Congratulations are in order for BDRHoF Member Anita Mäkelä for her nomination into membership of the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. With a track career spanning over 30 years, first as a sportsman racer before graduating into Pro Comp and Top Methanol, and then marching through the ranks of FIA Top Fuel with her husband Tommi Haapanen, it seems fitting that the bubbly Finnish First Lady of Drag Racing will be inducted into the International Hall of Fame in March when the official ceremony takes place in Gainesville, Florida, the weekend of the NHRA Gatornationals. Anita will be joined by fellow inductees Steve Boggs, Bob Frey, David Reher & Buddy Morrison and Rahn Tobler. Receiving the Pat Garlits Memorial Award will be Arlene Johnson, wife of Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson.

The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame is a part of the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and was founded in 1990 by Don and Pat Garlits to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to Drag Racing. Individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame are not just drivers; they also number crew chiefs, car builders, track owners, promoters and manufacturers who have contributed to the success and safety of the sport. Individuals may be inducted from around the world.

The first inductees to be honoured at the inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony in 1991 included Sydney Allard, the ‘godfather’ of British Drag Racing. Allard was inducted into the newer British Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2007, becoming the first of five individuals currently honoured with membership of both British and International Halls of Fame. His fellow double honorees are Carl Olson, Don Garlits himself, Dennis Priddle and Stuart Bradbury.

Anita Mäkelä was inducted into the British Hall of Fame in 2019 and will thus become just the sixth person to receive this double membership distinction when inducted in Florida in March. During her Top Fuel career, Anita won 15 FIA races, six more than her closest rival, and secured four FIA season championships.