March 10, 2026

Dana Courtney: How A Mustang, A Camera, And A Track Shaped A Lifelong Love Of Motorsports

Dana Courtney grew up immersed in drag racing at Gainesville Raceway and later served 10 years as a military mechanic before returning home to rejoin the racing community. Now a volunteer photographer, raceway staff member, and builder of a 1965 Mustang drag car, Dana is passionate about preserving racing memories and expanding access to motorsports for kids who may not have the financial backing to get started. Her story is one of resilience, family legacy, and making space for women in every corner of the sport.