NORWALK, Ohio -- Hillary Will earned an economics degree at Norton's Wheaton College and respect from the racing community, driving everything from a 1973 Dodge Challenger to fire-breathing alcohol dragsters up and down the nation's drag strips.

Now, she can add a win in a national event in drag racing's fastest division to her list of qualifications.

Will, 25, thundered to the first final-round win of her rookie Top Fuel season in a rain-delayed race Monday, burning the quarter mile at Norwalk Raceway Park in Norwalk, Ohio, in 4.667 seconds to beat Rick Cooper in the International Hot Rod Association's Skull Shine World Nationals.

The win backs up a runner-up finish a week ago by Will in the Ken Black-owned, Connie Kalitta-fielded dragster in the NHRA Mac Tools O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals in Memphis, Tenn.

Will was introduced to drag racing by her father, who started her in a 1973 Challenger. Last year, the prot'e9g'e9 of drag racing legend Shirley Muldowney competed nationally in a family-owned, alcohol-fueled dragster. The rookie Top Fuel driver started the year by blistering the Las Vegas Motor Speedway strip in less than 4.5 seconds in a pre-season tune-up, but has had an up-and-down season since.

Monday's win gives Will momentum heading into next week's NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.