ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. – Mattison “Mattie” Graves, at just 22 years old, exudes a remarkable self-assurance that defies her youth. When she obtained her driver’s license at 16, Mattie embarked on a journey into the exhilarating world of diesel drag racing, swiftly establishing herself as a champion in this niche yet fiercely competitive sport.
Simultaneously, Mattie delved into the intricacies of law enforcement as a high school sophomore and junior. She immersed herself in the Criminal Justice program at the James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center, gaining insights into various aspects of the field.
In 2021, Mattie seized an opportunity to contribute to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Security Specialist at the Detention and Rehabilitation Center. However, her passion for drag racing beckoned, leading her to pivot to the full-time pursuit of her dreams in the Outlaw Diesel Super Series by June 2022.
Throughout the following year, Mattie dedicated herself to mastering the nuances of racing, ultimately shattering the World Record for the quickest eighth-of-a-mile driving record. Returning to the SMCSO in 2023 as a pretrial case coordinator, Mattie balanced her law enforcement commitment with her thriving racing career. She secured consecutive victories in back-to-back races and solidified her status as a formidable force on the track, culminating in a championship win in July.
Today, Mattie stands as a trailblazer, rewriting the narrative for women in the Diesel series. Her dominance on the track has etched her name into the annals of history as the fastest and most accomplished woman in the sport, a testament to her unparalleled skill and unwavering dedication.
As she sets her sights on 2024, Mattie’s schedule brims with excitement and opportunity. With a packed itinerary spanning seven races from April to October, she’ll crisscross the East Coast, venture to Florida, and even journey as far as Indianapolis, IN, showcasing her prowess on diverse tracks.
Mattie Graves embodies the ethos of dedication, perseverance, and excellence, which are essential both on the racetrack and within the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
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