Contributor Spotlight: Justin Calkins
Archivist | Social Media Manager | Front Engine Top Fuel Historian
Bio:
A lifelong fan turned contributor, Justin Calkins got his start in the pits as a crew member for Iowa’s iconic Orange Crate, Suhr & lechtenberg team from 2007 to 2010. That hands-on experience planted the seed for something bigger—a mission to preserve and share the untold stories of Nostalgia Top Fuel racing.
In early 2022, Justin Calkins assisted with photo and data collection for the March Meet posters created by Michael Anderson, Anderson & Son Racing Team. Digging through the archives proved to be harder than expected—and that challenge sparked a realization: the sport’s rich history was in danger of being forgotten.
Later that year, he founded AAFD Stats, a comprehensive archive dedicated to documenting the racers, runs, and stories that define the class. His passion and attention to detail quickly became invaluable to the community.
By July 2023, he joined the AAFD team as Social Media Manager, using his platform to connect fans with the latest action and rare historical insights. In January 2025, with permission from Mark King, he proudly relaunched AAFD News, bringing top-tier coverage to front engine Top Fuel like never before.
“I’m not much for bragging,” he says, “but I’m proud to play a small part in helping keep this sport’s story alive.”
Justin Calkins with the Orange Crate team, circa 2009 – where it all began.
