Category: NHRA

CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2024 LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS
BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
BRAINERD, MINNESOTA
TEAM CHEVY RACE RECAP | NOTES & STATS
AUGUST 19, 2024

JOHN FORCE RACING SHOWCASES STRENGTH IN QUALIFYING AND THE #2FAST2TASTY CHALLENGE DURING LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS IN BRAINERD

Chevrolet Captures the Brainerd Wally Trophies in Pro Stock and Factory Stock Showdown

Notes:

• Capturing his eighth No. 1 qualifier this season and 11th of his NHRA career, Austin Prock and his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car team rocketed to the top spot in Q4 with his pass of 3.860 seconds E.T. at 334.07 mph.
• Not only did Prock capture the pole position for Sunday during Saturday’s qualifying, but he also raced to the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge victory, his sixth straight, earning both bonus money and points toward the championship.
• Despite the strong momentum heading into race day, Prock fell to JR Todd in the second round of eliminations on his run of 3.917 seconds E.T. at 323.89 mph to Todd’s 4.012 seconds E.T. at 323.97 mph pass.
• Making his first start on behalf of team owner John Force and returning to competition after four years, Jack Beckman, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, qualified No. 6 Saturday evening and reacclimating quickly to the Bowtie-branded machine.
• Beckman, despite showcasing his strength as a driver and the John Force Racing team behind him, fell to Blake Alexander in the second round with his run of 3.945 seconds E.T. at 321.65 mph to Alexander’s 3.943 seconds E.T. at 317.05 mph.
• Qualifying No. 3 heading into the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Brittany Force and her Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel team at John Force Racing faced a first-round elimination after being bested on the starting line by Clay Millican during her 3.756 seconds E.T., 332.18 mph run.
• Dallas Glenn defeated Mason McGaha after McGaha smoked the tires after the start. Glenn captured his third win of the season and 11th NHRA win in Pro Stock, as well as Chevrolet’s 394th in the category and 275th for the Camaro SS.
• Scott Libersher captured his first FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown Wally trophy with the starting line advantage, racing his Chevrolet COPO Camaro to the win light on his run of 7.816 seconds E.T. at 172.04 mph.

Quotes:

AUSTIN PROCK, DRIVER OF THE CORNWELL TOOLS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR:

“I don’t even know who staged first to be honest. I just flat out look like an absolute idiot right now. It’s embarrassing and sucks for my team. They (JR Todd and his team) made a nice run. He (Todd) had it rolled it in, but .116 (reaction time) on the tree is flat out embarrassing. I’m really (upset) right now at myself. This Cornwell Tools Chevy team has been unbelievable, and I just lost it. They tell you a good run in a racecar is the hardest one to drive because all you can do is mess it up. I’ve been doing a good job of not doing that, and I look like an idiot right now.”

JACK BECKMAN, DRIVER OF THE PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR:

“For the first time in my drag racing career, the Peak Camaro won a round. It’s kind of a neat thing to say. It’s been John (Force) all these years. It’s still John’s car. Nobody’s replacing John Force. I get to shoe this thing for now. It’s awesome. Sometimes in drag racing, it’s not who you race, it’s when you race them. We had a great hot rod. It still blew a spark plug out, but that’s the best I’ve run in four years. That’s a good feeling.

John (Force) and I are different. I weigh more than him. We ride the clutch differently, backing up for the burnout. The guys are trying to figure out what the car wants to run quick down low with me, like it did with John and we’re still finding that stuff out. Every run we get, we’re getting closer.”

BRITTANY FORCE, DRIVER OF THE MONSTER ENERGY CHEVROLET TOP FUEL DRAGSTER:

“It was definitely a disappointing race day getting taken out in the first round of eliminations. Our Monster Energy Chevy team had such a strong two days of qualifying. We made three solid runs down the track, our best being a 3.698 seconds at 335 mph which put us in the number three position. We felt confident with our car and our setup. We have high expectations and planned on meeting them today. Our car ran right what we wanted it to with 3.756 seconds at 332.51 mph, but unfortunately we just got beat by Clay Milliican. Our Monster Energy team has an opportunity to test tomorrow and get us more prepared for the US nationals. We leave Brainerd in the tenth position in the standings, and we will have to fight to stay in this countdown at the biggest race of the season.

Up Next:

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series next tackles the biggest event of the year, the crown jewel NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park Aug. 28-Sept. 2. Eliminations Monday air from noon to 2 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), shifting to FOX at 2 p.m. ET. Coverage of qualifying and the race stream live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

TORRENCE CLAIMS NO. 1 QUALIFIER AT BRAINERD; THE 40TH OF HIS CAREER
Antron Brown captures Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 17, 2024) – For the third time this season and the 40th time in his legendary NHRA career, Steve Torrence claimed the No. 1 qualifying spot heading into tomorrow’s eliminations at Brainerd International Raceway. Amid cool conditions during the Friday night qualifying session, Torrence powered his CAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster to a 3.688 elapsed time, which tied with Tony Stewart by the night’s end. Because Torrence had the faster speed (335.32mph) on his run, he earned the No. 1 qualifier. Torrence’s strong qualifying is the fifth consecutive No. 1 qualifier for Toyota in Top Fuel.

