T EIGHT YEARS OLD , Taylor Vetter knew exactly what she wanted to do . She wanted to be a drag racer . Driven by a competitive edge , the Las Vegas native started out in NHRA ’ s Jr . Drag Racing League and progressed through the ranks to Top Dragster and Top Alcohol Dragster . Now in her second full season behind the wheel of a blown Red Line Oil Top Alcohol Dragster tuned by fiancé and alcohol veteran Nick Januik , Vetter stands out as the only female to opt for the supercharged combination .

She made her debut in the class in late 2021 , and at the Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals in 2022 , Vetter reached the final , locked down top speed of the meet , and had the only car to dip into the 5.20-second zone on Sunday . She closed out the year with her first win in the class – and did so in spectacularly dramatic fashion – at the NHRA Finals . Thriving on speed , Vetter exceeded 280 mph multiple times in her first full season , and in 2023 , she ’ s continuing her quick and fast ways and is on pace for a second-consecutive top 10 finish in the national standings .

“ We haven ’ t done this the easy way ,” says Vetter . “ We didn ’ t pay a tuner or buy me a ride to have success . Nick had no experience tuning a dragster , and he ’ s done an exceptional job . I ’ m one of only three people to go over 280 mph in a blown Top Alcohol Dragster , and I think that speaks volumes to Nick ’ s tuning , my crew , and our sponsors . I ’ m very lucky that I have the opportunity to race in this class and in Top Dragster . In 2022 , I finished top 10 in Top Alcohol Dragster and top 10 in Division 7 in Top Dragster , and I ’ m very proud of that .”

Although this season has not shown proof in terms of victory , it has been a season of growth for Vetter and a time of strengthening for herself and her soon-tobe husband .

“ Nick wanted me to race an alcohol dragster , and I was nervous , but his support has never wavered ,” she says . “ He supported me through my mistakes , and we both continue to learn . I also have to thank my parents , Mike and Noelle , for getting me into this sport when I was eight years old and buying my first Jr . Dragster .”

With marriage and hopefully , she says , children in their future plans , Vetter knows there will be exciting things ahead . She doesn ’ t see leaving the racing life , though , and is already focused on what next year will look like on-track .

“ Our goal is to be more consistent ,” says Vetter . “ We can make some really good runs here and there , but it ’ s been challenging to put two or three together . Nick does a great job tuning , and I think that will help turn things around as he continues to gain experience . I ’ m also looking forward to seeing him excel in Pro Mod in the future . We ’ ve been very fortunate to accomplish what we have in two years , compared to other teams who have been doing this for several . I ’ m very content racing Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Dragster , and I don ’ t see that changing .” – KELLY WADE DI

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