Susan Wade
Drag racing // Seattle, Washington
Susan's Socials:
Susan Wade spent over four decades chronicling drag racing as one of motorsport’s most respected journalists, becoming the first non-NASCAR recipient of the Russ Catlin Award.
Susan's Sponsors:
CHAT & RACER CALENDAR COMING
NEWS:
GRRL! Weekly Top-10 Newsletter
SubscribeSOCIALS:
VIDEOS:
FULL BIO: Susan Wade
Susan Wade has spent over four decades chronicling the grit and glory of drag racing as one of motorsport’s most respected journalists, earning recognition as the first non-NASCAR recipient of the prestigious Russ Catlin Award for her human-interest storytelling.
EARLY YEARS
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana—a city where motorsports runs through the veins of its residents—Susan grew up surrounded by racing culture. The Indianapolis native’s connection to motorsports seems almost predestined, though specific details about her birthdate and early exposure to racing remain part of her private story. What’s clear is that the racing capital of America left its mark, setting the stage for a career that would span nearly half a century in motorsports journalism.
OTHER INTERESTS
While Susan’s professional life revolves around the track, she keeps her personal interests and hobbies largely out of the spotlight, preferring to let her work speak for itself.
EARLY SUCCESS
Susan’s journey into motorsports journalism began with major publications including the Chicago Tribune and Newark Star-Ledger, where she honed her craft covering sports. Her transition into specialized drag racing coverage marked the beginning of what would become a legendary career in motorsports media. The Seattle area became her home base for over 40 years, providing a unique perspective as a West Coast voice in a sport with deep Midwest and Southern roots. Her ability to find the human stories within the mechanical mayhem of drag racing quickly set her apart from typical race reporters.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- First non-NASCAR recipient of the prestigious Russ Catlin Award for motorsports journalism excellence.
- 2016: Began freelance contributions to Autoweek magazine, bringing drag racing stories to a broader motorsports audience.
- Nearly 30 seasons covering drag racing at the track level, establishing herself as one of the leading drag racing journalists.
- Over 40 years of sports writing experience with specialization in motorsports coverage.
- Coverage published in major outlets including Chicago Tribune, Newark Star-Ledger, and Seattle Times.
INSPIRATIONS
Susan’s inspiration appears to stem from the city that raised her—Indianapolis, where racing isn’t just a sport but a way of life. The phrase “motorsports is in her DNA” suggests a deep, almost cellular connection to the racing world that goes beyond professional obligation.
REPUTATION
In an industry where technical specifications and lap times often dominate coverage, Susan carved out her niche by focusing on the human-interest angle of drag racing. Her approach brings personality and emotional depth to a sport that can seem intimidatingly mechanical to outsiders. The Russ Catlin Award recognition—particularly significant as the first non-NASCAR recipient—speaks to her ability to elevate motorsports journalism beyond traditional boundaries. Fellow journalists and racing insiders regard her as a leading voice in drag racing media, someone who understands that the real stories happen in the pits and paddocks, not just on the starting line. Her long tenure covering the NHRA series has made her a trusted chronicler of the sport’s evolution and its characters.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Susan continues her dual role as freelance contributor for Autoweek and crew chief at Thoughts Racing, showing no signs of slowing down. Her ongoing involvement suggests she’s far from ready to hang up her press credentials or step away from the starting line. At Thoughts Racing, she brings her decades of track knowledge to a hands-on role, proving that her expertise extends beyond the written word into the mechanical realities of racing competition.
References:
Autoweek Contributor Profile
SpeedSport Articles
Thoughts Racing About Us
Competition Plus Team Feature
Have Susan updates or corrections? Please let us know – We’d love to keep this profile current.
