Drag Racing Association of Women

               "Fast Help for Fast Friends"

 

 

 

 


 



DRAW's motto is "Fast Help For Fast Friends" and our sole mission is providing financial and emotional support to qualified individuals involved in a drag racing accident at a track.

Financial assistance paid 1985-2024 - $5,471,013
Number of families assisted 1985-2024 - 1025


DRAW Board of Trustees 2025-2026 Election


Below are listed the 9 nominations to fill 7 open seats on the Board of Trustees for 2025-2026
Please take the time to read each profile. These are people who have donated their time for many years to keep the Drag Racing Association of Women going strong, to provide financial and emotional support for injured drag racers and their families.
You must currently be a member of DRAW to vote.
Information on how to submit your ballot is on the page with the ballot.

Name: Ashley Yost
Phone#: 559-355-3328
Email: starrashley@hotmail.com
Draw Position(s) Held: Recording Secretary
Time donated to Draw or other volunteer activities: I attend about half of the NHRA national events,
helping in ABM hospitality/merchandise. Along with attending DRAW meetings and the annual DRAW
auction in Dallas, Texas I enjoy building houses for Habitat for Humanity.
Drag Racing Affiliation, if any: Antron Brown Motorsports
NHRA Event(s) attended in 2024: Gainesville, Pomona 1, Phoenix, Charlotte 1, Joliet, Richmond,
Norwalk, Sonoma, Indy, Reading, Charlotte 2, Dallas, Pomona 2
NHRA Event(s) planning to attend in 2025: Gainesville, Joliet, Indy, Dallas – possibly more
Any other information you would like us to know : I have been on the DRAW Board as the Recording
Secretary since 2012 and love continuing the legacy that my grandmother helped to build. (she was a
founding member) It is so rewarding to see the difference we are making in injured racers' lives.
When I am not working or attending NHRA races, I enjoy traveling around the USA and the world.


Name: Beth Hyatt
Phone # 216-496-6085
Email beth1hrs@aol.com
Draw Position(s) Held: Currently VP. I have been President and Recording Secretary.
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteers: As needed, both at the track and at home.
Drag Racing Affiliation, if any: Currently working with JCM Racing (Tony Schumacher). Worked for
DSR for 7 years. Owned and worked for Hyatt Racing Services since 1989
NHRA Event(s) attended in 2024 - All
NHRA Event(s) planning to attend in 2025 - All
Current Employment (optional) – JCM Racing Hospitality and Fleet Manager
Computer Skills (optional) - Microsoft office 365
Hobbies(optional) - Grandsons
Any other information you would like DRAW to know – I believe 100% in the mission statement and
am proud to say I’ve helped our fellow racers in their times of need.


Name: Chris Hardesty

E-Mail: harbone66@gmail.com
DRAW position(s) held: President (current), Vice President, Website Coordinator, Board of Trustees,
Financial Committee
Time Donated to DRAW or other volunteer activities: Joliet Auction 2000-2010, Dallas Auction 2011-
2024, Work on design and implementing seasonal DRAW mailers daily, listing items on eBay to sell
for DRAW, Manage DRAW website, manage DRAW booth at Bristol National event for last 7 years.
Drag Racing Affiliation, if any: Owned a 1984 Camaro alcohol powered big block in the mid 2000’s.
NHRA Event(s) attended in 2024: Gainesville, Bristol, Joliet, Norwalk, Indy, St Louis and Dallas
NHRA Event(s) planning to attend in 2025: Gainesville, Joliet, Norwalk, Indy, St. Louis, and Dallas.
Current Employment (optional): Owner of the Hardesty Company, specializing in classic vehicle appraisal,
inspection, and restoration.
Computer Skills: Basic IT knowledge, Website design and building, Computer diagnostics.
Hobbies: Classic cars, mostly 1st and 2nd generation Camaros and Trans Ams. Older motorcycles,
minibikes, and ATV’s. Maintaining my home, property and running my business.
Any other information you would like us to know: I started as a volunteer for DRAW at the 2000 Joliet
charity auction. My wife and friends helped run that auction until the last one in 2010. I was elected to
the Board of Trustees in 2011, was elected to the Vice President position in 2013 and moved into the
President’s position in 2015. I am a huge drag racing fan at heart, attended the 1988 US Nationals
and have only missed a few years since. I believe DRAW is one of the best kept secrets in drag racing,
my goal is to let everyone know about the secret and spread the word.


