clwill
Nitro Member
Nitromater
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Anna Lisa Smith Racing into a Top Fuel Career
- Thread starter clwill
- Start date
Dave
Nitro Member
The thing that really gets me about this deal is that fact that she will probably get some big sponsor that many other seasoned pros are more deserving of. It won't be because of her ability, just who she is. I don't know the girl, she's probably a very nice person. What I do know is that there are only a select few that can step into a Fueler and be in control of it. I can think of one current Top Fuel driver that pretty much aims the car and hangs on, they aren't DRIVING it. I'm not sure if I would have the stones to drive a Fuel car. I have sat in both a Top Fuel Dragster and a Nitro Funny Car during the warm-up. Let me tell you, the power is very intimidating. I drive my 650 HP altered and it can be a handfull. Driving at Top Fuel car is not for just anybody. She may do very well, I think she has a good teacher. I got my license at Roy Hill's school and I learned a lot when I was there. We'll see, but I have a feeling this is more hype than happening.
Dave
Dave
clwill
Nitro Member
You know, Dave, I find it hard to feel any resentment over this. On the one hand, it's just great to have new people entering the sport. With all the people talking about folding up the tent, it's nice to see someone going the other way.
As to getting sponsors, that is probably far less about her having money that it is about her Dad's access to the right people. And I don't mean sponsors, I mean agents. Simply having the people representing her that she does puts her head and shoulders above so many in the sport.
With the sport so much of a business now, simply being talented and really wanting it isn't enough. You need the whole package -- talent, skill, charisma, business savvy, patience, perspective, smarts, relentless drive... It's tough to find/build/assemble that package.
As to getting sponsors, that is probably far less about her having money that it is about her Dad's access to the right people. And I don't mean sponsors, I mean agents. Simply having the people representing her that she does puts her head and shoulders above so many in the sport.
With the sport so much of a business now, simply being talented and really wanting it isn't enough. You need the whole package -- talent, skill, charisma, business savvy, patience, perspective, smarts, relentless drive... It's tough to find/build/assemble that package.
That's not a bad idea. I drove 18 wheelers for a number of years and some of those that were right out of driving school (basic training) were pretty dangerous.
Like anything else, you can buy training but you have to gain experience.
Del Worsham and a few others have proved it can be done.
Great post Christopher. She will only bring more attention to the sport. I'm glad she got the drag racing bug instead of something else. I can see the headline now. "Daughter of Circle Track Magnate Goes Straight".
She's saying all the right things, and seems very determined. I know Del and others have done it, but you can't tell me that a year or so competitively driving an A/FD wouldn't be a smart move. I know that she has the ability to shorten the learning curve because of her access to the track, and her ability to make a lot of laps in a short amount of time, but she's only 26, there's no rush, she can only benefit from getting seat time in the injected car, or even a TAFC before going fuel. Just my opinion.
sammi
Nitro Member
Hard to say if this is helpful or damaging to the sport. More evidence for those who think it doesn't take much talent to drive with the Kings of the Sport. Imagine the screaming and wollerin' around from the NAPCAR crowd if a young woman decided to take a couple of classes and drive for Rick Hendrick in cup.
This does not address the chronic ills of the sport-Racers as salesmen and corporate entertainers, a rules set that does nothing but help Bill Miller's (actually the entire alumninum industry's) bottom line, and the carving the soul out of the sport that 1000 ft. neatly provides.
Mark
This does not address the chronic ills of the sport-Racers as salesmen and corporate entertainers, a rules set that does nothing but help Bill Miller's (actually the entire alumninum industry's) bottom line, and the carving the soul out of the sport that 1000 ft. neatly provides.
Mark
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megadeth
Nitro Member
Whats the big deal driving these fuel cars isn't rocket science! 
Just ask Robert Hight what did he drive before he climbed into one? or Eric?
All you need to drive these cars are money and the will to want too.
I wish her luck with the enimic fields in Top Fuel next year this would be better than nothing I guess!
Just ask Robert Hight what did he drive before he climbed into one? or Eric?
All you need to drive these cars are money and the will to want too.
I wish her luck with the enimic fields in Top Fuel next year this would be better than nothing I guess!
Johnny Mopar
Nitro Member
Whats the big deal driving these fuel cars isn't rocket science!
Just ask Robert Hight what did he drive before he climbed into one? or Eric?
All you need to drive these cars are money and the will to want too.
I wish her luck with the enimic fields in Top Fuel next year this would be better than nothing I guess!
Don't forget Antron Brown...
Whats the big deal driving these fuel cars isn't rocket science!
Just ask Robert Hight what did he drive before he climbed into one? or Eric?
All you need to drive these cars are money and the will to want too.
I wish her luck with the enimic fields in Top Fuel next year this would be better than nothing I guess!
Bob, Robert Hight made over 100 pulls before his first race, at least that's what I was told. And yeah guys like him and Del had been around the sport for some time before licensing. But I've talked to some of the veterans who say these cars are easy to drive, until you get in trouble. That's when experience shows!
megadeth
Nitro Member
megadeth
Nitro Member
I get what you are saying Joe but all you have to remember is to lift most of the rookie mistakes I witnessed was they either didn't lift soon enough or did and got back on it when they were out of the groove or not fully straightened out.
I heard the same thing about Robert don't know if it's true or not either but Eric didn't or as previously mentioned Antrone Brown.
So I maintain what I said all it takes is dollars and the will and you to can be a player in the game.
Nitrohaulic
Nitro Member
I know of at least one major company that has you with a trainer for six months, then you're on your own. Start the right time of year and you'll be by yourself the first time you're on snow and ice with 80,000 lbs. The only experience you'll have is what someone told you to do.
Then again, when I started 22 years ago, I had ONE MONTH of resident training before going to work as a solo driver!
