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Right On Track
Enders sisters ’ Disney Channel original movie celebrates 20 years of inspiring young racers BY JESSICA HATCHER
Twenty years ago , The Disney Channel released a Disney Channel Original Movie , Right On Track , based on the life of drag racing sisters Erica and Courtney Enders . Right On Track premiered on March 21 , 2003 , and starred two young actresses who ’ ve gone on to have phenomenal careers in show business . Beverly Mitchell ( 7th Heaven , Candy Cane Christmas ) played Erica Enders and Academy Award winner Brie Larson ( Room , Captain Marvel ) played Courtney Enders .
It all started when Erica Enders , now a fivetime Pro Stock world champion , began competing in the newly formed NHRA Jr . Drag Racing League when she was just 8 years old . Soon after , her younger sister Courtney followed suit and the two became an unstoppable force , picking up wins across the country . They caught the attention of a People Magazine journalist who wrote a feature on the dynamic duo .
That article led to interest from the Disney Channel . At the time , the network was focused on creating original content with a focus on unique true stories in the world of sports . Right On Track was an instant favorite , reaching new fans outside the drag racing world .
Erica and Courtney not only made cameo appearances in the film , but they also did most of the stunt driving required to make the featurelength film . There are a few Hollywood embellishments like a crash and some pretty intense rivalries . But the film certainly hit the nail on the head when it came to depicting the personality differences between Erica and Courtney .
That ’ s likely why they still make a good pair to this day . Through their experiences in Jr . Drag Racing , Erica learned to embrace the competitive pressure and Courtney learned to embrace the spotlight so Erica can remain focused on driving while Courtney handles all of the public relations aspects .
“ At the time , Right On Track felt like the peak of our careers ,” says Courtney . “ To have a movie made about your life when you ’ re still just a teenager is unheard of , but we had already ac-
Courtney and Erica Enders were both champions in the NHRA Jr . Drag Racing League .
Right On Track starred Beverly Mitchell and Brie Larson .
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE ENDERS FAMILY AND DISNEY
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