Arianna Brown, 21, grew up in the shadow of her illustrious racing father, a multiple-time NHRA Top Fuel champion, Antron Brown. Yet, she never struggled to cast her own light. Her ambition, veiled in a rich motorsport legacy, was inexorable, driven by a love for the drag racing world.

Hailing from Brownsburg, Indiana, Arianna’s journey began in the NHRA Junior Dragster program during her formative years. Nevertheless, during her late teens, she diverted her focus towards academics and a burgeoning competitive dance career, reasoning that the stage was her ultimate pursuit. However, the allure of racing remained steadfast.

The decision to elevate herself from her half-scale dragster to a full-sized competition vehicle was a pivotal one. In keeping with the family tradition, she embarked on a course at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, a rite of passage that would pave the road to her NHRA Super Comp license.

Arianna’s tenure in the Junior ranks lent her invaluable experience, yet the gravity of the Super Comp course necessitated diligent preparation. Her anticipation was quelled as she discovered a unique assembly of participants — novices and those rekindling their joy for racing. The element of surprise, in her case, lay in the fact that her familial lineage was initially incognito, a somewhat amusing detail.

In the classroom, Arianna Brown found herself enveloped in the genial tutelage of Frank Hawley, whose candor and reassuring persona served as an anchor. His emphasis on comprehensive preparation resonated with her, reminiscent of her father’s meticulous approach to the sport.

I don’t think I’ll be able to die happy if I don’t try Top Fuel at least once. – Arianna Brown

Arianna’s maiden journey down the drag strip was a combination of excitement and trepidation. Drawing parallels to a dance performance, she methodically executed each step. In her own words, it was a moment of revelation, a realization that she had found her true calling. “It was a light switch moment for me … this is where I want to be, so why didn’t I do this sooner?” she proclaimed.

After each run, Arianna and her cohorts, including Joe Maynard, co-owner of Don Schumacher Racing’s Top Fuel team, reconvened in the classroom to scrutinize video footage and assess their performances. She was pleasantly surprised by her ability to maintain a straight trajectory down the track, even at speeds exceeding 160 mph.

Reflecting on the past, Frank Hawley reminisced, “I remember many years ago when Antron came and drove our alcohol dragster. He was amazingly good, considering he had never raced those cars.” Evidently, Antron has imparted his natural skills to his offspring. “Both of them did remarkably well. Anson had immediate success, winning his first two races. I can’t wait to see how Arianna will do. I wish her well.”

Beyond the visceral thrill of racing, Arianna was particularly enthralled by Frank’s lectures on the psychology of success. She recognized that these invaluable lessons could be applied universally, transcending the boundaries of the racetrack and informing her approach to dance.

As she gazes into a future full of promise, Arianna Brown harbors dual ambitions. She aspires to own a dance studio while sustaining her racing career on weekends alongside her father’s AB Motorsports team. “I don’t think I’ll be able to die happy if I don’t try Top Fuel at least once,” she laughed. For now, her blueprint includes participating in bracket races in the Indianapolis area and the broader Midwest with her brother, Anson.