Hillary Will Best Choice for Kalitta/Black Team
Written by David Lamm · August 19, 2005
Do you remember the rumors swirling regarding Kenny Bernstein’s return to active driving? Since Bernstein respectfully declined that offer the search continued for a driver to pilot the fourth Top Fuel dragster in the Kalitta Racing stable. Earlier this week the ownership group consisting of Connie Kalitta and Ken Black announced that Hillary Will will be the driver starting next year.
NHRA.com: Will named driver of Ken Black Top Fuel entry
Even though she has yet to take a trip down the quarter-mile in a Top Fueler, Hillary Will has gained quite a fan base. She is one of the top drivers in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks and has shown the talent and determination to make it as a professional driver. Opportunities for women drivers are all over the NHRA and drag racing team owners realize the marketing potential women bring to this sport. A quick glance at the professional ranks has Melanie Troxel in Top Fuel, Erica Enders in Pro Stock, and Angelle Sampey, Karen Stoffer and Connie Cohen in the Pro Stock Motorcycle categories. I challenge any of the other professional racing series to have as many opportunities for women as the NHRA does. So now with Will joining these women in the professional rank in the 2006 season, the list of female drivers continues to expand.
And the women of the NHRA are not just “field fillers” either. These women qualify well and are contenders and Will should be no different next year. Consider that Ken Black is a successful businessman and knows the difference between spending money wisely and just throwing money out there because he considers racing a hobby. (Remember he is the man that owns the Pontiacs driven by Greg Anderson and Jason Line in the Pro Stock division.) Add to the mix the talents and the competitive fire that Connie Kalitta brings to the table and Will looks to have all the ingredients of a sure fire Rookie of the Year candidate. She will have excellent funding and great equipment giving her the best opportunity to win. And if she can handle the transition from alcohol to nitro quickly, the world could be on the brink of seeing the next big thing. I will not get ahead of myself with bold predictions but the future looks bright for Will. She has all the tools to be successful. Let’s just hope she takes advantage.
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Just another reason I love this sport so much! Way to go girl! Wish it could be me. Guess some of us have to settle for being spectators though. I will be rooting for this girl!
hillary is the gal!watched her race at somoa for years and had talent then just goes to show ya.we have great people in humboldt county. our best to you, hillary!!!