For the first time since NHRA created the Pro Stock class in 1970, the defending series champion will not be a man when the 2015 season begins Friday at the Circle K Winternationals.

It’s been the playground of the likes of Bob Glidden, Warren Johnson, Lee Shepherd, Darrell Alderman, Jim Yates, Jeg Coughlin and, more recently, Greg Anderson and Jason Line. Those men have accounted for 36 Mello Yello Drag Racing championships in that tie span.

Man, men – they are the operative words. Pro Stock was last NHRA discipline that had been a predominately a male playground. Women had won championships in Top Fuel dragsters and Pro Stock Motorcycles and national events in Funny Car, but not in Pro Stock.

Alas, in the long history of the class, only five women – Grace Howell, Judy Lilly, Lucinda McFarlin, Shay Nicols and Shirley Shahan – had competed before Erica Enders-Stevens stepped into the class in 2005. In fact, in that season, Enders-Stevens posted more round wins than all other females combined.

Now, as the season opens at Auto Club Raceway on the L.A. County Fairgrounds, Enders-Stevens is the defending class champion. She claimed the 2014 title on the last run of the season in a all-or-nothing duel with Line, getting the victory when Line jumped the start and turned on the red-light.

“We’re the defending world champions, and it’s a pretty awesome place to be. I guess it really hasn’t completely sunk in because some days it’ll just cross my mind, and I can’t believe it,: said Enders-Stevens. “It’s pretty cool.

“I’ve never been in that situation before, and we’re really excited and honored to carry the No. 1 this year.”

That single-digit will become a target for the rest of the class. Enders-Stevens will be one of four drivers competing with a championship resume, including Anderson, Line and Allen Johnson. Coughlin has opted to step aside this season while 2009 titlist Mike Edwards is not expected to compete.

In addition to the championship trio, challenges will also come from those who made the Countdown to the Championship last year: Shane Gray (fourth), Jonathan Gray (seventh), Vincent Nobile (eighth), veteran V. Gaines (ninth) and Chris McGaha (10th).

Dave Connolly, whose finished third in the points standings, will not compete in the class in 2015. He is making the transition to Top Fuel, where he’s team with Larry Dixon driving for Bob Vandergriff.

“We know the target is on our back, for sure, but to be honest, it’s been on our back,” said Enders-Stevens, whose six victories in 2014 doubled her career total. “I don’t know if anything’s changed. Last year, we had a very dominant car, and when some people would race us, they’d swing for the fences – both performance-wise and from the driver’s seat.

“I don’t think anything will change from our angle. We’re going to stay focused on racing our car and our lane.”