Eily Stafford will become one of the most visible new faces in nostalgia nitro after being selected to drive Don Nelson’s famed California Hustler Funny Car, a move that makes one of the few female Nostalgia Funny Car driver in the NHRA Heritage Series. The team confirmed she will assume driving duties for the 2026 nostalgia nitro campaign.
Nelson Racing LLC has long treated the California Hustler as more than a race car, leaning into a legacy forged by respected nitro drivers and championship-caliber tuners. The group has produced multiple top-five points finishes and remained a fixture near the front of the nostalgia nitro field.
Nelson said the decision to hire Stafford came from both her on-track résumé and her appreciation for the car’s history. “Putting the right driver in this car has always been about more than just numbers on a time slip,” Nelson said. “Eily brings experience, maturity, and a deep respect for the history of this car. She understands what the California Hustler represents, and she’s ready to help write its next chapter.”
Stafford, a California native, attended her first drag race at age 12 and quickly fixed her career path toward nitro. She enrolled in Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School at 16 and went on to spend more than ten years in nostalgia dragsters and various high-horsepower exhibition machines.
She said stepping into the California Hustler marks a career milestone she once saw only from the grandstands. “This is truly a dream opportunity,” Stafford said. “The California Hustler is a car you grow up admiring. Don, the crew, and the legacy of this team mean a lot to me. I’m ready to represent this car, our partners, and all of our fans with everything I’ve got.”
The move also arrives with personal significance, and Stafford credited her husband, veteran nitro racer James Day, for helping her reach this point. She said Day has supported every step of her progression and offered constant mentorship throughout her rise.
“James is an incredible supporter and mentor, and he always puts me first,” Stafford said. “None of this would be possible without his encouragement, his belief in me, and the sacrifices he makes so I can chase this dream.”
Together, the team now turns its attention to preparing Stafford for her first full nostalgia Funny Car schedule in one of the category’s most recognizable machines. Nelson said the group expects a productive learning curve while continuing the car’s established role as a front-running entry in the nostalgia nitro ranks.
