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Rachel Meyer

You are here: Home / Archives for Rachel Meyer

New website for Megan and Rachel Meyer

March 24, 2017 //  by Horsepower & Heels

New website for Megan and Rachel MeyerNHRA Top Alcohol Dragster drivers Megan Meyer and Rachel Meyer just launched a new website for their Randy Meyer Racing Team.  The new site, www.randymeyerracing.com, shares the history and real life information about the Randy Meyer Racing team and their journey in the NHRA Drag Racing Top Alochol Dragster racing class.

The new website for Megan and Rachel Meyer is devoted to sharing their experiences on the road and on the track with fans by providing the most up-to-date information on the team, class point standings, qualifying and race results, and national, regional and divisional point earnings.   Fans can keep track of where the team is with the up-to-date schedule of upcoming races, events and appearances.

“We are excited to be able to share so much information with our fans on our new website, randymeyerracing.com,” says Randy Meyer, team owner. “Our goal is to stay connected with our fans and keep everyone in the loop on all our driver’s latest happenings.”

Fans can access the site to read the latest news on the race team, watch the team’s videos for an up-close look, see photos and keep up with their outstanding stats. Easily follow the team and drivers on social media by following the team social link collection, and take advantage of the opportunity to sign up for their mailing list.   Learn about the marketing partners that the team trusts and promotes at each event. 

Category: Heel ClicksTag: Drag Racing, Megan Meyer, NHRA, Rachel Meyer, Top Alcohol Dragster, Women Racing

Female Rookie of the Year 2016

January 4, 2017 //  by Horsepower & Heels

The Female Rookie of the Year 2016 category received 19 nominations and 39 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.   The winner pulled out an early lead, and captured over 30% of the votes.

Runner up at Heartland Park Topeka for Megan Meyer
 

Female Rookie of the Year 2016 – Megan Meyer

Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the 2016 Female Rookie of the Year,  NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver, Megan Meyer!  

Megan, in her first full season in the competitive Top Alcohol Dragster class, took her A/Fuel Racer’s Evolved Dragster to six final rounds, capturing her first win in Charlotte, and five runner-up finishes.   She earned the top qualifying position twice, and finished the season in the No. 4 position Nationally, and No 2. Regionally. 

Megan also captured several other awards, including Best Appearing Car in Gainesville, and Best Appearing Crew honors in Charlotte.     Though only a rookie herself, her poise helped welcome sister Rachel Meyer to the seat as well as mentoring other drivers who partnered with Randy Meyer Racing to earn their TAD license. 

She returns in 2017 to TAD with the goal of capturing that first championship in the class.   Meyer will be joined by sister Rachel mid-season, and the team will also host and mentor Justin Ashley for his TAD debut.  

Runner Up – Melissa Surber

NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racer, Melissa Surber was your Rookie of the Year 2016 Runner-Up for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the YearFemale Rookie of the Year 2016 Nominees

  • Krista Baldwin
  • Kayli Barker
  • Heather Carter
  • Lexi Fruggiero
  • Mia Chapman
  • Rachel Meyer
  • Journee Richardson
  • Sarah Edwards
  • Shannon Giust
  • Cheryl Hyrn
  • Kassidy Kreitz
  • Brittany Force
  • Jennifer Pratt 
  • Melissa Urist
  • Shelley Molea
  • Jennifer Pratt
  • Janette Thornley

Category: Official News, Women in Racing NewsTag: Brittany Force, Cheryl Hyrn, Heather Carter, Janette Thornley, Jennifer Pratt, Journee Richardson, Kassidy Kreitz, Kayli Barker, Krista Baldwin, Lexi Fruggiero, Megan Meyer, Melissa Surber, Mia Chapman, Rachel Meyer, Sarah Edwards, Shannon Giust

Crewmember of the Year 2016

January 4, 2017 //  by Horsepower & Heels

The Female Crewmember of the Year 2016 category received 27 nominations and 67 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.    There were several lead changes throughout the 8 day voting period, but your winner pulled ahead by just 2 votes at the wire.

Crewmember of the Year 2016Crewmember of the Year 2016 –  Shelley Molea

Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the winner of the Female Crewmember of the Year 2016 category – Nostalgia Drag Racing Crew Chief, Shelley Molea!   Serving as crew chief on the popular Nostalgia Drag Racing entry of Mad Mike Molea, the family-owned operation out of Grants Pass, Oregon, Shelley Molea works hard with all the crew duties on their beautiful, 1933 Willys Blown Alcohol Gasser entry.  

