NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Finish Lines: Jeff Diehl

18 Aug 2016
Alex Waldron, National Dragster Associate Editor
News

Get to know the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series a little better with this feature from NHRA National Dragster magazine that features fun, off-the-wall questions not asked in regular interviews with the drivers. In this edition, Jeff Diehl reveals his favorite phone app, his perfect pizza, and more.

What’s still on your bucket list?
Travel to Indonesia to surf. They have some of the
best waves in the world. Another thing on my bucket
list is fi nding the right sponsor to be able to run on
the tour full time.
 
Who is someone in the sport that you’ve never had a chance to work with but wish you had?
Ed McCulloch. He has always been one of my
favorite drivers and he’s a legend.
 
What’s your favorite phone app?
Surfl ine. It has all the surf reports from all over the
world. It’s the only app I use on my phone.
 
What’s on your perfect pizza?
Cheese, jalapenos, and sliced tomatoes.
 
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Cabo San Lucas. I’ve already been there a few times this year.
 
Who is a famous person you want to meet?
Donald Trump. He’s an interesting guy, and I’d like to figure out how he does his hair so I can do that when I get older.
 
What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?
KISS and Aerosmith in Las Vegas. I was front row.
 
When did you realize you loved drag racing?
My mom took me to Lions Drag Strip when I was 2 weeks old. She said that I was smiling the whole night. That’s where it started, but I was probably around 11 or 12 when I realized I was hooked.
 
Is there anything you do to psyche yourself up or
relax before a race?
Typically I’m way too mellow, so I’ve been trying to learn how to pump myself up. I’ll listen to music, yell at my crew, or drink coffee. I don’t normally drink coffee, so it will get me wired. I’m just way too relaxed.
 
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever
met?
Sammy Hagar