A tragic accident at Orlando Speed World Dragway has claimed the life of 7-year-old a young racer who was making her first runs in a junior dragster when the crash occurred.
Elienisse Diaz Rodriguez, who had just celebrated her birthday on January 30, succumbed to her injuries on the night of February 4.
Rodriguez was driving a junior dragster—vehicles capable of reaching speeds up to 85 mph—when the fatal crash happened, DragZine.com reported. Rodriguez dreamed of becoming a racer and "fulfilled her dream" participating in the junior race, according to a GoFundMe set up for her memorial. She was born into a "die-hard racing family," as described by one online tribute, and her father had even named his car after her.
Orlando Speed World Dragway confirmed her passing in a heartfelt statement, expressing condolences to her family and the racing community. "Motorsports is built on passion, but moments like these remind us of the risks that come with what we love," the statement read.
Rodriguez, a first-grader at Eastland Christian School in Orlando, was remembered by school administrators as a "bright light in our school community" with a "beautiful smile" that will be deeply missed.
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) established its Junior Drag Racing League in 1992 to give young racers between the ages of 5 and 17 the opportunity to compete in a controlled environment. While safety measures are in place, this devastating accident highlights the dangers that come with the sport.
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