NHRA's Top 25 Alcohol Drivers: A Celebration of Speed and Resilience
NHRA's 75th Anniversary salute to its racers continues with the next collection of great racers, a list of NHRA's Top 25 Alcohol Drivers. This list is a testament to the sport's rich history and the incredible talent that has pushed the boundaries of speed and performance. But what makes this list truly fascinating is the diverse range of stories and experiences that each driver brings to the table. From overcoming adversity to achieving remarkable victories, these drivers have left an indelible mark on the sport. In my opinion, this list is not just a celebration of their achievements but also a reflection of the resilience and determination that define the spirit of racing.
One thing that immediately stands out is the sheer diversity of these drivers. From Shawn Cowie's incredible comeback after a devastating motorcycle accident to Cy Chesterman's dominance in Top Alcohol Funny Car racing, each driver has a unique story to tell. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way in which these drivers have overcome challenges and achieved success in their respective categories. For example, Cowie's rebuilding process after his accident is a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere and achieve greatness.
From my perspective, the list of NHRA's Top 25 Alcohol Drivers is not just a collection of names but a celebration of the sport's rich history and the incredible talent that has shaped it. Each driver on this list has left an indelible mark on the sport, and their achievements deserve to be recognized and celebrated. As we delve deeper into the stories of these drivers, we'll uncover the hidden implications and broader perspectives that make this list so captivating.
Shawn Cowie: A Comeback Story
Shawn Cowie's journey to the top of NHRA's Sportsman categories is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. After a devastating motorcycle accident in April 2011, Cowie was faced with a daunting challenge: to rebuild himself and his racing program. But he did just that, emerging as a back-to-back world champion in Top Alcohol Dragster. What makes Cowie's story so inspiring is the way in which he has turned adversity into opportunity, using his experiences to fuel his success on the track.
One detail that I find especially interesting is the fact that Cowie has finished in the national Top 10 of the standings every year since 2014, his first full year back after the accident. This is a remarkable achievement, considering the challenges he faced in rebuilding his racing program and his place atop one of NHRA's most grueling Sportsman categories. Cowie's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can rise above and achieve greatness.
Cy Chesterman: A Dominant Force
Cy Chesterman's dominance in Top Alcohol Funny Car racing is a testament to his skill and determination. For more than a decade, Chesterman held his own against some of the sport's most formidable competitors, finding the winner's circle 16 times at national events. What makes Chesterman's story so fascinating is the way in which he has consistently achieved success in a highly competitive category. His prime years between 1993 and 2004 were marked by a string of victories that cemented his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats.
What many people don't realize is that Chesterman's success wasn't just limited to national events. He also tacked on an additional 29 titles at regional events during his career, showcasing his versatility and skill as a racer. Chesterman's story is a reminder that success in racing is not just about winning national titles but also about achieving consistency and excellence in all aspects of the sport.
Vern Moats: A Legend in Division 5
Vern Moats' legacy in Division 5 is a testament to his skill and longevity. As one of the division's pioneers, Moats competed in Comp eliminator before alcohol-burning Funny Cars even had a place with the advent of the Pro Comp category in 1973. Despite being credited largely for his longevity, Moats made a major impact in the category, winning an unprecedented 15 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championships. What makes Moats' story so fascinating is the way in which he has become synonymous with the geographic division he claimed, becoming an iconic figure in the sport.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the fact that Moats had some iconic entries with a series of beer sponsorships from Olympia, Hamm's, and Pabst Blue Ribbon, along with partnerships with Mopar and Kendall Motor Oil. His unique approach to sponsorship and branding helped to define his identity as a racer and contributed to his enduring legacy in the sport. Moats' story is a reminder that success in racing is not just about winning titles but also about building a brand and creating a lasting impact on the sport.
Bob Newberry: A Competitor's Competitor
Bob Newberry's rivalry with Frank Manzo is a testament to the competitive spirit that defines the sport. Newberry held his own competing in the same division as Manzo, achieving 44 wins and two world championships. What makes Newberry's story so fascinating is the way in which he has pushed the boundaries of performance and innovation in the sport. His title seasons occurred in highly competitive climates, and his achievements are all the more impressive considering the challenges he faced in competing against some of the sport's all-time greats.
One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that Newberry made his living with his own racing efforts and by supplying his parts and expertise to customers throughout the class. This unique approach to business and racing helped to define his identity as a racer and contributed to his enduring legacy in the sport. Newberry's story is a reminder that success in racing is not just about winning titles but also about building a business and creating a lasting impact on the industry.
Shane Westerfield: A Versatile Racer
Shane Westerfield's versatility as an alcohol racer is a testament to his skill and adaptability. In addition to his 2017 NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car championship, Westerfield also holds multiple world titles in Blown Gas Flatbottom drag boats. What makes Westerfield's story so fascinating is the way in which he has carved out a reputation as a top-notch racer in multiple categories. His diverse résumé aside, Westerfield's bread and butter is NHRA alcohol racing, where he's got 18 national event wins, including, most recently, the 2025 Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals.
One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that Westerfield got the best of the 17-time champ Frank Manzo in Dallas in 2013 for his first NHRA national event win. This achievement is all the more impressive considering the challenges he faced in competing against one of the sport's all-time greats. Westerfield's story is a reminder that success in racing is not just about winning titles but also about pushing the boundaries of performance and achieving greatness in multiple categories.
A Celebration of Speed and Resilience
NHRA's Top 25 Alcohol Drivers list is a celebration of the sport's rich history and the incredible talent that has shaped it. From Shawn Cowie's comeback story to Cy Chesterman's dominance, each driver on this list has left an indelible mark on the sport. As we reflect on their achievements, we're reminded of the resilience and determination that define the spirit of racing. In my opinion, this list is not just a celebration of their achievements but also a reflection of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
If you take a step back and think about it, this list is a testament to the power of human resilience and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can rise above and achieve greatness. As we continue to celebrate the sport's rich history, let's also take a moment to appreciate the incredible talent and determination that make NHRA's Top 25 Alcohol Drivers list so captivating and inspiring.
