Freeman’s Bold Move: Enders and Stanfield Launch First Top Fuel Runs at Indy

On Wednesday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Pro Stock champion Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield made first Top Fuel runs, marking a step in Elite Motorsports’ growing nitro programme.

Enders, a six-time Pro Stock champion, arrived after a restless night, studying notes and onboard video to manage the jump in performance.

She handled the initial hit, but clutch lock-up delivered a violent surge, pinning her back and distorting vision, underlining Top Fuel’s unique demands compared to door cars.

Stanfield echoed the shock, noting Top Fuel continues building power beyond half-track, a stark contrast with Pro Stock’s curve.

He made four runs in the Elite dragster and called the acceleration worse than advertised.

Procedure proved the biggest hurdle. Both learned to unweight the clutch before staging and hold the car on a handbrake while building rpm.

Enders said those inputs contradict Pro Stock instincts, where similar actions would immediately stall the engine.

Stanfield’s launch-leg twitched on his first attempt, a reflex that would scupper a Pro Stock pass, emphasising the mental reset required.

Both skipped the usual Top Alcohol bridge. Stanfield leaned on broad experience across Pro Mod and Pro Stock to compress the learning curve.

Preparation spanned months of observation and data study, reinforced by guidance from Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett. Crew chief Mike Green led the technical programme.

Team owner Richard Freeman positioned the test as seat time rather than licensing. He noted Stanfield sat one run shy, but that was never the target.

Freeman’s expansion has been rapid since acquiring Josh Hart’s operation last September, adding cars, hiring championship-level crew chiefs, and bringing Stewart under the Elite banner.

The project prioritises internal driver development and future optionality when Stewart steps back, echoing early seat-time lessons from Antron Brown’s Brainerd experience.

Enders and Stanfield remain committed to Pro Stock. NHRA rules prohibit entering multiple pro classes at one event, complicating opportunistic appearances at the Bandero NHRA U.S. Nationals.

Enders said veterans advise 40–50 runs to feel comfortable in a nitro car, setting expectations for a measured testing cadence.

Stanfield nearly secured his license on his third pass. Tyre smoke on the fourth interrupted that path, which he welcomed as part of learning.

Freeman targets further tests and the addition of second and third cars, preferring to promote from within rather than recruit external drivers.

The Indianapolis exercise offers tangible proof of Elite’s strategy as Indy week approaches, comparable with recent form swings seen in Ron Capps’ Brainerd and Indy campaigns.

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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.