Third-generation racer Madison Payne is on her way to building a list of accolades as im-pressive as the lineage she comes from . Prior to pledging a full season in Top Alcohol Dragster , Payne defeated motorsports icon Tony Stewart in 2022 in the final round at the NHRA Nevada Nationals to claim her first win . Then , in 2023 , during her first full season in TAD , she secured the coveted U . S . Nationals Wally at Indianapolis Raceway Park .

Not only is Payne proving her merit in the Duane Shieldsowned Muscle Milk A / Fuel dragster , but she still competes in Super Comp and recently won in the class at the NHRA Arizona Nationals . Additionally , the Southern California native has plans to break out in Top Sports-man this year with a car that ’ s been her legendary grandfather , racer and innovator Brad Anderson ’ s project . It ’ s these successes and qualities that have earned Payne PEAK PERFORMER status .

Photographs by Rick Belden , Tom Macht and David Hilner