The NHRA's celebration of its 75th anniversary takes an exciting turn as we delve into the world of its top alcohol drivers. This prestigious list, curated by a panel of experts, showcases the very best in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car racing. Today, we unveil the second group of five legendary racers who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Shawn Cowie: A Champion's Resilience
Shawn Cowie's story is one of incredible resilience. Despite a devastating motorcycle accident, Cowie not only rebuilt his life but also his racing career. His determination is evident in his back-to-back world championships in Top Alcohol Dragster. With an impressive record of 27 NHRA national event wins and a quickest run in history, Cowie has proven his mettle time and again. His consistency, with a Top 10 finish every year since his comeback, is a testament to his skill and dedication.
Cy Chesterman: Dominance in Top Alcohol Funny Car
Cy Chesterman dominated the Top Alcohol Funny Car scene for over a decade. His prime years saw him claim 16 national event wins, including an impressive five victories in Brainerd. Chesterman's success was not limited to national events; he also added 29 regional titles to his name. In 2004, he broke Frank Manzo's streak of five straight world titles, showcasing his prowess as a racer and a tuner, with the help of Les Davenport.
Vern Moats: A Division 5 Legend
The late Vern Moats, a Division 5 Hall of Famer, was a pioneer in the world of alcohol-burning Funny Cars. His longevity in the sport is remarkable, and he made a significant impact in the Pro Comp category. Moats is synonymous with Division 5, having won an unprecedented 15 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championships. His career saw him compete in a challenging division with vast geographic and elevation variations, yet he emerged as a champion time and again. With iconic sponsorships and partnerships, Moats left an indelible mark on the sport, even if a national title eluded him.
Bob Newberry: Iron Sharpens Iron
Bob Newberry's career is a testament to the adage 'iron sharpens iron.' Competing against the legendary Frank Manzo, Newberry held his own with 44 wins and two world championships. His title seasons were achieved in highly competitive environments, showcasing his skill and consistency. Newberry's expertise extended beyond driving; he supplied parts and expertise to others in the class. His retirement in 2007 marked the end of a successful career, with 50 wins and 11 Division 1 championships, including breaking the five-second barrier, a first in his category.
Shane Westerfield: A Multi-Talented Racer
Shane Westerfield's accomplishments in alcohol racing are impressive, but they only scratch the surface of his talents. Westerfield is a multi-faceted racer with multiple world titles in Blown Gas Flatbottom drag boats and a reputation as a top racer in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series. He's also experienced in nitro Funny Cars. Westerfield's diverse résumé is impressive, but his bread and butter remains NHRA alcohol racing, where he has 18 national event wins, including the 2025 Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals. His victory over Frank Manzo in Dallas in 2013 is a testament to his skill and determination.
These five racers, each with their unique stories and accomplishments, are a testament to the depth and talent within the NHRA's alcohol racing divisions. Their inclusion on this prestigious list is a well-deserved recognition of their contributions to the sport. As we continue to celebrate the NHRA's 75th anniversary, we look forward to uncovering more stories and legends from the world of drag racing.
