Get ready to dive into the world of NHRA's top alcohol drivers and uncover the stories behind these racing legends! Today, we're kicking off a special series celebrating the sport's 75th anniversary by spotlighting the incredible talents of its top alcohol racers.
The first group of drivers to be inducted into the NHRA's Top 25 Alcohol Drivers list is a diverse and impressive bunch. From Pat Austin's blazing success in the late '80s and early '90s to Doug Gordon's three-generation racing dynasty, these drivers have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Pat Austin: A Burning Bright Star
Pat Austin's five-year reign from 1987 to 1991 was nothing short of spectacular. He dominated the Top Alcohol Funny Car category, winning four championships and an impressive 70 national event wins during that time. What's even more remarkable is that Austin's talent and killer instinct, combined with his father's horsepower expertise, struck fear into their competitors. Personally, I find it fascinating how family dynamics can play such a crucial role in a driver's success.
Blaine Johnson: A Late Bloomer with a Dominant Streak
Blaine Johnson's story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Despite only competing for six seasons, he rose to the top of the Top Fuel ranks alongside his brother and crew chief, Alan. Johnson's dominance was evident from the start, winning his second career race at the 1988 NHRA Gatornationals. He went on to set a class record with 26 wins by the end of the 1993 season and held the record for consecutive season titles until Rick Santos broke it in 2001. What many people don't realize is that Johnson's success was built on a foundation of family support and a unique crew chief relationship.
Bucky Austin: The Northwest Hitter
Bucky Austin, or the self-proclaimed "Northwest Hitter," carved his own successful path in the Northwest. He won eight Division 6 Top Alcohol Funny Car championships and had an impressive 44 divisional wins. What makes Bucky's story particularly fascinating is the family rivalry with his brother, Walt. They built a Top Gas car together but soon went their separate ways, competing against each other for a lifetime. Bucky's first national event win was a family affair, defeating Pat and Walt in the final round at their Seattle hometrack. The rivalry continued, with Bucky beating them again in the 1998 NHRA World Finals. It's a testament to the competitive spirit and the bond that can exist between family members.
Doug Gordon: A Three-Generation Racing Legacy
Doug Gordon's story is a unique one, as he followed in his father's footsteps and took over the family Funny Car in 1996. His natural talent was evident from the start, and he quickly became a perennial title contender. What makes Doug's story even more remarkable is the three-generation span of his racing dynasty. In 2024, he passed the torch to his daughter, Maddi, but returned to the cockpit in 2026 when Maddi moved up to Top Fuel. The Norwalk event this year was a historic moment for the Gordon family, with Doug, Maddi, and Maddi's team owner, Ron Capps, all winning their respective categories. It's a testament to the power of family and the legacy that can be built through generations.
Joey Severance: A Killer Instinct and Outside-the-Box Thinking
Joey Severance's success can be attributed to his killer instinct and his father's outside-the-box thinking. He captured four consecutive world championships between 2015 and 2018 and added another in 2022, striking a blow for the traditional supercharged powerplant. Severance's family also owns and operates the popular Woodburn Dragstrip in Oregon, showcasing their commitment to the sport and their community. It's a great example of how racing can be a family affair, with multiple generations contributing to its success.
As we celebrate these top alcohol drivers, it's important to reflect on the broader implications of their achievements. These drivers have not only left their mark on the sport but have also inspired future generations. Their stories showcase the power of talent, family support, and a never-give-up attitude. It's a reminder that success in racing, like in life, is often a combination of natural ability, hard work, and the support of those around you.
Stay tuned for more stories and insights as we continue to celebrate NHRA's 75th anniversary and uncover the legends of its top alcohol drivers!
