Madalin Simmons placed 1st in the “Race of Champions” Junior Dragster race Sept. 14-16, at the Darlington Dragway.

The Swansea High School sophomore received $590 and a Summit Racing Equipment jacket.

Simmons began drag racing 2 years ago at the South Carolina Motorplex in Orangeburg. Just a few months after she began, Simmons crashed her dragster, breaking her back in 4 places.

“It was scary,” remembers Simmons, “but I love the adrenaline and sounds of the engine... I was still excited to race again.” Simmons was back on the track several months later racing her way to the win at Darlington.

Graduating high school and attending college are important goals for Simmons. She also hopes to make a career of racing.

“I plan to go to college for dentistry, but my ultimate dream is to be the next Brittany Force.” Force was the 2017 National Hot Rod Association dragster champion.