Traditions are an important part of any family, and for the Minor family, drag racing runs deep. Fourth-generation racer Bridget Minor recently attended Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School and will use the experience as she drives forward into her career.
The great-granddaughter of NHRA legend Larry Minor, Bridget didn’t start driving Jr. Dragsters until a little later than most as she had grown up off-road racing and even won a championship with her UTV 570.
“I’ve always supported her racing and I want to help her achieve her dreams any way that I can. I’m incredibly proud of what she’s already achieved,” said Bridget’s grandfather, Chris Minor. Bridget got her NHRA competition license in 2022 when she was 15 years old, but adapted to the straight-line speed very quickly and showed an immediate aptitude.
Most recently, the 17-year-old attended the School’s Super Comp licensing course on September 30-October 1, 2024, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as a birthday gift from her family. Strapping into a full-size dragster was a lot different from what she was used to, and a lot faster, and the California native absolutely loved every moment of it.
“It was amazing, and Frank [Hawley] is really smart. He taught us so much about the psychology of racing,” shared Bridget, who admittedly gets a little nervous before each pass. She was surprised when she realized that she had actually lifted off of the gas involuntarily on her first run. “Frank helped me get out of my head and figure out how to relax. Going 150+ mph is way different than going 80 in the Junior… I just love going fast and am so glad I got my license!”
Frank Hawley, who drove the Miller High Life-sponsored Top Fuel Dragster for Larry Minor years ago, was impressed with Bridget’s driving ability. “It was a great opportunity Larry Minor gave me in the late 1980s. We had great success with that car and Larry and I have stayed in touch ever since,” reminisced Frank, founder of the School. “Bridget’s experience in the NHRA Junior Dragster program was a huge help to her in the class, and she transitioned to the big car with ease. We wish her the best and I look forward to working with her in the future!”
Although Bridget didn’t initially have plans to purchase a Super Comp dragster of her own, her family surprised her on Christmas Day with a gift that would put a smile on any sportsman’s face – a Chevrolet-powered 2001 Mullis dragster. She expects to run in the coming 2025 season at sporadic local events, although a specific debut date has not yet been set, while simultaneously finishing out her career in the Juniors.
Thanks to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, though, Bridget now has a solid foundation to help her as she moves up to bigger cars. She also plans to work towards obtaining her A/Fuel license with a return to the School for a stint in a Top Alcohol Dragster.
“I’m so grateful for all of my sponsors who have supported me, and to my family for helping me get here,” she stated. And, Bridget’s family is just as happy to be able to help her, as her stepfather, Jimmy Hook, had tears in his eyes when he heard her name being called to confirm she had earned her license. He added, “Bridget performed amazingly well and I’m so proud of her. I appreciated Frank inviting me to sit in on the classroom sessions, but the highlight of my day was when he told me what a great kid she was.”
Bridget’s immediate goals are to keep racing her Jr. Dragster until she ages out at 18, graduate from high school where she’s currently a senior, then attend Scottsdale Community College while also working towards her Real Estate license. Beyond that, though, she does eventually hope to pursue a career in drag racing and is honored to be able to follow in her great-grandfather’s footsteps.
This story was originally published on January 8, 2025. 