Shelley MoleaThe popular team recently took the win for the AA/Supercharged class at the 25th Annual California HotRod Reunion event at Auto Club Famoso Raceway this past October.    This feat was accomplished after an amazing recovery from an on-track accident a month before, that left the team scrambling to repair the extensive crash damage and make a comeback before the season-highlighting Hotrod Reunion event.   Not only did Mike, Shelley and the rest of the team get the car back together in time for the race, but they landed in the winner circle for the prestigious reunion event.   

Regularly featured on magazine covers, and a crowd favorite, the “Mad Mike” Willys looks better than ever, and Shelley can always be found out front, helping guide Mike through the burnout and into the beams – as well as busy in the pits between rounds.

Runner Up –  Cassie Simonton

Multi-talented drag racing driver/wrench, Cassie Simonton was your Crewmember of the Year 2016 Runner-Up for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

Crewmember of the Year 2016 Nominees

  • Tinzy Aronson
  • Sarah Burgess2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year
  • Janette Thornley
  • Paige Sanchez
  • Melissa Urist
  • Judy Franklin
  • Shannon Giust
  • Cheryl Hyrn
  • Bunny Burkett
  • Kaylnn Simmons
  • Rachel Meyer
  • Jessica Mace
  • Shayne Fisher
  • Leeza Diehl
  • Kayli Barker
  • Tiffany Mills
  • Krista Elyse
  • Leeza Diehl
  • Heather Capano
  • Megan Meyer
  • Natasha Cherchuk
  • Randi Lyn Shipp
  • Kristi Shipp
  • Candace Williams

Category: Official News, Women in Racing NewsTag: Bunny Burkett, Candace Williams, Cassie Simonton, Cheryl Hyrn, Heather Capano, Janette Thornley, Jessica Mace, Judy Franklin, Kaylnn Simmons, Kristi Shipp, Leeza Diehl, Megan Meyer, Melissa Urist, Natasha Cherchuk, Paige Sanchez, Rachel Meyer, Randi Lyn Shipp, Sarah Burgess, Shannon Giust, Shayne Fisher, Shelley Molea, Tinzy Aronson, Women of the Year, Women Racing

Motorsport Team of the Year 2016

January 4, 2017 //  by Horsepower & Heels

The Female Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 category received 25 nominations and 54 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.    This category recognizes the team that contributes the most to women in motorsports.    An early front runner set the stage, but another nominee closed the gap for a 2 vote victory.

Female Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 – Randy Meyer Racing

Motorsport Team of the Year 2016Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the winner of the Women of the Year Female Motorsport Team  of the Year 2016 category – NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster Super Team, Randy Meyer Racing.    Home of Meyer Sister Racing duo Megan Meyer and Rachel Meyer, the family TAD dynasty Randy Meyer Racing began with father Randy and has now debuted rising talent in rookie daughters Megan and Rachel.    The team regularly assists other young developing drivers with licensing and TAD debuts.   

Megan Meyer completed her first full season in the TAD class for 2016, with Rachel Meyer making her TAD debut mid-season.    Both ladies are instrumental behind the scenes as well, crewing and maintaining the family business.   Rachel will make her full-season debut with a new dragster in 2017, and the team plans to continue their winning legacy in the class.

Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 Runner Up – Dream Chaser Racin’

The Harley Pro Fuel team of Janette Thornley, Dream Chaser Racin’ is your Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 Runner-Up for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 Nominees

  • 2016 Horsepower & Heels Women of the YearLarsen Motorsports
  • Elite Motorsports
  • Miss Behaving Racing
  • Hellion B Team
  • John Force Racing
  • Alexis DeJoria Racing
  • Melanie Salemi Motorsports
  • BMI Racing
  • Terri Chandler
  • Shannon Giust
  • Love Motorsports
  • Car Chix
  • Kayli Barker Racing
  • Cheryl Hryn Racing
  • Show N Tell Racing
  • Speed Sisters
  • Nancy Matter Motorsports
  • Cars Protection Plus
  • Boyce Racing
  • Sarah Burgess Racing
  • Karri Beebe Racing
  • Mad Mike Molea Racing

Category: Official News, Women in Racing NewsTag: Alexis DeJoria, Awards, BMI Racing, Boyce Racing, Car Chix, Cheryl Hryn, Dream Chaser Racin, Elite Motorsports, Hellion B Team, Janette Thornley, John Force Racing, Karri Beebe, Kayli Barker, Larsen Motorsports, Love Motorsports, Megan Meyer, Melanie Salemi, Meyer Sisters Racing, Mia Tedesco, Miss Behaving Racing, Nancy Matter, Rachel Meyer, Sarah Burgess, Shannon Giust, Shelley Molea, Show N Tell Racing, Speed Sisters, Terri Chandler, Women of the Year, Women Racing

Megan Meyer Rookie Year-End Recap

November 26, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Determination Unmatched.

