NHRA's Antron Brown to have street named for him in N.J. hometown

Chesterfield, New Jersey, a suburb of Trenton with a population of 7,699 residents, is a town known for its ties to American Revolution history. There are a few stop signs and even fewer red lights.

In Chesterfield, Trenton's history is their history, and one of their most famous celebrities is a Bicentennial baby.

There was little indication Antron Brown, who was born on March 1, 1976, would grow up to be one of the most successful drag racers ever with two world championships and 55 NHRA national event wins.

There was even less indication Brown would one day have a street named after him.

Brown shakes his head at the notion an avenue, boulevard or street sometime this year, will bear his name. He was so taken aback by the offer he could only stare at Mayor Jerry Liedtka with a deer in the headlights look and respond, "What'd you say?"

Brown has lived in Chesterfield since he was six, a move his family made after the death of his grandfather.

Brown grew up in the countryside of Chesterfield, smack dab in the middle of dairy farms and cornfields.

"I can tell you it's a huge honor," Brown said. "I don't think I deserve it, but it is pretty awesome."

Brown admits the small town atmosphere worked well for him and hopes the popularity of having his own street doesn't drive property values down and increase crime.

"I'm just hoping the road doesn't turn into a high crime district," Brown joked. "I hope I don't bring down the neighborhood because we finally just got our own zip code. It makes me proud to grow up where I did and the way I did."

***

Bobby Bennett is the Publisher/Editor of CompetitionPlus.com, a leading independent online drag racing magazine, since 1999. For the latest in dragster news worldwide, visit www.competitionplus.com or follow on Twitter @competitionplus