Stroud Safety has added Allen and Debbie Bridges to its team, bringing one of drag racing’s most recognizable trackside duos to the Oklahoma City-based motorsports safety manufacturer.
The husband-and-wife team has spent more than 30 years working directly with racers at the racetrack – 31 of those years on the NHRA midway, most recently with Simpson – building a customer base that spans nitro, Pro Mod, sportsman and everything in between. Their addition comes as Stroud continues to expand its product line and its presence at events across the country.
“What stood out to me about Allen and Debbie is that they bring a combination of experience, relationships and a real understanding of the racer that is difficult to duplicate,” said Tommy Cunningham, owner of Stroud Safety. “They have spent decades in this industry, and they understand that motorsports safety isn’t just about selling a product. It’s about understanding what the racer needs, being available when they need you, and earning their trust over time.”
“As Stroud continues to grow and expand our product offering, we felt like this was the right time to add people with that depth of experience. Allen and Debbie know the products, they know the customers, and most importantly, they understand the culture of this sport. That fits very well with how we want to grow Stroud.”
For the Bridges, the move is a chance to keep doing what they’ve always done – just under a different banner.
“Debbie and I are really excited to now be part of the team at Stroud,” Allen Bridges said. “We’ve been out there in the pits for over 30 years, and that’s our racing family. Anything we can do to make it safer and be there for people when they need us is very important. It’s going to be really refreshing to be part of a team whose main objective is to provide a quality product and service for our racing family.”
That availability is the reputation the Bridges have built.
“We pretty much live this deal,” Debbie Bridges said. “We’re always on call for our customers seven days a week. Anybody’s got questions or needs to know anything, we’re there for them.”
Stroud Chief Revenue Officer John Gentry, who has been part of the company since 2019, called the hire a rare opportunity.
“With 30-plus years of experience in the safety industry, and specifically in drag racing, I truly don’t feel like there is anyone in the United States as qualified as this combo,” Gentry said. “The big thing Tommy and I have missed out on is being in front of the racers more at the racetrack. Allen and Debbie will help us change that.”
Cunningham said the Bridges’ impact is expected to reach beyond customer service and into what Stroud builds next.
“Allen has seen an enormous amount of safety equipment used in real racing conditions over the years,” Cunningham said. “That kind of firsthand feedback is incredibly valuable when you’re deciding what products to improve, what products to develop next, and what racers actually want versus what we think they want. We’re working on several new and improved products right now, and Allen and Debbie will have key roles in that process.”
“I’m very excited about pursuing some new angles on parachutes, and the seat belt market as well,” Allen said. “Tommy’s very excited about this deal, and so are we. Everybody’s just really pumped to go out there and push this brand to the next level.”
Allen and Debbie Bridges will be in the pits at the NHRA U.S. Nationals, Sept. 2-7 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, in their new roles with Stroud Safety.
“Ultimately, our goal isn’t simply to sell more safety equipment,” Cunningham said. “We want Stroud to continue becoming a stronger resource for racers – better products, better service and people they know they can call when they need help. I think Allen and Debbie are going to help us move significantly closer to that goal.”
This story was originally published on August 27, 2026.
The post Two of Drag Racing’s Most Familiar Faces Are Headed to Stroud Safety first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