Name: Connie Sutton

Phone: 317- 431-5935
Email: Conniejs12@gmail.com
DRAW Position(s) Held: Member and volunteer
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteers: Assisted in managing DRAW booth at Atlanta race 2018
and 2019; Norwalk race 2021; worker in the booth at multiple events in Joliet, Indy, Gainesville; worker
at the Gainesville golf tournament 2024.
Organized the Kelly Eckert Memorial 5K walk/run 1999-2006 (raising $125,000+ for an endowed
scholarship at Franklin College, Indiana). Organized the inaugural Shelby County Victims’ Rights
Memorial Service.
Drag Racing Affiliation if any: None
NHRA events attended in 2024: Gainesville, Joliet, Indy
NHRA events planning to attend in 2025: Gainesville, Joliet, Indy
Current Employment: Financial counselor at local hospital
Computer Skills: Computer uses for employment
Hobbies: Drag racing
Any other information you would like DRAW to know: I have volunteered with DRAW at multiple
races, working in the booth and golf tournament since 2017. I have come to know the board
members, the volunteers and several of the racers. I strongly believe in the mission of DRAW and I
want to be more involved in giving Fast Help to Fast Friends.


Name: Sarah Bishop
Email sarahbishop211@yahoo.com
Draw Position(s) Held: Board Trustee (1990-Present) Vice-President (1991 and 2012)
President (1992) Area 4 Coordinator, (1993-Present)
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteers: As Area 4 Coordinator, I attend 5 NHRA Div. 4 LODRS
events, at which I have a booth. I work the DRAW booth at 3 or 4 NHRA National events each year. I
am on the Injured Racer Calling Committee, and assist with the DRAW Auctions
NHRA Event(s) attended in 2024: Seattle, Sonoma, Brainerd, Indianapolis and Dallas
NHRA Event(s) planning to attend in 2025: Gainesville, Brainerd, Indianapolis and Dallas
Current Employment (optional) Retired
Computer Skills (optional) Word. Publisher, Excel
Other information you would like us to know: I believe strongly in the mission of DRAW, to be there to
support and assist the injured racers in their time of need. It is indeed an honor and pleasure to work
with the DRAW Board of Trustees to carry out this mission. The greatest fulfillment is working with injured
racers one on one


Name: Staci Cannon
Phone # 760-508-7223
Email scannon@snowline.net
Draw Position(s) Held: None
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteers: Time donated to DRAW to find and obtain promotional
items for resale.
Drag Racing Affiliation, if any: Administration for SCEDA – Southern California Drag Racing Association
for several decades until the series stopped producing drag racing events in 2018. Hosted an
AA/GD dinner for former racers/crew that has been attended by many in the Southern California area,
generally twice a year in the Pomona vicinity.
Member of SEMA since 1980’s with our bracket association – SCEDA.
NHRA Event(s) attended in 2024: Pomona (2), Las Vegas (1), Phoenix, St Louis, Nitro Revival Irwindale
NHRA Event(s) planning to attend in 2025: Pomona (2), Las Vegas (2), Phoenix, Nitro Revival Irwindale
Current Employment (optional): Self-employed, promotional products and VoIP Telephone Services
Computer Skills (optional): QuickBooks, Word
Hobbies(optional): Drag racing doesn’t leave time for hobbies ��.
Any other information you would like DRAW to know:
I have been in the sport of drag racing in one form or another since the 1980s and have been involved
ever since. My husband participating in Super Comp for many, many years, then both Super Comp
with my husband and junior drag racing with our son at the same time. Running the Southern California
Drag Racing Association with my family and doing all the payouts, banquets, etc., everything necessary
to run an association. Volunteered with MTS when they had the mail program to collect
postcards for the troops. Worked for DSR and currently work for JCM in hospitality at the track when
requested. I have assisted Rosalee Noble and DRAW in obtaining promotional items like lip balm,
sunscreen, membership pins, hats, etc. at a deep discount or at cost through my promotional company,
Industry Incentives. My son currently has his dream job as the track manager at World Wide
Technology Raceway in St. Louis and has been at the drag race track since he was 3 weeks old.
Drag racing has been our life and focus for as long as I can remember


