PowerDrive Motorsport Futures announced via social media that it has signed Julie Nataas for representation beginning with the 2026 NHRA Championship Drag Racing season. The post confirms the firm will manage Nataas’ commercial strategy, sponsorship development, and brand partnerships as she continues her transition into Nitro Funny Car competition.
Nataas enters the agreement as the 2023 NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster world champion and one of the sport’s most accomplished recent graduates from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Her move into Funny Car places her in one of drag racing’s most demanding and high-profile professional categories.
The representation deal aligns Nataas with PowerDrive Motorsport Futures founder Tami Powers, a motorsports executive with experience in athlete management and brand development. Powers said the partnership reflects confidence in Nataas’ competitive ability and long-term potential in nitro racing.
“I look forward to working with Julie both on and off the track,” Powers said. “She is an incredibly talented driver with a competitive edge that pairs well with Nitro Funny Cars. There is no limit to what she can achieve.”
Nataas’ rise has been defined by sustained performance rather than rapid promotion. Her Top Alcohol Dragster championship provided a foundation that positioned her for a professional opportunity while reinforcing her reputation for consistency and execution.
The shift to Funny Car introduces new challenges that extend beyond driving. Sponsorship alignment, commercial structure, and long-term planning play an increasingly central role at the nitro level, making representation a strategic component of career development.
PowerDrive Motorsport Futures will oversee those responsibilities as Nataas prepares for a full-season Funny Car effort. The firm’s role includes negotiating partnerships and shaping brand positioning while allowing the driver to focus on competition.
“Partnering with PowerDrive Motorsport Futures at this stage in my career is incredibly meaningful,” Nataas said. “As I step into a NHRA Nitro Funny Car, having a team that truly understands both the sport and the business side of racing gives me confidence to go all in on my Funny Car journey. I’m excited to build something powerful together in 2026 and beyond.”
The announcement reflects a broader trend in professional drag racing, where emerging nitro drivers are securing management support earlier in their careers. Rising costs and increased competition have made structured representation more common across the professional ranks.
For Nataas, the decision follows her initial exposure to Funny Car competition and an evaluation of what is required for long-term sustainability. PowerDrive’s involvement signals an intent to build continuity rather than approach the category on a short-term basis.
While her Funny Car résumé is still developing, the partnership underscores belief from both sides in her upward trajectory. As preparations continue for the 2026 season, Nataas enters the next phase of her career with a championship background and a management structure designed to support growth on and off the track.
