Sep 23, 2006 6 min read

Cal U sophomore Jessica Donato lives life eight heart-stopping seconds at a time. Take one look at the 18-year-old Carmichaels native and you would never guess that the journalism major with a 3.9 GPA lives for the smell of fuel, screeching tires and speeds that would make the ordinary person’s head spin. But, such is the life of a drag racer. Donato was first introduced to the world of drag racing at the age of 9. Her father, Mark, received a call from a family friend asking if he would be interested in purchasing his son’s old car. When asked if she would be interested in learning to drag race, Donato, who was involved with Girl Scouts at the time, decided to give it a go and has not looked back.

“My mom was a little nervous, but dad was definitely gung-ho,” recalled Donato. “He started showing me handbooks, Web sites, and taking me to races. He was really into it.”

Donato started racing at the Fairmont Drag Way in Fairmont, W.Va., as one of three females out of a group of 20 drag racers. As she moved on to the Pittsburgh Race Way in New Alexandria, that number increased to four. Typically thought of as a male-dominated sport, drag racing has caught on with females more recently. Donato credits Disney Channel’s made-for-television movie “Right on Track” for inspiring several females to take a more active interest in the sport.

“I think that they started to see this (movie) on Disney and that got them interested,” said Donato.

An individual match is over in a matter of seconds, but a racing event is an all-day affair, usually running from noon to 3 a.m. Junior drag racers, however, only race until approximately 9 p.m.

“I’d never stay out until 3 a.m., especially on a school night,” said Donato, who has since graduated from the junior drag racing circuit.

Even if her matches were over, she would still hang out at the track to watch her friends race. “We’ve become a support team for one another, and we stay until the last person’s out,” said Donato.

Drag racing has become a family affair for Donato. Her father serves as crew chief. Her mother, Diane, pitches in as well by helping with the races and serving as bookkeeper. Younger brother, Dominic, also has drag racing in his blood, already winning several top awards by the age of 12. Jennifer, Donato’s younger sister, may not like drag racing as much as her siblings, but still lends her support every race.

The cost is almost entirely out-of-pocket for the Donato family for the cars, travel and other expenses, but family friends have pitched in wherever and whenever they can. The Super Street Station, a Carmichaels gas station, donates gas, money and other materials. Donato’s father’s company, Donato Contracting Inc. also sponsors the team, while Craig Blossom does all of the engine work. In the past, Trane Heating and Air Conditioning served as a sponsor for several years.

Every race, Donato straps on her gear and readies herself. Even though each match is over in a matter of seconds, the heat can be unbearable. To limit dehydration, she drinks several bottles of water and eats a small sandwich for added energy.

Every athlete may have a superstition or two, and Donato is no exception. A prayer sticker adorns her car and a small stuffed animal used to accompany her for the ride. Perhaps the little superstitions paid off for her and prevented her from any serious harm when she had her first accident four years ago. While racing her new car, the back tires locked forcing the car to flip over and skid along the track for 20 feet.

“My dad was so scared when it happened, and my mom was 17 hours away. She thought I was joking when I told her,” recalled Donato. “If I thought that I didn’t want to continue after that incident, I had their full support.”

Five hours later, however, she was back on the track after the minimally damaged car was repaired, and she had a few moments to catch her breath. Her little companion, a stuffed Jawa, was removed from the car.

“He didn’t ride with me anymore after that day,” quipped Donato.

Donato considers the accident a fluke and is confident in the car she drives and the sport she loves. Drag racing has become such an integral part of her life that it’s something she can’t abandon.

“I wondered if this would be something that I’d do for a long time, and after weighing the options, I just couldn’t give it up,” said Donato.

The numerous trophies she has won are reflections of her commitment to the sport, but Donato has gained more from her experiences than winning finishes and shiny trophies.

“The worst part about drag racing is all the equipment I have to wear and the heat,” said Donato. “But, the best part is meeting so many different people whether they are young or old.”

While making many friends and traveling the country to participate in races, Donato has also learned a few valuable life lessons.

“I’ve learned to be thankful for what I have,” said Donato. “I accept that not all people are willing to give you breaks, and I’ve really come to appreciate what I do have.”

Donato is a prime example of finding success not only on the track, but off it as well. Although she is always on the run, she works at an insurance office and is a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, a service that delivers nutritious meals to the elderly, disabled and shut-ins. Here at Cal U, she was recently initiated as a sister of Phi Sigma Sigma, a social sorority dedicated to lifelong learning, service and sisterhood. She also lends her creative hand as a contributing writer to a local newspaper.

Donato’s racing season is under way.

Take a weekend drive to the Pittsburgh Race Way, and you’ll most likely find her doing what she loves-living life eight heart-stopping seconds at a time.