Little more than a week has passed since the NHRA’s season-ending AAA of Southern California Finals in Pomona, and already, the “silly season” is well underway.
It was announced today that popular Pro Stock driver Erica Enders-Stevens, the most prolific female driver in the history of the factory hot rod category, has joined Elite Motorsports for the 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Enders-Stevens, who has spent much of her professional career driving for team owner Victor Cagnazzi, will pilot Elite Motorsports’ new Chevrolet Camaro, which Rickie Jones drove to his first career Pro Stock victory in Pomona. The car will be tuned by Rickie and his father and renowned chassis builder, Rick Jones, with in-house horsepower provided by noted engine builders Nick Ferri and Jake Hairston.
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“I’m really excited to start this next chapter of my career,” Enders-Stevens said. “It’s hard to believe that 2014 will be my 10th year in Pro Stock but it’s true. We want to make it our best year yet, and we’re all going to be working very hard towards that goal.  “The last three years we’ve been in contention for the championship very late in the season, and we expect to be there again with Elite Motorsports. Rickie just won the NHRA Finals, so it’s obvious they have all the pieces in place to be successful. “I’m sad to leave Victor Cagnazzi. We have worked together for the majority of my Pro Stock career, and I will always be appreciative of Victor and his wife Brita. I certainly value our relationship. The deal Richard (Freeman, team owner of Elite Motorsports) offered assures me a full-time ride in his top car, so at this point in my career I thought it was the best move for me to make.” Enders-Stevens has competed in the Pro Stock class for the last nine seasons, qualifying at 102 national events, winning six times in 17 final round appearances, and has also been the No. 1 qualifier six times. She’s finished in the top 10 in three consective seasons, with a career-high fourth place finish in 2012. All this despite competing on a partial schedule at times during her career. |
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“I’ve been so blessed to have had the opportunities I’ve had so far,” said Enders-Stevens, who finished sixth in 2013. “For many years I got to race with my dad, which was something we always dreamed about when I was younger and something I’d love to do again some day. I’ve also raced on my own and, although it hasn’t always been easy, I love this sport so much that I’ve fought to stay out here. The support I’ve received from my dad and the rest of my family, my longtime friends, and all of the wonderful fans out there have made it all worthwhile. “This new start with Richard and Elite Motorsports is exciting for me. I hope I can repay their faith in me by being competitive and chasing after another championship.” Enders-Stevens and the Elite Motorsports team will begin testing in Florida early in the year before the season-opening NHRA Winternationals in Pomona on February 6-9. |
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