For a recent assignment at Mason Central Elementary School in Erie, Michigan, Alena Schafer did a presentation on Shirley Muldowney.

None of her classmates were familiar with the famous Top Fuel driver before the presentation, but they were very familiar with her after the presentation.

For it, Alena donned a fire-resistant race suit and helmet to show how Muldowney would have been dressed for racing, and she talked about all of her achievements. She also talked about how she, like Muldowney, dons a fire-resistant race suit and helmet and races, leaving some classmates amazed and awe-stuck.

When Alena is not at school, she likes to go bowling, go-karting, shopping, camping and four-wheeling on her pink four-wheeler. 

She also likes to hang out with her several dogs, cat, hamster and lizard, and when she travels to Florida with her family, she’s sure to visit the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. It’s there that she marvels at the marine animals and fish, including dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, manatees and more, and it’s also there that she dreams of one day helping to care for rescued marine animals and fish.

Known for being easygoing, humble and a good sport, Alena was all of that and more on her way to the 2018 Bear Motorsports Novice Junior Dragster presented by Wiseco championship.

And among her biggest fans were her father, Mark and his fiancée, Sarah; her mother, Stephanie, and her husband, Matt, and her brother, Cruz and stepsister, Riley.

The very talented Alena and her fellow champions were celebrated at the 45th Annual Edelbrock Banquet of Champions presented by Lincoln Electric on Jan. 19 at Kalarari Resorts and Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. - Mary Lendzion