WYNNEWOOD, OK — Autoweek has selected two-time defending Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders as its inaugural Autoweek Driver Award recipient.
Enders swept to her second consecutive Pro Stock championship with a dominant performance in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. She won nine races, breaking Angelle Sampey’s single-season record for victories by a female. Along the way, Enders passed legend Shirley Muldowney for second place in career wins by a woman, and her 21 career victories trails only Sampey’s 41.
Enders also set an all-time NHRA record by winning three consecutive final rounds on holeshots (in Brainerd, Minn.; Indianapolis; and Charlotte).
Enders clinched the championship in Las Vegas with one race remaining on the schedule. She became the first driver in Pro Stock to win back-to-back titles since the great Jeg Coughlin Jr. accomplished that feat in 2007-08.
“It’s a huge honor to be named as the winner of the Autoweek Driver Award, especially considering it covers all of motorsports,” Enders said. “Sometimes drag racing is overlooked, so it’s pretty neat for us. Thanks to (team owner) Richard Freeman, (crew chiefs) Rick and Rickie Jones and Mark Ingersoll, and all my Elite Motorsports guys. I’ve got the best, smartest, most loyal guys in the business, and they make this whole deal possible. I’m a blessed girl to be their driver, and we’ll continue to live this dream.”
The Autoweek Awards were launched this year to “recognize individuals or companies who, over the course of the last year, have made substantial contributions to the continued relevance and advancement of car culture.”
The magazine said of Enders, “No other driver has dominated their sport to the degree that Enders has over the course of the last two years.”
Fans can read more about Enders’ honor at www.autoweek.com/awards and by searching #AutoweekAwards on social media.
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