Celebrating 39 Years of Service to the Drag Racing Community

DRAW was officially organized in 1985 following a successful 1984 fundraiser for injured racer, Shirley Muldowney. Members of the drag racing community who handled the recovery fund were very encouraged by the support of racers and fans that generously donated. The question was posed. If we can help one racer, why not organize our efforts to help all injured drag racers? As a result, DRAW, a non-profit 501(C)(3) charity organization was created to provide financial and emotional support to individuals involved in drag racing accidents at a track.

Membership is Open To Everyone!

Our name, Drag Racing Association of Women, honors our ten female founders, Gere Amato, Penny Beck, Holly Beadle, Laura Earwood, Pat Garlits, Etta Glidden, Diane Hedrich, Linda McCulloch, Janie Oswald and Lynn Prudhomme. DRAW is not just for women, though. Our membership is open to men, women and even children and all members have equal privileges. DRAW membership dues are $30 (US Funds only) for Individual Membership, or $50 (US Funds only) for a Family Membership (two or more family members). Members receive a DRAW membership card, decal and the monthly newsletter, DRAWing Attention. 

Executive Leadership

The governing body of DRAW is a 12-member Board of Trustees. The volunteers elected to serve on this board represent DRAW at the executive level. Board members make critical decisions throughout the year regarding policies, procedures, financial assistance, fundraising, volunteer assignments and more. Each board member serves a 2-year term. Every December, the term of office expires for 6 of DRAW's 12-member board. Two board alternates are also elected each December to serve a one-year term. Formal board meetings are conducted annually on the NHRA tour, generally in Gainesville, FL, Joliet, IL, Norwalk, OH, Indianapolis, IN, and Dallas, TX. Informal meetings are also periodically scheduled to ensure DRAW business is addressed in a timely manner. 

Regional Leadership

As DRAW began to grow, the Board of Trustees became aware of the need for leadership at regional levels and responded by geographically dividing the United States and Canada. Today, there are seven different areas, each guided by a DRAW Area Coordinator. Area 3 has been divided into east and west with separate coordinators serving each. Following are the areas served by DRAW Area Coordinators:

Local Leadership

Following the appointment of Area Coordinators, local leadership positions were filled with the introduction of Track Representatives. Track Representatives work with their appointed track to recruit DRAW volunteers, promote DRAW on a local level and provide a convenient communication link between their track and DRAW. The most important job of a Track Representative is to report injuries to their Area Coordinator. Together, Track Reps and Coordinators keep DRAW's Board informed of happenings in their area. 

DRAW National Event Booth

Thanks to NHRA's donation of free space to DRAW on Manufacturer's Midway, you can find DRAW's National Event Booth at all events. Thousands visit the booth annually where they can purchase DRAW clothing, jewelry, decals, pins, earplugs, event ladder sheets, special merchandise, memberships and more. Each of DRAW's Area Coordinators maintain a DRAW Booth for use at local races, division races and special events.

Fundraising

Fundraising is an essential activity that enables DRAW to provide financially to those involved in drag racing incidents. DRAW's three biggest fundraisers are:

• DRAW Auction in Dallas, Texas, during the October race.
• DRAW Label Program. Once a year, address labels are sent to DRAW members and others and donations are made by the recipients back to DRAW. 

While DRAW receives income from memberships, donations, raffles and the sale of retail merchandise, these two fundraisers represent the cornerstone of DRAW's fundraising efforts. Thanks to many donations from the racing community (and eager volunteers!) both auctions attract hundreds of racers and fans for two festive nights of fun along the NHRA circuit and provide the perfect opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia. Members of the Track Announcers Guild volunteer their time to serve as auctioneers and Masters of Ceremony, providing priceless entertainment and oratory skills that encourage plenty of spirited bidding. While DRAW's Label Program is a low-key fundraiser, it provides important funding and enables DRAW members and others to conveniently address their correspondence while promoting DRAW with every letter they send.

Other fundraisers include the Annual Tracy Winters Memorial DRAW Golf Tournament, held in Gainesville, Florida on Wednesday of the Gatornationals. Area Coordinators and Track Representatives also conduct fundraisers at local races, division races and special events throughout the year.

Community Support: The Backbone of DRAW

DRAW has remained strong throughout our 39-year existence due to the incredible support and participation from a wide range of people in the racing community. Whether you volunteer your time, skills, products, services or resources, every contribution is important because it enables DRAW to respond in a time of crisis. DRAW essentially serves as the CONNECTION POINT between a giving community and those who seek to recover in the aftermath of a drag racing incident. If you would like to work side-by-side with wonderful people and contribute to the sport you love, DRAW just might be the perfect place for you!

Participation in DRAW's Cards and Letters Program

One very important activity we encourage all DRAW members to participate in is our cards and letters program. Included in DRAW's monthly newsletter, DRAWing Attention, is a list of Injured Racers, Cares and Concerns and Sympathy with addresses of where to send correspondence. DRAW frequently hears from injured racers and others of just how encouraging these cards and letters are. It is one of the most meaningful things a DRAW member can do to brighten the day of someone in recovery or to comfort those who have suffered a loss.

An Open Invitation

One of the best ways to get a personal introduction to DRAW is to visit us at our NHRA National Event Booth or any of our local, division booths located across the country. It's a perfect opportunity to check out our great line of merchandise, pick up a newsletter, make a donation, chat with one of our volunteers, maybe even talk with one of the many racers DRAW has helped that frequently stop by to say "hi" or "thanks!"

Another great way to see DRAW in action is to attend a DRAW fundraiser. Whether it's one of our Annual Auction or one of the many other fundraisers held annually to benefit DRAW, you're sure to walk away with new insight and enthusiasm for our mission to help those involved in drag racing incidents.

DRAW would like to extend an open invitation to everyone in the racing community to visit us anytime, in person or on the web. And if you think you might enjoy becoming a DRAW volunteer, DRAW member or DRAW supporter, we'd love to hear from you!