Jacob Phillips 2025 Marine Coin Company Jr Street Champion

Last Updated on February 27, 2026 by WWTR

By Jeremy Rosenstengel

Photos by Keke Lipford

There’s been a lot of discussion among veteran racers about what it takes to keep our sport thriving for years to come. We all know the answer: we need to get young people involved and make sure they keep coming back. Most of the seasoned racers at World Wide Technology Raceway have been coming to the track for decades—many since they were kids themselves. As you will learn from the other champion stories, a lot of our champions started out tagging along with their dad or older brother. For many, it’s almost a rite of passage: you start by washing the car, checking the oil, putting air in the tires, and if you’re lucky, you get that first ride-along—either on the street or at the track.

That’s why Jr. Street might just be one of the coolest classes we have at World Wide Technology Raceway. It’s a true bridge into the sport, giving 13- to 15-year-olds the chance to sit behind the wheel of a real door car on a real track surface. These kids compete with an adult partner, usually a parent, riding shotgun to coach and encourage. The competition is real. The thrill is real. You still must cut a light, judge the finish line, dial the car, and make those split-second decisions. The only difference? You’re doing it as a team. It’s you and your dad, or mom, against the world. Talk about a bonding moment! Every parent who’s been through this describes it as one of the best experiences they’ve ever had with their teenager. And when the winner gets Marine Coin gold or silver as a payout from our sponsor, that’s just icing on the cake. The real prize is the memories that last a lifetime.

This year’s 2025 Marine Coin Co Junior Street Champion, Jacob Phillips, is a perfect example. Jacob is a third-generation racer, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Walt Phillips and his father Jason Phillips. Jason, as many of you know, is a multi-time track champion, division finals winner, longtime track announcer, and one of the best racers to ever come out of the Bret Kepner Drag Racing School. Jacob is picking up right where his dad left off.

Jacob earned the distinction of being arguably the youngest real door car season points champion in the country in 2025: winning his first championship at just 13 years and 256 days old. That’s incredible. Congratulations, Jacob!

His season stats speak for themselves: five wins and two runner-up finishes. Both runner-up spots came against one of his toughest competitors, Leila Thomas, in her 4×4 Ricky Thomas Concrete pickup truck. Jacob was quick to give Leila a thumbs-up for pushing him all season long.

In his interview, Jacob pointed out that Marine Coin Company Jr. Street is full of variety—street cars, muscle cars, and even turbo-diesel 4×4 pickups. Jacob, of course, races the family’s “Racing Jason” 2002 Ford Mustang. And don’t think this class is easy. Reaction times in the .100 range might sound good, but not here. We saw several double-0 lights this year, and some cars varied only four numbers on their ET all season. These kids are tough. Sportsman and Pro racers, watch out. They’re learning early, and they’re going to be a force at the next level.

Jacob wanted to dedicate his 2025 success first and foremost to Jesus, for keeping a watchful eye on him as he races. He also thanked his father and grandfather for their hard work and dedication, his grandmother Brenda Phillips, and his sponsors: Brinley Orthodontist, Carpenters Local 664, Granite City Elks Lodge 1063, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, Schicker Automotive, Greg’s Automotive, and Vallow Flooring.

On behalf of World Wide Technology Raceway, we congratulate Jacob Phillips and the entire Phillips family on an outstanding 2025 season and your Marine Coin Company Junior Street Championship!