Lisa Kubo: Pioneering Import Drag Racing and Breaking Barriers for Women in Motorsports

Guest: Lisa Kubo

Key Topics Covered:

·       Growing up in a street racing family in California

·       The origins of import drag racing and Battle of the Imports

·       Turning pro with IDRC and NHRA overnight

·       Breaking barriers: the first seven-second front-wheel drive pass

·       Lessons from sponsors, mentors, and unforgettable wrecks

·       Memorable international racing in Puerto Rico

·       Life today: managing O&J Performance and rebuilding her Civic

·       How motorsports shaped her resilience, maturity, and adaptability

Follow Lisa:

·       Instagram: @LisaKuboRacing

·       TikTok: @LisaKuboRacing

When you think about the pioneers of import drag racing, one name that stands tall is Lisa Kubo. From humble beginnings as a child in the backseat of her father’s street racing car, to earning four world championships and setting NHRA history, Lisa’s story is a testament to passion, grit, and resilience.

Lisa was at the forefront of a movement that transformed street racing culture into a professional motorsport. With her turbocharged Hondas, she went head-to-head with the best in the business, battling domestic powerhouses and even corporate giants like General Motors. In 2003, Lisa became the first driver to take a front-wheel drive car into the seven-second range—a milestone still celebrated today.

But Lisa’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She recalls the devastation of wrecking her beloved Civic, only to later find out it could be saved. After 20 years tucked away, that same car is being reborn in Florida, where Lisa now manages O&J Performance and prepares for a highly anticipated return to the track.

Her story is more than records and championships. It’s about community, perseverance, and the lessons learned along the way: humility, professionalism, and never letting emotions or setbacks get in the way of progress.

Lisa reminds us that motorsports isn’t just about machines—it’s about people, passion, and the drive to keep pushing boundaries. And with her Civic nearing completion, one thing is clear: Lisa’s racing story is far from finished.