Drag Racing Action Online

Phil Hutchison

Images SR Driven Media, Dave DeAngelis, Kalyn Rose Guenther, and Mike Gregg

Pennsylvania racer and Gatornationals Super Comp winner, Kelly Kundratic, is more than just a NHRA racer. When not behind the wheel of the Powder Coat Finishes/Right Trailers dragster, Kundratic is the Agriculture Policy Director for TEAM PA, a nonprofit that works closely with the PA Dept of Agriculture in Harrisburg. All this in addition to an influencer, reporter, daughter, and fiancé.

History was made at the 57th annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals with Kundratic taking her first ever NHRA win. Mom and Dad Cathy and Jeff Kundratic said, ”When Kelly first saw the 75th Anniversary Wally, she looked at it and said, ‘I need to get one of those.’ At that moment, we didn’t doubt for a second that she would. Her determination and work ethic have always set her apart.”

The weather at the Gators was for the most part, hot and sunny with a small bout of rain late on Sunday afternoon changing the tune up for the remaining cars and, in some cases, changing the direction of the race.

Kundratic’s final round competition, the ’93 Dodge Daytona of Tim Millwood, was an anomaly in a class dominated by dragsters. Millwood, from Columbus Ind. had beat some of the best in prior rounds sending Florida racer Frank Altilio and recent Orlando runner up Kathy Smulligan home. This on top of two bye runs put his door car in the finals against Kundratic.

On her side of the ladder Kundratic ended the day of D2 racer Vance Houston, fellow Division One racer Mike Robilotto and D4 racer Trene Cressonie in the semis to make the finals. Kundratic was racing in her second career final in her NHRA life.   It was a quick race as Millwood went -0.003 red putting Kundratic in her first ever NHRA Winner’s Circle.

Millwwood’s Dodge door car went red in the final

“Millwood had been very consistent all weekend on both ends, so I didn’t anticipate his red light,” Kundratic said after the win.  “It caught my eye, though, and in that literal half second, the thoughts that went through my brain were: holy moly, he went red… holy moly, I just won… holy moly, you better let go of that button. After that, the rest of the run was just data. I’m glad my car has been running well, because if anything had gone wrong, I probably wouldn’t have heard it right away over my celebration.”

In a double breakout semifinal, Kundratic was on the winning end against a tough customer in Cressonie

Going back to the penultimate semi final round against multi time NHRA champ Trene Cressonie in which both drivers broke out, Kundratic had this to say. “Trene is a tough racer. I had reviewed his rounds, so I knew roughly where I needed to be and what things were supposed to look like based on how the car was set up.” “But the weather shifted unexpectedly and changed the picture a little, I think, for both of us. At that point, though, you just must commit to your plan, and that run the outcome fell on my side.”

The Kundratic gang celebrates the win with NHRA’s Larry Wiggins

Kundratic, who is proof the acorn doesn’t fall from the tree as her parents are heavily involved in drag racing with dad Jeff a long time racer and Lucas Oil rep. Mom Cathy, runs Powder Coat Finishing LLC said, “We are very proud of Kelly’s accomplishments both on and off the track. Around our house, we have a saying: ‘If Kelly wants something, she always finds a way to make it happen.’ It’s more than just a phrase—it’s something she has proven time and time again.”

“Her determination and work ethic have always set her apart. She constantly pushes herself to improve, not only as a driver but also in dialing her Super Comp Dragster. We have always taught Kelly that driving is only a small part of racing. Understanding how things work and knowing what goes into these cars is just as important as being behind the wheel.  Her dedication in learning that has been a big part of reaching her goals.” 

Kundratic’s racing career started with the Junior Dragsters and a street driven Pontiac Bonniville in high school and she has since piloted a Top Alcohol Dragster in addition to her Super Comp car. As far as her racing journey has turned out Kundratic said.” I’ve had incredible opportunities to drive different cars across juniors, brackets, Super Street, Super Comp, and even A/Fuel. The trust people have had in me, and the lessons that come with those experiences, are truly humbling. Every car is different, obviously, but what matters most to me is feeling comfortable. Not the kind where you could take a nap, but the kind of comfort that enables fast and good decision-making.”

“When a car feels like your favorite pair of broken-in tennis shoes, it gives you confidence, and that’s what I’ve been prioritizing lately in the rides I get to pilot to give myself and my teams the best shot.”

Kundratic’s winning dragster is a 2001 Quay model with motivation through a 598 cubic inch BBC. The motor is freshened by C2 Competition in nearby Ephrata PA and uses a Ken Moses transmission to get the car down the track.

Kundratic adds, “I’d like to thank Right Trailers, Powder Coat Finishes LLC, Jeff Kundratic Racing Products Inc., Lucas Oil, Ken Moses Race Transmissions, and Hoosier Tire for supporting my racing program.”

“Thank you to my fiancé John Ausherman, my family and friends, and everyone who reached out by phone or online with congratulations. Sometimes we don’t realize how much simply showing up and being ourselves in this sport can mean to people, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and encouragement I’ve received this week.”

“This race holds a lot of meaning personally. It’s our annual return to race season after surviving the cold Northeast winter. At the same time, my fiancé, John Ausherman, and I have a lot of milestones tied to Gainesville. Pulling through those gates almost feels like coming home. From our first date to his first win in Top Alcohol Dragster, to our engagement last year, and now this… it’s a special place for us. It means everything that he shares the same passion for this sport, because he knows exactly how much goes into it, what moments like this mean, and is right there for every bit.”