IESHAEL HENRY is not just a rising star in drag racing ; she ’ s redefining what it means to be a trailblazer in the sport . As an African American female racer , she ’ s breaking barriers while inspiring others .

Despite only racing for a year , her passion , grit , and perseverance have already significantly impacted the racing community . She ’ s garnered media attention , competed in major events like the NHRA Sonoma Nationals , and stood as the sole female racer in the West Coast Outlaw Association .

Yet , Henry ’ s journey isn ’ t solely about racing — she ’ s also giving back to her community , engaging in outreach for the less fortunate , and even authoring a children ’ s book that highlights her own story .

Henry ’ s path to racing started early as she was influenced by her father and his participation in the sport , moving from street racing in San Francisco to Sacramento Raceway . The Henry family enjoyed many years competing at the track , and as the years passed , Mieshael began to persuade her parents , especially her mother , to let her climb behind the wheel .

“ My mom would say no because , at the time , there weren ’ t any women in the racing scene ,” says Henry . However , she remained patient and persistent .

By 2019 , Henry ’ s father planned to send her to Frank Hawley ’ s Drag Racing School ( FHDRS ), but COVID-19 delayed her dream . Despite the setback , her ambition never wavered , and after enrolling in the school and her parents finally giving her the green light , Henry attended the FHDRS and earned her license .

“ I got my license on the 14th of September , and from there , we raced at Sacramento Raceway before it closed down and at Bakersfield [ Famoso Dragstrip ], so we were racing back-to-back every other weekend ,” she explains .

Reflecting on her licensing and racing experience thus far , Henry describes it as surreal .

“ I knew I was going to race , but I didn ’ t expect it to happen so soon ,” she shares . “ It was also like , wow , my dad is passing the torch . I wanted him to feel like it was OK to pass the torch and let somebody else get behind the wheel , and I was so happy

that my dad did that .”

In March , during Women ’ s History Month , KTVU Channel 2 News highlighted her story as an African American woman in drag racing , and she made a strong impression in Big Tire at Sonoma Raceway ’ s Race Wars .

“ I gained so many fans at that race ,” Henry explains . “ There were so many people there that were showing me so much love because I ’ m the only woman in the class right now driving .”

Henry ’ s plans don ’ t stop there – she ’ s aiming for a 4.30-second pass in her 1968 Pontiac Firebird named “ ILLICIT ,” formerly driven by her father , in the eighth mile to achieve her 6.90-pass by the end of the season . Then , she hopes to transition to a supercharged door car in the next couple of years .

“ My future goal is to run anywhere between 5.20s and 5.90s in the quarter mile ,” adds Henry .

Furthermore , her journey extends beyond the track . Henry has developed a children ’ s book titled I Want to Go Fast to inspire the next generation .

“ It sums up how I got into drag racing , following my father ’ s footsteps up until I got my license ,” she says .

When asked about advice for aspiring racers , Mieshael answers , “ Push for it , and if this is something you truly want to do , keep learning , learn the culture of drag racing , and fall in love with it over and over again .

“ Always have a positive mindset , stay focused , and let no distractions get in the way ,” adds Henry . “ Don ’ t give up because there will always be somebody who tells you not to do it ; you can ’ t do it , but just do it because you don ’ t know where your road might take you . Today , you might just be starting off learning how to race , and tomorrow , you may be the top woman in the racing industry or influencer .” – KAYLA ZADEL DI

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