7-Year-Old Drag Racer Dies After Orlando Crash

Elienisse Zoe Díaz Rodriguez passed away following a racing accident at Orlando Speed World, raising questions about safety in junior motorsports.

Elienisse Zoe Díaz Rodriguez, a 7-year-old drag racer, died from injuries sustained in a crash during a junior racing event at Orlando Speed World on February 2, 2025.
The accident occurred when she lost control of her Junior Dragster, striking a track employee and crashing into a concrete wall; the employee sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Her family described her as a bright and active child who loved racing, and a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $29,000 to support funeral expenses.
The Orlando Speed World Dragway expressed condolences, emphasizing the inherent risks of motorsports despite stringent safety regulations for junior racers.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the safety protocols of junior drag racing, a sport governed by the NHRA, which limits vehicle speeds and mandates protective gear for young drivers.