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Karen Stalba is a New Jersey-based Top Alcohol Dragster pilot, 2011 NHRA Northeast Division champion, and two-time national event finalist who routinely pushes her 280-mph machine to the edge while balancing life as a racer, business owner, wife, and mother in one of drag racing’s most demanding classes.

EARLY YEARS

Karen began her racing journey driving the Tom Jones NIC Motorsports dragster, earning her wings in Top Alcohol Dragster before she and her husband Tom Stalba—himself an NHRA standout and eight-time Division 1 champion in Super Gas and Super Comp—decided to build their own program. Tom, a nine-time national event winner, brought serious racing pedigree to the partnership, and together they established Stalba Motorsports as a family operation[1][2]. Karen’s parents, Tom and Margaret Benkovich, became integral to the team from the beginning, providing both emotional and logistical support as she navigated the male-dominated world of alcohol drag racing[3].

OTHER INTERESTS

Racing takes a back seat when family calls. Karen and Tom have two children—Paul and Emily—both accomplished Jr. Drag Racers who’ve inherited their parents’ love of speed[4]. When Karen became pregnant, she made the decision to step away from driving 260-mph dragsters, because, as she put it, expectant mothers rarely if ever pilot those machines[5]. She took several years off between 2018 and 2020 to focus on raising her kids and managing the family’s business, AA Auto Salvage, based in Hammonton, New Jersey[6][7]. The hiatus wasn’t easy for someone wired to compete, but Karen’s priorities were clear: family first, racing when the time was right.

EARLY SUCCESS

In 2010, Stalba Motorsports went all-in, purchasing the dormant Top Fuel Alcohol Dragster operation from Top Fuel racer Morgan Lucas[8]. The investment paid off quickly. By 2011, Karen had secured the NHRA Northeast Division Top Alcohol Dragster championship, a crowning achievement that validated the family’s commitment and her skill behind the wheel[9]. She also became a two-time national event finalist, finishing as runner-up at Atlanta Dragway in Top Alcohol Dragster—first to Rich McPhillips in 2005, then to Ashley Force (now Hood) in 2006[10]. Her husband Tom also won his first national event at Atlanta in Super Gas in 2001, making the Georgia facility a special place for the Stalba family[11].

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2005: Runner-up finish at Atlanta Dragway to Rich McPhillips in Top Alcohol Dragster[10].
• 2006: Runner-up finish at Atlanta Dragway to Ashley Force in Top Alcohol Dragster[10].
• 2011: NHRA Northeast Division Top Alcohol Dragster Champion[9].
• 2020: Announced return to Top Alcohol Dragster after purchasing Josh Hart’s Fearless Racing operation[12].
• 2021: Qualified No. 1 at Charlotte with a career-best 5.172-second pass at 280 mph, securing low ET and top speed of the entire event; advanced to semifinals[13][14].
• 2021: Qualified No. 3 at Gainesville Raceway in strong form during first half of season[15].
• 2022: Winner at Division 1 Cecil County Lucas Oil event[16].
• 2023: Winner at East Region/Division 1 event in Epping, New Hampshire[17].
• 2024: Winner at third Lucas Oil East Regional at Maple Grove Raceway, getting season back on track[18].
• 2025: Currently ranked second in NHRA East Region standings with 117 points[19].

INSPIRATIONS

Karen credits her parents, Tom and Margaret Benkovich, along with crew members Erick and Donna Cindrich, for making her racing career possible[20]. The tight-knit crew—just five people including Karen—handles everything from tuning to logistics, a testament to their dedication and efficiency. Her husband Tom’s success and expertise provided both inspiration and a roadmap for building a competitive program. The decision to step away and return to racing also reflects the influence of her children, whose own burgeoning racing careers reminded her why she fell in love with the sport in the first place[21].

REPUTATION

Karen has built a reputation as a driver who shows up ready to compete, consistently qualifying well and racing deep into eliminations. Her four low qualifier awards and multiple final-round appearances speak to both her driving talent and the strength of her team, led by crew chiefs “Mean” Gene Gallant and Bob Smullen[22]. She’s known for her grit and consistency—after a career break, she immediately returned to form in 2021, running a blistering 5.172 at 280 mph and proving she hadn’t lost a step[23]. Competitors respect her for balancing a demanding racing schedule with business ownership and family life, and for doing it all without excuses. Her presence in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks has helped elevate the profile of women in one of NHRA’s most competitive classes[24].

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Karen is currently competing in the 2025 NHRA East Region series, sitting second in the standings with 117 points as the season progresses[19]. With backing from AA Auto Salvage, Lucas Oil Products, JKR Racing Products, Simpson, VP Fuels, NGK Spark Plugs, and Mahle Motorsports North America, she’s positioned for a strong run at another regional championship[25]. Plans call for a full 14-race season of national and regional events, with her sights set on returning to the winner’s circle at a national event and continuing to rack up divisional wins[26]. As her children Paul and Emily continue their own racing careers, Karen is proving that you can have it all—just not all at once, and definitely not without a hell of a support system.

REFERENCES

[1] Karen Stalba NHRA Northeast Division Top Alcohol Dragster Champ – Northeast Drag Review
[2] Karen Stalba set for Top Alcohol Dragster return after purchase of Hart Racing operation – NHRA
[3] Karen Stalba NHRA Northeast Division Top Alcohol Dragster Champ – Northeast Drag Review
[4] Paul Stalba: Jr DragChamp Racer Spotlight – DragChamp
[5] Karen Stalba NHRA Northeast Division Top Alcohol Dragster Champ – Northeast Drag Review
[6] Karen Stalba Keeping a Quick Pace – Drag Race Central
[7] AA Auto Salvage – ZoomInfo
[8] Karen Stalba NHRA Northeast Division Top Alcohol Dragster Champ – Northeast Drag Review
[9] Karen Stalba NHRA Northeast Division Top Alcohol Dragster Champ – Northeast Drag Review
[10] Karen Stalba Keeping a Quick Pace – Drag Race Central
[11] Karen Stalba Keeping a Quick Pace – Drag Race Central
[12] Karen Stalba is returning to TAD in 2021 with a new ride – Capital Sports Report
[13] Karen Stalba buckling in for brimming second half of exceptional season – NHRA
[14] Karen Stalba Keeping a Quick Pace – Drag Race Central
[15] Karen Stalba buckling in for brimming second half of exceptional season – NHRA
[16] Stalba, Cox, Mayers lead winners at Division 1 Cecil County – NHRA
[17] Stalba, Morris top winners list at East Region/Division 1 event in New England – NHRA
[18] Stalba, Beverett, and Szupka Take Top Titles at NHRA Division One Lucas Oil Race at Maple Grove – Drag Racing Action Online
[19] 2025 East Region Standings – NHRA
[20] Karen Stalba NHRA Northeast Division Top Alcohol Dragster Champ – Northeast Drag Review
[21] Karen Stalba – InsideTopAlcohol
[22] Drag Racers Bulletin – WinLight News
[23] Karen Stalba buckling in for brimming second half of exceptional season – NHRA
[24] DI Roundtable: Women of NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster – Drag Illustrated
[25] Karen Stalba set for Top Alcohol Dragster return after purchase of Hart Racing operation – NHRA
[26] Karen Stalba set for Top Alcohol Dragster return after purchase of Hart Racing operation – NHRA