Jenna Haddock, wife of well-known Funny Car driver Terry Haddock, has earned her Top Fuel competition license and has signed a multi-race agreement with Patriot Grading & Engineering. She will make her debut at the 35th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, July 18-20.
Haddock’s plans also include competing at the 27th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, Aug. 1-3, and the 50th Annual Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, Nov. 13-16.
Patriot Grading & Engineering, headquartered in Fontana, Calif., is a full service-grading contractor serving the Southern California region. They are licensed, bonded and insured, guaranteeing their customers the highest quality of professional grading services. Their team of experts has over 100 years of combined experience in the grading, excavating and engineering industry.
“I’ve known Jenna and Terry for about four years,” said Bascom Mellon, President, “and I respect Jenna for her talents. I have a photo of Jenna and my wife, Ashley, sitting together in Phoenix and it reminds me of the struggle we went through with my business. I received help back then, so now that I’m able, I want to give it back. I’m thrilled to be able to give Jenna her start.
“When I look at them, I see family. They represent the grass roots of drag racing; the way I remember it growing up. They are together at every step; working so hard and making everyone feel welcome. There is beauty in their struggle and there will be success in their fight. I respect them greatly and how hard they work. They are the kind of people I want to be around.”
In 2008, Haddock attended Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School at Bandimere Speedway and earned her Super Comp license, so making her Top Fuel debut at the famed facility has special meaning.
“I am so excited to go back to Bandimere,” expressed Haddock. “When I was getting my Super Comp license at Hawley’s school I had a difficult first day and I spoke to Terry over the phone and he helped me understand what I was supposed to be doing. While it wasn’t anything but friendly advice from a knowledgeable driver, it was the first time he helped me. Now I’m returning to the mountain as a Top Fuel driver and I couldn’t have done it without him. It also means a lot to me to be back in Colorado, because one of my very best friends lives there and I am excited that we will continue to share our lives even now.”
Haddock took her time earning her Top Fuel license. She began three years ago and recently completed the requirements after staying at Royal Purple Raceway following this year’s 27th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals, where husband, Terry competed.
The couple has purchased one of Antron Brown’s canopy dragsters from Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) and the new driver will begin her exciting career with the best equipment available.
“I just can’t thank Don Schumacher Racing enough,” said Haddock. “Everyone on the Matco team and in the fabrication shop at DSR worked hard to help us make the transition to the new car. It is a blessing to get to race and we couldn’t have done it without all of their help.”
Haddock is an integral crewmember on hubby’s Funny Car and it is important to her to continue her responsibilities even when she is competing. She will not be working on her own car at the racetrack but does not plan to step down from her duties on the Funny Car. She knows it will be a struggle but is looking forward to the challenge.
“I will build all the racks of pistons for both cars at the shop,” explained Haddock, “and at the track I will continue to work on the left side of Terry’s engine. I’m not going to take on any responsibilities on my car, so I won’t be spreading myself too thin. I still want to back Terry up and you’ll probably see me out there in my firesuit.
“I am beyond ecstatic to get to do this. I have been going to the races since I was a little girl and now getting to be part of the show is an honor. I want to thank Terry, my team and my sponsors for supporting me and believing in me enough to give me the opportunity to do this. They have worked so hard to make this happen for me. I know that we have our work cut out for us but I so badly want to make everyone proud.”
Besides Patriot Grading, Clevite, DiPinto International, Aerodyne, DJ Safety, Lone Star Aluminum Block Repair, Lucas Oil, All Floors & More, Dunn & Rich Investments, and Kountry Klassics are helping make Haddock’s dream come true.
