Mopar Racers Mike and Paula Cotten Are NHRA Class Racing Diehards

Oklahoma natives and Arizona transplants Mike and Paula Cotten rank among the most dedicated of NHRA sportsman drag racers, and Mike’s Super Stock Barracuda one of its most recognizable racecars. The Cottens have been at the class racing game for nearly 40 years, competing in Stock and Super Stock in Plymouth Dusters and ‘Cudas.

Married in 1976, the high school sweethearts entered their first national event at Pomona in 1983, and Mike won his first national crown at Dallas eight seasons later, in 1991. In the late 1990s, they purchased a second Duster, put Paula behind the wheel, and the rest, as they say, is history. Now in their 60s and retired, the two traverse the country, competing in more than 20 NHRA national and divisional events each year.

“We love traveling together and being on the road, it’s the same as being at home. We still do laundry, shop for groceries and change the oil in the cars. You just learn how to do this on the road,” Paul says.

The two have faced off against one another twice while racing in Stock Eliminator. Paula won both, and Mike will only admit to one of those losses being intentional.

Read more about the Cotten’s and their way-cool Mopars — among other great Dodge vehicle content — by visiting Dodge Garage.

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About the author

Andrew Wolf

Andrew has been involved in motorsports from a very young age. Over the years, he has photographed several major auto racing events, sports, news journalism, portraiture, and everything in between. After working with the Power Automedia staff for some time on a freelance basis, Andrew joined the team in 2010.
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