Summer Richardson

Summer Richardson, known as “Mrs. Swoop,” is a versatile motorsports competitor who transitioned from record-setting powerboat racing to NHRA drag racing, demonstrating remarkable skill and determination in both arenas while managing Swoop Motorsports with her husband Travis.

EARLY YEARS

Before stepping onto the dragstrip, Summer made her mark as a powerboat racer, establishing herself as one of the fastest women on water. Her natural affinity for high-speed competition was evident early on, eventually leading her to set multiple records as a solo female powerboat driver. With motorsports in her blood, she benefited from the support and expertise of her father, Don London, and her husband, Travis Richardson, both of whom would later join her racing endeavors.

EARLY SUCCESS

Summer’s powerboat racing career reached its pinnacle in 2016 when she set a world record by reaching an astonishing 185 mph in a 388 Skater powerboat[2]. As accident rates rose in boat racing, she made a strategic decision to transition to drag racing to extend her competitive career. The family created Swoop Motorsports and acquired a Super Comp operation from Chad Langdon, father of Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon. Richardson quickly adapted to four wheels, competing in Super Comp and Top Dragster classes over five seasons while developing her skills. Her natural talent for high-speed racing translated seamlessly to the dragstrip, culminating in earning her Top Alcohol Dragster license in Houston, Texas with an extraordinary first full quarter-mile run of 5.18 seconds at 272 mph—a performance that immediately signaled her potential in this elite category[1].

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2016: Set world record in powerboat racing, reaching 185 mph in a 388 Skater powerboat[2].
• 2023: Earned Top Alcohol Dragster license with a 5.18-second run at 272 mph on her first full quarter-mile attempt[1].
• 2023: Advanced to semifinals in her first national event as a Top Alcohol Dragster competitor at the Southeast Division Baby Gators at Gainesville Raceway[3].

REPUTATION

Known for her fearless approach to racing and impressive versatility across different motorsport disciplines, Summer has earned respect as a driver who can excel in multiple high-speed environments. Her quick adaptation to Top Alcohol Dragster competition, advancing to the semifinals in her very first national event despite having fewer than ten runs in the car, showcased not just raw talent but a competitor’s mindset[3][4]. Beyond her driving abilities, Richardson is recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and social media savvy, effectively promoting Swoop Motorsports while building her personal brand. Her innovative approach to sponsorship, including her partnership with OnlyFans, demonstrated her willingness to explore non-traditional avenues to fund her racing career[1][3]. This combination of driving skill, business acumen, and media presence has helped establish her reputation as a forward-thinking racer with significant potential.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Following the loss of her OnlyFans sponsorship before the 2025 season[1][2], Summer faces the challenge of securing new financial backing to continue her Top Alcohol Dragster campaign. Despite this setback, her ultimate ambition remains reaching the pinnacle of drag racing in the Top Fuel category[1][4]. She continues to actively pursue new sponsorship opportunities that would enable her return to competition at the highest levels. With her proven adaptability and determination, Richardson remains committed to overcoming these obstacles and establishing herself as a prominent female figure in motorsports, inspiring the next generation of women racers while achieving her own competitive goals.

References:

NHRA: Summer Richardson earns Top Alcohol Dragster license
Boat Racing World: Summer Richardson’s Transition to Drag Racing
Drag Racing Edge: Richardson Advances to Semifinals at Baby Gators
Racing Insider: Summer Richardson’s Top Fuel Aspirations
Motorsport Weekly: Rising Stars in NHRA Competition

(bio created: May 21, 2025)

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