Meyer captures another runner upFor most, a rookie season is a year filled with learning experiences and getting comfortable in a new class and racing environment.   But not for NHRA Top Alcohol driver, Megan Meyer – who set her eyes on the goal of a championship in her first year.   The young protege daughter of TAD racing dynasty Randy Meyer Racing, Megan began her first full season behind the wheel of the Racer’s Evolved A/Fuel Dragster in March, catapulting herself to a spectacular rookie season filled with plenty of exciting achievements.   

Megan Meyer Rookie Year-End Recap

Megan’s season began with the debut of beautiful new Racer’s Evolved livery at the 47th Annual NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.   She quickly took to the top of qualifying, before being bumped by Mia Tedesco into the #2 position.  Megan would soldier through the field, making it all the way to the final round at her first national event in the class.   Though she wasn’t able to score the win light, her runner up finish was a strong start to her rookie season.   She also picked up the Best Appearing Car award for the event.

Her luck would continue into her second appearance, at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series (LODRS) Division 4 South Central Region “Nitro on the Bayou” season opening event.   Her first time to race at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, LA; she got off to a slow start learning the new track surface and qualified in the No. 7 position.   But she learned quickly, and was able to navigate her Racer’s Evolved A/Fuel Dragster to another final round, finishing as runner up yet again – her second straight final round appearance and second runner-up of the year.   

Megan Meyer 5 week tourThe rookie hot streak Megan was riding continued into the 7th Annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, NC.   Qualifying again in the No. 2 position, she would march onto her third consecutive final, this time earning her first Wally after an emotional win.   She also picked up another special Wally award that morning – the second for Best Appearing Crew honors that weekend.

A semi-final finish at the 29th Annual NHRA Spring Nationals in Houston suburb of Baytown, TX was her first time outside the final round for the season, but did nothing to slow Megan’s determination.   She held strong at the No. 2 position in the national points chase entering her hometown event at Heartland Park Topeka.  

The 28th Annual NHRA Kansas Nationals marked the first time father-daughter would compete alongside one another, and although the team had their hands full fielding two cars, they kept their stride all weekend.   Megan grabbed her first career No. 1 qualifying position, and advance to yet another final round, where she earned her third runner up and fourth final round appearance of the season.  

Up next, the rookie would take on NHRA’s LODRS South Central Division at Osage Casino Tulsa Raceway Park.   Megan qualified No 5. At the event, taking the win first round before falling in round 2.   The Racer’s Evolved A/Fuel dragster earned the Best Engineered Car award for the event.

Mechanical issues at the 10th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, OH would present the first major challenge of her highly successful rookie season.  The throttle would stick on her A/Fuel Dragster, causing extensive engine damage.  The team would scramble to get her back-up engine put in the car, and ended up with a No. 4 qualifying attempt.   She would get by in round 1, but would suffer her first holeshot upset in Round 2 of eliminations.

But Megan and her Randy Meyer Racing team rebounded quickly, with a fifth final appearance and runner up finish at the Route 66 Nationals event.   She would hold strong to her No. 2 position in the points standing.

meyerShifting gears from rookie to mentor, Megan then was able to welcome her sister, Rachel’s Top Alcohol Dragster debut for their hometown regional LODRS event at Heartland Park Topeka – their first time competing together in Top Alcohol Dragster.   Both ladies qualified well, with Rachel taking the No. 1 qualified position at her debut event, and Megan taking the No 3 position.   But both ladies made early exits in the first round after encountering tire shake.  This marked Megan’s first time losing in the opening round of eliminations all season.

