Last fall, Norway’s Julie Nataas joined Randy Meyer Racing teammates Megan Meyer and Rachel Meyer as an NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster world champion. Competing in 10 national events and six regional races in Randy Meyer’s Oslo Tapet Gulvbelegg A/Fuel dragster, Nataas won the NHRA Gatornationals, Carolina Nationals, and Texas FallNationals as well as four regional events to secure her first world title. She also won the JEGS Allstars race for the second year in a row.
[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #189, the Women of Power Issue, in July/August of 2024.]
The title has been in Nataas’ crosshairs since she came to the U.S. several years ago to pursue big drag racing dreams. She’s following in the footsteps of her father, FIA champion Thomas Nataas, who has competed in NHRA Top Fuel. Multiple full seasons driving one of Randy Meyer’s nitro-injected A/Fuel dragsters have served as Julie’s runway to a potential Top Fuel career of her own.
Nataas has been determined to secure an NHRA Lucas Oil Series title before making the move up to the kings of the sport. Now that she’s accomplished that goal, what’s next for Nataas? Drag Illustrated caught up with her ahead of an NHRA regional event to get an update on her post-championship career goals.
How special was it to finally secure your first world championship?
It was a surreal feeling. To have something you have worked for so long finally happen is a weird but good feeling. We also didn’t know that we could secure the championship in Dallas, so I think not being prepared for it made it even more surreal.
Do you feel like you’re treated differently now that you’re a champion?
Yes and no. I think the difference in the way people look at me and treat me comes in both the pressure to defend the title and to leverage this championship to make the move to Top Fuel.
What does it mean to you to bring another world title to Randy Meyer Racing, adding to the recent titles Megan won in 2019 and 2020 and Rachel won in 2021?
I’ve been a part of Randy Meyer Racing for both of Megan’s and Rachel’s championships. I’ve watched them succeed and I’ve seen what it takes. I think it’s cool that I’ve been a part of the team for all of that and then to be able to bring another championship for them as a driver makes it even cooler.
You’re still chasing your first win of 2024. What’s your outlook for the rest of the season and beyond?
Right now, we are behind where we should and want to be at this point of the season. If we can turn it around right now, we might have a chance for another championship. Going from winning a championship to not having a win yet this year is a little weird and not like us.
I am leaving Randy Meyer Racing after this season. I have been with Randy since 2017 and I am forever grateful for everything I’ve learned and experience with the team. It’s time for me to move on, grow, and develop as a driver. Who knows what the future will bring, but I’m here for it. If it’s up to me: I’ll be in a Top Fuel car next season.
This story was originally published on August 23, 2024. 
