Amber Franklin-Denton has cracked the top 20 of the Drag Illustrated Pound-for-Pound Pro Mod Rankings in her rookie PDRA Pro Nitrous season. The two-time PDRA Pro 632 world champion has made a smooth transition to the class, driving her Musi-powered entry with confidence and consistency, backed by the support of her Tommy Franklin Motorsports team.
Franklin-Denton, piloting the iconic “OG Jungle Rat” ’69 Camaro – a car that carried her father, three-time Pro Nitrous world champion Tommy Franklin, to two of his titles – has transitioned from dominating Pro 632 to holding her own against the heavy hitters of Pro Nitrous. Her journey to the top 20 is no overnight success; it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream, years of grinding in the PDRA’s Jr. Dragster and Pro 632 ranks, and a methodical approach to mastering the art of driving a three-second doorslammer. The Virginia native, who married 2023 PDRA Super Street world champion Blake Denton in September 2024, has proven she’s not just Tommy Franklin’s daughter but a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
“It means a lot to even be competing in the class, so to be recognized in the top 20 halfway through my rookie season is a huge deal to me,” Franklin-Denton said. “I look at it like when music artists see their names or songs on charts that they’ve grown up listening to. I’ve grown up watching so many of these racers as a kid, and to be on the list with them as a driver is super special.”
Her breakout moment in the rankings comes as no surprise to those who’ve followed her meteoric rise. Franklin-Denton’s 2024 Pro 632 season was a masterclass in dominance, with three wins, six No. 1 qualifiers, and a historic 4.086-second pass at the Brian Olson Memorial World Finals – the first in Pro 632 history to dip into the 4.00s. That record-setting run was a fitting swan song for her Pro 632 career, as she and her team, led by tuner Jeff Pierce, had already set their sights on Pro Nitrous. The transition wasn’t just a step up; it was a leap into a class where mid-to-high three-second runs and cutthroat competition are the norm.
“I’m still learning a lot and continuing to try and push myself to be better each and every race,” Franklin-Denton admitted. “Seeing R/T averages is a unique comparison that we don’t always look at and adds another layer of competitiveness as a driver.”
The Pound-for-Pound Rankings, which weigh a driver’s reaction time, consistency, and overall performance, are a badge of honor in the Pro Mod world, and Franklin-Denton’s inclusion puts her among the elite.
“When I look at the other names on the list, there are a ton of extremely accomplished drivers,” she said. “That is what makes it so cool and special. The competition level is stout, and you know it means something when you’re compared to these drivers.”
What makes her achievement even sweeter is sharing the list with her father, Tommy, whose passion for racing ignited her own.
“Being on the list with my dad is really awesome,” she said. “He shared his passion for racing with me, and to be able to compete amongst him now is really special. I’ve watched him for years, trying to learn from videos and certain routines.”
Franklin-Denton’s rookie season hasn’t been without its challenges. The jump from Pro 632’s 4.10s to Pro Nitrous’s blistering 3.6-second runs required not just physical changes to the “OG Jungle Rat” – swapping in a Liberty transmission and a Pat Musi 974ci engine – but a mental shift as well. Her composed, cautious driving style, praised by Tommy, has been key to her success.
“She’s just very composed in the car,” Tommy said in a previous interview. “She never seems behind in the car. She thinks ahead and tries to be aware inside the car at all times.”
That composure, paired with the performance and consistency of a Jerry Bickel-built race car and the tuning prowess of Jeff Pierce, has put Franklin-Denton in contention at every race. Her methodical approach mirrors the team’s philosophy: test, refine, and compete at the highest level.
“Overall, I think it’s a huge testament to our team as well,” she said. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and know that it takes everyone’s hard work to get recognized on a list like this.”
The Tommy Franklin Motorsports team, backed by partners like Red Line Oil, Pat Musi Racing Engines, Hoosier Racing Tires, and Menscer Motorsports, has been the backbone of her success. Add to that the unwavering support of her parents, Tommy and Judy, her husband Blake, and her sister Ashley – who claimed the 2024 Pro Jr. Dragster world championship – and it’s clear Franklin-Denton’s rise is a family affair.
“I give God all the glory every time because without Him, none of this is possible for any of us,” she said.
As she continues her rookie campaign, Franklin-Denton’s eyes are set on bigger goals: final-round appearances, event wins, and maybe even a showdown with her dad. For now, her No. 20 ranking is a milestone that resonates deeply, a reminder of how far she’s come and how much further she’s ready to go. In a class where there are no easy rounds and every driver is a threat, Amber Franklin-Denton is proving she belongs – pound for pound, pass for pass.
This story was originally published on June 24, 2025. 
