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ERICA ENDERS & LEAH PRUETT Prove Jr. Drag Racing Pipeline Works for Women

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February 6, 2026

GRRL! SUMMARY:

  • The 2026 NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League schedule proves the pipeline works – just look at Pro Stock world champion ERICA ENDERS and Top Fuel standout LEAH PRUETT, who both cut their teeth in these half-scale dragsters before dominating the professional ranks.
  • JASMINE SALINAS joins the impressive roster of women who’ve used Jr. Drag Racing as their launching pad into Top Fuel competition. The eight-car shootouts at national events give these young racers the same stage as the pros, complete with FS1 television coverage and diamond anniversary Wallys for winners.
  • With conference finals at Texas Motorplex and Bristol Dragway anchoring the season, we’re watching the future of women’s drag racing develop in real time. These 5-17 year olds running 85 mph in half-scale Top Fuel cars aren’t just playing around – they’re following the exact path that created our current female champions.

UPCOMING:

  • Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals – April 9-12, Pomona
  • Western Conference Finals – June 12-13, Texas Motorplex
  • Eastern Conference Finals – July 16-18, Bristol Dragway

LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:

ERICA ENDERS LEAH PRUETT JASMINE SALINAS

denso nhra sonoma nationals, jr. drag racing league, nhra pro stock, nhra top fuel

GRRL! summary based upon reporting by Official Release originally appearing on speedwaymedia.com