Courtney Enders carved her own lane in drag racing—not just as the younger sister of six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Erica Enders, but as a multi-talented force who’s gone from junior dragster driver to media maven, pit reporter, and team operations manager who keeps one of the sport’s top teams running like a well-oiled machine.

EARLY YEARS

Born November 14, 1986, in Houston, Texas, Courtney Lee Enders grew up in a household where speed wasn’t just a hobby—it was the family business. Her mother, Janet Lee (Knizner) Enders, hailed from Youngwood, Pennsylvania, and her father, Gregg Enders, made a pivotal decision that would change the trajectory of both his daughters’ lives: he sold his own racing equipment to buy junior dragsters for Erica and Courtney. It was the ultimate dad move—sacrificing his own dreams so his girls could chase theirs.

Starting at age nine, Courtney hit the track in the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League, racking up an impressive 37 wins over eight years of competition. But unlike her older sister, who would go on to become one of the winningest women in motorsports history, Courtney’s path took some twists and turns that would prove just as compelling.

OTHER INTERESTS

While drag racing was in her blood, Courtney wasn’t content to be one-dimensional. She became a powerhouse athlete in her own right, earning four national championships in gymnastics and establishing herself as an all-state volleyball player at Cy-Springs High School with an impressive 29-inch vertical leap—at just 5-foot-7. That kind of athleticism doesn’t happen by accident; it takes dedication, discipline, and the same competitive fire that fueled her racing career.

Her love of fitness didn’t end when high school did. Courtney went on to become a certified personal trainer, eventually co-founding PUSH Fitness, where she offered group training, boot camps, and kids’ programs. She also coached club volleyball for over five years, handling speed and agility training for players. During her time at Texas A&M, where she studied business and marketing, she continued to balance multiple passions—a skill that would serve her well in the years to come.

EARLY SUCCESS

Courtney’s junior dragster career was nothing to sneeze at. Those 37 wins put her on the map as a serious competitor, and she was named Jr. Dragster Driver of the Year—a title that recognized not just her skill behind the wheel but her consistency and professionalism. She transitioned into NHRA Super Stock racing as she matured, proving she could hold her own in a sport where women were still fighting for every inch of respect.

But here’s where Courtney’s story gets interesting: she didn’t follow the traditional trajectory. While many racers spend their entire lives trying to climb to the top tier of competition, she began to realize her talents extended beyond the driver’s seat. Her natural charisma, deep knowledge of the sport, and ability to connect with people opened doors in other directions.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 1995-2003: Earned 37 wins in the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League and was named Jr. Dragster Driver of the Year[1].
• 2003: Her story (alongside sister Erica) was portrayed in the Disney Channel Original Movie “Right on Track”—a film that introduced a generation of young girls to drag racing[2].
• 2020s: Transitioned into media and team operations, becoming a key figure at Elite Motorsports, where she manages crew and personnel[3].
• 2025: Named an announcer for NHRA TV, covering both the Mission Foods and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series[4].
• 2025: Joined FloRacing as a journalist and pit reporter, expanding the platform’s drag racing coverage[5].

INSPIRATIONS

It’s impossible to talk about Courtney without talking about Erica. The two sisters share more than just a last name and a Disney movie—they’re best friends who have each other’s backs in an industry that can be brutal to women. “My sister is my best friend,” Courtney has said, and it shows. The Enders sisters are living proof that you don’t have to compete with other women to succeed; sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is lift each other up.

Their father’s sacrifice also looms large in both their stories. Gregg Enders didn’t just buy them cars—he showed them that their dreams were worth investing in. That kind of support, especially in a male-dominated sport, gave both sisters the confidence to believe they belonged on the track, in the pits, and eventually, in front of the camera.

REPUTATION

Courtney has built a reputation as one of the most versatile figures in drag racing. She’s not just famous for being Erica’s sister—though that connection certainly opened doors. She’s earned respect for her infectious enthusiasm, her deep technical knowledge, and her ability to wear multiple hats without dropping any of them. Whether she’s managing Elite Motorsports’ operations, reporting from the pits for FloRacing, or calling races for NHRA TV, she brings the same energy and professionalism.

Her path has been anything but linear, and that’s exactly what makes her so compelling. From junior dragster racer to fitness entrepreneur to media personality and team manager, Courtney has proven that success in motorsports doesn’t have to look one specific way. She’s a master at adapting, finding new ways to stay in the game she loves, and carving out space for herself in an industry that doesn’t always make it easy for women to thrive.

“In order to have a successful racing business and racing industry, we got to stay alive. Make sure you take care of yourself,” she’s advised—a philosophy that reflects her holistic approach to life and career. It’s not just about winning races; it’s about building a sustainable, fulfilling presence in the sport.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

As of 2025, Courtney shows no signs of slowing down. She’s continuing her role managing crew and personnel at Elite Motorsports, ensuring that one of NHRA’s top Pro Stock teams runs smoothly behind the scenes. Her work with NHRA TV and FloRacing is expanding the reach of drag racing coverage, bringing insider perspectives and authentic storytelling to fans who crave more than just race results.

“I want to continue to climb,” she’s said, and with her track record, that’s not an empty promise. Whether she’s interviewing her own sister on camera (talk about a unique challenge), breaking news about major team changes, or helping orchestrate race day operations, Courtney is building a legacy that proves you can have it all—you just might have to create your own definition of what “all” means.

Her personal life also revolves around the sport, with boyfriend Spencer Hyde involved in racing as well. “What personal life?” she jokes. “I am lucky to have my personal life also revolve around drag racing. My sister is my best friend. Team Elite is my family. My boyfriend, Spencer Hyde, is involved in the sport as well. What else does a girl need?”

REFERENCES

[1] Courtney Enders – Wikipedia
[2] Right on Track – Wikipedia
[3] Vice President Announced for Elite Motorsports
[4] NHRA Announcers: Meet the Voices of the 2025 NHRA Season
[5] Movers & Shakers: DI #182 World Series Of Pro Mod Issue
[6] Women of Power 2025: Courtney Enders Is Stepping Into Her Own
[7] Remember ‘Right on Track?’ The Enders Sisters Are Still Formidable – ESPN
[8] The Need for Speed – The Battalion
[9] Courtney Enders Discusses Her Multifaceted Career in Drag Racing on The Racing Business Podcast
[10] Courtney Enders – Age, Bio, Family | Famous Birthdays
[11] Courtney Enders: NHRA TV’s Newest Star – YouTube
[12] Speed Queens: The Enders Sisters Story | FULL FILM From FloRacing – YouTube