NHRA Sensation Julie Nataas Dominates Funny Car Scene Amid Funding Pursuit
Julie Nataas, the reigning 2023 NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster world champion, has shattered barriers once again by successfully completing all the necessary requirements to secure a Funny Car license. This remarkable feat was achieved during a rigorous test session at the prestigious Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway, solidifying Nataas as a force to be reckoned with in the drag racing world.
After obtaining her Top Fuel license last summer, Nataas set her sights on conquering the realm of Nitro Funny Car racing, embarking on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. The 26-year-old Norwegian racer showcased her skills in Gainesville, where she competed in the highly competitive Alcohol Funny Car category at both the Gatornationals and the Arizona Nationals in Phoenix. Despite facing setbacks during her runs in Arizona, including dropping a cylinder and clipping a timing block, Nataas remained undeterred in her pursuit of excellence.
Nataas’s unwavering determination and relentless dedication bore fruit during a recent testing session at the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway, where she clocked an impressive 3.96 at 315 mph. This stellar performance not only met but exceeded the stringent requirements for her inclusion among the elite group of female nitro Funny Car pilots, marking a significant milestone in her career.
In a statement following the testing, Nataas expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and the invaluable support she received from fellow drivers and her team. She emphasized the challenges posed by Funny Cars and acknowledged the need for patience and trust in the process, highlighting the sheer intensity and complexity of handling these high-powered vehicles.
Looking ahead, the next phase of Nataas’s journey entails securing the necessary funding to hit the track and make her much-anticipated Funny Car debut this season. With her passion for Funny Cars driving her ambition, Nataas is poised to leave a lasting impact on the sport and continue her family’s racing legacy as a third-generation driver, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather.
As Nataas prepares to carve out her place among the racing greats, the drag racing community eagerly anticipates her upcoming races and the electrifying performances she is bound to deliver on the track. With the support of seasoned professionals like J.R. Todd, Blake Alexander, Austin Prock, and Del Worsham, Nataas is primed to soar to new heights and etch her name in the annals of NHRA history.