In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell chats with 15-year-old junior dragster racer McKenzee Hogan from North Carolina. McKenzee shares how she was inspired to start racing after sitting in a friend’s dragster at the Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals, and how her dad—himself a former drag racer—helped her get started just a month later. With eight years of experience already under her belt, McKenzee has racked up impressive wins, including a 2022 championship at Galot Motorsports Park and PDRA victories in both Ohio and North Carolina.
She opens up about life on the road, racing alongside her younger brother, how she balances homeschooling with racing, and why the dragstrip feels like one big family. McKenzee also offers words of wisdom to young girls interested in motorsports and gives us a glimpse into her future goals: big money bracket racing and transitioning into full-sized cars at 16. With her calm focus at the line, supportive track friendships, and hands-on knowledge of her car, McKenzee is a rising star to watch.