For Kallee Mills and Amber Franklin Denton, sharing the cover of Drag Illustrated’s all-new “Women of Power” issue wasn’t just an honor — it was personal.
The pair of second-generation stars, each carving out their own path in doorslammer drag racing, were featured front and center on the cover of DI’s Issue No. 195 – a special edition celebrating the fierce, fearless, and fast women driving the sport forward. For Mills and Denton, it’s a moment they won’t soon forget.
“This is more than just a cover to me,” Mills wrote in a heartfelt social post after the issue’s release. “As a little girl I grew up watching racers like Erica Enders, Melanie Troxel, Ashley Force – just to name a few of my favorites. The Women of Power highlights the females of our sport that are making waves and continuing to break barriers for our future.”
For Denton, the feeling was mutual.
“I’m so excited and thankful to share the cover of the latest Drag Illustrated issue,” she posted. “Being able to share the cover with Kallee was so much fun. She is an amazing racer and someone I am blessed to call a friend.”
While both women have appeared in the pages of Drag Illustrated before, this issue marked a deeper moment of reflection – one rooted in legacy, family, and friendship. The pair spent time together during the cover shoot swapping stories about life in the spotlight, growing up in racing families, and carrying the weight of high expectations while blazing their own trails.
“We sat and talked for hours about being daughters of two legends somehow expected to fill our fathers’ shoes – which will never happen – but we will pave our own way and it will be just fine,” Mills said.
The Women of Power issue features dozens of unique stories showcasing women from all corners of the drag racing universe – racers, tuners, team owners, media members, and entrepreneurs – highlighting the ever-growing role women play in shaping the sport’s future. That theme wasn’t lost on either Mills or Denton.
“There are some amazing stories… and what’s crazy is none of them are the same,” said Mills. “I really suggest reading all of them.”
In true racer fashion, Mills used the moment to recognize the team around her – from her crew to sponsors to the mentors and friends who keep her in the game.
“I’d like to thank my parents for always supporting me and giving me the guidance to do all of this,” she said. “All my guys Brendan Russell, Taylor Strange, Mike Simms and my dad for keeping the cars going. Paul and Jeanne Hayden for their unconditional love. Lee White – a tuning extraordinaire – and Larry Jeffers for always building me safe and fast cars.”
For Denton, the message was simple: gratitude and faith.
“There are so many people that have supported my goals from the beginning of my racing career and have made my goals achievable,” she said. “As always, all the glory goes to God for giving me these opportunities.”
Mills closed her post with a message to her fans and fellow racers: “No matter what race series we are racing, I know we are going to pull up and see our people and that makes me extremely happy. Amber, it was an honor to share the cover with you. I’m proud to call you a friend.”
This story was originally published on July 14, 2025. 
