File photo

Madison Payne, driving the Muscle Milk A/Fuel Dragster, took on the NHRA Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex, which was the site of her regional win earlier in the season. Madison qualified eighth in a tough 16-car field with a 5.267 at 277 MPH. Qualifying in the eighth or ninth position is the most challenging bracket in eliminations, as both opponents are typically closely matched.

In round one, Madison faced Shawn Cowie, the reigning World Champion, who qualified almost identically with a 5.268 at 274 MPH. At the start, both cars left almost at the same time. Cowie's reaction time was .076 to Madison's .077. It would be a nail-biter with both cars charging side by side to the top end. At the finish line, it would be Cowie squeaking out the win by just eight inches with a margin of victory of 0.0016 seconds! Cowie had a slightly quicker ET of 5.2178 at 272 MPH to Madison's 5.2188 at 280 MPH.

Madison and car owner Duane Shields would like to thank Muscle Milk, GRP Connecting Rods, NGK Spark Plugs, Clean Boost, and Brad Anderson Enterprises for their support in 2025.

Muscle Milk Team Makes Surprise Visit to Maple Grove Race

Story and Photo by Rich Bailey
The Muscle Milk A/Fuel Dragster team was a surprise entry at Maple Grove Raceway's NHRA National event held in Reading, PA. The race was not originally on the team's schedule and was perhaps the best NHRA event so far this season in terms of spectator turnout and beautiful Fall weather.

Madison Payne qualified eleventh on the strength of her opening run with a decent 5.33 at 276 MPH. On her second and third qualifier, she didn't improve due to part malfunctions. In round one, Madison faced Brandon Greco. At the hit, Greco was out first. The Muscle Milk car tried to keep pace but lost traction and aborted the run. Greco was on a good run and advanced to the second round.

Car owner Duane Shields was disappointed but remains optimistic for their next race in Dallas. "We had a part malfunction in the last two qualifying sessions, so we didn't get any good data before the first round. We have a new engine going in the car for Dallas, so we plan to finish strong in the last four races of the season. Madison added, "We always do well in Dallas and won there earlier this season, so we are looking forward to that race while putting Maple Grove behind us" she said. Madison and Duane would like to thank Muscle Milk, NGK Spark Plugs, GRP Connecting Rods, Clean Boost, and Brad Anderson Enterprise for their support of the 2025 season.

Madison Goes Out Early at the Historic NHRA US Nationals

Story by Rich Bailey

Indianapolis - Former US Nationals Champion, Madison Payne, behind the wheel of the Muscle Milk A/Fuel Dragster, fell short on her bid to win the "Big Go" a second time.

Madison qualified 15th with a 5.37 at 272 MPH, which would set up a first-round match-up with reigning World Champion Shawn Cowie. At the launch, it was Madison out first with a .082 to Cowie's .091. But that was the end of the race as Madison lost traction and went up in smoke and had no choice but to abort the run. Meanwhile, Cowie was on a clean pass and advanced to the next round. Madison commented on the disappointing loss in Indy. "It was a bad weekend, and we are capable of doing a lot better. We are now going to Reading to try and get back on the right track" she said.

Madison and car owner Duane Sields would like to thank Muscle Milk, NGK Spark Plugs, GRP Connecting Rods, Clean Boost, and Brad Anderson Enterprise for their support of the 2025 season.

Muscle Milk Team Makes it to Semis at Both Brainerd NHRA Events

Story by Rich Bailey

The Muscle Milk Team returned to NHRA competition at both the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals and a regional event held one week prior in Brainerd, MN. Madison Payne, driving the Muscle Milk A/Fuel Dragster had respectable outings at the back-to-back events but lost by close margins in the semi-finals both times.

Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

Madison qualified third in a tough sixteen-car field with a 5.20 at 275 MPH. In round one, Madison took on Todd Bruce of Horace, ND. At the hit, Bruce was out first with a .079 to Madison's .115. However, Bruce's 5.35 at 274 MPH was not enough to cover Madison's quicker 5.24 at 275 MPH.