Megan and Rachel again teamed up for the NHRA LODRS North Central Division event in St. Louis.  This time, they swapped qualifying performances, with Megan taking the No. 1 position and Rachel coming in at No. 3.   Both ladies took turns resetting the track record for the Top Alcohol Dragster class, and along with Mia Tedesco, the ladies held the top three qualified positions, as well as commanding eliminations.   Megan and Mia would battle it out in an all-female final round, with Megan ending up with the runner-up finish.   Megan recorded her second career No. 1 qualifier, her fifth final round appearance and fourth runner-up of the season.

The marathon stretch for Megan and the rest of the Randy Meyer Racing team continued onto Brainerd, MN for the 35th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.   There, Meyer would again capture her third No. 1 qualifier of the season.  She would run a new career best in round 1 and round 2 of eliminations with a 5.178 second,  278 mph performance.  This bested Mia Tedesco’s previous record of the quickest female in the sportsman contingent.   She exited in the semi finals after massive tire shake, which would be the catalyst that set off a mechanical downturn that left the Randy Meyer Racing team struggling with performance issues for several races.

13262655_10154309533241758_314448387_oThe excitement and marathon of activities surrounding the Big GO – NHRA’s hallowed 62nd annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals event in Indianapolis, IN can be overwhelming and grueling on even the most seasoned racers.  With a full schedule of media appearances and the week-long racing schedule of NHRA’s most prestigious event, Megan had her eyes on adding a coveted Indy win to her rookie season.   She qualified right in the middle of the pack at the No. 7 position.  But first round exit for Meyer put a damper on the weekend.   

“We were all disappointed to go out in the first round of the U.S. Nationals. There was a tremendous amount of tough competition at the event, and unfortunately we couldn’t get a lucky break to get the win.”

Recouped from the grueling 5 week tour on the road, the 9th Annual NHRA Carolina Nationals gave Megan a chance to return to the site of her first victory, hoping for a repeat trip to the winner’s circle.   She qualified strong, at the No. 3 position, and would take the win in round one, but would fall in the second round.

But it was the final race of the season that left the young rookie heartbroken.   The 31st Annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals was the last chance for Megan to push her Racer’s Evolved A/F Dragster into the winner’s circle, and a critical race in holding her position in points standings.   But it wasn’t meant to be, as Megan experienced the heartbreak of a DNF – failing to qualify for the event and being forced to the sidelines.  This unfortunate incident ended up pushing her back to the #4 finish nationally and the #2 position regionally.

“Looking back at the successful year that we had, it was very heartbreaking for all of us to end our season by not qualifying for our last race of the year. Dallas was one of the races that I really wanted to win, and I knew that we had the race car that could compete in the quickest field of Top Alcohol Dragster, but we just could not repeat the same numbers as earlier this year. We believe that we have lost power due to a number of things that we cannot control throughout the year. These race cars go through tremendous tire smoke and shake that can really wear out parts fast, and forcing them to constantly run in the 5.20’s can do a lot of damage. I think our tires, clutch, motors, and the car have all experienced a lot this year, and it’s time that we refresh everything.”

“I am very hungry for another win, and I was a little disappointed that I made it to 6 final rounds this year but only came out on top once. I have an amazing and talented group of guys that work with us all year long, and with new sponsorship coming next year, as well as my sister coming on board as a full-time driver, we will be stronger than ever.”

Meyer is currently nominated for the honors of Division 5 Pro-Sportsman Driver of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and the Randy Meyer Racing team collectively up for Tuner of the Year.  Each is a fan vote based award.   Fans can place their votes at:  https://form.jotform.com/52785826085972.  Voting ends Dec 2nd.

2017 and Beyond

Though she has aspirations for a professional career in Top Fuel, Megan Meyer says for now, she has unfinished business in the Top Alcohol Dragster class, and intends to compete for the championship again in 2017.   Proudly wearing the No. 4 designation on her dragster for the 2016, she has her eyes set on the championship in 2017 and is ready for the challenge of her sophomore season.     Though her primary sponsor, Racer’s Evolved will not return in 2017, she is confident that a new partner will join the successful driver on her planned 17 race 2017 schedule.    For now, the offseason gives the Randy Meyer Racing crew the opportunity to rebuild and renew equipment that saw plenty of action – and wear – over the course of their busy season.  It also allows a very savvy and business minded Megan the chance to secure a new title sponsor to join along in the ride.

Rachel Meyer will join Megan on the tour full-time after her college graduation with a degree in Mechanical Engineer in May.   The team will unveil a brand new dragster from Copeland Race Cars for Rachel’s 2017 debut at the NHRA Topeka Nationals.  

