The roar of a nitro-fueled Harley. The smell of burning rubber. The pulse-pounding anticipation at the starting line. This is the world Kristen Church has stepped into, and she’s all in. As an intern with Hawaya Racing, she’s getting her hands dirty, learning from legends, and fueling her adrenaline addiction one pass at a time.
From NASCAR Roots to Nitro Dreams
Racing runs in Kristen’s blood. Her dad was a Late Model racer, turning wrenches and burning rubber at Hickory and other tracks across western North Carolina. She grew up watching NASCAR, but everything changed the first time she experienced an NHRA 4-wide event at ZMAX in Charlotte. The raw power, the thunderous sound, the sheer intensity—it was unlike anything she’d ever felt. From that moment, she was hooked.
Finding Her Place at Hawaya Racing
Kristen’s journey to Hawaya Racing was anything but conventional. With a Criminal Justice degree and no formal nitro bike training, she wasn’t sure where she belonged in the high-speed world of racing. But Johnny Vickers, the mastermind behind Hawaya Racing, saw potential and gave her a shot. "I basically became a hole in his payroll until I either proved myself or got sent home," Kristen jokes. "Apparently, I’m worthy!"
And worthy she is. Whether it’s making last-minute adjustments on race day or working shoulder-to-shoulder with legends like Rocky Jackson, Richard Boone, and Sam White, Kristen has thrown herself into the world of nitro Harleys.
The Thrill of the Track
For Kristen, nothing compares to track time. “I love looking over the bikes, making final preparations, and knowing that everything we’ve worked on comes down to just a few seconds on the track,” she says. But what surprised her the most? The tight-knit, family-like nature of drag racing. Entire families dedicate their time, money, and energy to helping racers succeed, and Kristen has found herself welcomed into this high-octane community.
Behind the Wrench: The Derringer Engine
At Hawaya Racing, Kristen has worked with some of the most cutting-edge performance tech in the industry—especially the Derringer engine. Designed by Johnny Vickers, this powerhouse is built to evolve. Unlike traditional engines that become outdated with new upgrades, the Derringer is modular and expandable, allowing racers to keep up with advancements without replacing the entire engine.
Upgrading older bikes is another key part of Kristen’s work. With technology like the Maxx ECU and Racepak systems, even decade-old machines can still run with the best. Just ask Mary Dangrow (a.k.a. Bad Apple Mary), whose 2013 Pro Fuel bike got a Hawaya Racing upgrade and is now a top contender.
Race Day Challenges & Victories
If there’s one thing Kristen has learned, it’s that drag racing is unpredictable. “A lot of racers aren’t prepared for unexpected technical issues,” she explains. Nitro bikes, in particular, require deep knowledge—one misstep, and you’re looking at serious trouble.
But when everything clicks, it’s magic. One of Kristen’s favorite moments was being part of Richard Boone’s championship run at Silver Dollar Motorsports Park. “That was my first taste of a win, and now I’m addicted,” she admits. She’s also had unforgettable experiences working trackside with teams like the Nitro Bums and JWL Racing, helping them fine-tune their bikes for the perfect pass.
Looking Ahead
Kristen’s internship may be temporary, but her passion for racing is permanent. She’s soaking up every bit of knowledge she can—from seasoned pros to up-and-coming racers—because in this sport, learning never stops.
Her advice for women looking to break into motorsports? “Don’t be afraid of the unknown,” she says. “I’ve been welcomed with open arms, and at the end of the day, racers don’t care about your gender—they care about what you bring to the table.”
Kristen Church is proving she has what it takes to thrive in the world of nitro Harley drag racing. And if her story tells us anything, it’s that this is just the beginning of one hell of a ride.
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