Julie Nataas Reveals Force Family Legacy Behind NHRA Success. On April 27, 2008, drag racing history was rewritten when Ashley Force became the first woman to win an NHRA Funny Car event—and she did so by defeating her own father, 16-time NHRA champion John Force. It wasn’t just a win—it was a symbolic changing of the guard in a sport long dominated by men. This remarkable moment at the Southern Nationals in Atlanta would go on to inspire countless women around the world. One of those inspired was Norway-born drag racer Julie Nataas, who recently revealed how the Force family’s legacy helped guide her own path to NHRA stardom.
Julie Nataas Reveals Force Family Legacy Behind NHRA Success:
Now a world champion and rising Funny Car sensation, Nataas sat down for an exclusive conversation with EssentiallySports, where she reflected on Ashley Force’s impact during her formative years—and how the Force legacy still fuels her ambitions today. Julie Nataas reveals Force family legacy behind NHRA success as a source of inspiration that continues to shape her career and mindset.
From Junior Dragster to NHRA Champion: Julie Nataas’ Early Days
Julie Nataas started racing at just nine years old in her hometown of Drøbak, Norway. From the very beginning, her passion was clear—and her talent, unmistakable.
She entered the world of Junior Dragster racing as a child, and by 2015, she had taken a bold step—moving to the United States to chase her dreams on a much bigger stage.
It didn’t take long for Nataas to make her mark in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, particularly in the Top Alcohol Dragster category. Over the years, she amassed over 20 national and regional wins, along with three regional championships. In 2023, she reached the pinnacle of her alcohol dragster career by winning her first world title.
Yet even with all this success, her heart never stopped beating for the Funny Car category—a class made legendary by the Force family. This year, Julie Nataas earned her Funny Car license and made a highly anticipated debut at the Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tennessee. It was the beginning of a new chapter—and one deeply connected to her childhood heroes. Julie Nataas reveals the Force family legacy behind NHRA success not only in her driving style but also in her unwavering determination.
Julie Nataas Reveals Force Family Legacy Behind NHRA Success: The Ashley Force Effect
While speaking with EssentiallySports, Nataas gave special credit to Ashley Force for inspiring her as a young girl watching motorsports from across the globe.
“As a child raised on motorsports, Ashley Force was always my biggest inspiration. Although she’s no longer racing, I truly admired her.” She was amazing—balancing fans and sponsors and still being a badass driver on the racetrack.”
Though Ashley Force retired in 2010, her racing resume remains impressive. She reached 16 final rounds, captured four Funny Car victories, and famously beat her father, John Force, twice in final-round matchups. She also secured back-to-back victories at the sport’s biggest event, the U.S. Nationals—a remarkable achievement that remains unforgettable. Ashley’s influence extended beyond her track achievements. She showed that women could not only compete in NHRA’s toughest divisions—they could dominate. For young women such as Nataas, it was a strong statement: you have a place here as well.
Breaking Into Funny Car: Nataas’ First Win
Julie’s rookie season in Funny Car has already been marked by standout moments. On June 8th, she secured her first professional round win in the Airmine Toyota GR Supra Funny Car at the Bristol event. Racing against Chad Green, she laid down an impressive 4.03-second pass at 317 mph—a defining moment in her journey to the top.
Nataas reflected on her life in racing, saying:
“I grew up on the racetrack.“ All of my life lessons came from there—whether as a businesswoman, athlete, or friend. I’ve gained so many valuable lessons that picking just one is simply impossible.
330 MPH Without Fear: Living Life at Full Throttle
Driving a Funny Car means facing 330+ mph speeds and extreme physical and mental challenges. Even Tony Stewart, a NASCAR legend, admitted to being humbled when he entered drag racing for the first time in 2024. It’s a sport of details, danger, and discipline.
So how does Julie Nataas handle it?
With the coolness of a veteran.
“It’s difficult to put into words what reaching 330 mph feels like. I guess it’s like a rollercoaster—just much faster. I’ve never had fear about it. I grew up in this sport. It’s always been a goal, never a fear.”
That kind of mindset sets Nataas apart. She views the speed, pressure, and high stakes as stepping stones rather than obstacles. She knows that true greatness in drag racing isn’t just about horsepower—it’s driven by heart, focus, and the courage to push beyond limits.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making
With every milestone, Julie Nataas continues to build a legacy of her own—but one undeniably influenced by the trail Ashley Force blazed before her. The Force family’s hidden hand—from John to Ashley—helped shape not just the sport of drag racing, but also the dreams of racers like Julie, who now carries that torch forward.
Nataas has proven she’s not just here to compete—she’s here to win and to inspire others in the same way Ashley once inspired her.
In her own words:
“Speed has never been something I feared; it’s always been a goal I strive for.”
And with that fearless spirit, Julie Nataas is racing toward a future that may soon be just as iconic as the Forces who inspired her.
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