In round two, Madison faced Greg Hunter. As the cars left the line, Madison got a sizable advantage with a .042 reaction time to Hunter's .137. Madison never relinquished the lead and beat Hunter with a 5.30 at 275 MPH holeshot win over Hunter's quicker 5.24 at 272 MPH.

In the semis, Madison raced Jackie Fricke. As the lights came down, it was Madison out first with a .065 to Fricke's .090. It would prove to be another close race to the finish line with Fricke escaping with the win as she ran a stout 5.23 at 276 MPH to Madison's valiant 5.29 at 272 MPH.

Car owner Duane Shields was happy with the team's overall performance in Brainerd. "We ran well for the weekend. The track got a lot better on Sunday, and we struggled. Madison did a great job on the lights and had to pedal on both Sunday runs. We got the round two win, but weren't able to win the Semis. We will be ready to go for the US Nationals in a few weeks.

Lucas Oil NHRA Regional

At the prior weekend's sportsman-only race, Madison qualified on the pole to lead the eight-car field with a fine 5.21 at 276 MPH.

In round one, Madison faced Jim Lamb. At the hit, Lamb was out first, but his lead was short-lived as Madison was able to pass him and grab the win with a 5.33 at 275 MPH to Lamb's 5.54 at 256 MPH.

In the semifinals, it would be a showdown between Madison and number five qualifier Kirk Wolf. At the hit, Madison was out first with a .095 to Wolf's .117. Despite Madison's better reaction time, Wolf snuck around the Muscle Milk car and took a very close win with a 5.33 at 266 MPH to Madison's 5.48 at 264 MPH.

Even though she lost a close one in the semis, Madison was happy with the results. "We really stepped up, and the car is consistently going down the track. I'm happy with everything and looking forward to the remaining races through the rest of the season" she said.

Next up is the biggest race of the year, the NHRA US Nationals in Indianapolis on Labor Day Weekend. Madison and Duane would like to thank Muscle Milk, NGK Spark Plugs, GRP Connecting Rods, Clean Boost, and Brad Anderson Enterprise for their support of the 2025 season.

Muscle Milk Team Competes in a Pair of Races in Norwalk, Ohio

Story and Photo by Rich Bailey

After a flawless win in Dallas, Texas, the Muscle Milk team lost some momentum and took an unexpected early round exit at a pair of events in Norwalk, Ohio.

While the Muscle Milk A/Fuel Dragster qualified for both events, the very hot and humid weather, as well as the track conditions, would make the tune-up a moving target for the team going into eliminations.

At last weekend's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Madison qualified twelfth with a 5.33 and faced Jamie Noonan in round one. As the cars left the starting line, Madison smoked the tires while Noonan was on a clean run and took the win light.

The week prior at the Cavelcade of Stars Lucas Oil event, Madison qualified 4th with a decent 5.25 at 279 MPH and would face Kirk Wolf. At the hit, Wolf left first with a .043 light to Madison's .091. As the cars moved down track, it was Wolf pulling ahead and holding on to the win with a 5.30 at 245 MPH to Madison's 5.51 at 255 MPH.

Team owner Duane Shields was not pleased with either of the Norwalk outings. "I was disappointed with the last two weekends. The car is running well, but the track threw us curveballs, and we went out in the first round. We will take most of the summer off and then come back to Brainerd in the middle of August, ready to win" he said. Duane and

Madison and Duane would like to thank Muscle Milk, GRP Connecting Rods, NGK spark Plugs, Clean Boost, and Brad Anderson Enterprises for their support in 2025.

Madison Madison Wins Big in Texas

Story by Rich Bailey Madison

Payne took an impressive victory at the Lucas Oil Regional event held at the Texas Motorplex outside of Dallas. Madison was unstoppable from the start as she qualified number one with a 5.17 at 281 MPH to lead a strong eight-car field.

In round one, Madison faced Jared Dreher. At the hit, Madison was out first with a .022 light to Dreher's .073. From there, Madison never looked back and sealed the win with a 5.22 at 281 MPH to Dreher's 5.40 at 263 MPH.

