NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Krista Baldwin will make her Top Alcohol Dragster debut this weekend at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals piloting an A/Fuel dragster. This will be her first national event competition at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Baldwin will be running under the McLeod Racing colors as the first McLeod Racing-sponsored A/Fuel dragster.

Baldwin is no stranger to the sport of drag racing. Being the granddaughter of legendary drag racing pioneer Chris “the Greek” Karamesines, she has grown up in the sport. Karamesines was the first to break the 200-mph barrier in Alton, Ill., in 1960. He is currently the oldest active Top Fuel driver at the ripe age of 83. But Karamesines is not the only family member who has jumped into a Top Fuel dragster. Her late father, Bobby Baldwin, also drove his own Top Fuel dragster from the late 1980s until his unsuspected passing in 2001. Baldwin was a local to Pomona and grew up just on the other side of the hill from the Fairplex at Pomona grounds. His memory lives at his home track as his friends and family celebrate “Bobby Baldwin Day” on Fridays in Pomona. Krista Baldwin is keeping his memory alive as she drives this weekend in the Top Alcohol Dragster category.

“When I get into that dragster and I make a pass down the track, I feel like I am living both his dream and mine," said Baldwin. "It’s a surreal feeling getting to drive a nitro car. Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to drive. It’s awesome being able to make my first race at my home track in Pomona with all my family and friends. I’m so excited to share this experience with them. I have some great people backing me this weekend on the sponsorship, and I’ll remember this weekend for my whole life."

The Nitro University A/Fuel dragster that she will be driving is owned by Anthony Dicero. Dicero has been around the sport for years and decided two years ago to begin the Nitro University, which gives people the chance to earn their A/Fuel license or work on the car. The university offers a variety of classes throughout the drag racing season. Last year, Dicero licensed more than 12 drivers in his A/Fueler, including Baldwin. Dicero and Baldwin met last year during the spring Charlotte event, and the two hit it off right away, knowing that they can make a successful partnership.

“We have the mindset to win, and that’s what we’re going to do this weekend," said Dicero. "We made some test passes last weekend in Phoenix, and we are ready to hit the ground running for the 2016 season. This has already been an awesome year, and it’s just getting started. Krista and I make a great team, and we both are excited for what’s to come next."

Baldwin will be flying the McLeod Racing colors along with Clevite, CP-Carrillo, Lucas Oil, TBM Brakes, Shelton’s Poultry, Nitro University, and HK’s Bar and Grill. She can be found on Facebook and on Twitter.