 By working as her father's crew chief, Richards helped to secure top-five finishes in the Top Fuel championship between 1986 and 1990.Richards began racing in 1992.Her best result of the year occurred at a drag strip in Gainesville, Florida where she qualified in 14th position, and was quicker than Don Prudhomme and Scott Kalitta in the first and second rounds, before losing to race winner Eddie Hill in the event's semi-final.