In the semi-finals, Madison took on former World Champion Alan Bradshaw. This would be an incredibly close and exciting race. As both cars left the line, it was Bradshaw out first with a .054 to Madison's .077. But Madison was able to get past Bradshaw just before the finish line and take the win with another 5.22 at 278 MPH over Bradshaw's valiant 5.27 at 269 MPH.

The final round would prove to be just as exciting as the semi-finals, but for different reasons. Madison raced Jon Bradford, who qualified sixth. As both cars launched, Bradford went into a giant wheelstand and had to abandon the run while Madison was off to the races with another consistent pass. Madison rang up a dazzling 5.20 at 278 MPH to score the victory. "What a great weekend from start to finish, it genuinely couldn't have gone any better" Madison said after the race.

Car owner Duane Shields was happy with the team's consistent performance in Dallas. "It was a great weekend. We were there to celebrate Maddy's graduation from TCU and decided to race the regional. Despite hot, stormy weather, the car ran great. We had low ET and top MPH every round. We've had a great car all year, and it all came together this weekend. Maddy and the team did a fantastic job" he said. "It's a good way to start the summer race stretch" Madison added.

Next, the Muscle Milk team takes a short break and then travels to Norwalk, Ohio, for an NHRA Lucas Oil Regional June 20-21 followed by the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals, June 26-29. Both Madison and car owner, Duane Shields, would like to thank Muscle Milk, NGK Spark Plugs, GRP Connecting Rods, BAE, and Clean Boost for their support in 2025.

Madison Goes to Second "Quad" at Four Wides in Las Vegas

Story by Rich Bailey

Las Vegas - Madison Payne and the Muscle Milk team took on a challenging field of Alcohol and A/Fuel cars at the NHRA Fourwide Nationals, held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

For those needing a "four wide refresher course" the field is divided into four quads of four cars and the first and second place winners advance from each quad to the next round until the finals where there is just one quad left from the previous rounds. The winner of the final round quad wins the race.

Madison qualified the Muscle Milk A/Fuel Dragster fourth in a field of 21 cars with a strong 5.27 at 275 MPH.

In the first stanza, Madison was included in a foursome made up of Taylor Januik, Mike Quayle, and Mike Austin. Madison came out on top with a 5.27 at 276 MPH win to advance into round two along with second-place finisher Taylor Januik, who recorded a close 5.33 at 271 MPH. Quayle and Austin were eliminated from further competition finishing third and fourth respectively.

In the second round, Madison faced an even tougher group of competitors which included World Champion Shawn Cowie, Matt Cummings, and Januik from the previous round. As the lights came down Madison was in the middle of the pack with a .089 reaction time and rang up a respectable 5.30 at 276 MPH pass but it wasn't enough to top Cowie who finished first with a 5.23 at 276 MPH and second place finisher Cummings who ran a 5.32 at 268 MPH but had a slightly better .071 reaction time. Madison had to settle for third after failing to reach the final quad by just .001. Januik who came in fourth was also eliminated.

Next, the Muscle Milk team heads to Dallas, Texas for an NHRA Lucas Oil Regional event, May 16-17. Both Madison and car owner, Duane Shields would like to thank Muscle Milk, NGK Spark Plugs, GRP Connecting Rods, BAE, and Clean Boost for their support in 2025.

Madison Qualifies Well but Narrowly Lost After Long Staging Battle

Story by Rich Bailey

Pomona - Madison Payne in the Muscle Milk A/Fuel Dragster qualified well at the historic Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals held at the Los Angeles County Fairplex. Madison posted a strong 5.17 at 279 MPH run during the first qualifying session which was good for the number two position but was later knocked down to third at the end of qualifying for the Top Alcohol Dragster class.

In round one, Madison raced number 14 qualifier Garrett Bateman. As the cars approached the starting line, a long staging duel ensued where neither car moved into the staging beams to activate the tree. Finally, Madison moved in and staged at the direction of car owner Duane Shields followed by Bateman. At the hit, Madison got off the line first with a great 0.030 reaction time to Bateman's 0.040. As the A/Fuelers charged down the track, Bateman gained the lead and never relinquished it. Bateman rang up a 5.23 at 272 MPH to Madison's competitive 5.30 at 273 MPH.

