McKenna Bold’s Impressive Debut in Top Alcohol Dragster
Last year, Canadian racer McKenna Bold made her debut in the Top Alcohol Dragster category with Randy Meyer Racing, achieving remarkable results. Just five races into her journey, Bold clinched her first victory at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, posting the fastest time of the event with a 5.180 and defeating soon-to-be two-time world champion Shawn Cowie in the finals.
Continued Success and Regional Recognition
Following her initial victory, Bold competed again in Norwalk for the Night Under Fire event, where she won the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series North Central regional race against Angelle Sampey. Before the season wrapped up, she reached another final round in Earlville, Iowa, qualified for the JEGS Allstars race, and secured the Central Region championship. This upcoming season, she will proudly display the No. 8 on her Diezel Excavating dragster, reflecting her strong Top 10 finish.
Reflecting on Her First Season
“I’d say we had a good year. It could have been better, but I’m happy with the results,” Bold stated. “If I had to grade myself, I’d give it a B-plus or maybe an A-minus, considering I had limited seat time. I only made a couple of runs to get my license before my first race, but I can’t ask for much more than two wins, the JEGS Allstars experience, and a regional title.”
Setting High Expectations
Bold emphasized her commitment to success, saying, “I don’t set goals that don’t involve winning. I understood there would be a steep learning curve this year, but with Randy Meyer’s expertise, I felt the pressure to perform well.” The Top Alcohol Dragster class is highly competitive, especially among skilled female drivers, with nine women finishing in the top 25 last season.
Strong Performance on the Starting Line
One of Bold’s key strengths has been her starting line reaction times, often ranking at the top of the category. Despite being a novice, she consistently recorded times between .030 and .050 when launching her nitro dragster. Her success is likely attributed to her diverse athletic background, including ice hockey, skiing, and extensive practice behind the wheel in various race formats.
Facing Challenges and Maintaining Confidence
Although Bold faced challenges during the season, particularly towards the end with a series of first-round losses, she remained undeterred. “There were some issues with the car that impacted our performance,” she explained. Nevertheless, she found unwavering support from Randy Meyer, who encouraged her not to let setbacks affect her confidence.
Looking Ahead to Future Seasons
From her home in Red Deer, Alberta, Bold balances her racing career with a job in the medical field. As she prepares for the upcoming season, she’s focusing on improving her reaction times to make a stronger impact. “I believe we can contend for the championship,” she asserted, expressing confidence in her team and acknowledging the improvements being made in their race program.
