DETROIT (March 11) – 21 year old aspiring A/Fuel Dragster driver Marina Anderson debuted her nitro-injected dragster at the legendary Detroit Autorama at Cobo Hall last weekend. The dragster's completion, four years in the making, is one step towards Marina's goal of becoming an A/Fuel driver.
“It's exciting to finally debut the car after four years of planning, financing, and fabrication. To unveil it at the Detroit Autorama, a show that my dad and I have attended for many years, makes it that much more special,” said Anderson, a recent college graduate with a dual degree in economics and supply chain management.
Marina, her father Scott, and family friend “Dragster” Dave Daunheimer of Competition Fabrications, meticulously worked to build almost every part of the car, from chassis components and tinwork to wiring and plumbing. The engine was prepared by noted A/Fuel tuner Jerry Darien. In addition to being involved in every step of the build, Marina is also the team owner, managing the business end of the team.
“Since we started this project, my dad insisted that I would be involved in the build, as well as the business side, so I would have a better respect for the car. I helped with a lot of the fabrication, but I'm also in charge of finding sponsors, ordering parts and materials, and the other tasks involved with running a race team,” Marina added.
The efforts of the Villa Park, Ill.-based group were rewarded at the Autorama this weekend, as the Anderson Family Dragster (AFD) was received well by the Detroit crowd.
“We were awarded first place in the Dragster category. After four years of hard work, we have a first place trophy from one of the most prestigious car shows in the country. It wouldn't be possible without the help from Competition Fabrications and Zrodz Custom Paint,” Marina commented.
The aspiring driver received plenty of media opportunities through the course of the weekend, all starting with a full article running in The Detroit News.
“The Detroit News did a whole article on me and the Autorama debut of the car. On Friday morning I did an interview with Detroit radio station WDET 101.9 FM. During the show I also had the opportunity to talk about the car and drag racing with a few local news channels. I received a lot of practice in front of the camera,” said Anderson, who earned her Super Comp license at age 17.
Now that she has a complete A/Fuel car, Marina and her family-based team plan on testing and upgrading Marina's license.
“We'll have the car out at the Lane Automotive car show in May, then I plan on testing and licensing at Route 66 Raceway in June. We're looking at running a few of the later regional races, but we don't want to rush into racing. We're a new team with a new car and a new driver, so we want to make sure everything is ready before we start competing.”
Anderson Family Dragster is an A/Fuel Dragster team with plans of competing in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series' Top Alcohol Dragster class. The car is owned and driven by 21 year old Marina Anderson, a recent college graduate. Marina and her team receive support from Competition Fabrications, Zrodz Customs, and The Midnight Moon Alpaca Ranch.
For more information on Marina and the AFD A/Fuel Dragster, please visit www.afdragster.com. Fans can follow Marina on Facebook (www.facebook.com/afldragster), Twitter (www.twitter.com/MarinaAFD), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/marina_anderson_afd).
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