Chad Green, a veteran Pro Mod racer and NHRA nitro Funny Car driver, is expanding his family’s drag racing tree.
On Dec. 27-28 at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in Gainesville, Fla., Green’s daughter, Lexi, 25, received her Super Gas license.
Lexi joins her father and her brother, Hunter, 28, in the drag racing driver scene. Hunter competed in five races last season in Randy Meyer’s Top Alcohol Dragster. Hunter also has a Top Fuel license.
“Hunter ran five races last year for Randy Meyer and we are going to run at least 10 this year with Randy’s team,” Chad said. “We’ll see how it works out. It could be even a few more if we get into it and they’re doing good points.”
As for Lexi, this wasn’t a bucket list thing for her to get a Super Gas license. Lexi’s attendance at the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School was her first time in a race car.
“Yes, she’s definitely interested in getting into racing, and yeah, that was her first big stage,” Chad said. “She actually did so awesome. Let me tell you. Yeah, I was so proud. She was one of the stars of the class. She didn’t really have any problem, and she was so relaxed in the car.”
Green said Lexi’s fastest lap in the quarter mile was 9 seconds at 150 mph. She made six total passes.
“It is the coolest thing,” Chad said about watching Lexi get her Super Gas license. “I’m one of these, I firmly believe I would never push my kids to the track to race. I’ve never done that. I’m one of these, I believe if you want to drag race, it has to be a passion … I never said anything to my kids about drag races until they said something to me.”
“Lexi actually takes a lot after me and I wasn’t surprised she did well. She did do really well and she… Lexi’s fired up. She’s ready to get into racing.”
Chad said he doesn’t have any exact racing plans for Lexi in 2023.
“She just went to the class and got her license,” Chad said. “I mean until she did that, we didn’t know what was going to happen. You can’t predict these things. She did really well. She wants to progress. So, we don’t really have any plans, but we have plans to make some plans. Lexi’s actually very interested in Funny Cars, so … maybe her next step might be the Nostalgia Funny Car class at Frank Hawley’s. I was very proud of my daughter Lexi. I actually think she has a bright future in drag racing. Look for her, you’ll be seeing more of Lexi.
“Hunter at this point, he seems to be interested in Top Fuel. He’s focused on Top Fuel. That’s the kind of direction he went.”
Chad confirmed to CompetitionPlus.com he will be running a full nitro Funny Car season in the NHRA ranks in 2023.
“We’re planning a full season this year,” Chad said. “Last year we did 18 races, and just missed the Countdown by three points and we’re not going to let that happen this year. We’re doing all the races. We were a little behind the eight-ball last year on parts and everything. That’s why we had to miss those races. But yeah, it’s full board (in 2023).”
Green finished 12th in the 2022 season points standings, highlighted by two semifinal finishes and nine round wins.
Green said Daniel Wilkerson will return as his crew chief in 2023. Daniel is the son of veteran Funny Car racer Tim Wilkerson.
The 2023 NHRA season begins with the Gatornationals March 9-12 in Gainesville, Fla.
