Hall of Famer Rob Flynn Continues to Shape NHRA History with Maddi Gordon's Breakout Rookie Season

Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductee Rob Flynn continues to leave his mark on the sport, this time by helping guide one of drag racing's brightest young stars to a historic milestone.

Flynn serves as crew chief for 22-year-old Maddi Gordon, who made the highly anticipated jump from Top Alcohol Funny Car to the NHRA Top Fuel ranks for the 2026 season with Ron Capps Motorsports. The move paired one of the sport's most respected crew chiefs with one of its most promising young talents, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.

During her rookie campaign, Gordon captured her first NHRA Top Fuel victory, becoming the youngest driver in history to win in the sport's premier category at just 22 years old. She also managed to set a new track speed record with a 339.79 MPH run in Q3 to reset the Summit Motorsports Park record. The achievement instantly secured her place in the NHRA history books while further reinforcing Flynn's reputation for developing championship-calibre race cars and drivers.

For Flynn, success at the highest level is nothing new. Throughout a career spanning decades, he has earned a reputation as one of drag racing's premier tuners and crew chiefs, combining technical excellence with a relentless pursuit of performance. His induction into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame, in 2017, recognized not only his accomplishments on the racetrack, but also the lasting influence he has had on Canadian motorsports.

That influence continues to grow. Gordon's rapid rise through the Top Fuel ranks has showcased the strength of the Ron Capps Motorsports program, with Flynn playing a key role in helping the rookie adapt to the demands of the quickest and fastest class in NHRA competition.

While records are ultimately credited to the driver, achievements of this magnitude are built by entire teams. Behind every championship-calibre pass is the work of dedicated crew members and experienced leaders, and Flynn's expertise has once again proven invaluable.

From Hall of Fame recognition to helping write a new chapter in NHRA history, Rob Flynn continues to demonstrate why he remains one of the most respected figures in drag racing today.

Maddi and Rob in the winner’s circle, post race.