Lainey Abney, 21, took an unconventional route to drag racing, starting her journey on a 110cc dirt bike at age 11 instead of following the typical Jr. Dragster path. After approximately a thousand runs, she transitioned to a door car at 13, first driving her father’s C5 Corvette. “I was hooked,” she says, and after making significant upgrades to her racing setup, including a Nitrous Express kit, she eventually acquired her current turbocharged LS-powered ‘06 Mustang.

Abney’s achievements include a notable victory in the Power Adder class at Holley’s LS Fest, but her personal highlight came when she triumphed over her mentor, Tom Gunner, in a True Street race at her home track. She recalls the exhilarating moment: “I was so pumped. I got out of the car screaming, ‘Oh my gosh, how did I beat you?’”

Over time, Abney has grown from being a sore loser to a more composed competitor, valuing the fun of racing rather than just the accolades. She finds motivation in inspiring younger girls in the sport, saying, “I really like just seeing kids’ faces light up when they find out I’m a girl or that I’m young.”

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, she aims to expand her racing horizons, competing more broadly and improving her skills. Abney expresses gratitude to her family and mentors, acknowledging that their support has been crucial in her journey.



Source: dragillustrated.com