NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster World Champion Julie Nataas earned her Nitro Funny Car license last week at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The completion of her multi-month licensing process was marked by support from top drivers in the category, including Del Worsham.
Nataas, who received her Top Fuel license last summer, began her Nitro Funny Car journey in early March at the Gainesville, FL Gatornationals. After battling visibility issues on her first day, she posted a remarkable 3.94-second run at 319 mph during her second day of testing in Worsham’s CP Carrillo Supra.
“My helmet just wasn’t used to that much kick at midtrack,” Nataas said. “I had to borrow helmets from both JR [Todd] and Antron [Brown] to keep us on schedule while ordering a new, tighter helmet for the next session.”
Following the Arizona Nationals in Phoenix, AZ, Nataas made two additional test runs that did not count toward her license. Despite facing difficulties, including dropping a cylinder and clipping a timing block, she gained valuable track experience.
“Going into my fourth full day of testing, it was a balance of trusting the process and not being overly eager to finish my license,” Nataas said. “These cars are a handful, and I was feeling defeated after not lifting sooner in Phoenix. I came out to Indy with no expectations and a great group of drivers to give me feedback alongside Del and the team.”
Nataas’ patience and focus paid off during a recent Nitro testing day, where she made ten passes. After a rain delay and an aborted run due to tire shake, she achieved a time of 3.96 seconds at 315 mph, meeting the requirements to join the ranks of female Nitro Funny Car drivers.
Licensing was granted with sign-offs from J.R. Todd, Blake Alexander, Austin Prock, and Del Worsham.
“I love these Funny Cars,” Nataas said. “I love the challenge of driving one. My goal has always been to continuously challenge myself as an athlete and to be prepared for any opportunity in our sport.”
Nataas is expected to make her Funny Car debut this season while she seeks funding to support her racing efforts.
