Maddi Gordon: “Racing runs in my blood, but it’s my heart that keeps me going”

At 21 years old, Maddi Gordon is already making a name for herself in drag racing. Growing up in Bakersfield, California, she was pretty much raised at the track - first behind the wheel of Junior Dragsters, then wrenching on her family’s Top Alcohol Funny Car. She’s a two-time NHRA Division 7 champ and recently made history by becoming the 100th woman to win an NHRA national event after a big win in Seattle. Just last month, she added another victory in Las Vegas to her growing list. 

Now, she’s gearing up for her biggest leap yet, joining Ron Capps Motorsports in 2026 as the driver of a brand-new Top Fuel dragster. It wasn’t just the speed that stood out for Ron, but also her hands-on skills in the garage. 

Long before she ever slipped into a racing suit, Maddi Gordon was already a familiar face at the track; she’s a third-generation racer in her family. Along the way, she not only learned how to drive but also how to handle the weight of expectation. 

“I went to my first race when I was just eight days old,” Maddi tells Females In Motorsport. “Stepping into the Funny Car was a huge shift. I had watched my dad drive my whole life, but being in the seat myself, it’s a whole different ball game.” 

As a third-generation racer, people naturally looked at her and expected big things. But Maddi has never let that crush her. 

“I make mistakes, sure, but I put everything I have into this; I drive with heart,” she says. “Even with the background I have, it’s still a journey for me, especially as a woman trying to grow in motorsport. That’s why being here means so much.” 

Maddi just loves the sport. Not just the driving aspect, but every bit of it. 

“I love working on the car,” she says. “I love the people there. I love the atmosphere. And I'm just very fortunate I'm able to do it with my family.” 

Maddi also comes from a STEM background, which means she doesn’t just drive the car; she really understands what’s happening under the hood. From clutches to engines, she knows the ins and outs of the machine. 

“I think that gives me a bit of an edge,” she says. “When we make changes like adding counterweights, swapping transmissions, or putting on a new blower, I have a sense of what those tweaks will do. 

“So, when I’m behind the wheel, even though things don’t always go as planned, I at least have a game plan in my head about how the car should behave during the race.” 

It’s this deep understanding that helps her stay one step ahead every time she races. And also, one of the reasons why Ron Capps wanted to get her into the team. 

Ever since forming Ron Capps Motorsports in 2022, the three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion has been vocal about his intent to support the next generation of drag racers. As Maddi joins his team in 2026, she’s already feeling that impact. 

“He’s humble, down-to-earth, and truly kind,” she says. “What I admire most is how he mentors. He offers positive feedback but also tells you what needs work. Learning from him feels like a natural extension of that, and it gives me a lot of confidence moving into his team.” 

Maddi’s Top Fuel debut is set for 2026, and while the excitement is very real, she’s doing her best to stay grounded. For now, it’s about growth both on and off the track before she makes that leap. 

“Ron’s slowly easing me into the Top Fuel world,” she says. “But 2025 is still about racing with my family and learning as much as I can. I’m so excited, but I’m trying to keep it together and focus on being ready when the time comes.” 

With how deeply racing runs in her veins, it’s hard to picture Maddi anywhere else. If she weren’t behind the wheel, she says she’d still be chasing adrenaline, just in a different arena. 

“If I wasn’t racing, I’d probably be doing some other sport,” she says. “I just love competition too much to stay away.” 

Maddi might only be 21, but she’s already doing big things, growing up in a racing family and now getting ready to race with Ron Capps Motorsports. That’s no small deal. 

But you’d never guess she’s under pressure. She’s always smiling, always full of energy, and always ready to cheer someone on with a fist bump. Just being part of a racing family doesn’t mean success comes easy. Maddi works hard, gives it her all, and truly loves every second on the track. The way she’s going, it’s clear she’s going to be someone to watch in the racing world.