Photos by Tara Bowker, Gary Rowe
It’s all in the genes.
Amber Denton, the daughter of drag racing champions Tommy and Judy Franklin, continued the family tradition as she claimed her second Pro 632 world championship in the Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series. She secured the title by winning three races in six final rounds during the 2024 season, adding to her previous championships in 2017 and 2022.
Denton and the Tommy Franklin Motorsports team aimed for a championship bounce-back after a third-place finish in 2023. Early in the season, she claimed two No. 1 qualifiers and two runner-up finishes before winning at the North vs. South Shootout.
She recorded a second double-up win with her father, Tommy Franklin, at the inaugural Thunder Valley Throwdown. Denton then dominated DragWars at GALOT Motorsports Park, where she qualified No. 1 and won the race, clinching the championship during eliminations.
“It was just a testament to our team this season,” Denton said. “They fought hard all year, and to pull it off a race early was really special for us.”
At the Brian Olson Memorial World Finals, Denton qualified No. 1 for the sixth time and became the first driver in class history to break into the 4.00-second range. She ultimately lost in the final round to Lexi Tanner.
“Setting the record is a really great feeling,” Denton said. “I get the recognition as a driver, but it’s really everyone behind me that takes it.”
The World Finals also marked a successful weekend for the Tommy Franklin Motorsports team, with Amber’s sister, Ashley Franklin, winning the Coolshirt Systems Pro Jr. Dragster world championship.
“It’s everything. It’s why we do it together,” Denton said of the shared victory. “I get more excited for their wins than my own sometimes.”
Denton will transition to Pro Nitrous for the 2025 season and expressed gratitude to her family and team.
“I just want to give all the glory to God as always and dedicate this championship to Lizzy Musi and my late grandmother,” she said.
Walter Lannigan Jr. finished second in the championship points, while rookie Andy House placed third. The Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series will honor its 2024 world champions at the annual awards banquet on Dec. 13 in Indianapolis.
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