Randy Meyer Racing will continue their “Rent-A-Ride” Program, welcoming rookie Justin Ashley (son of former Top Fuel and Funny Car driver Mike Ashley) to the team and allowing Megan to again step in as mentor for another young aspiring driver.   

One thing is certain, the Meyer sisters and the rest of the Randy Meyer Racing team will be a formidable presence yet again in the Top Alcohol Dragster class.   We wish them all the best of luck in 2017!

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Drag Racing, Megan Meyer, Mia Tedesco, NHRA, Rachel Meyer, TAD, Women Racing

Rachel Meyer moves up to TAD

July 21, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Rachel Meyer moves up to TADShe’s grown up all her life around the sport of Drag Racing, born into the very successful Meyer Racing family dynasty, traveling the country in support of multiple championships in the Top Alcohol Dragster category.   But now, the twenty-one year-old Spring Hill, KS is ready to embark on the next stage in her racing career.  Rachel Meyer moves up to TAD for the upcoming Kansas regional event.   Meyer follows her sister, Megan Meyer, the rookie sensation currently sitting No. 2 in the national TAD points series, and her multiple championship veteran father Randy Meyer into the Top Alcohol Dragster Ranks.

Rachel Meyer | Starting Out

Rachel Meyer has grown up immersed in drag racing from birth.   Her father, legendary TAD driver Randy Meyer, has been racing competitively for over 30 years.   Her earliest memories included Friday and Saturday night family outings at their home track, Kansas City International Dragway.

When Rachel became old enough at age 8, she was given the opportunity to enter the Junior Dragster program, racing there until she turned 18.  She finished in the top ten almost every year in the Junior Dragster program.  Her best finish came in 2007, when she finished No. 5 in the KCIR points chase.

“I started in the Jr dragster level running 12.90 seconds at around 45 miles per hour. My dad explained what to do for the most part and I taught myself when the right time to leave the starting line was and how to wheel race.”

Rachel Meyer in Super Comp DragsterAt 17 years old, she moved up to a Super Comp. She would drive a 1999 Undercover dragster with a 565 cubic inch, Stinnett built motor. There, she finished a best of No. 18 in the overall Division 5 points chase in 2014, and won her first Super Pro race in 2015 at MoKan.

 “As soon as I turned 16, I knew I was ready to go faster. The rush of going 170 mph in 7.90 seconds is amazing and I am ready to go even faster.”

The young go-getter is ready to take the next step, adding that she is proud of the progress that she has made and looks forward to surprising more fans and competitors whom she adds are “shocked that I drive the cars especially because of how fast they go.”

“One time, at Topeka divisional my fist year racing the super comp, when I went to suit up, the guy I was racing just looked at me and chuckled then got in his car, but I ended up beating him anyways.”

Rachel Meyer Moves Up to TAD

Rachel Meyer moves up to TADThis past weekend, Rachel Meyer made the jump up to her father’s Top Alcohol Dragster entry, making her required licensing passes to earn her NHRA competition endorsement for TAD.  The move was a big jump for the busy college student, who in addition to taking summer classes also works full time.   She had made two preliminary test passes two years ago, but a full schedule prevented her from completing the required testing until now.

“We have tried all year for me to get my license, and most of the nationals we went to this year did not test on Monday after the race, so this was the first and only chance we had for me to test all year.”

Rachel Meyer moves up to TADFor Rachel to be eligible to complete in the upcoming event for the LODRS Regional series at Heartland Park Topeka, Meyer would have to first satisfy all of the NHRA licensing requirements in her father’s A/Fuel dragster.  But Meyer took the added pressure in stride, completing 3 half-track passes on Friday, and one 1000ft pass Saturday, followed by 2 full-track runs. Her best time was 5.60 at 260 mph, the second best run was a 5.80.

“My first time in the TAD, I was scared to hit the gas honestly. I did not know how the G’s would feel pushing me back in my seat. The first half track pass, I wanted to go the full track, but I started to get ‘time zoned’ (a type of tunnel vision drivers experience at times), so I did not have full control of the car and lifted. When I finally made my first full pass, it was a thrill. Everything was just a blur going down the track but it felt so fast and was so much fun. It truly is an addiction that I don’t think I will ever get over. I just wanted to keep getting in the car and making passes.”

