Don Nelson has confirmed that rising nitro standout Eily Stafford will take over the controls of his California Hustler Nitro Funny Car for the 2026 NHRA Heritage Series season.
“The team we have assembled now is setting the tone for a standout season in the NHRA Heritage Series. We are already running 5.60 elapsed times and look to be solidly in the 5.50s as we focus on winning in 2026. I think Eily has exactly the right attitude and determination to help us get there—this should be an exciting year,” said owner Nelson.
Stafford’s path to this moment began early. On her 16th birthday, the San Diego native enrolled in Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School. Since then, she has logged laps in 7.0 Pro dragsters, injected altereds, and competition coupes. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when she captured her first major title at the Good Vibrations March Meet, winning the Nitro Pro Comp crown in Mark Borjon’s Top Fuel dragster.
“I’m very honored to be named the driver for the California Hustler team. I cannot thank Don enough for this opportunity,” Stafford said. “I’m looking forward to working with Don, Dale, and the entire team next season. Getting a full-time nitro ride has been a dream of mine since I was 12 years old—the goal I’ve been working toward for the last 22 years of my racing career. I’m beyond excited for this opportunity.”
Nelson debuted his first nitro Funny Car in 2006, and the team—powered in recent seasons by crew chief Dale Murray—made notable strides in 2025. For 2026, the California Hustler will retain its familiar 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am body.
Pending final licensing, Stafford will make her official debut in the car at the upcoming Good Vibrations March Meet, March 5–8, 2026.