Name: Steve LeSueur
Phone # 973-454-0663
Email stevesfastfuels@aol.com
Draw Position(s) Held: newsletter editor, booth manager
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteers: going thru FB every Monday looking for accident situations
that might need investigating, 5 or 6 weekends managing the booth
Drag Racing Affiliation, if any: my entire life. Currently sell race fuels under the name of Steve’s Fast
Fuels. Worked in the drag race industry for over 40 years
NHRA Event(s) attended in 2024 Gainesville, Charlotte 1, Virginia, Indy, Maple Grove, Charlotte 2,
Las Vegas 2
NHRA Event(s) planning to attend in 2025 Same as above. Perhaps adding New England & Joliet.
Current Employment (optional)Self-employed. Three different small Companies
Computer Skills (optional)
Hobbies(optional)Drag Racing history
Any other information you would like DRAW to know
Drag racers are the only family I have ever known. When they hurt, I hurt. Being a small piece of an
organization that comes to their aid in case of a mishap is very rewarding.


Name: Theresa Tilford
Phone # 217-273-7656
Email tlfrdracin@aol.com, ttilford@sblhs.org
Draw Position(s) Held: Volunteer-- 50/50 sales
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteers: Have volunteered for over 30 years
Drag Racing Affiliation, if any: Continued on page 7
“Fast help for fast friends” www.drawonline.org 7
NHRA Event(s) attended in 2024: Joliet, Norwalk, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Dallas
NHRA Event(s) planning to attend in 2025: same
Current Employment (optional): full time xray tech @ SBLHS Pain Clinic
Hobbies(optional): crafts, racing, walking in woods


Name: Yvette Williams
Phone #: 443.370.7953
Email ywilliam@oceaneering.net
Draw Position(s) Held: Board Member
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteers: When able & any fundraisers or any duties if needed.
Drag Racing Affiliation, if any: ABMotorsports
NHRA Event(s) attended in 2024. Gainesville, Richmond, Charlotte 2, Reading, Dallas.
NHRA Event(s) planning to attend in 2025: Same list above for 2024. Will work as needed for any
other races. Would like to work the DRAW booth in some races in 2025. Any other committees as
needed.
Current Employment: Oceaneering – HR Director
Computer Skills:
Hobbies: Drag Racing
Any other information you would like DRAW to know.
Enjoy helping people and this organization.

DRAW BOARD OF TRUSTEES- 2025-2026


ELECTION BALLOT

               (BALLOT MUST BE RECEIVED BY MIDNIGHT PST, DECEMBER 21, 2024)


Listed below in alphabetical order are seven (9) candidates seeking to fill the seven (7) seats on
the Board of Trustees for the 2025-2026 term.
VOTE FOR ONLY SEVEN (7) BY CHECKING THE NAMES OR EMAILING THE SEVEN NAMES TO THE ADDRESS BELOW:


______ Sarah Bishop
______ Staci Cannon
______ Chris Hardesty

______ Beth Hyatt
______ Steve Le Sueur
______ Connie Sutton
______ Theresa Tilford
______ Yvette Williams
______ Ashley Yost


Your Name: ___________________________________________________
Your DRAW Membership Number: _________________________________
(Your DRAW Membership Number is located above your name on the address label of this newsletter)


When the ballot is complete, Mail to:
DRAW 2025-2026 Trustee Election
c/o Kathi VanderMeer - 16889 Rose Briar Lane Nampa, ID 83687
or Fax 480-820-2355
or Email Kathifiveonefive@gmail.com


