. They all realize drag racing does not offer a college scholarship. Brooke hopes with continued excellent grades and hard work on the volleyball court, she can play college volleyball at the University of Florida or her favorite, the University of South Carolina.
After having a long and detailed conversation Saturday, I have learned that she is very mature and very smart for her age. She gave very detailed answers to everything I asked her, sometimes pondering her thoughts before answering. This is a gift not many have.
Let’s talk about Brooke Miller the drag racer. Brooke spent many seasons in the Jr. Dragster ranks and still competes in her no-time Jr. Dragster with the Carolina N/T Series. Brooke’s racing accomplishments so far include the 2019 Carolina N/T points championship and a 2018 PDRA Jr. Dragster championship. The PDRA Series sometimes draws 35-40 kids trying to make the 16-car fields. Brooke says this is her biggest racing achievement. She states the dial-in format was fun, but she prefers the heads-up competition in the Carolina N/T Series. She says she has lost way too many races breaking out by one number or giving it back at the finish line.
Later in 2020, Brooke will debut in the 4.50 Outlaw Class at Darlington Dragway. She will be piloting the family’s Andy McCoy built Camaro. This car has been in the family for years. Brooke’s father Russel Miller ran the car years ago, then her brother Tyler began his door slammer career in it as well. The team will be campaigning a Buck Racing Engine in the 4.50 Outlaw Class. Brooke’s parents, Russell and DeeDee Miller, owners of Pee Dee Fleet Truck and Trailer Center and operators of Darlington Dragway have taken all of the right steps to educate and train their daughter for her latest adventures. Brooke was in the car almost 30 times before ever completing a full run. She has spent countless hours learning all that pertains to her car, helping her father prepare and tune the car. Both parents appear to enjoy watching their “baby” drive. Mom states she is not very nervous and believes in her daughter’s driving ability. Dad appears calm, but paces around while the car is running. I’ve seen Brooke make several unofficial runs and she appears to be very confident and professional behind the wheel. I must admit, I’m slightly jealous of her talents.
I asked Brooke what lies ahead. She stated she knew her parents had a plan of attack for her driving career, but she only wants to concentrate on the present, to become the best 4.50 Outlaw driver she can be. Sponsors, parts suppliers, vendors, you better get in line to sign up with this young talent. Don’t miss out, you’ll be seeing Brooke’s name frequently!
