After setting records at the famed Daytona International Speedway, the South Carolina resident recently became a winner in IHRA competition at Greer Dragway.
This was accomplished thanks in part to our new EV program.
In this exclusive interview, we find out about the 1984 Converse College graduate and how she juggles both a successful career in the medical field and success on the track.
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR MOTIVATION TO MANAGE BOTH CAREERS SUCCESSFULLY?
Thomas: “I have been a multi-tasker since I was probably six years old. I think some of it is made, some from in your blood; it’s just the way you are. I had a background in dance. I would take my class and come home and teach the kids in the neighborhood. I was always ready to learn and teach when I could.
“I’ve always been a people person and like to learn new things. When my husband and I started dating, he was into drag racing. For me, it was either get on board or stay home. He’s always been supportive of me, and I was always supportive of him.
“I would be the one to make sandwiches, make sure the hotel rooms were in order, learn more about the cars, and change the tires. We were always just involved. I’ve been a chiropractor for 32 years. About 15 years ago we started using a new technique; a treatment for chiropractic to high speed. It was the perfect segway to partner and promote it at the track. We parked our race cars at the office and it became our “the doctor is in” sign."
WHAT MAKES A FAMILY TEAM SUCCESSFUL?
Thomas: “On every level, it is all about trust. I never have to worry if a new patient calls; my husband, David, helps me out. We work together and were able to form a plan. It’s the same thing at the track; I didn’t have a background in that. I learned to tighten the lug nuts just right, make sure the fuel mixture was right. That’s all about being together all of the time and the trust that we have for each other.”
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE EV CLASS FOLLOWING YOUR WIN AT GREER DRAGWAY?
Thomas: “I’m hooked. I’m all about the sound that the cars make, but once you can experience that raw acceleration of an EV, especially the Tesla, I can’t say enough about it. Most of the time when other drivers ride with me, they get the opportunity to see what I'm talking about.
“It’s the most fun I’ve had recently. I’ve been doing Test N Tunes for about three years. It was awesome, we were having the best time. Even with just my EV vehicle, I made it up to number five with our local 864 fastest streetcar group. I was very excited that they let me in as a female and with an EV car."
LAST YEAR WITH THE PANDEMIC YOU COULDN’T TRAVEL. WHAT WAS IT LIKE ENTERING SPORTSMAN COMPETITIONS?
Thomas: “I’ve never been in a team situation before, that’s one thing I really enjoyed. The partnerships and the camaraderie you have are just phenomenal, and to be on the team was excellent. Now that I’ve experienced that part of how the IHRA works, I’m in.
“The other part of being there that’s great is that you get to know the people. My husband and I are both Racers for Christ Chaplains. We help out at the track, talk with fellow drivers about issues, and we are able to share God.
“I was asked if I knew they were doing an EV category race this year. I was excited, but I leased my Tesla for three years and turned it back in weeks before the season started. It was looking like maybe another six months to a year I would have to wait, and I was going to step back and see where things went. Well, I was told ‘you have this experience, and we really think you would be good. You need to be in the EV category.’ I explained the car situation but was told that something would end up working out. Next thing I know I’m sponsored. I went from no car to now running the EV category. I was and still am excited.
“As far as where I’m going to go, I don’t have limits. Wherever the opportunity is, I feel that I have the talent to do it. Whenever opportunities can come for me, I’m there.”
REPRESENTING HER COLLEGE:
Thomas: “I went to Converse College, Converse University as of July 1. It was an all-female school and now it is co-ed. Representing my alma mater came about when I had the Model X Tesla. I was looking through their website and wanted to promote the engineering program. I had a meeting with the President of the college, and she was very enthusiastic.
"The Valkyrie, which is on the school crest, is strong. They were thrilled to have the logo on the side of my car. I didn’t want to come across as that “girl car”; I wanted that strength, power, and knowledge to shine through. I’m not a driver that’s a girl; I’m a driver first, and I just happen to be a girl. I just really want to succeed, to be the very best that I can be. I’ve been willing to learn, and I’ve been able to excel because of that."
HOW DO YOU SEE THE EV CLASS GROWING?
Thomas: “Horse and buggy chariots are what I call the first real form of racing. Whoever thought that those cars would never make it, missed out. Newer cars have auto transmissions, especially in the Sportsman categories. Those people who love changing gears, it is another thing to overcome. Everyone has an opinion. I do think that if we look back at history and see how things change, everything would be better by adapting.
“I can’t help but think about someone like Don Garlits, who is such an innovator. We’re working together with him as well. Yes, the diehards are going to say, ‘No it won’t work,’ and there will be those that say I actually got put into the EV market due to happen-stance. It’s not going to be an overnight thing, but a big part of the future. “Going from Sportsman to EV, I gained a lot more respect for the brand. If an opportunity comes up within the EV category, it wouldn’t hurt to look into the benefits from it.”
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OTHER FEMALE RACE CAR DRIVERS?
Thomas: “Don’t think of yourself as a female racer. That's what I’ve had to learn along the way. However, prepare yourself and enjoy the fact that you have earned it.
“Leah Pruett drives a top fuel dragster. We met through our sponsor FireAde. Talking to her, she’s 100% earned her stripes. The main thing is to know your product, know about your car, be knowledgeable and talented to do what you need to do. Have some integrity. Your intent is that you want to be a good racer and be the best in your sport.
“Don’t just sit on the couch. IHRA offers events and you go, ‘Oh I can never afford to do that.’… now that I know all about the bracket racing, anyone can get involved on the grassroots level. You can win one round and feel like you have won Nationals. It can inspire you to do more.”
Questions on how to become a member of the IHRA can be answered by calling (561) 337-3446 or email membership@ihra.com.
