Moving up into the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series professional ranks isn’ t easy, but Maddi Gordon has shown just how quickly she can adapt. Gordon, who rapidly found success when she got behind the wheel of her father Doug Gordon’ s championship-winning Top Alcohol Funny Car in 2024, worked with crew chiefs Rob Flynn and Troy Fasching and team owner Ron Capps to methodically approach the learning process in Top Fuel. She upgraded her license in preseason testing then reached the semifinals in her first two races driving the Carlyle Tools / Monster Energy dragster. Gordon’ s dream came true at just the 10th race of her rookie season when she earned her first career Top Fuel win at the Summit Racing NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park. Even better, it was a triple-up, with Capps winning Funny Car and Doug winning Top Alcohol Funny Car. Since then, Gordon has continued to improve as a driver, focusing on reaction times and pedaling. She’ s also quickly become a fan favorite, drawing huge crowds in the pits and loud cheers in the grandstands when she turns on a win light. In recognition of her efforts and success so far, Maddi Gordon earns this issue’ s PEAK Performer title.

Photographs by Anastacia Bohlander