Alumna Sarah Edwards Featured on History’s Toymakerz

When Toymaker David Ankin offers to build her a “daily driver”, extreme drag racer NCC alumna Sarah Edwards eagerly takes him up on his offer, insisting on American muscle. The former Hanna Motorsports’ Queens of Diamonds II Jet Dragster pilot, Edwards has been clocked at over 300mph. She’ll obviously need a stylish ride with some serious speed potential. So Ankin finds a 2012 Challenger RT that fits the bill and the ToyMakerz go to town. David and the team modify the paint scheme, upgrade the hood, change up the stance with KW Suspension and Triumph Performance Wheels and add some serious rumble with new Magnaflow exhaust. The final product is a sight to be seen! Episode 6 of Season 3 airs Sunday, April 14, 2019 on the History Channel.

David Ankin, Sarah Edwards and her Toymakerz Challenger

Sarah Edwards’ passion for racing started when she was only 12 years old. Together as a family, Edwards traveled with her mom and dad to Raceway Park in NJ after her father had heard a radio ad for their annual Night of Thrills event. This was her first time at a drag strip and when she left the track, she left wanting to go drag racing. That night Edwards saw Hanna Motorsports Queen of Diamonds blaze down the quarter mile at 300 MPH and when she met the face beneath the helmet she was an even bigger fan—Jessie Harris, a young blonde was the driver. Raceway Park’s Night of Thrills became an annual family fun night for the Edwards’ family; sooner than later NHRA National Events were also added to the family fun outings. It wasn’t long until Sarah developed the desire to want to drive and being a spectator got old. After graduating Highschool in June of 2010, Edwards attended Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School where she earned her Super Comp license in July of 2010. Establishing Queen Bee Racing in 2011, Edwards ran her Queen Bee 565 cubic inch Big Block Chevy dragster in the top dragster races, covering the quarter mile in 7.5 seconds at 180MPH. In 2013 Sarah bumped up one notch to earn her Advanced E.T License. In 2015, Edwards received a message from Al Hanna, the owner of Hanna Motorsports’ Queen of Diamonds. Al was in search of a new driver for his QOD II and Edwards’ name had been recommended to him. It wasn’t long after the Hanna’s & Edwards’ initial meeting that she was hired as the new Queen. Landing an absolute dream job was surreal—Edwards became the driver of the very car she saw when she was 12 years old at the race track—coming full circle. Edwards signed a contract with Hanna Motorsports and earned her NHRA Jet License. In the course of three years, Edwards won just about 90% of her 300MPH match races and earned a spot on Drag Illustrated’s famous 30 Under 30 list in 2016 and set multiple track records. If going 300 MPH doesn’t keep one busy enough, there is more—Edwards drag races on the weekends,and during the week she is found working in an office for a construction company. Sarah received her associates degree from Norwalk Community College in May of 2013 in Interior Design and has worked hand in hand with Jody Deluca Designs. Off the track Sarah is passionate with keeping up with her fans and connecting with kids of all ages.

ToyMakerz is a custom vehicle fabrication shop in Reidsville, NC that brings to life the colorful and often inconceivable designs of David Ankin. A former stunt man, motorcycle racer and custom vehicle fabricator, Ankin has parlayed his life's work into Toymakerz, Inc. The Reidsville, N.C., company embodies the modern definition of its title, manufacturing "unique toys for big boys." Ankin's team specializes in producing "one-off" vehicles from race cars, custom motorcycles, trucks and unique reverse trikes, bringing the ingenuity and skills to satisfy a wide array of customers, from celebrities to international business magnets. Season 3 airs on History and FYI. The 8 brand new 1-hour episodes will feature everything from monster trucks, to tanks, to racecars, to drones, to fully custom never-before-seen exhibition cars, and even appearances by American icons Richard Petty and Dean Cain.

The NCC Art Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed on Sunday. For further information contact Susan Hardesty, Director of the NCC Art Gallery, at shardesty@norwalk.edu or 857.7197.

Alumna Sarah Edwards Featured on History’s Toymakerz

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