After the run Madison was dismayed by the surprise battle at the startingline but chose to focus on the positives that came out of Pomona. "We learned a lot this weekend and qualified well. Now, we are looking forward to racing in Vegas" She said. Next, the team moves on to the first four-wide race of the year held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, April 11-13. Madison and Duane would like to thank Muscle Milk, GRP, NGK, Clean Boost, and Brad Anderson Enterprises for their support in 2025.

Madison Begins New Season, Qualifying No. 1 in Phoenix

Story by Rich Bailey

Phoenix - Madison Payne qualified the Muscle Milk A/Fuel Dragster in the top position at the first Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event of the season. Madison ran a stellar 5.17 at 280 MPH to lead a tough eight-car field at Firebird International Raceway.

In round one, Madison took on number eight seed, Braiden Chesleigh. Chesleigh was a formidable opponent who ran a respectable 5.30 in qualifying. At the light, it was Chesleigh out first with a .072 to Madison's .090. As the cars moved down the Firebird track surface, Chesleigh began to have trouble and had to abandon the run. Meanwhile, Madison was on a clean pass and took the win with a very competitive 5.24 at 278 MPH.

In the semifinals, it would be a heartbreaker for the Muscle Milk team. Madison raced Idaho's Casey Grisel. At the start, Madison had a perfect 0.000 reaction time against Grisel's .058. While Madison had a good lead off the starting line, Grisel was able to catch up and pass her before the finish line with a quicker 5.22 at 278 MPH over Madison's 5.78 at 239 MPH.

Team owner Duane Shields was pleased with the team's effort and looks forward to the 2025 season. "We are happy to continue our number one qualifying streak in a very stout field. Unfortunately, the track conditions took us out in the semis. Team Muscle Milk is here to win so anything else is a little disappointing. But it's a long season and I'm looking forward to it" he said.

Next, the Muscle Milk team will race at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, on March 27-30. Duane and Madison would like to thank Muscle Milk, GRP Connecting Rods, NGK Spark Plugs, Clean Boost, and Brad Anderson Enterprises for their support this season.

Muscle Milk Team Qualifies First, Rockets to National Top Ten Finish

Story and Photo by Rich Bailey

Pomona - A late-season performance surge opened the door to a top-ten season finish after the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals concluded this past weekend. Madison Payne finished ninth after a regional win last week in Las Vegas and a semi-final finish at the Pomona grand finale. The 2024 Finals was a memorable one with twists and turns in many categories and even a small plane crash near the finish line that delayed the race for over an hour.

Madison qualified in the number one position with a blistering 5.16 at 277 MPH to lead the quickest Top Alcohol Dragster field in NHRA history.

In round one, Madison raced Washington's Kim Parker. Parker got off the line quicker with a .073 to Madison's .081. Madison still was able to squeeze out the win with a fine 5.24 at 276 MPH to Parker's close 5.29 at 264 MPH.

In round two, Madison faced Jackie Fricke. Fricke got a slight lead off of the starting line with a .072 to Madison's .089 but it would be all Madison with another great run. Madison rang up a 5.19 at 278 MPH to Fricke's valiant 5.26 at 274 MPH to move on to the semi-finals.

In the Semis, Madison raced yet another female driver, World Champion, Julie Nataas. At the hit, it was Nataas out first with .077 which was a sizable advantage to Madison's .115. While Madison ran quicker with a 5.19 to Nataas' 5.22 it wasn't enough and Nataas took the hole shot win to move on to the final round.

While the Muscle Milk team would have wanted to end the season with a win, team owner Duane Shields was happy with the results. "Any time you qualify number one in the quickest field in history it's a good weekend and you have to be happy. The car ran very consistently on every pass. We win as a team and lose as a team and now we can reflect on the season" Duane said.

In addition to Madison's top ten finish, Duane's sportsman team driven by Mike Handras also finished in the top ten nationally in both Super Comp and Super Gas. Duane and Madison would like to Muscle Milk, GRP Rods, NGK Spark Plugs, Clean Boost, and Brad Anderson Enterprises for their very valued support in 2024.