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Enders sisters on the fast track to success
By Michael Sudhalter
They played basketball and volleyball for Cy Springs High and later majored in marketing at Texas A&M University.
But there was something that set Erica and Courtney Enders apart from their classmates at Cy Springs and A&M.
It all started in the early 1990’s at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown where the girls’ father, Gregg Enders, competed recreationally in drag racing.
Erica, 25, started in the National Hot Rod Association junior dragster program when she was 8 years old; Gregg said she could compete in it as long as she made straight As in school.
Courtney, 22, followed in the junior program a few years later.
“My dad probably got the brunt of the challenge,” Courtney said. “When we were kids, it was rare for (girls) to be doing it. We had pink race cars out there.”
The Enders sisters became well known for their drag racing talents, and Disney released a movie – “Right on Track” – in 2003 based on their lives. They did all the stunt driving in the film and both had cameo appearances.
“It was pretty cool,” Erica said. “It took five years from the time Disney called us to make the movie. I didn’t really get it until they went to film the movie. It was really surreal to me – I don’t think I’m special by any means. I’m a regular kid to do what I love because my parents were supportive.”
Erica is competing on the NHRA’s Pro Stock circuit and is looking forward to driving a 2010 Mustang next season; she’s the only driver on the circuit driving a Ford – which plans on upgrading its program next season.
In 2006, Erica and Gregg bought their racing team – Enders Racing – and they ran it independently in 2007.
She still lives in the Houston area and comes home between races and promotional appearances.
Courtney competed in the sportsman series and is currently working for Sparco in Orange County, Calif.
“I would like to be driving, but I love the marketing and PR side of things,” Courtney said. “I used to work for Monster Energy and found my knack for marketing through that - all sorts of sports marketing.”
Erica ( a 2002 Cy Springs graduate) hopes to someday start a Pro Stock racing team along with Courtney, a 2005 Cy Springs graduate.
Both studied marketing at Texas A&M and plan to earn their degrees from the school.
Erica said she loves the thrill of drag racing and the fact that it’s much quicker than a NASCAR race that takes all afternoon.
“It’s all I know,” Erica said. “It’s what I’ve grown up around. The rush, the speed, the competition. I’m so close to my family because of the sport. I used to be really shy and being in the spotlight changes that.”
“I love that you know how you did in 6.5 seconds. You don’t have to wait 2-3 hours like a NASCAR race. I wish it was marketed better, but at the same time, I’m lucky to do what I do.”
Erica’s boyfriend, Richie “The Kid” Stevens, grew up racing at Houston and has enjoyed success in the sport.
“He’s a really great driver,” Erica said. “He’s driven Pro Stock for 10-11 years….he’s been great with helping me as well. I’m sure he doesn’t want to get beat by me, just like I don’t want to get beat by him.”
The couple has faced each other twice on the track, going 1-1 against each other.
Erica said it’s been a challenge competing as a female in a male-dominated sport.
“It’s been a tough road, but you learn to adapt,” Erica said. ‘You’re judged under a different microscope.”
While some people have questioned whether race car drivers are athletes, Erica said they definitely are athletes.
“It takes everything you’ve got to drive one of these cars,” she said. “I work out four times per week doing a lot of cardio. It’s hard on your body. You’re pulling 3.
But there was something that set Erica and Courtney Enders apart from their classmates at Cy Springs and A&M.
It all started in the early 1990’s at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown where the girls’ father, Gregg Enders, competed recreationally in drag racing.
Erica, 25, started in the National Hot Rod Association junior dragster program when she was 8 years old; Gregg said she could compete in it as long as she made straight As in school.
Courtney, 22, followed in the junior program a few years later.
“My dad probably got the brunt of the challenge,” Courtney said. “When we were kids, it was rare for (girls) to be doing it. We had pink race cars out there.”
The Enders sisters became well known for their drag racing talents, and Disney released a movie – “Right on Track” – in 2003 based on their lives. They did all the stunt driving in the film and both had cameo appearances.
“It was pretty cool,” Erica said. “It took five years from the time Disney called us to make the movie. I didn’t really get it until they went to film the movie. It was really surreal to me – I don’t think I’m special by any means. I’m a regular kid to do what I love because my parents were supportive.”
Erica is competing on the NHRA’s Pro Stock circuit and is looking forward to driving a 2010 Mustang next season; she’s the only driver on the circuit driving a Ford – which plans on upgrading its program next season.
In 2006, Erica and Gregg bought their racing team – Enders Racing – and they ran it independently in 2007.
She still lives in the Houston area and comes home between races and promotional appearances.
Courtney competed in the sportsman series and is currently working for Sparco in Orange County, Calif.
“I would like to be driving, but I love the marketing and PR side of things,” Courtney said. “I used to work for Monster Energy and found my knack for marketing through that - all sorts of sports marketing.”
Erica ( a 2002 Cy Springs graduate) hopes to someday start a Pro Stock racing team along with Courtney, a 2005 Cy Springs graduate.
Both studied marketing at Texas A&M and plan to earn their degrees from the school.
Erica said she loves the thrill of drag racing and the fact that it’s much quicker than a NASCAR race that takes all afternoon.
“It’s all I know,” Erica said. “It’s what I’ve grown up around. The rush, the speed, the competition. I’m so close to my family because of the sport. I used to be really shy and being in the spotlight changes that.”
“I love that you know how you did in 6.5 seconds. You don’t have to wait 2-3 hours like a NASCAR race. I wish it was marketed better, but at the same time, I’m lucky to do what I do.”
Erica’s boyfriend, Richie “The Kid” Stevens, grew up racing at Houston and has enjoyed success in the sport.
“He’s a really great driver,” Erica said. “He’s driven Pro Stock for 10-11 years….he’s been great with helping me as well. I’m sure he doesn’t want to get beat by me, just like I don’t want to get beat by him.”
The couple has faced each other twice on the track, going 1-1 against each other.
Erica said it’s been a challenge competing as a female in a male-dominated sport.
“It’s been a tough road, but you learn to adapt,” Erica said. ‘You’re judged under a different microscope.”
While some people have questioned whether race car drivers are athletes, Erica said they definitely are athletes.
“It takes everything you’ve got to drive one of these cars,” she said. “I work out four times per week doing a lot of cardio. It’s hard on your body. You’re pulling 3.
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