“FAST HELP FOR FAST FRIENDS” www.drawonline.org

_____________________________________________________

The History Lesson

Deb Thompson, DRAW Historian

I thought I would do a little reminder about those we should remember as
a part of the history of DRAW.
I mentioned the Tracy Winters Memorial Golf Tournament that was held
during the GatorNationals in March. For those who might not remember or are
new to DRAW, Tracy Winters passed away in 2013. She started as an Area 2
Coordinator for DRAW from 1993 to 1997. She was also on the Board of Trustees
from 1994 to 1998 and again from 2000 to 2013. She was DRAW Press Secretary
from 1995 to 1998 and in 2002. Tracy was an integral part of the golf tournament
held during the GatorNationals (first held in Gainesville in 1997), and it is now
named in her honor.
Tracy once quoted “Remember, you can’t control the length of your life,
but you can control the depth of it.”
With all the “talk” about always looking forward, sometimes it is nice to
reflect on the important points and people in our past to appreciate where we are
today and to continue moving forward to honor the work done before us. And
that’s just what we do...honor those before us and those that continue to need
us. Thank you for keeping DRAW moving forward!

Cards & Letters to Injured Racers is so Important
One of the great things about the Indy race is we generally get to see some injured racers from the past. It is always so heartwarming to get to visit with them and hear how they are doing. This year we had three racers stop by, Larry Sisk, Tom Brown and Ryan Gortney. When we work the booth or talked to the injured racers on the phone, we get to hear how important DRAW is important to their recovery. But only a few of us are fortunate enough to experience these "warm and fuzzies." Below is a letter from one of our current injured racers Andrew Blanton along with some pictures he sent with the letter. Please keep this letter in mind and when you get your DRAWing attention newsletter each month to send a few cards and/or letters out.

Dearest DRAW, 

Hi! I wanted to say hi and thank you to some of the friends that have kept in touch with me from DRAW. Constance Smith, Judy and Bill Leahey, Ray and Millie Martel have sent some very nice letters and they have made the most recent past a lot better. Please thank each of them for me and try to explain how much good happens from a single handwritten "hello". I have added some pictures of myself, Annika my daughter (sounds like Onikuh) and Kara my girlfriend. Thank you again from care and support.  The people at DRAW make my daily life a lot better!!!

Warm Regards
Andrew Blanton
__________________________________________________
Drag Racing Association of Women Clarification

Due to a recent situation, the board members of the DRAW feel the need to clarify an 
item from the organizations Bylaws. 

Racers receiving aid from the Drag Racing Association of Women can not return to 
driving or riding a race vehicle and continue to receive aid from DRAW.

The thought being is that racer aid is there if you are not able to work or participate in normal life activities and have doctors orders that say so. If you are capable of 
operating any racing vehicle, then you should be capable of working or participating 
in normal life activities and will no longer receive aid from the Drag Racing 
Association of Women.

______________________________________________________
Take just a little time to be prepared
I recently was slightly involved in something that made me want to write a little story
about being prepared for the worst. In this day and age, anyone that is 18 years or 
older should at least have a Power of Attorney in place and if you have a spouse, dependents or loved ones that depend on you make a Will. If you were to pass away tomorrow is everything in place to take care of the people you want to get taken care 
of? If you do not at least have a POA then you risk having everything tied up in court, sometimes for years, while the State tries to determine who should get your assets. 
Sit down with a lawyer and get a POA made up and put on file so if something does 
happen, your family and loved ones are not stuck trying to obtain what is supposed 
to be rightfully theirs.

Chris Hardesty
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Committee and Volunteer Opportunities for 2024
In 2024, DRAW will mark its 39th year of providing "Fast Help for Fast Friends." It takes the time and talent of many people
to make our mission a reality. There are many ways you can help make 2024 DRAW's best year ever.

DRAW's lifeblood is dedicated volunteers. You can make a valuable contribution to DRAW by joining one of our committees: Website, Newsletter, Membership, Fundraising, Injured Racer Calling, and others that might arise during the year.
If you are interested in volunteering or joining one of DRAW's committees, please submit an application to Chris Hardesty, PO Box 365, Danvers Il 61732-0395