Future Female Racing Stars Looking to Make it Big

While the world of Formula 1 and NHRA has long been known as a boy’s league — some of the world’s most influential racing teams have been female-led. In fact, Shirley Muldowney paved the path for countless female racers who have raced on tracks across the world.

Racing has always featured a raw talent of female competitors. There are multiple, multi-winning female racing champions who have not only crafted a great career — but also upcoming future female stars looking to make a name for themselves across the racing industry.

GFG takes a closer look at the female racers who are trying to change racing in immeasurable ways.

Female Racing Champions and Upcoming Racing Stars

Krista Baldwin

Krista Baldwin is a 28-year-old racer and the daughter of the late Top Fuel racer Bobby Baldwin. Baldwin debuted in March at the season-opening Gatornationals and posted a first-round win at the four-wide event at Charlotte. She is NHRA’s only third-generation Top Fuel Driver. Krista was named Best of Drag Illustrated Sport’s 30 Under 30.

Jessilyn Dike

Jessi ‘Outlaw’ Dike races at Colorado national speedway. After going to school to become a certified technician — Jessi now competitively races at several tracks.

Julie Nataas

Daughter of European/FIA and NHRA Top Fuel racer Thomas Nataas, Julie has collected two national event victories and four regional event wins. She earned the NHRA North Central Region championship in 2019 — the same year she was named to the Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 list. With a career-best elapsed time of 5.11 seconds, she’s the fourth quickest driver in NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster history. 

Jasmine Salinas

Jasmine Salinas, 29, one of Top Fuel racer Mike Salinas’ four daughters (and former crew member for his Scrappers Racing Dragster), is a Top Alcohol Dragster competitor who continues to absorb as much as she can both in and out of the cockpit. She currently holds licenses in both Super Comp and Top Alcohol categories.

Ashley Sanford

Sanford burst onto the pro scene on the NHRA’s biggest stage, at the U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis. Piloting a Top Fuel Dragster at speeds over 320 mph in less than four seconds takes a little bit of courage, and Ashley is unfazed.