NHRA Archives – Page 10 of 17 – Horsepower & Heels

Check out Marina Anderson at Indy Downtown Marriott

December 9, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

If you’re in Indianapolis for the Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) annual tradeshow, you can check out NHRA A/Fuel dragster driver-in-training Marina Anderson and her custom-built dragster at the Marriott Downtown this week. The display, which started on Sunday and will be in place until Saturday, December 12th.

I’m really excited about the opportunity to have my dragster in the lobby of the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown for the PRI Show. The PRI Show is always a great experience for us to both show appreciation for current partners and meet with potential sponsors. This display is a unique opportunity to expose the Anderson Family Dragster (AFD) brand and our partners to the show attendees and Marriott guests,” said Anderson.

The AFD dragster has been a four-year long family project for the Anderson family with Competition Fabrications. They completed most of the chassis fabrication, tinwork, wiring and plumbing in-house, leaving the engine preparation to noted A/Fuel tuner Jerry Darien. Marina is planning for a 2016 competition debut upon completion of the NHRA licensing process.

After testing the car for the first time this fall, we can’t wait to see what 2016 brings for the team. We learned a lot this year and I appreciate the way other A/Fuel teams have been open to teaching me and evening allowing me to work on their cars. I am also thankful for my team’s hard work to get to this point. I know next year will be a rewarding year because we plan on attending a few of the NHRA regional events.”

The PRI Show opens on Thursday, Dec. 10, and runs through Saturday, Dec. 12. Marina Anderson will be available to answer questions and sign autographs by her car display from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday of the show.

Megan Meyer in Top Alcohol Dragster

December 9, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA rising upstart Megan Meyer is following in her father’s big footsteps. Randy Meyers, driver and tuner of some of the quickest and most successful A/Fuel dragsters in the NHRA’s Top Alcohol Dragster class history, has been grooming his 22 year-old daughter to follow in the family TAD legacy. After two years of training and a successful regional event debut earlier this year, the NHRA Central Region Rookie of the Year nominee will join her father on the NHRA circuit in 2016 as teammate and driver for a full national campaign.

Meyer drove to her first final-round finish in her Top Alcohol Dragster debut at the St. Louis regional event in August. Pleased with the promising performance, she is now poised for the 18-race schedule in 2016, with 10 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series (LODRS) national events and eight LODRS regional races.

Entering the Lucas Oil national points series is such a dream come true for me. I’ve been looking forward to this my entire life and now that it’s almost here, it seems surreal. After watching my dad take home a national points championship back in 2003 with Alan Bradshaw driving, and getting a first-hand look at what it takes to become a national points leader, I have complete faith our team will be a front-runner in 2016. My dad has instilled the skills of dedication, determination, sacrifice, and hard work in my upbringing, and I believe having him as crew chief of our amazing crew, consisting of my mother and little sister, is going to be the best combination in 2016,” Meyer said assuredly.

Megan Meyer graduates from Kansas’ Pittsburg State University this month, and will hit the road in 2016 across the country. The Herbalife 24 team will compete at NHRA national events in Gainesville, Charlotte, Houston, Norwalk, Chicago, Brainerd, Indianapolis, Reading, and Dallas. In addition, Megan will run the full NHRA Central Region schedule, with races in Belle Rose, Tulsa, Topeka, Earlville, and Noble – and the North Central Region events in Chicago, St. Louis and Bowling Green.

I am determined to end up number one or two in the Central Region points series, and would like to win my very first NHRA national event. Also, I cannot wait for the chance to finally race my dad – hopefully in a final round! I still plan on bracket racing my Super Comp dragster next year at a few local E.T. Races with my sister to stay sharp between NHRA races. Finally, I will be launching my own freelance design business offering my services to other race teams,” added Meyer, a graphic design student.

Though Meyer and her father are still finalizing 2016 sponsorship partners, a new apparel company called Racers Evolved has come on board with Megan that will focus on the needs of racers in all types of motorsports.

I am excited to partner with Racers Evolved because it’s created by racers, for racers. As a female racer, I think there is a big demand for certain ladies textiles that aren’t available for drag racing, because it’s a male dominant sport. With Racers Evolved, we will have all sorts of clothing options that are handpicked by me and available to anyone in 2016 to provide the female racers with proper form-fitted garments,” said Meyer.

