Enders officially the fastest woman in Pro Stock drag racing

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 11) -- Already the most prolific female racer in class history, Erica Enders is now the fastest Pro Stock racer on the planet -- regardless of gender -- after powering through a world-record pass of 6.502 seconds at 213.57 mph in her ZaZa Energy Chevrolet Cobalt Friday at Gainesville Raceway.

"This is my first national record and I couldn’t be more excited about the steady flow of progress we’ve made so far in 2011," Enders said. "We made a few passes in Pomona (Calif., at the season opener two weeks ago) that were so close to the record so we knew it was possible with this ZaZa Cobalt, but you never go into the first qualifying session of an event thinking this will be the pass where I break the record."

The native Texan returned to Victor Cagnazzi Racing for the 2011 season after four years with other teams. She started her professional career with Cagnazzi in 2005.

"Gainesville is where I had my very first final-round appearance, and if the stars align, maybe we can make the Gators the site of my very first win," Enders said. "This Cagnazzi horsepower is something else, and there is no better spot to enjoy it from than from behind the wheel.

"It's so great to be back in a car that can run numbers like this. We're dreaming big this year and I think we can make things happen."

Enders is hoping to become the first female driver in history to win a Pro Stock race. She also has designs on becoming just the third woman to win an NHRA championship at the professional level. Only Shirley Muldowney and Angelle (Sampey) Drago have claimed ultimate glory at the top level of the sport.

"We just want to race to the best of our abilities," Enders said. "It's neat that all the female fans, and really all of the fans out there, are so supportive of what we're doing. If me driving the car inspires other girls to chase their dreams, then that's great."

Qualifying for the 42nd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals concludes Saturday with two sessions scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. ET. Eliminations are set for Sunday, with all action airing on ESPN2.

"We started the season being the No. 1 qualifier and that was awesome for the guys," Enders said. "Now we come here and set the speed record. All we're missing is a win. The conditions are great and that's why we're seeing such big numbers. This weekend could turn out to be very special."