The current season of the American Drag Racing Championship keeps moving along. Another round was held in Kansas. Courtney Force became the central character of these competitions — she raced to the 100th victory by a female driver in NHRA history.
The daughter of the legendary John Force was one step away from success during the previous event in Atlanta, however, she was defeated by Robert Hight in the finals. The charming 25-year-old blond driver was so upset that she couldn’t hold back her tears!
But it all worked out in a different way in Topeka. The dragster was in excellent condition and Force showed fastest time in qualifying, occasionally breaking a Funny Car track record at Heartland Park. Then she had a confident way up to the finals and did not miss her chance for a victory this time, defeating Cruz Pedregon in the final duel.
It became Force’s second victory of the season and fourth of her career. She is among 14 women who have ever won in NHRA. But it was Courtney who brought female drivers their historic 100th victory.
In 1976 Shirley Muldowney was the first female driver to win in the top league of the American drag racing — she had her first career victory in Top Fuel in Columbus. Later new names were added to the list of NHRA victories by female drivers — Lucille Lee, Lori Johns, Shelly Anderson, Angelle Sampey (claimed 41 career wins, which is a record among female drivers), Cristen Powell, Karen Stoffer, Melanie Troxel, Peggy Llewellyn, Ashley Force (Courtney’s elder sister), Hillary Will, Erica Enders-Stevens, Alexis DeJoria, and Courtney Force.
Another woman could have joined this company — Courtney’s sister Brittany, who is in her second season in Top Fuel. During this event she managed to qualify first (by the way, for the first time in NHRA history two female drivers raced to No. 1 qualifying positions within one day) and then reached the finals but was defeated by Spencer Massey who celebrated victory in his second consecutive Top Fuel event this season. However, taking into account Brittany’s progress, she might start winning quite soon.
Only in Pro Stock class there were no women in the finals. This time Erica Enders-Stevens, who is obviously doing her best to clinch the 2014 title, reached semifinals only. The final duel was held between Allen Johnson and the defending champion Jeg Coughlin. In the end, Johnson raced to victory. Nevertheless, Erica is still leading in Pro Stock overall standings.
Doug Kalitta is heading Top Fuel standings, while the leader in Funny Car class is Robert Hight, who managed to win four out of eight events this season. Next NHRA round will be held this weekend in Englishtown.