Racing isn’t just a hobby for Courtney Worley – it was a way of life. From the moment she could walk, Courtney was surrounded by the smell of gasoline, the sound of choppy cams, and the thrill of competition. Her parents would take her to the Salina Speedway, a circle dirt track, where she’d run wild under the bleachers, playing tag with the other kids. She’d sleep in the back of the tow truck, feeling like a queen as she rode to the pits with the wrecked cars. The concession stand was her candy store, and the t-shirt booth was her toy shop. Years later, that little girl playing in the pits would grow up to own a 1999 Firebird, a car she’d transform into a drag strip monster. For Courtney, the Speedway was an amusement park that shaped her future.
Just because you have a fast car, doesn’t mean you have to be serious all the time.
Chasing the Dream
Courtney’s love for racing only grew stronger as she got older. By the time she was 15, she had her heart set on racing modifieds on the dirt track, just like the drivers she idolized. But as she entered her late teens, Courtney began to hang out with a different crowd – one that was obsessed with drag racing. It wasn’t long before she caught the bug. Her friend Blake brought his 1999 Pontiac Trans Am over one day, and Courtney knew she had to have one of her own.
What’s the point of having a fast car if you don’t take selfies with it?
For eight long years, Courtney worked towards her goal of owning a Trans Am. There were plenty of times when she doubted herself, when it seemed like an impossible dream. She even bought and sold a 2000 WS6 in 2020. The WS6 was unreliable and always causing headaches for her. She eventually decided that reliability was more important than fulfilling her passion. But she never gave up. Finally, the day arrived when she could afford her very own 1999 Firebird Formula.
Courtney might spend more time with the front tires in the air, than with them on the track.
Building a Beast
Courtney’s 1999 Firebird isn’t just any car – it’s a project years in the making. When she first bought it, the Firebird already had the WS6 hood, badges, and hatch, giving it an aggressive appearance. It also had a few suspension mods, a cat-back exhaust, and wheels, that hinted at its potential. But Courtney had a much bolder vision for her car, one that involves a lot more power and a lot less weight. Over the next two years, she methodically transformed her Formula into a drag strip monster.
A clean paint job, beadlocks, and quad exhaust all make for a fun time.
First, she swapped the stock motor for a 6.2-liter LS beast, giving her car the grunt it needs to be competitive. But she didn’t stop there. A built TH400 transmission from Goin Performance ensures that all that power gets put to the ground. And with a Holley Terminator X ECU, Courtney has total control over her engine’s vitals, allowing her to squeeze out every last bit of performance. A Quick Performance 9-inch rear end is the final piece of the puzzle, providing the strength and traction needed to hook.
But even with all that power, Courtney wanted her car to have an extra edge. That’s where the Nitrous Express kit comes in. With the flick of a switch, Courtney can give her Formula a shot of nitrous, adding an instant 100 horsepower. Billet Specialties wheels round out the package, providing the lightweight, drag-specific wheels needed to put all that power to the ground. And though she’s come a long way, Courtney’s not done yet. A roll cage and chute are next on her list, ensuring her car is both fast and safe. With each new mod, Courtney can feel her Formula becoming the car she’s always envisioned.
A Team Effort
But Courtney didn’t do it alone. Along the way, she partnered with several companies that shared her passion and believed in her vision. Billet Specialties, Quick Performance, and Nitrous Express all sponsor her, providing parts and advice whenever she needs it. Goin Performance, Taos Performance, and House of Boost also lend their expertise, helping Courtney learn the ins and outs of building a fast car. But more importantly, they’re there to support her when it comes time to test her creation.
Someone might want to check her tie rods.
Courtney’s been lucky enough to find a partner, Bailey, who shares her love for racing. Having someone who pushes her to achieve her goals and reminds her to stay patient has been invaluable. As much as Courtney loves racing, she knows that cars can be frustrating at times. But with Bailey by her side, she knows she can overcome any obstacle.
Okay, maybe she does spend some time with the wheels down.
The Finish Line
So far, Courtney’s only gotten to race her car at one legitimate event – a Cash Days competition in Kansas City. But now that her Firebird is finally dialed in, she can’t wait to hit the strip again. She’s not in it just to be the fastest, though that’s definitely a goal. For Courtney, it’s all about seeing her vision come to life. And with each pass she makes, she can see the finish line getting closer.
Courtney’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a whole lot of horsepower. It’s about a girl who grew up at the race track and never lost sight of her dreams. And as she sits in her 1999 Firebird, listening to the 6.2-liter LS engine, she knows that all of her hard work was worth it. Because when that light turns green, none of the struggles matter. All that matters is the thrill of the chase.
