Racing Forward: Jaylen Burris Carrying Tradition and Excellence on Two Wheels

Last Updated on February 27, 2026 by WWTR

MADISON, Ill. (Feb. 1, 2026) – Twenty-three-year-old Jaylen Burris grew up in Madison, Ill., where he was raised around the sound of engines and culture of competition.

Jaylen’s love for drag racing sparked when he was about six years old, with help from his father. He grew up watching the sport from a young age, and eventually, his father bought his own motorcycle and began racing.

A major influence in Jaylen’s passion for drag racing stems from fellow track competitor Scottie Leonard. Growing up, Jaylen found interest in watching Scottie race and observing Scottie and his father work on motorcycles. Watching Scottie and his dad work and ride is what Jaylen said, “started it all.”

It was always two wheels for Jaylen. From the time he was six, it was always his dream to be on two wheels: riding pedal bikes with his friends, watching the movie “Biker Boyz” and, of course, watching his dad build and race motorcycles.

The journey to his first win was not an easy one. Over the years, Jaylen has had to make a great number of sacrifices to get to where he is today in his drag racing career. It takes time, dedication and drive to reach your goals, and Jaylen is a prime example of that.

“I have made plenty sacrifices such as putting more time in to learn my bike, watch videos and study myself and what I do on the bike and other things like missing family events or cutting time on outside things so that I can put more time into racing,” said Jaylen.

The hard work and dedication paid off when Jaylen won his first race on July 13, 2025, alongside his mentor Scottie Leonard. The win was not an easy feat. Jaylen battled hard in a very competitive Garrison Security Group Super Comp Motorcycle Class, and he ultimately came out successful.

While winning his first race of 2025 was one of his proudest moments, success goes far beyond the trophy for Jaylen. While success also means winning, Jaylen also sees success as “setting positive examples and making things right so that every day you can do your best.”

Winning and success in drag racing are not easily attainable. While Jaylen has experienced the highs of winning, he also has had to face many challenges and difficulties the sport presents.

“The hardest part is just understanding that you’re not always gonna be perfect because racing bikes, it takes skill to be able to compete and not just a fast bike,” said Jaylen. “My biggest challenge has been being consistent on my bike.” 

Results can change in just a moment in drag racing. All it takes is a delayed reaction or a mechanical issue to be set back. However, it is a sport that relies heavily on the racer’s motivation and drive, even through the toughest challenges.

“I stay motivated by either helping the people I’m around and being supportive for them, or I just stay to watch the other fellow racers win because I know how hard it is to win,” said Jaylen.

That sense of motivation is rooted in Jaylen’s appreciation for the people and culture that surround drag racing. For him, the track is more than a place to compete, it’s a space to connect, learn, and grow alongside others who share the same passion

“My favorite part (about drag racing) is seeing the people and just learning about the sport, because so many people just look at it as a hobby but it’s something you can make a lot out of if you make the best of it,” said Jaylen.

The racing community at World Wide Technology Raceway has an immense amount of talent and support among the drag racers at the track. When something goes wrong, the community is there to help pick you back up and get you going again.

While Jaylen’s number one goal is to win a Wally and race for a team or have a sponsor, the community aspect also plays a large role in his ambitions. Jaylen wants to pass along what he has learned to the next up-and-coming young drag racer.

The future is looking bright for this young drag racer and his hopes are high for the 2026 season at WWT Raceway.

 “I’m looking forward to racing at my home track World Wide Technology Raceway, the King of the Arch event, prepare for the Wally race we have, and just enjoying the season with my racing family,” said Jaylen.