Randy Meyer Racing took on the historic NHRA Gatornationals with two major debuts—both on and off the track. The team proudly launched its Slow Down Move Over campaign, bringing national attention to the life-saving law that protects roadside workers and first responders. This initiative kicked off with a press conference and display at the Florida State Capitol, where Megan Meyer, Senator Rodriguez, and industry leaders joined forces to advocate for increased awareness and compliance with the Slow Down Move Over law. The campaign is featured prominently on the team’s two specially designed NHRA race cars, which serve as rolling billboards for this critical message.
On the competition side, Randy Meyer Racing also debuted its injected nitro Top Alcohol Funny Car, driven by Julie Nataas, marking an exciting new chapter for the team. Despite a weekend plagued by rain showers and schedule delays, both of the team’s cars put on strong performances at Gainesville Raceway. With the loss of the third qualifying session, Matt Cummings in the dragster still powered his way to the No. 5 qualifying spot, posting a 5.256-second pass at 273.27 mph, and Nataas also claimed 5th with a 5.453, 269.40 mph quarter-mile pass.
In eliminations, Cummings faced John Ausherman—a rematch from the Baby Gators, where Ausherman had taken the win. This time, the script flipped, as Cummings blazed down the track with a 5.249 at 279.85 mph, defeating Ausherman’s 5.481 at 263.46 mph.
Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Cummings then lined up against rookie Melanie Johnson in the quarterfinals. While Johnson laid down a quicker 5.225-second pass at 277.54 mph, Cummings clinched the win on a holeshot, thanks to a stellar .034 reaction time and a 5.260-second run at 278.06 mph. With momentum on his side, Cummings was set to face Jamie Noonan in the semifinals, holding lane choice, but once again, Mother Nature intervened. Due to persistent rain, NHRA postponed the semifinals and final rounds to a later event (TBD).
“We had a really solid weekend, and I’m so happy we didn’t lose in the sponsored dragster this weekend,” said Matt Cummings. “The team gave me a great car, and even with the rain delays, we made the most of every run. Looking forward to finishing this race and keeping up the momentum.”
In the team’s Top Alcohol Funny Car NHRA debut, Nataas made a strong opening statement. In the first round, she had a solo run, advancing automatically and posting a 5.541 at 266.79 mph. The second round paired her against Sean Bellemeur, one of the most seasoned competitors in the category. A slower reaction time and a slight drop in performance cost the team the round, as Nataas ran a 5.529 at 267.00 mph against Bellemeur’s 5.435 at 275.62 mph.
While the Funny Car program showed promise, Randy Meyer Racing will not be entering the TAFC in further NHRA events this season, as the team shifts focus to a full schedule with Matt Cummings and a newly signed driver, whose official announcement is set for tomorrow.
Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Slow Down Move Over: A Mission Beyond the Racetrack
The Slow Down Move Over initiative remains at the forefront of the team’s mission, using the team’s high-speed platform to educate race fans and motorists alike about the dangers roadside workers face. With over 70% of Americans unaware of Move Over laws, and on average every 6 days a tow operator is struck and killed on the roadways, the campaign aims to bridge that gap through high-visibility branding on the race cars, trackside activations, and collaborations with first responder organizations.
Randy is proud to be leading this effort, not only in competition but in raising awareness for a cause that impacts lives every day. The team will continue to share this message throughout the season, while competing at the highest level in NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster competition.
While the NHRA Gatornationals ended with unfinished business, the team leaves Gainesville with strong performances, a successful campaign launch, and plenty of momentum heading into the next event and the rescheduled semifinals.