Erica Enders on espnW IMPACT25

December 8, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

After a record breaking season, two-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion, Erica Enders was recently named to espnW’s IMPACT 25 list featuring athletes and influencers making big moves for women in sports.

Enders joined many other famous women in sports athletes such as World Cup champion Carli Lloyd, tennis star Serena Williams and UFC fighter Ronda Rousey. The list was selected by a panel of sports experts and former athletes, split into two categories: Athletes and Influencers. Honorees were captured in a special commemorative “Super” illustration by Marvel Comics. Erica’s capture depicted her as Racer XX – a tilt to her double X chromosomes.

Racer XX – Marvel’s Erica Enders Superhero

Racer XX Erica Enders — Marvel Comics “Racer XX” Erica Enders

“It’s a tremendous honor to be on this list of the best athletes in the world,” Enders said. “Thank you to ESPN and espnW for recognizing the contributions of women in sports, and thank you to the pioneers like Shirley Muldowney and Angelle Sampey for helping to pave the way for other women like me in drag racing.”

Enders has a storied career in NHRA Drag Racing, with 2015 being her most impressive season to date. She took home nine event wins in 2015, had 11 final-round appearances, six No. 1 qualifying performances, and made history with three consecutive wins by holeshots, a first for the sport. Her 2015 dominant World Championship was her 2^nd career Pro Stock title. Her nine wins also eclipsed Angelle Sampey for the most wins by a female in a single season.

Erica Enders has 21 career victories, making her the 39^th driver on the NHRA All-Time win list. She trails Angelle Sampey for 2^nd most winningest female driver by 20 wins

Erica Enders MOPAR backed in 2016

December 8, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Erica Enders/Elite Motorsports Dodge Dart GT

Two-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion, Erica Enders announced today (via NHRA.com) that her Elite team will be carrying the MOPAR banner in 2016. Enders and her Elite Motorsports teammate, Jeg Coughlin Jr. will be leading the factory backed MOPAR team in the Pro Stock ranks, campaigning a new fuel-injected Elite Motorsports Hemi-powered Dodge Dart GT.

The Mopar brand is excited to announce that two proven champions, Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin Jr. will fly the Mopar colors in the NHRA Pro Stock class next season,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service for Mopar. “We couldn’t ask for greater competitors or brand ambassadors to represent us at the drag strip.”

Enders is fresh off a dominating season that saw nine event wins, 11 final-round appearances, and six No. 1 qualifying spots en route to her Back to Back Championship in 2015. She bested Angelle Sampey for the most wins by a female in one season with her nine victories. Erica last competed in a Dodge during her 2006-2007 season, and is excited to chase her third consecutive World Pro Stock title in 2016.

“We’re entering a new era of Pro Stock and it’s going to be awesome to take a new Mopar-powered Dodge Dart into 2016 and beyond,” said Enders. “We won the last two championships with carburetors and now the goal is to win the first one with fuel injection. The Dart Pro Stock cars look awesome and I’m already very familiar with Mopar because I’ve driven for them in the past. It’s an honor and a privilege to represent them moving forward.”

Shirley Muldowney resigns from B.R.A.K.E.S.

December 2, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA legend Shirley Muldowney recently announced her resignation from the Board of Directors at B.R.A.K.E.S., a North Carolina-based charity that promotes safe driving among teenagers. The four-time world champion moved to the Charlotte area from her longtime home in Michigan to assist with the foundation, formed by fellow Top Fuel drag racer. Doug Herbert after the tragic loss of his two sons.

“An opportunity has come up with another entity that will be a really wonderful deal for me personally, so I have resigned from B.R.A.K.E.S. effective immediately,” Muldowney said.

Shirley, who also was linked to a proposed Streamliner Land Speed record attempt project with Doug Herbert, said that her new schedule and 2016 plans will not allow her the time to participate in the program going forward. Though she didn’t elaborate on her 2016 plans, she did announce that she will be present at more NHRA races throughout the season, and will even launch a new Shirley Muldowney apparel line with PiranaZ through her new public relations team at Geiger Media.

I appreciate and cherish the time I had with board members Wanda Miller, Dave Dobson, and Mickey Aberman and I believe in the mission of B.R.A.K.E.S. I’m thrilled about the future, which has many possibilities that I will be at more NHRA races throughout the year. I’ve always enjoyed spending time with my wonderful fans, and the chance to see more of them has me very excited. Stay tuned for more good news coming very soon.”

Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal

November 23, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Over the weekend, Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal to become racing’s newest power couple. The NHRA Funny Car driver and her new Indycar husband, tied the knot in a stunning beachfront ceremony at Rancho Dos Pueblos in Santa Barbara, CA.

Courtney Force Weds Graham Rahal at Rancho Dos Pueblos

Details of the Force-Rahal Wedding plans were kept tight-lipped, but many expected it to follow shortly after the conclusion of the NHRA racing season. As expected, the nuptials took place just days after Courtney finished her 2015 Mello Yello NHRA Drag Racing season in 11th place for the Funny Car division.

Courtney Force's Bridesmaids — Sisters Ashley and Brittany and Adria were among Courtney’s bridesmaid court.

Graham proposed to Courtney Thanksgiving weekend in 2014 during a beautiful evening gondola ride in Venice, Italy. The pair met in 2013 during the NHRA races outside Chicago, and a whirlwind romance ensued. Rahal, who is based in Indianapolis, logged many frequent flier miles between his home and Courtney’s California residence. The pair would meet between their busy racing schedules, texting and skyping when they couldn’t be together.

The Reception location where Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal Photo: Soigne Productions

Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal in this beautiful beach ceremony location — The beachfront ceremony scene for the Force – Rahal Wedding.
Photo: Soigne Productions

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Graham Rahal!

Ladies of NHRA Red Carpet 2015

November 17, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

It’s the end of the season, and that means the annual 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Awards Ceremony has arrived! All of our favorite stars of the NHRA series gathered Monday after the finals in Pomona to Hollywood’s Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Vineland for a year-end banquet and the crowning of the 2015 champions. This formal event is always a crowd favorite, because we get the rare chance to see our favorite personalities outside their fire suits and crew uniforms, dressed to the nine in formal attire.

For 2015, the ladies didn’t disappoint, hitting the NHRA Red Carpet all looking stunning. Check out their red carpet fashion below!

Ladies of NHRA Red Carpet 2015

Leah Pritchett and Angie Smith on NHRA Red Carpet — Top Fuel’s Leah Pritchett and Pro Stock Bike’s Angie Smith

Erica Enders on NHRA Red Carpet — Pro Stock World Champion Erica Enders

Courtney Force and Graham Rahal on NHRA Red Carpet — Funny Car driver Courtney Force and fiance, open wheel driver Graham Rahal

Angie Smith Karen Stoffer on NHRA Red Carpet — Pro Stock Bike’s Karen Stoffer and Angie Smith

Brittany and Courtney Force on NHRA Red Carpet — Top Fuel driver Brittany Force with sister Courtney.

Alexis DeJoria Jesse James on NHRA Red Carpet — Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria, husband Jesse James, and sister.

Jenna Haddock at the NHRA Red Carpet year end banquet — Top Fuel driver Jenna Haddock and husband Terry

WHO WORE IT BEST? Ladies of NHRA Red Carpet – Vote in Comments below!

Video: Awards Ceremony | Last year’s Ladies of NHRA 2014 Red Carpet Album

Janette Thornley Pro Fuel Champion

November 16, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Dream Chaser Racin’s Janette Thornley was able to cinch the 2015 Pro Fuel Championship at the NHRA Harley Davidson Drag Racing Series season finale in Las Vegas. The Statesville, NC resident entered the event trailing points leader Dennis Fisher by 5 points, but the championship was decided in the first round of eliminations, when Thornley advanced and Fisher was eliminated.

Janette Thornley Pro Fuel Champion 2015

Janette Thornley made history as the first woman to win a national Harley Davidson class championship. She finished with 623 points after losing in the final round to former World Champion, Johnny Vickers at the Las Vegas final race. Thornley won 4 national events: Joliet, Sonoma, Seattle and Bristol leading to her winning of the 2015 NHRA Harley Davidson Pro Fuel championship title.

Thornley has not yet announced 2016 racing plans.

Jenna Haddock celebrates rookie season

November 12, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

This weekend’s 51st Annual Auto Club Finals marks the conclusion of the 2015 NHRA Mellow Yellow Drag Racing season. For rookie Top Fuel driver, Jenna Haddock, it marks the end of an amazing first year in the premiere professional class of the sport. As the season comes to a close, Jenna looks back on her season and rates her year as driver of the ‘Boots For Troops’ Top Fuel Dragster in her trademark exuberant and sincere fashion.

