Fake Social Media Accounts, Real Danger: NHRA Drivers Under Attack in the Digital Age

Drag racing is a sport built on connection. From pit area handshakes to social media shoutouts, NHRA drivers have long embraced fan engagement as part of their identity. But in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, that connection has turned dangerous.

Top drivers in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series say they are increasingly being impersonated online, targeted by spammers, stalkers, and con artists who deceive fans into fake relationships, VIP club memberships, and worse. The problem, they say, is out of control—and in some cases, even life-threatening.

Brittany Force. Erica Enders. Alexis DeJoria. Ida Zetterström. Jeg Coughlin Jr. Larry McBride. These are household names in the sport of drag racing, and all have been victims of social media deception. Most say they’ve had their likeness stolen. Others have been impersonated in money scams. A few have had to increase physical security at events due to interactions with fans duped into thinking they were having private conversations with the stars of the sport.

The core issue centers on impersonation. Using fake profiles and AI-generated messages, scammers mimic NHRA drivers online, often initiating what seem like friendly conversations. The messages escalate—first to emotional connection, then to financial exploitation. Fans are told they’re part of a private club or romantic relationship. Some are asked to buy gift cards or pay fees to access “exclusive” driver experiences.

Numerous drag stars have been under attack by online predators with fake accounts. B. Force, Enders, J. Coughlin, and others have noted how these predators are rampant.

Drag queen Erica Enders recounted a frightening encounter at the Texas Motorplex when a man flew from Australia under the impression they were in a romantic relationship. When Enders told him the truth, he lashed out.

"He shoved me, and I screamed for Richard (Freeman, car owner) and Casey. They tackled him and escorted him out. He was kicked out of the facility and put on the ‘Do Not Buy a Ticket’ list.”

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Top Fuel star Clay Millican learned of his impersonation the hard way—from NHRA itself. A woman had called the sanctioning body, claiming to be in an online relationship with the veteran Top Fuel driver.

“She said we were having an online affair,” Millican recalled. “She had fake text messages, even claimed there were videos of me. And she said I needed $39,000 sent to my management company—which doesn’t exist.”

The fake company name? “Peak Management.”

“My management company is Donna,” Millican joked, referring to his wife, who’s been by his side since high school.

I have followed drag racing for over 60 years.

KNOW many of the people there.

Did BOOKKEEPING for a few—who had other businesses besides acting.

THIS IS TOTALLY BIZARRE

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