Behind some of drag racing’s most memorable moments is Erin Davis, the driving force behind Blue Ribbon Awards and Apparel. As the general manager of the company, Davis has not only continued a family legacy but redefined it, blending creativity and execution with a deep understanding of what it means to celebrate achievement in motorsports.
Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #195, the Women of Power Issue, in July/August of 2025.
Davis officially stepped into the recognition industry in 2010, shadowing her mother, who was part of the original Blue Ribbon team. From 2010 to 2015, she absorbed the ins and outs of the awards business, learning how to turn moments of success into something tangible.
“It’s not just trophies,” Davis says. “It’s about recognizing people – employees, teams, racers – for their accomplishments.”
Today, Davis manages the day-to-day of Blue Ribbon’s brick-and-mortar shop in Augusta, Georgia, overseeing a growing list of major accounts that includes not only local schools and businesses, but also global institutions like Augusta National Golf Club. The relationship with Augusta National, which hosts the Masters Tournament annually, holds special meaning from laser-engraving nameplates and locker tags to handling their championship wall.
“That account was my mom’s baby,” Davis shares. “She secured it back in 2003, and we’ve been able to keep it, even through Blue Ribbon’s new ownership. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”
This year has been a particularly defining year for Davis – one she calls her “highlight year” as she’s able to combine two of the things she’s passionate about – drag racing and celebrating achievements.
Thanks to a growing presence in the drag racing world, Davis and Blue Ribbon have left their mark on some of the sport’s most high-profile stages. The custom trophies and No. 1 qualifier awards for the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, along with the DI Winter Series trophy, all came from her shop. It all started with a single text message.
“Nate Prater introduced me to Wes Buck, and out of the blue, I got a message from Wes asking if I could make some really nice trophies – fast,” she recalls. “Two things went through my mind: Who tells Wes Buck no? And can I actually pull this off in five days?”
She did, and the relationship between Blue Ribbon and Drag Illustrated has only grown from there.
What began with sponsoring Street Car Braggin’ Rights trophies for Prater evolved into a full-blown racing division within Blue Ribbon. Davis now works with clients across the sport, from KTR to Darlington Dragway.
“I’m grateful that Blue Ribbon lets me pursue this industry that I love,” she says. “The racers, the events, the energy…it’s special.”
Lastly, Davis shares a bit of advice for those looking to break into the awards business.
“Hunker down because it’s a lot of attention to detail and a lot of moving parts that I think a lot of people just don’t take into consideration with the whole process from start to finish.”
