The Fast Lane

The latest news from the track!
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Melanie Johnson Named to Drag Illustrated's 30 Under 30 List

January 1, 2026

A new generation of Johnson racing excellence earns national recognition. Melanie Johnson has been recognized as one of drag racing rising stars.

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From Softball to Professional Driving with Melanie Johnson

December 17, 2025

The Fearless Warrior podcast stepped outside of softball and headed into the drag racing world. They sat down with Melanie Johnson, a professional drag racer, who shares how tiny adjustments, sharp focus, and trust in instinct turn five seconds of chaos into calm execution.

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WIMNA Social Chapter to Host Field Trip to NHRA Museum, Pomona Dragstrip

November 3, 2025

WIMNA SoCal and NHRA will host a Women in Motorsports Field Trip on Nov. 14 at the Pomona Dragstrip, featuring Melanie Johnson and other trailblazing women, uniting racers, industry leaders, and students for inspiration, connection, and NHRA Finals qualifying.

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Melanie Johnson Advances in Semifinals in First Appearance at U.S. Nationals

September 3, 2025

Drag Illustrated

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Melanie meets with
Women Take the Wheel

"Melanie Johnson will be competing in her first full season of Top Alcohol Dragster in 2025. She has one of the best mentors helping her: Her Dad. He happens to be Alan Johnson, who has a few championships under his belt. We talk about growing up at the track watching her family race, her first job in motorsports, when the driving bug bit her and what she does off the track, that can help her find success behind the wheel."

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Melanie is featured in
Living It Loud

"Melanie Johnson grew up at the drag strip, watching her dad, legendary crew chief Alan Johnson, tune his way to 13 NHRA Top Fuel Championships. Racing runs deep in her family, her late uncle Blaine Johnson was a standout in both Top Alcohol and Top Fuel, and now Melanie’s carving her own path in the sport. After a successful run in Super Comp, she’s stepping into the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks and just picked up her first win in Norwalk, Ohio. She’s got big shoes to fill, but she’s doing it her way - with grit, heart, and a love for the sport that started when she was just a kid hanging out in the race trailer."

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Melanie Sits Down with
The CompetitionPlus
for Power Hour

"Melanie Johnson picked up her first NHRA top alcohol dragster WIN. Joe Morrison will make Norwalk his first race of 2025 in NHRA funny car. They're both with us live!"

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