With both her veteran father in her corner, as well as her sister, who can relate to the recent switch herself as a rookie in the class, Rachel has great support behind her move to TAD.

“I relate better to my dad when I have questions about stuff. We are practically the same person and have the same interests. I look up to him so much and learn all of my training from him, so when ever I have questions, he is the first person I go to.”

With her licensing runs completed, Rachel Meyer moves up to TAD for her debut at the LODRS Central Regional event July 30-31 at Heartland Park Topeka.  She will be driving her father’s A/Fuel dragster in attempts to qualify for the field, joining her sister Megan, who last year made it to the semi-finals at the event.

Rachel Meyer | Behind the Wrench

She knew after her first pass way back in the Juniors, that drag racing was not only in her blood, but would become her passion. But it wasn’t just driving that captured Rachel’s attention – her interest was sparked behind the wrenches between races from a young age as well.

“Watching people work on my dad’s dragster, I had always found it interesting and had wanted to learn how to work on it. I went outside one night when my dad was working on his car and asked if he could teach me what he was doing, ever since I have loved helping work on his motors.”

Rachel Meyer, Top Alcohol DragsterRachel spent countless hours in the shop with her father. He taught her the basics, and mentored her both on driving and working on the car. The hands-on experience would lead her to become versatile between rounds. Rachel fills in on duties where ever needed, from working on the engine, changing the clutch, helping her father with tuning, or packing the parachutes.

“When I am working on stuff (on the car),  guys like to jump in and do my job because they think I can’t handle it or because they don’t trust me and it gets annoying. If my dad trusts me enough to work on his stuff, then other people should back off and let me do my thing.”

Adding to the hands-on knowledge taught to her by her father, Rachel also attends Pittsburg State University.  She is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, with an emphasis in design while minoring in Business Administration.   Being a woman in a male dominated field (Engineering) can be challenging at times for Meyer, who says that “most people think you are a joke until you prove or show them that you are serious about this and you can handle it.”   But 13 years of experience along side a multi-championship winning team, and her own driving prowess navigating the male-dominated world of Drag Racing makes her well-adapted to the challenge.  She isn’t scared to get in and get dirty, turning wrenches and being hands-on with the racecars, believing it also helps her ultimately  become a better driver.

“It has helped me learn about the car and why it might react the way it does sometimes and it will help prepare me as a driver, because if I feel something happen as I’m driving down the track, I will have a better understanding of what happened or why it happened.”

 Rachel Meyer | The Future

Rachel Meyer moves up to TADRachel plans on completing a full season in the Top Alcohol Dragster class next season, along side her sister Megan.  The two sisters hope to take the class by storm, keeping up with the winning family legacy in TAD.  But what kind of family rivalry does that create between the two young guns?

“Megan and I have been racing each other since we raced Juniors. We are used to friendly competition and I love getting the chance to race her, no feelings are ever hurt during the race. It is just fun to go out and race your friends or family and just have a good time, whether you win or lose.”

Eventually, Rachel hopes to combine her passion for driving and the experience she has working on the car, to become a utility driver – a double threat capable of wrenching and wheeling the car.

“My future plans include me hopefully tuning my own TAD and driving it. If it gets too much to handle with tuning and driving, then I would want my sister to drive the car while I tune it. For a life-long goal, I would love if I could become a crew chief from a top fuel team or drive a top fuel dragster, or possibly do both.”

For now, Rachel Meyer moves up to TAD filled with excitement and optimism for a bright future ahead. She admits that the toughest part of the entire process has been finding time to fit in all she wants to have accomplished.

“I have had to take a lot of time out of my schedule to make time for racing and doing car displays to get my name out there. Also, I have spent endless hours out in our shop getting the cars ready and putting the motors together.”

But those sacrifices will all be worth it come Thursday TAD debut at Heartland Park Topeka.  The Meyers Sisters can be found in action at the Central Regional race with  1 qualifying run Thursday, 2 scheduled Friday, and all eliminations held Saturday.

From all of us here at Horsepower & Heels, we wish the best of luck to Rachel Meyer on what is sure to be the beginning of an exciting career in TAD!

Category: Featured, Women in Racing NewsTag: Drag Racing, Megan Meyer, NHRA, Rachel Meyer, TAD, Women Racing

Meyer captures another Runner Up

July 13, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

 Meyer captures another runner upNHRA Top Alcohol Dragster rookie sensation, Megan Meyer captures another Runner Up finish at the .   Meyer was able to navigate her Racer’s Evolved A/Fuel dragster through a tough field, to secure another runner-up finish, her fifth final round appearance of the season.    

