Championship Drag Racing

Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Indianapolis, Ind.
(Sept. 1-6)

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John Smith Prestone Top Fueler

Reports: Pre-race

Indianapolis, pre-race: Near the end of the 2003 NHRA season Rhonda Hartman-Smith made no secret of the fact that she was seriously considered taking the 2004 season off as a driver. With her husband John Smith, driver of the Prestone Top Fuel dragster, solidly behind her she was ready to put her racing career on hold to expand their family. However, after careful consideration, Hartman-Smith decided to return to the NHRA and her FRAM AirHog Top Fuel dragster.

"I knew that there were career goals I still had yet to realize as a driver," said Hartman-Smith. "I have always had a list of accomplishments I want to achieve before I take more time off to have another child. Winning my first Wally is on the top of the list, but even more than that, winning the U.S. Nationals has always been a dream of mine."

As a great admirer of racing legend Shirley Muldowney, Hartman-Smith would like nothing better than to follow in her footsteps with a win at the 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. Muldowney, who won the U.S. Nationals in 1982, was not the first woman to put a car in the Winner's Circle in Indianapolis Raceway Park, but she is undoubtedly one of the most famous.

"I have always looked to Shirley Muldowney as an inspiration," said Hartman-Smith. "When she decided to retire, I think it brought a lot of sadness to all females, whether they were drivers or just fans. There will never be another Shirley but as a female driver I can certainly strive to live up to the level of performance that she has set for all of us."

Smith would also like to put his dragster in the winner's circle on Labor Day. Despite a final round appearance at the 2003 Mac Tools Gatornationals, and several semifinal finishes, he has yet to win a Wally of his own.

"The U.S. Nationals means so much to all of us who are involved in racing," said Smith. "There is not one person out here who can say they haven't dreamed of winning this race. Winners of the U.S. Nationals automatically achieve the ultimate bragging rights for the rest of their lives."