It’s an age-old question; is it nature or nurture? For drag racing phenom Maddi Gordon, it’s safe to say it is probably both. Maddi got her introduction to the sport of drag racing early in life, like really early. It didn’t hurt that she grew up in a drag racing family, as both her grandfather and father raced, and won championships. To say she was born into it would be an understatement. She received her Top Alcohol Funny Car license in 2023 and hasn’t looked back. We had the chance to catch up with Maddi recently to learn more.
Let’s start with the obvious question; have you always been fascinated by cars?
Yes, since as far back as I can remember racing was my number one. I did other sports such as gymnastics, volleyball, and softball, etc. But I went to my first race at 8 days old and was hooked ever since.
Speaking of cars, do you remember the car you learned to drive in (on the street)?
The first car I drove on the street I believe was my Toyota Tacoma, I still currently drive it.
When did you know you wanted to get into racing?
Since as far back as I remember. My grandfather started running top alcohol funny car in 1986, then my dad followed in his footsteps, starting in 1994. I grew up at the racetrack, like I mentioned I went to my first race at 8 days old. Every Saturday (since I was born) was, and still is, race car shop day (unless we are racing of course). My sister and I just love racing and working on race cars, it truly is our life.
You’re a third-generation NHRA drag racer, what does it mean to you to have your grandfather and father involved in your career?
Being third generation is truly such a blessing. Our team is a full family operation. Our team of 6 people includes my Grandpa Mike, Grandma Cheryl, Dad Doug, Mom Christina, Sister Macie and myself. Traveling the United States surround by my family is beyond a dream. My papa and dad both have so much wisdom and knowledge in the sport and class, being around them means I am always learning something new which I love!
How much did having a three-time NHRA champion father influence your choices?
My dad is very successful in TAFC and having him as my mentor has been HUGE for my career. Getting to learn from a very successful driver like my dad is an honor and I do my best to soak up every piece of knowledge he throws me.
What is it about racing that got you hooked?
I could go on for days talking about what I love about drag racing, but what got me hooked… the competition and environment. I am extremely competitive and a thrill seeker, so drag racing seems like the perfect fit!
Also, the competitors make this sport so special. When we are on the race track we want nothing more than to put the other guy on the trailer, but after the race we are all good friends.
Tell me a little bit about your toughest challenges juggling everything you have to do to race at a high level
There are many challenges that come with racing at a high level. The pressure is a big one. Dealing with high pressure situations is something that I learned from my years in Jr drag racing. Since we are gone racing about 25 weekends per year, it can be difficult sometimes trying to juggle my full time job back at home, race car work in between races, making time for friends, and fitting in some normal life here and there. But racing truly is my life, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to continue racing.
You’ll be switching to a Top Fuel car for 2026 with a new team. Tell me how that came about and what you’re most excited about for next year. What are you most nervous about?
We have been friends with Ron Capps for many years. Ron approved and signed my TAFC license in 2023, the Monday after the Brainerd national event. Ron Capps approached my dad at the Seattle national event last year and asked if I would be interested in driving a top fuel car for him starting in 2026. My parents told me this while I was riding our Beta Motorcycle through the pits and I thought I might crash it I was so in shock!! There are WAY too many things I’m excited about to be able to pinpoint just one, but to sum it up I am looking forward to the whole adventure. I have raced with my family my whole life (which will be something I miss of course), but meeting new people will be exciting, experiencing new racetracks, learning to drive a 340 MPH top fuel car (INSANE), and learn from a legend like Ron Capps is going to be amazing. I love learning and I have a lot of that coming in my future! At this point I don’t have anything specific I am most nervous about, once it gets closer, I’m sure I will start to have specific things but I am jumping in with both feet and will be putting 110% effort into being the best I can be as fast as possible.
Obviously, there are differences in the car from going from funny car to top fuel, what do you think you will need to change or adapt to make the switch?
I will need to adjust my driving style in order to drive a top fuel car. As they say when you drive a funny car you have to “man handle it” but from what I hear driving a top fuel car takes less aggressive steering and more finesse.
You’re still very early in your pro career, what are your goals in the sport?
My goal in the sport of drag racing is probably the same as every other driver out there, to win a world championship. Along with that, I want to be the best role model I can be. I hope to inspire men and women to get involved in drag racing and experience the same blessing that drag racing has brought to my life. I strive to be the best representative for my sponsors, boss, team, and family. Another goal of mine is to make someone smile every day. Whether I’m at home or at the track, if I can make someone smile then I’ve done something good with my day.
Do you follow any other motorsport racing; F1, NASCAR, Indy Car, Motorcycles?
I follow Supercross and we root for our Beta Motorcycles riders! I also like to follow Nascar as well.
If I were to open your garage door at home, what would I find in there?
Our boat, my mom’s car and some racing pictures on the wall.
What’s your daily driver?
Toyota Tacoma with a 6” lift and 35’s
What’s your dream car? Why?
Depends on where I’m at in my life. No kids, probably a Porsche. If I have kids, probably a lifted Denali with some cool wheels and tires.
Any particular destinations you love driving to, or roads you like to drive on?
I love driving to the race track, LOL. But if not, I like the drive to our local lake. I think it is a pretty drive, and I really enjoy going to the lake. So, when we are on the lake road I know it’s going to be a good day!
What advice would you give to any young women out there that are interested in racing?
WORK HARD! Good things don’t come easy. Put the effort in always, even when nobody is watching.
Any final thoughts?
Thank you for thinking of me! I really appreciate this opportunity!
Thank you, Maddi, for taking time to talk with us and giving us a glimpse into everything you have going on. We really enjoyed getting to know you and your family a little bit better, and we’re excited to see what’s next. We’ll be sure to look for you the next time we’re out and about at the racetrack.