With the Jeg’s All Star event activities being hosted in Chicago, Meyer and her Randy Meyer Racing team had their hands full with a double race extended schedule that included her father/mentor, Randy competing in the All Star Challenge.   

“We had our hands full all weekend at the Route 66 Nationals with running two cars, and two races,” Meyer stated on the busy weekend. “Coming off of a 2nd round finish at my last National event in Norwalk, I was excited to get back in the car and go a few more rounds.”

 In qualifying, Megan Meyer would post a  5.501 second at 263.87 mph pass, good enough for a spot in the top half of the field for the opening session.  Round two, she would improve significantly, running a 5.288 second, 271.95 mph pass that would shoot her to the No. 2 spot at the close of the second session.  In the third and final round, Megan would post her quickest qualifying pass of the weekend,  with her 5.279 second, 274.61 mph performance earning the No. 5 final qualifying spot entering eliminations.

Meanwhile, Megan’s dad – racing teammate and mentor, Randy Meyer, was able to snag the No. 8 position in the Jeg’s All Star Challenge.  He would advance to the the semi-finals before exiting.

Sunday Eliminations

meyerTypically, the Top Alcohol Dragster opening round of eliminations takes place on Saturday evenings during the National events, but with the added All Star program, Race Day eliminations for the class would take place all on Sunday.    This placed added stress on the Randy Meyer Racing team, who had 40 minutes between rounds to service both cars.

“Having first round on Sunday morning was a different schedule for us, but it proved to be a fun-filled day for our team. We were very limited on time between rounds with only 40 minutes, and we were fortunate to not have to do any major repairs. With the great group of guys that we have on our team, we were able to power through the tear-downs and make all necessary tuning adjustments, and still had a very consistent car to win.”

No. 5 qualified Megan Meyer paired against No. 12 Wayne Butler for the opening round of eliminations, marking the first time the two would meet in competition.   Though Butler would post his quickest pass of the weekend, it was not enough to hold off Meyer, who left first and never trailed for the win, running 5.300 seconds, at 266.58 mph.   She would earn lane choice entering round two against No. 4 qualified Rich McPhillips.

McPhillips would snag a slight starting line advantage over Meyer in round two, but the Racer’s Evolved dragster was able to make up the difference in the first 60’, charging onto the win with a 5.287/273.72 mph performance to McPhillip’s losing 5.380/271.84 mph effort.

Megan Meyer Mia TedescoHer deadly consistency would carry into round three as she faced No. 1 qualified, Mia Tedesco.    The TAD Ladies match-up marked the first time the two would meet in eliminations, and it would be Tedesco who would take the starting line advantage.   But Megan covered the distance quickly, and thundered on to take the win, 5.308/272.61 mph to Tedesco’s 5.407/276.41 mph effort.    

Meyer Captures another Runner Up

Meyer would carry the advantage of lane choice entering her fifth final round of the year against No. 6 qualified Joey Severance.   The two had only met once previously – in the finals of the NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka; where Meyer took home the runner-up trophy.    She was ready to avenge that loss in this final, but would run an off-paced 5.397/ 272.34 mph pass, leaving Severance his 13th career National event win and Meyer captures another Runner Up finish to add to her impressive rookie season.

“This was the second time that I have faced Joey in the final round, and so far he has been the better car. Joey and the Severance family have a great record so far for the 2016 season and they have always been the one to beat. We tried our best in the final round, but had a hole out early and could not get enough speed to pass him for the win.”

Meyer leaves the event in second place for the Lucas Oil National points series, two points above Rich McPhillips and 116 below Joey Severance. She still retains her No. 2 position in the Regional series behind Gord Gingles.

Next Event: Sisterly Debut?

Megan Meyer and her Randy Meyer Racing team will return home for the Regional event at Heartland Park Topeka on July 28-30th.   A rumored Top Alcohol Dragster debut by Megan’s sister, Rachel Meyer, is expected should she be able to earn her TAD license within the two weeks before the race.   Rachel Meyer will drive the Randy Meyer Racing Dragster typically driven by her father, Randy, and the Regional event would be her first Top Alcohol Dragster event debut.  

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Drag Racing, Megan Meyer, Mia Tedesco, NHRA, Rachel Meyer, TAD, Women Racing

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