Germany, 27 November 2025: In 1946, Volkswagen released a cute family car. Although this small car was designed for family use, this “bug” is no force to be reckoned with when it pulls up to the racing Christmas tree. The Volkswagen Beetle is well respected on the quarter-mile track. It’s no surprise that numerous racers compete in the sportsman class with Volkswagen Beetles. One of those VW Beetle enthusiasts is the Kemp family, running a 1973 1303 Beetle in Pro ET and Super Gas. The Kemp family has their second-generation racer behind the wheel nowadays, keeping the dream alive. Of course, we are talking about Jill Kemp! In this edition of Behind Staging Lane, we are taking you through Jill’s history, the car’s history, and Jill’s passion for the quarter-mile lifestyle.

Text: Benjamin Wefer
Pictures: Benjamin Wefer, Kemp Family

So, who is Jill Kemp? Jill, 30, studied international marketing and has been working in marketing for the medical sector since graduating. Whenever she is not behind the wheel or working, she is in the gym. I like to stay fit, “she added. Besides that, I just started taking Judo classes this year, and I like it; it’s just as much fun as racing!

Her father, Thomas Kemp, and mother took her to the track when she was three months old, as both were competing at that time. I practically grew up on the racetrack, Jill added. From a young age, I was allowed to work on the car, helping out my dad, and accompanied him to all his races. By the age of nine, she began competing in Junior dragsters. She continued racing Jr Dragster till she was seventeen. Then it was time to move on, but the question was to what? First, she concentrated on getting her degree in marketing. Soon enough, she realized that she was missing racing too much. So, her dad stepped away from the wheel to give Jill the place as the new driver of the family Beetle. And in 2018, Jill made her Pro ET debut and has been racing in Pro ET ever since. This year, the Kemps switched to SuperGas. Seeing this switch, we assumed there was more to the story, so we took the moment to ask Jill more about it.

Why are you guys switching from Pro ET to SuperGas, and what’s so interesting about SuperGas? “ Initially, we switched to supergas to practice. We want to compete with a bigger engine next year. I like the high-caliber field in both SuperGas and Pro ET. However, I prefer to start with a pro tree and fixed class index; that’s what I find so interesting about SuperGas. “

How long have you guys had the Beetle? “ I’ve been driving it for a couple of years now”, Jill started. It’s the family beetle! My grandfather, Wilhelm Kemp, bought it in 1973. It was the family holiday car and was used to drive to Spain for many years. Once my father turned 18, he was handed the keys to the Beetle. He started modifying it straight away and never stopped. My father drove it daily for a long time, until the modifications became so extensive that it wasn’t fun to keep it road-legal. Now it is the family racecar.

Who usually builds the engine? Udo Becker has always been our trusted engine builder. Not only does he do excellent work, but he is also always there to offer advice and assistance. My “Mädchenmotor” is a 2.5-liter Typ 4 Engine producing 275hp.

 

If you had the chance to race in the category of your dream, what would that be? We currently just switched categories, and I am happy in SuperGas at the moment. But, well, if I had an unlimited budget, I would love to drive Pro Stock! My love for this class grows every time I see one go down the track; that’s where fine-tuning really will make the difference between winning and losing. And the field is as close as it can be, making it super enjoyable!

What would be the most remarkable moment you have ever experienced in your racing career? And what would be the worst/least funniest moment? I always enjoy reminiscing about when the junior dragsters got to open the night show in Hockenheim. In front of a large audience, at dusk, with all the spotlights – that was great!

The worst moment happened last September at Tierp Arena, when I had to watch my father crash into the wall at over 200 km/h. Fortunately, my dad walked away without any injury, but it was a scary moment.

What would you expect from the new car setup? After the accident, we focus on repairing all the damage while keeping an eye on improvement. Therefore, the new setup should be better and faster, but we have no set goals yet.

So, what does drag racing mean to me? For me, a race weekend means going to a place where I feel completely at ease—having a good time with friends and family, and helping and supporting one another.

Now you know a little more about Jill Kemp, her story, her dreams, and you got a glimpse of what the Kemp’s family is planning for 2026.

The Kemp’s Beetle Information

Chassis Build-by: self-made
Make: Volkswagen Beetle
Year: 1973
Engine: 2.5L Type 4 Engine, naturally aspirated
Transmission: Rancho Pro Shift
Differential: Aluminium Spool
Fuel Type: Super Plus
Best E.T.: 10,61 seconds at 198 km/hr