Racing, Family, and Never Giving Up: Lindsay Meserve’s Life in Drag Racing

For many families, weekends mean soccer games, errands, or relaxing at home. For Lindsay Meserve and her family, weekends mean race cars, trailers, burnout boxes, and drag strips across the western United States. Racing isn’t just a hobby for Lindsay — it’s woven into every part of her life.

On this episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast, Lindsay shared her story of growing up in drag racing, balancing motherhood with competition, and carrying on a family legacy that started generations ago.

A Childhood Built Around Racing

Lindsay grew up in St. George, Utah, in a family deeply connected to drag racing. With four brothers and a father who loved the sport, racing quickly became a way of life. What started as her dad searching for a family hobby eventually became a lifelong passion for nearly everyone in the family.

At just seven years old, Lindsay made her first pass in a junior dragster — and she’s been hooked ever since.

Unlike some racers who discover motorsports later in life, Lindsay says racing was simply what her family did. Weekends were spent together at the track, working on race cars, traveling, and competing. That close family connection is still one of the biggest reasons she loves the sport today.

Racing Is Truly a Family Affair

One of the strongest themes throughout Lindsay’s story is family.

Her brothers race. Her son races. Her nieces race. Her husband now races too — even though he wasn’t involved in motorsports before meeting her. What started as Lindsay’s family tradition eventually became his lifestyle as well.

Lindsay describes racing as the glue that keeps everyone connected. Whether they’re at the track or working on race cars during the week, they’re almost always together.

“Racing brings families together,” she explained — and for the Meserve and Theobald families, that couldn’t be more true.

Balancing Racing and Motherhood

Today, Lindsay’s life is busier than ever. She’s raising three young children while continuing to race competitively in NHRA competition. Like many women in motorsports, she openly admitted that balancing motherhood and racing can be emotionally exhausting.

There are moments when she questions whether she should continue racing, especially after seeing accidents or difficult weekends at the track. But despite those doubts, her passion for racing keeps pulling her back.

“It breaks my heart to think about quitting,” she shared.

Lindsay credits her support system — especially her husband, parents, and brothers — for helping her continue to chase her racing dreams while raising a family. Her mother often helps with the kids at the racetrack, while her husband supports both emotionally and financially.

The 1968 Barracuda That Became Part of the Family

One of the most meaningful parts of Lindsay’s racing journey is her beloved 1968 Barracuda.

The car originally belonged to her grandfather, who purchased it brand new off the showroom floor in 1968. Years later, Lindsay’s father bought the car and planned to transform it into a race car. After setbacks, family disagreements, and even the car ending up in a junkyard after a crash, Lindsay’s mother managed to rescue it as a Christmas gift for her dad.

The restoration took nine years to complete.

When Lindsay turned sixteen, her father finally finished the car — and she became the lucky driver who would carry on the family legacy behind the wheel. Today, the Barracuda remains her main race car and one of her most treasured possessions.

“It’s my baby,” Lindsay said.

Chasing the Dream of a Wally

In addition to the Barracuda, Lindsay also races a pink dragster and has already earned two NHRA Wally trophies in Top Dragster competition. But there’s still one goal she’s chasing harder than any other — winning a Wally in the Barracuda.

She’s come painfully close several times, including semifinal appearances and deep runs at major events. But for Lindsay, that dream is still unfinished business.

“That’s my biggest dream,” she shared. “When I do that, I can retire.”

More Than Just Speed

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation centered around misconceptions about drag racing.

Many people assume drag racing is simply about going as fast as possible from point A to point B. Lindsay explained that sportsman drag racing is far more strategic and mathematical than most people realize. Drivers rely heavily on reaction times, dial-ins, indexes, and consistency — making the sport mentally challenging as well as physically demanding.

It’s one reason why so many young racers develop strong problem-solving and math skills through the sport.

Women in Drag Racing

Unlike some forms of motorsports where women are still relatively rare, Lindsay says drag racing has long embraced female competitors. At nearly every event, women compete in all classes alongside men.

Lindsay herself has never viewed being a woman in drag racing as unusual.

“I feel no different being a woman in drag racing,” she explained. “I just want to go out there and do well.”

That confidence and normalcy are part of what makes drag racing such an incredible entry point for young girls in motorsports.

Favorite Tracks and Racing Dreams

When asked about her favorite tracks, Lindsay immediately mentioned Sonoma Raceway and Pomona Dragstrip. Both tracks carry deep history and unique atmospheres that make them special places to race.

She also revealed that racing in Alaska is high on her bucket list — a dream sparked after hearing about Alaska Raceway Park through another racing podcast connection.

Racing for the Long Haul

Even with the challenges of motherhood, travel, and competition, Lindsay hopes racing remains part of her life forever.

Her dream is simple: continue racing, continue spending time with family, and someday become “an old lady still having the time of my life.”

And judging by the passion, determination, and family support behind her journey, there’s little doubt she’ll continue doing exactly that for many years to come.

To hear more stories from incredible women in motorsports, visit the Women’s Motorsports Network and listen to the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast — connecting and celebrating women in motorsports, one story at a time.