Stick Shift Samantha’s Racing Journey

In a world of cookie-cutter builds and social media hype, Samantha Prather, known to her followers as “Stick Shift Samantha,” brings something different to the drag strip. This 31-year-old former automotive technician isn’t just posting about cars. She’s transforming a 1998 Camaro SS from a street performer into a seven-second quarter-mile machine.

The story begins four years ago when Samantha found Charlotte, her silver Camaro, on Craigslist. With low miles and careful maintenance by its previous owner, the car provided the perfect foundation for what would become an incredible journey from street performance to competitive drag racing. After all, every car enthusiast’s dream is to find a well-maintained, daily-driveable car and turn it into a well-maintained, somewhat reliable race car.

What started as a simple cam swap quickly evolved into a complete transformation. Samantha’s background as an automotive technician proved invaluable as she dove deep into the LS platform’s potential. The current engine is made up of  Texas Speed PRC 220cc heads, a Texas Speed Magic Stick 3 camshaft, and a Texas Speed intake manifold that work together in harmony. A Motion Raceworks 102 mm throttle body and American Racing Headers ensure the engine is breathing freely, while ARP hardware keeps everything secure under pressure.

The transmission received equally thorough attention. Sam’s built T56 features upgraded Viper-style gears, carbon fiber blocker rings, and billet shift forks from Tick Performance. A McLeod twin-disc clutch handles power transfer, while a Quick Performance 9-inch rear end with 35-spline axles and 4.30 gears puts that power to the ground.

But transitioning from street performance to drag racing requires more than just power. Samantha has methodically upgraded Charlotte’s chassis and safety equipment to meet the demands of competitive racing. Viking Crusader coilovers and Midwest Chassis components provide the suspension control needed for consistent launches. A custom 6-point roll cage, which Sam welded herself, ensures safety while adding crucial chassis rigidity.

Her journey represents something beyond technical achievements. After years as an automotive technician, she made the decision to change careers to accommodate family life, becoming a licensed cosmetologist and barber. Yet her passion for cars never wavered, and now she’s proving that following multiple dreams is possible.

The next phase of Charlotte’s evolution is already planned. A 6.0-liter aluminum block with forged internals will provide the foundation, while a ProCharger D1X will deliver the boost needed to achieve Sam’s seven-second quarter-mile goals. Every modification is carefully researched and planned, showing that successful racing requires just as much preparation as it does performance.

As Sam prepares her Camaro for its competitive debut at the Street Car Takeover in Odessa, Missouri, she faces new challenges. Learning proper staging techniques, understanding track conditions, and mastering consistent launches are now as important as the mechanical aspects of her build. She credits Jeremy Statzel at N&N Performance for handling her tuning needs, recognizing that expert support is crucial for achieving her goals.

Sam’s authenticity resonates with her growing audience. She shares both triumphs and setbacks, showing the real work behind building a competitive race car. Her journey proves that with dedication and knowledge, the leap from street performance to competitive racing is achievable.

This build is about more than just fast times. It’s about showing people, especially women, that they can pursue their automotive dreams at any stage of life. – Samantha Prather

Samantha’s transition from street enthusiast to emerging drag racer serves as inspiration for others looking to take their passion to the next level. With each upgrade and every test pass, she moves closer to her seven-second goal. As she prepares to stage Charlotte for her first competitive pass, she’s already achieved something remarkable: proving that with passion, knowledge, and determination, the dream of competitive racing is within reach.