There's a day coming when this Junior Dragster racer sees herself running the big cars and winning championships just like the rest of her family. Ashley Franklin is perfectly content, biding her time in the Pro Junior Dragster division, where she leads the points just like her sister Amber in Pro 632. Her father, Tommy Franklin, is second in the Pro Nitrous points behind Jim Halsey. 

"I'm a little bit slower than the other two, but I still have the same drive to do what they do," Franklin said. "I grew up watching my dad race, and then I grew up watching Amber race, and they made me want to drive. Seeing all my friends racing inspired me to be a part of all that."

While PDRA's unique doorslammer series offers many racing options, the second-generation drag racer sees herself staying on the family's beaten path. 

"I guess in a few years, I see myself racing Pro Nitrous or Pro 632," Franklin said. "We've been running per nitrous for so many years that I'd just rather stick to nitrous than boost."

In a world where glory hounds seek to be in the limelight, Franklin is perfectly content living behind the scenes and modestly charting a path to success. 

"It's good to be recognized, but I'm just fine seeing my family get recognized. That way, we all win. Being in the points lead in my last year of racing Junior Dragster validates what our family does out here."

Franklin plans to transition to Top Dragster next season, following the same path Amber took to her championship success in Pro 632. 

"We already have a Top Dragster car, and that's where Amber started, so we're just kind of following the same path that she did," Franklin said.

Regarding real-life, long-range plans beyond drag racing, Franklin is focused on life in the real world. 

"I want to eventually take over the [family] company with me and my sister once my parents decide to retire," she revealed. "They have Franklin Electric and Smart Home Technologies that we eventually plan to take over once they retire."