“Everyone rates on performance,” explained Haddock, “but there is so much more to take into consideration. As a driver, I didn’t have much experience. I never drove anything in competition. I’m proud that we qualified at eight out of the 11 races we ran. And we did it with only six team members when other teams have 12. We lost our sponsor mid-year so we did it with no money. We did it with friends, family and a lot of hard work and determination. And I’m grateful for everyone that helped. When I rate out first year, I’d say we had a phenomenal year. Without money, our car performed really well and I cannot be sad. I’m proud to say our car is good.”

The Auto Club Road to the Future candidate posted her career-best of 3.850 sec. at 311.63 mph in her first-round match-up against Antron Brown at the previous race in Las Vegas. Though she couldn’t hold off the new 2015 Top Fuel Champion for the win, she was still thrilled at her performance.

“In qualifying in Vegas, we kept throwing the blower belt,” Haddock said. “But if you look at our half-track numbers we knew it was going to run. We run used belts. We can’t buy all new ones like most teams. Most of the time our belts have four to five runs on them. We rather buy new crankshafts, pistons and connecting rods. Those things come before blower belts for us. On Sunday morning a bunch of teams brought us their belts with only one run on them, which was so amazing. So for us when that 3.850 came up on the board; Sunday took the cake.”

Haddock’s husband, Terry is a long time Funny Car driver known for competing on a very limited budget and for never giving up. This year, he put his car on the back burner and concentrated on launching his wife’s career.

“I really have to thank Terry for his unending support,” expressed Haddock. “He helped me learn how to drive and he was a great and patient teacher. This year has been all about me, and his car hasn’t gotten much attention. He made sure that everything came much easier to me than it ever did to him. He’s been great about it and I love him for it.”

Valerie Thompson returns to NHRA

November 9, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Seven-time land speed record holder Valerie Thompson returns to NHRA Drag Racing competition to compete in the full season as an independent team owner and driver. Thompson will be riding a Star Racing built Pro Stock Motorcycle in all of the events on the schedule for the PSM class. The team will be led by recently appointed crew chief, Chris Rivas, a former Pro Stock Motorcycle racer with four NHRA event wins and six land speed racing world records of his own.

“Chris Rivas has been successful in drag racing while setting new land speed records. As a crew chief, he will be one of my biggest assets. He understands the difference between quarter-mile and land speed racing, so he can help our team with everything from bike set-up to my riding technique as I transition back to drag racing,” added Thompson.

Valerie Thompson began her motorcycle-racing career in the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA), where she finished third in the V-Rod Destroyer class in 2007 and was featured in a Super Bowl commercial with Danica Patrick. She entered several NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle events in 2008, with a best elapsed time of 7.05 seconds.

“I have a real passion for land speed racing, but I can’t express how excited I am to return to my ‘racing roots’ with a bike built by George Bryce’s Star Racing team. George and his wife Jackie, operate one of the most successful NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle teams in the history of the sport, so I’m confident we will do well next year,” said Thompson.

Star Racing and owner George Bryce have won six NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championships and collected 80 different NHRA national event wins under their 10 different Star riders. The high performance motorcycle company is also a worldwide mail-order parts business, with engine building, a state-of-the-art machine shop and dyno services.

“I’m delighted to see Valerie returning to drag racing and thankful she chose Star Racing to help her new team. We are also looking forward to working with Chris Rivas again,” said George Bryce, Star Racing owner.

While Valerie Thompson returns to NHRA and is excited for the homecoming, she also plans on continuing the quest for new land speed racing records with her team’s BMW S 1000 RR at select events in 2016 as her schedule permits.

Thompson formed her own land speed racing team in 2012, and has went on to record a personal best top speed of 217 mph at the 2014 Texas Mile. This year, Valerie became the first female member of the Colorado Mile 200 MPH Club on her Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants/CTEK BMW Motorrad and is now a member of six-land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs, including the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club. As a result, she is often referred to as “America’s Queen of Speed.”

The 2016 NHRA schedule includes 16 Pro Stock Motorcycle events with the first scheduled for March 17 – 20 at the Gatornationals in Gainesville Florida.