curated by GRRL! updated: January 28, 2026

Bio Excerpt: Madison Payne is a third-generation Top Alcohol Dragster racer who announced her arrival by defeating Tony Stewart in her first national event final round in 2022. The Southern California native comes from drag racing royalty—her grandfather Brad Anderson won the 1984 U.S. Nationals, her mother Shelly... (full bio below ↓↓)

Madison Payne

Drag racer

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Madison's Socials:

Vegas was my proudest moment – not because it was Tony Stewart, but because the week before I’d been to the final in Dallas and come up short… It was only my second national event final, so to be able to win that race instilled a lot of confidence in me that in those high-pressure situations, I wasn’t going to choke…

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Madison's Details:

nickname:

Birthday:

Unknown

Birthplace:

Southern California

racing type:

Drag racing

series:

team(s):

racing status:

Pro

height:

residence:

Southern California

inspiration(s):

Jay Payne, Brad Anderson, Randy Payne, Duane Shields

guilty pLEASURES:

FOLLOWING:

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GRRL! Number:

GRRL-0650

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LATEST Madison NEWS:

(3) news stories

BRITTANY FORCE Takes Vegas Top Fuel Win While ERICA ENDERS Battles in Pro Stock

November 2, 2025

BRITTANY FORCE Makes History with 19th Win, Breaks Top Fuel Record in Vegas

November 2, 2025

MADDI GORDON Gets Ron Capps’ Nod for Top Fuel Leap in 2026

April 8, 2025

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YouTube VIDS about Madison:

Exciting Interview! – NHRA dragster driver Superstar Madison Payne 🌟@madisonpayne1 | Madison Payne

January 10, 2026 / views: 42 / run: 00:01:56

Madison Payne wins Top Alcohol Dragster at NHRA Nevada Nationals | Madison Payne

November 3, 2022 / views: 2202 / run: 00:01:32

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Madison's full bio:

(last updated January 26, 2026

Madison Payne is a third-generation Top Alcohol Dragster racer from Southern California who made headlines when she defeated motorsports icon Tony Stewart in her first national event final round—and she’s been proving she belongs ever since.

EARLY YEARS

Growing up as a third-generation racer in a family that bleeds nitro, Madison’s path to the driver’s seat wasn’t exactly straightforward. Her grandfather is Brad Anderson, a 1984 U.S. Nationals Top Alcohol Funny Car winner and legendary engine builder. Her mom, Shelly Anderson, was one of the top female Top Fuel pilots of the 1990s, contributing five wins to NHRA’s professional ranks[1][2]. Her dad, Jay Payne, is a four-time Indy winner and star Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car driver[3][4].

Despite this pedigree, Madison wasn’t pushed into racing. As a child, she entered just a handful of NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League events, but they didn’t capture her attention[5]. She wanted to race, but on her own terms and in her own time. “I always wanted to do drag racing,” she said, but the timing had to be right[6].

Her younger brother, Toby, licensed in Super Comp and joined her on the track, and the two have even raced each other—Toby scored bragging rights with an 8.911 to Madison’s 8.919 in the second round of Super Comp at the 2022 NHRA Winternationals[7].

OTHER INTERESTS

Madison looked up to Ashley Force Hood her entire life—so much so that she admits she was “probably the most annoying kid.” Her mom used to babysit Ashley, which gave Madison an early front-row seat to what a woman could accomplish in drag racing[8]. Ashley wasn’t just a hero; she was proof.

EARLY SUCCESS

Madison made her Top Alcohol Dragster debut in 2021 as a rookie with Shields Racing and immediately showed she had more than just a famous last name. Under the direction of crew chief Duane Shields, she licensed and began building seat time, running a limited schedule while learning the nuances of piloting a 3,000-horsepower machine down the quarter-mile[9][10].

Her approach was deliberate and thoughtful. She didn’t rush. She learned. And when she was ready, she delivered.

In 2022, Madison had a breakout season. She finished eighth in the Top Alcohol Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series world standings and reached her first career national event final round in Dallas[11][12]. Two weeks later, at the NHRA Nevada Nationals in Las Vegas, she collected her first Top Alcohol Dragster win—defeating none other than Tony Stewart in the final round[13][14]. It was a statement victory that put the entire sport on notice.

With that win, Madison joined her father Jay, mother Shelly, grandfather Brad Anderson, and uncle Randy Anderson as a national event winner, cementing the Payne-Anderson family as one of the most dominant dynasties in alcohol racing history[15].

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

2022: First career Top Alcohol Dragster win at NHRA Nevada Nationals, defeating Tony Stewart in the final round[16].
2022: Finished eighth in Top Alcohol Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series world standings[17].
2023: Won Top Alcohol Dragster at the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals, becoming a third-generation U.S. Nationals champion[18].
2023: Named to Drag Illustrated’s DI 30 Under 30 list[19].
2024: Won Super Comp at the NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix, showcasing her versatility across classes[20][21].
2024: Won Top Alcohol Dragster at a Division 7 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event[22].
2025: Added two wins in the early season, including a victory in Phoenix with the Muscle Milk team[23].
2025: Won at the Firebird Fall Shootout with a 5.230 at 278.40 mph[24].

INSPIRATIONS

Madison credits her family with teaching her not just how to race, but how to handle pressure, build relationships, and navigate the complicated world of professional motorsports. Her grandfather Brad Anderson’s engine shop, Brad Anderson Enterprises, has been the choice of champions for decades, and Madison has learned from him both on and off the track[25][26].

Ashley Force Hood remains a touchstone. Growing up watching her compete—and occasionally getting to be around her thanks to her mom’s babysitting duties—Madison saw what it looked like to be fast, professional, and respected in a male-dominated sport[27].

REPUTATION

Madison is known for her calm, methodical approach to racing. She doesn’t rush. She doesn’t panic. She thinks, prepares, and executes. That patience has paid off in spades, earning her respect not just as a third-generation racer riding on family coattails, but as a legitimate competitor carving out her own identity[28].

Her 2022 win over Tony Stewart at Las Vegas wasn’t a fluke—it was the result of careful preparation, trust in her team, and the guts to go head-to-head with one of the biggest names in motorsports. Her follow-up win at the 2023 U.S. Nationals proved she could handle the pressure of Indy, one of the most prestigious races in drag racing[29].

Madison races with the Muscle Milk-sponsored Shields Racing team, backed by sponsors including NGK Spark Plugs, GRP Connecting Rods, Cleanboost, and Brad Anderson Enterprises[30][31]. Her ability to attract and maintain sponsor relationships speaks to her professionalism and marketability.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Madison is continuing her momentum into 2025 with multiple wins already under her belt and strong standings in the West Region[32]. Her father has hinted that he’d love to see her move up to Top Dragster—or anything he can build parts for—but Madison is focused on her current path and doing it right[33].

She’s making a name for herself on her own terms, one pass at a time, and building a legacy that’s uniquely hers.