Courtney just the tip of the iceberg

Brittany and Courtney

Last Sunday the 100th pro win by a woman racing in NHRA was recorded at the Kansas Nationals,when Courtney Force beat Cruz Pedregon in the funny car finals. Both Courtney and sister Brittany qualified #1 in their classes, also a first.

Even though Courtney had some difficulties at the starting line, she did manage to stay calm and proceeded to outrun Cruz to the 1,000 ft mark. And boy, from all the siblings, she looks the most like her father John. Gives an interview like him too. To see for yourself, click here.

Though Courtney's win is important, I'd like to put it in the proper perspective for there are many who came before her who traveled a much tougher road to get to a win. Let alone a couple.

Below you will find those on who's shoulders Courtney stood last Sunday:

SHIRLEY MULDOWNEY, 3 time NHRA Top Fuel champion (1977,1980 and 1982) and an American pioneer is professional auto racing. She won a total of 18 NHRA National events. Click here for the Biography Channel video on Shirley.

Angelle Sampey

ANGELLE SAMPEY, 3 time NHRA Pro Stock bike champion (2000-2002) and 45 top-qualifiers and 41 event victories (all NHRA). Also, Angelle is considered the winning-est female in professional motorsports history.

ERICA ENDERS STEVENS: 8 NHRA Pro Stock wins and 6 top-qualifiers.

KAREN STOFFER: 6 NHRA Pro Stock bike wins and 2 top-qualifiers.

MELANIE TROXEL: 4 NHRA Top Fuel wins, 1 NHRA Funny car win in Funny car , and a handful of top-qualifier positions.

ASHLEY FORCE HOOD: 2 NHRA Funny car wins and 5 top-qualifiers.

There are more female winners in the pro categories in NHRA but I just highlighted the most famous ones. For more on women in drag racing on FulTrot, click here and here for NHRA latest video on this milestone through the eyes of Leah Pruet.

Thanks for reading.

Source: Wikipedia, NHRA.
Video credit: NHRA, Biography (people).