Julie Nataas Thrills Fans by Completing Nitro Funny Car License

Julie Nataas, a standout driver in the NHRA drag racing scene, made news this week by completing the process to earn her nitro Funny Car license. The 2023 Top Alcohol Dragster world champion wrapped up her required test runs at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, finalizing a journey that began several months earlier.

Her latest step in the sport attracted the attention of fellow racers and team owner Del Worsham, with many watching as she checked off each requirement for her license upgrade.

Earlier in the year, Nataas kicked off her Funny Car licensing efforts in Gainesville, Florida. After competing in Alcohol Funny Car at the Gatornationals, she made five passes in Worsham’s CP Carrillo Toyota Supra.

Her first day behind the wheel presented a hurdle—her helmet couldn’t handle the violent acceleration of the car, slipping at midtrack. Nataas quickly adapted by borrowing helmets from J.R. Todd and Antron Brown, allowing her to continue testing on schedule.

On her second day, she clocked an impressive 3.94-second run at 319 mph, showing the speed needed to advance. Testing continued after the Arizona Nationals in Phoenix.

Although two passes there didn’t count toward her license, they offered important experience under new conditions. Nataas overcame a dropped cylinder and a minor incident clipping a timing block.

She shared that sticking with the process and accepting each lesson was key, especially after feeling frustrated in Phoenix for not lifting the throttle sooner.

Returning to Indianapolis, Nataas approached the final day with a clear focus. She faced a rain delay and an initial shake-down run but stayed steady.

On her tenth pass, she laid down a 3.96-second run at 315 mph, meeting the NHRA’s licensing standards. With support from racers like J.R. Todd, Blake Alexander, Austin Prock, and Del Worsham, all of whom signed off on her achievement, Nataas officially joined the select group of women licensed in nitro Funny Car.

Nataas described her experience with nitro Funny Cars as both a challenge and a joy. Her goal remains to push herself as a driver and seize new opportunities in the sport.

With her license now in hand, her focus turns to making her competition debut in the Funny Car class later this season, contingent on securing sponsorship support required to get on track.

Earning a nitro Funny Car license is a complex process that tests both skill and composure, and Nataas has demonstrated strength in both areas.

As the NHRA season continues, fans and competitors alike will be watching to see when she takes her first official run in one of the sport’s most powerful race cars. Julie Nataas continues to add to her resume, moving from Top Fuel and Top Alcohol classes to the demanding and exciting world of Funny Car racing.

Nicholas Rivera

Nicholas Rivera delivers NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car news, including eliminator-round results and reaction-time stats. He brings track-side interviews, contender profiles, and championship-point breakdowns straight from drag-racing’s biggest national events.