Rachel Meyer-Curl is returning to championship-level competition as she prepares to pursue the Top Alcohol Dragster title in the emerging IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series. The former NHRA world champion stepped away from full-time national racing after the 2021 season but now reenters the spotlight with renewed focus.
Her comeback reflects both personal growth and professional ambition following time spent away from the national tour. Meyer-Curl indicated the decision was rooted in passion for the sport that has defined her upbringing and career.
Raised within the Randy Meyer Racing family, Meyer-Curl developed into one of the most accomplished Top Alcohol Dragster drivers of her generation. Her résumé includes multiple Central Region championships and a dominant 2021 campaign that culminated in a national title.
During that championship season, Meyer-Curl secured seven victories across sixteen events. She also recorded a career-best speed of 285.5 mph, reinforcing her reputation for consistency and performance.
Following the title run, Meyer-Curl stepped back to focus on family responsibilities and expanded involvement in the team’s operational structure. She also refined her skills through bracket racing and selective event participation.
Despite a reduced schedule, Meyer-Curl remained competitive when opportunities arose. She returned to victory at the Mo-Kan Nitro Chaos event in 2023 and added an IHRA Ironman win at Darana Dragway 42 in 2025.
The growth of the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series provided a platform for her return to a full championship campaign. Meyer-Curl views the program as a chance to reestablish herself within a changing competitive landscape.
“This will be my first year running for an IHRA championship, I look forward to coming out of the gates swinging,” said Meyer-Curl. “I am very excited to be back on the road racing with my parents again, and I know it’s going to be a fun time. It will be interesting racing to the eighth-mile, but I will do my best job as a driver and being the clutch mechanic between runs.”
Her effort will be supported by Hedinger’s Equipment, a towing and recovery equipment provider based in the Indianapolis area. The partnership holds personal significance for the Meyer family due to their longstanding ties to the towing industry.
“Hedinger’s Equipment is proud to sponsor and support Rachel as she makes her comeback chasing the IHRA Championship, returning stronger, faster, and more determined than ever,” said Tim Hedinger, Founder of Hedinger’s Equipment.
Longtime Randy Meyer Racing partner NGK Spark Plugs will also support the program. The collaboration will emphasize performance advantages tied to combining NGK spark plugs and ignition coils in high-horsepower applications.
“There’s no sport quite like drag racing; raw, unforgiving, and built for those who refuse to back down. Rachel is exactly that kind of competitor, and we’re proud to support her return,” said Jackie Donahue, Group Marketing Manager – Aftermarket at Niterra North America, Inc. “We’ll be cheering her on every step of the way as she chases a championship this season.”
With Randy Meyer Racing maintaining its competitive presence in NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster competition, Meyer-Curl’s IHRA pursuit represents an expansion rather than a departure. Her return signals continued evolution for both the driver and the multigenerational team.
Fans will again see Meyer-Curl in a nitro-burning dragster as she targets another championship. This time, the objective centers on capturing the IHRA Top Alcohol Dragster world title.
