In an unexpected and candid appearance on “The Shake and Bake Show,” Erica Enders clarified the buzz surrounding Elite Motorsports’ potential move into Top Fuel racing. This comes after team owner Richard Freeman’s premature disclosure about the team’s plans.
During Enders’ time on the podcast, she explained that Elite Motorsports has been contemplating the Top Fuel venture for some time, but Freeman’s public revelation was unplanned. She mentioned that the announcement was supposed to be confidential, and the timing of it took the team by surprise.
“We’ve been talking about it for quite some time, and we’ve been working on stuff behind the scenes since last season,” she said.
Although Elite Motorsports has ordered two Top Fuel cars and trailers, Enders emphasized that nothing is concrete yet. The move hinges on securing proper funding and assembling the right team, highlighting the importance of having an experienced crew chief and a well-coordinated crew.
“It’s such a crew chief game, and you have to absolutely have the right group of people,” explained Enders, reiterating the importance of having new equipment and the right team.
Enders assured fans that she has no plans to leave Pro Stock racing. Her goal is to add Top Fuel to her existing racing schedule, provided the logistics can be worked out. She also mentioned that NHRA has not yet approved her participation in both classes, but discussions are ongoing.
Enders firmly responded to doubts about her ability to handle a Top Fuel car, asserting that a skilled driver can adapt to any type of race car. She underscored her commitment to proving her capabilities across different racing disciplines.
The potential move to Top Fuel is partly driven by Freeman’s concern for the future of drag racing. With a decline in experienced crew chiefs and team owners, Freeman is keen on ensuring the sport’s longevity and competitiveness. This proactive approach aims to foster new talent and maintain high standards in drag racing.
“The thought he has behind it is we have to be proactive. The car counts are short; Don Schumacher passed away; what happens when [Connie] Kalitta does or when Jim Dunn does?” Enders rhetorically asked.
“This is a succession plan. Who is going to step into crew chief positions? Who is there to get in Pro Stock and Top Fuel when this generation dies? Richard has the sport at the forefront of his mind. He has always been this way – Richard gets off his ass and does something. We’ll keep doing our best and rolling with it,” she adds.
Beyond the logistical and strategic aspects, Enders sees the Top Fuel venture as a new challenge. After achieving multiple Pro Stock championships, she is motivated to set new goals and push her limits further.
This story was originally published on July 12, 2024. 
