In a surprising development revealed on Joe Castello’s WFO Radio Podcast, Elite Motorsports owner Richard Freeman shared his ambitious plans to expand into the Top Fuel category, with six-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders as the driver.
Freeman, whose dedication to Pro Stock racing has been instrumental in its recent resurgence, is now setting his sights on Top Fuel, signaling a bold new direction for Elite Motorsports.
“My passion is Pro Stock, and I have no interest in leaving it,” Freeman said. “However, we are looking to expand into Top Fuel. We have two brand new trailers and two new PDRC cars on order, and we are building the infrastructure while securing the necessary funding. We will not move forward until the proper funding is in place.”
While the Top Fuel project is still in its early stages, Freeman envisions Erica Enders driving a Top Fuel Dragster in addition to her Pro Stock duties.
“Currently, the rules don’t allow a driver to compete in two professional categories, but I’ve had many discussions with NHRA about making this possible,” Freeman explained. “There are still challenges, but they have agreed to work with us, and that’s our plan.”
Enders, whose Pro Stock career has been historic, expressed enthusiasm for the new challenge but remains committed to Pro Stock.
“When there is an announcement, we will make it,” Enders said in a FloRacing report. “We are definitely looking to expand, but I want to be clear: I am passionate about Pro Stock and would never give it up to race a dragster. This is a business opportunity and a way to grow Team Elite. For now, we are working on it, and I am always up for a new challenge.”
Freeman mentioned that the formation of Elite Motorsports’ Top Fuel team would involve strategic partnerships with other Top Fuel teams, leveraging his extensive network within the NHRA community, including relationships with teams like JHG (Tony Stewart Racing) and SCAG (Justin Ashley), as well as a strong friendship with the Torrence family.
“Partnering with another team is essential,” Freeman emphasized. “We have many connections with other teams through our current teammates with JHG and SCAG. We also have a great friendship with the Torrence family, so we are exploring all possible avenues.”
