Stock Eliminator standout Randi Lyn "RL" Butner is diversifying her race schedule for the 2024 season, adding Mountain Motor Pro Stock to her repertoire alongside her husband, 2017 Pro Stock world champ Bo Butner. With seven wins in NHRA's Stock Eliminator category and a Division 3 Stock championship to her name, RL is poised to tackle the challenges of the 800-plus-cubic-inch series.

RL's decision to venture into Mountain Motor Pro Stock reflects her affinity for embracing the unknown, a sentiment she shares as she delves into this new racing endeavor. Drawing parallels to her experience obtaining a pilot's license, RL underscores the importance of pushing boundaries and exploring one's capabilities beyond familiar territories.

With the guidance of Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman, teammate Erica Enders, and seasoned class veteran Frank Gugliotta, RL, and Bo Butner are set to campaign a pair of Johnson's Horsepowered Garage-branded Chevrolet Camaro Mountain Motor Pro Stockers. 

"I like it; I like the unknown, and this is something different, something outside my normal realm of racing," said RL, who has earned seven wins in NHRA's challenging Stock Eliminator category, a Division 3 Stock championship, and the 2021 JEGS Allstars nomination that culminated in a final-round performance at the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
 
"It's like when Bo and I were learning to fly and license as pilots last year – I think people often limit themselves, but when you do something like that, it's a good feeling," she continued. "You get a new idea of what you're capable of."

Gugliotta's expertise and mentorship have played a pivotal role in RL's transition into the big-torque, big-power world of Mountain Motor racing.
Despite initial uncertainties, RL finds herself increasingly drawn to the excitement surrounding the Mountain Motor Pro Stock series, buoyed by the support of her experienced crew and the prospect of new challenges ahead. 

RL laid down a series of burnouts in winter testing at different facilities, and then she was sidelined to watch as Bo slid behind the wheel of her car to help Gugliotta get it just right before she stepped into the hulking beast to launch for the first time. RL rolled up for her own first hit amongst a gang of Pro Mod racers testing their own rides at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
 
"Prior to firing up for that first launch, you're nervous. There are a lot of people up there, and you're in the middle of them all," she explained. "That's nerve-wracking because you don't want to look like an idiot, but once you fire it up, all those thoughts leave. You do what you've been taught and go through the steps one by one.
 
"I made a lot of practice runs just sitting in the car, and I wanted to get in, get that first launch over with, and be able to move on. When they finally let me in it, I think they were very happy, and I know I was the first time matting it. Now we'll be able to progress with me in the car."

RL made her competition debut at the recently completed Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Modified, where she scored her first career round win. She'll have time for testing before her next event, the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals outside of Charlotte, NC.

She will then compete at events in Bristol, Richmond, Brainerd, and Reading, culminating in the season finale at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with each final round broadcast on NHRA on FOX. She will also get plenty of time racing Stock. 

"I'm just excited to get it going," RL said. "There are still a lot of unknowns, but there is so much to be excited about. I'm excited for this opportunity and working with Frank, and I'm excited to go Sportsman racing with Bo again when we're not racing Mountain Motor, grilling out with our Sportsman friends, and watching Pro Stock at the finish line like we used to. More than ever, I feel like the opportunities ahead of us are endless."

​