There are likely certain expectations when you are born into the Tommy and Judy Franklin family. The two most prominent family traditions are that you drag race and win championships. Patriarch Tommy Franklin has won three, sister Amber has three, and now, in her final season in Junior Dragster, Ashley Franklin has her first.
The second-generation drag racer from Fredericksburg, Va., captured her first title by reaching the final round three times, winning once.
“It’s definitely very rewarding,” Franklin said. “My whole team and family – everybody has worked so hard for this championship. It’s definitely been a stressful year, but we finally got it done.”
Franklin, who aspires to join the family’s electrical engineering business one day, started her season with a runner-up finish at the East Coast Nationals, followed by a win at the Mid-Atlantic Showdown. She also reached the final round at the PDRA ProStars all-star race, although it was not a points event.
Franklin entered the Brian Olson Memorial World Finals ranked second in points behind Ryan Harris. The situation shifted when Harris failed to qualify, and Franklin had to rely on the progress of Alyssa Tilghman and Makenzie Alexander in eliminations to secure the championship.
“It was definitely very stressful,” she said. “I went up to the starting line to watch every round.”
In the winner’s circle, Ashley joined Amber, who clinched the Pro 632 title one race prior. Both sisters are now Pro Jr. Dragster world champions, with Amber winning the title in 2017 and their father holding three Pro Nitrous championships.
“Being able to win the championship with her definitely made it a whole lot better than if I was just to do it myself,” Ashley said.
The Franklin family’s team operates as a close-knit unit, and Ashley has added a championship to the team’s trophy case.
“I want to thank God because, without Him, none of it would be possible,” Franklin said. “Thanks to my parents, Amber, Blake, all the crew, family, and friends back home, Half Scale Jr. Dragsters, Nic Woods Racing, Mark Beatty with Red Line Oil, and Hoosier Racing Tires.”
Franklin will not defend her championship in 2025 as she moves up to Laris Motorsports Insurance Top Dragster. She has begun transitioning by making passes in bracket cars during test sessions at Virginia Motorsports Park.
“Top Dragster is a super-competitive class that I can’t wait to be a part of,” she said. “My short-term goals are to win a couple of rounds, with long-term goals of race wins and championships.”
Makenzie Alexander, the runner-up, concluded her season with three semifinal finishes in her 2017 Half Scale dragster. Ryan Harris finished third with two victories in his 2008 Half Scale dragster.
The Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series will honor its 2024 world champions at the annual PDRA Championship Awards Banquet on Friday, Dec. 13, in downtown Indianapolis.
