The Largest Team In Professional Drag Racing Is Ready To Tackle 2023 With Gusto
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 8, 2023) – Entering the 2023 season with five Pro Stock world championships and having won 15 of the 19 Pro Stock events contested last year in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, the Elite Motorsports team knows precisely what it takes to create a winning season. The members of the largest professional team in drag racing have been preparing throughout the offseason to do just that.
Professional drag racing kicks off this weekend for what is anticipated to be one of the most competitive seasons in NHRA history at the 54th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla. The Elite Motorsports crew plans to continue its powerful legacy in the sport and the excitement has been palpable as the team tested in nearby Bradenton, Fla. earlier this week.
“Coming off of such a phenomenal season means we’ve got a target on our backs,” said team owner Richard Freeman. “The competition in all of our categories – Pro Stock, Pro Mod and Mountain Motor Pro Stock – is going to be fierce this year. But this team thrives under pressure. Tell us we can’t do something and this team will find a way to get it done. The talent we have at Elite Motorsports is second-to-none, across the board. Every member of that team has been working during the offseason to make us even better. But we know that our competition has been doing the same. It’s going to be an exciting year for everyone.”
The Elite Motorsports fleet is comprised of eight Pro Stock, one Pro Mod and two Mountain Motor Pro Stock machines. Five-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders is returning along with her teammates Aaron Stanfield, Troy Coughlin Jr., Bo Butner, Fernando Cuadra Sr., Fernando Cuadra Jr., and Cristian Cuadra. New to the Pro Stock ranks this season is rookie Jerry Tucker. Piloting the Pro Mod entry will be sportsman veteran Mason Wright. Enders will compete alongside Freeman in the two Mountain Motor Pro Stock cars, new to the Elite fleet this season. In the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, David Cuadra will be debuting a new Elite Motorsports Top Sportsman Mustang.
Qualifying for the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals begins on March 9 for sportsman and March 10 for the pro categories. Follow Elite Motorsports online for updates throughout the event.
Driver Quotes
Erica Enders
“Last year we started the season by winning the Winternationals and we’re ready to start 2023 in the same fashion. We’ve won five world championships but have yet to claim a victory in Gainesville. Winning the Gators would be the best way to kick off this season and begin the hard work of defending this title.”
Aaron Stanfield
“We are excited to get the season started! The team has been thrashing hard over the winter and we are ready to come out strong in Gainesville.”
Troy Coughlin Jr.
“It’s been a long winter. Everyone at the shop has worked really hard and it’s time to let the clutch out! We have some wonderful partners on board with JEGS and White Castle. We’re ready to go after a Camping World championship.”
Bo Butner
“All I can say is it’s time to race! The JHG cars are ready and I know this driver is very hungry!”
Fernando Cuadra Sr.
“The Cuadra Boys are ready to attack the track this weekend in Gainesville. This is the most confident I’ve ever felt going into a season and I’m just very grateful to get to compete alongside my sons.”
Fernando Cuadra Jr.
“For this season I have strong wishes to finish in the Top Ten. Last season I made all kinds of mistakes, but they helped me become a better driver. I know more this season and understand what I need to do not to make the same mistakes again, especially with the help of all of the Elite guys. I know I have a fast car and I’m really looking forward to this season.”
Cristian Cuadra
“I’m really excited about this season – 18 new races but the goal stays the same. I want to bring a Wally home. That’s my personal dream and I really expect to achieve it. The car is working well and we all have more experience now. I’m coming into Gainesville with really high hopes.”
Jerry Tucker
“Driving a Pro Stock car has been a lifelong dream of mine and I’m just in awe that it’s actually coming true. This team is incredible. I’m learning a lot from everyone and excited to see it all coming together.”
Aaron Stanfield tests his Janac Brothers Camaro in Florida prior to the Gatornationals. (Photo credit: Elite Motorsports)
Troy Coughlin Jr. piloting his JEGS Camaro. (Photo credit: Elite Motorsports)
Fernando Cuadra Sr. is back in black for the 2023 season in his Corral Boots Mustang. (Photo credit: Elite Motorsports)
Fernando Cuadra Jr. fires up his Corral Boots Mustang for a test session in Florida. (Photo credit: Elite Motorsports)
Cristian Cuadra stages in his Corral Boots Mustang. (Photo credit: Elite Motorsports)
Bo Butner approaches the line in his JHG Camaro during testing. (Photo credit: Elite Motorsports)
New to the Elite Motorsports Pro Stock team this season is Jerry Tucker. (Photo credit: Elite Motorsports)
Mason Wright will make his Pro Mod debut this weekend in his Elite Motorsports machine. (Photo credit: Elite Motorsports)
David Cuadra prepares to launch his new Top Sportsman machine. (Photo credit: Elite Motorsports)