Additionally in Top Fuel, Doug Kalitta claimed the fourth overall qualifier and Shawn Langdon is the No. 5 seed. Antron Brown captured the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win Saturday evening, defeating Torrence for his second challenge win of the season. The challenge triumph by Brown is Toyota’s fourth-consecutive win in the challenge and its eighth overall this season in in the Top Fuel category.

In Funny Car, Ron Capps earned the No. 4 qualifying spot, posting a 3.881 time on the Saturday evening session. Alexis DeJoria qualified 5th and J.R. Tood will be the No. 9 seed tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s eliminations at Brainerd International Raceway begin at 11:30 a.m. EST with live TV coverage beginning at 3 p.m. EST on FOX.

Toyota Post-Qualifying Recap
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series
Brainerd International Raceway
Race 13 of 20

TOYOTA TOP FUEL QUALIFYING POSITIONS 

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING POSITIONS 

*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

STEVE TORRENCE, CAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Torrence Racing

TF Qualifying Result: 1st

How were your runs on track today knowing how strong you were last night?

“Yeah, we had two good runs yesterday and one this morning. That one there (last run), chalk it up to a mechanical failure. Went out and broke the rear end and unfortunately, we threw a monkey wrench to the rest of the day with the cars behind us, so we apologize about that. Otherwise, really confident and feel good about the race car I have right now. This probably the most consistent it’s been in quite a while, so we’ll just go back and fix it and get it ready for tomorrow and see what we can do. We need to go four rounds.”

Do you feel the intensity of competition changing as we near the Countdown to the Championship?

“For certain, this is the time you get up on your A-game and start to go win a championship. We have here (Brainerd) and Indianapolis left, and then everyone will be swinging as hard as they can to try to go out and win a championship. We’re right in the thick of things and need to capitalize on every opportunity that we have to stay a top-three car and start the Countdown strong.”

ANTRON BROWN, Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, AB Motorsports

TF Qualifying Result: 11th

How does it feel to have one win in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge already this weekend heading into tomorrow?

“Absolutely! The thing about is, you always go to be good on Saturday night as we go out there and party in ‘The Zoo’ a little bit, but we keep it under cover. Not too late, go have some fun with the people and fans, but we get to bed early tonight and come out early tomorrow morning. The weather will be right and tight in the morning, first pass at 10:30 a.m. We have to go out there and let it burn, man. Have them Goodyears stay hooked up and try to turn on win lights. That’s what it’s all about. I got a great team to do that with.”

RON CAPPS, NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, Ron Capps Motorsports

FC Qualifying Result: 4th

“Yeah, I talk a lot about being able to adapt and it’s huge in drag racing. These crew chiefs are, in my eyes, are gods to watch the way they can adapt to the changes and conditions. And today, the swing with the oil down in front of everybody, nobody went back to the pit area and normally, you go back and change compression and do a lot of things. That last session, Guido (Dean Antonelli, crew chief) and Jimmy Prock (crew-chief, Austin Prock), I’m sure made major changes and things they normally don’t to run that well. And Guido almost called it on a button, said we were going to run a 3.87 or 3.88 and sure enough, it did. It’s all about adapting and it’s why I love this team so much, they’re so good at it. So, our NAPA Auto Care guys obviously did a great job getting the car ready. The reward is, the defending world champion, Matt Hagan, in the first round. It is what it is. We do get lane choice, but that’s not a car you ever want to race Sunday morning. And I’m sure we’ll be the marquee matchup once again.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 13^th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 29 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 16, 2024) – Four-time Top Fuel world champion Steve Torrence powered to the provisional No. 1 position on speed at Brainerd International Raceway, taking the top spot over Tony Stewart on Friday at the 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

Blake Alexander (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 13th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Torrence and Stewart both went a blistering 3.688-seconds during the second qualifying session at Brainerd, but Torrence had the faster run, going an impressive 335.32 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Capco Contractors dragster. If that holds, it would be Torrence’s third top spot of the season and the 40th in his career. After winning in Seattle, things are continuing to come around for Torrence, who is currently third in Top Fuel points.

“We’ve been working on trying to make power,” Torrence said. “At the end of the day, power is speed, and the high mile an hour is just an exhibition of power and being able to get it down. These conditions here are different than a lot of places we go, so it’s rather difficult to make power here. I was a little surprised to see .68 being low.

“The track is good, everything is good, but people are struggling to make the power they want. We were wanting to run quicker than .68, and that’s just what it gave us. We were just a little closer to it than everybody else, only a little better than Smoke. Pretty cool to see him come out and do as well as he’s done right here. We got lucky and it’s been a good day.”

Stewart went a career-best 3.688 at 332.18 to sit in the second spot, while points leader and reigning world champ Doug Kalitta is third with a run of 3.703 at 335.40.

Funny Car’s Blake Alexander made a big move to close out qualifying on Friday in Brainerd, jumping to the No. 1 position in his 11,000-horsepower Head Racing Ford Mustang after a strong run of 3.874 at 331.61. It would be Alexander’s first career No. 1 qualifier should it hold. It was a standout performance by Alexander, who has enjoyed some strong moments during the 2024 campaign, including a pair of semifinal finishes over the last four events. Adding his first career No. 1 qualifier would certainly add that list if Alexander can hang on.

“Given the circumstances of the previous race, that was very sweet – but also, I think we’re capable of doing that, and it wasn’t exactly surprising,” Alexander said. “It’s repetitive – that’s the second time we’ve run 3.87, and that’s when you start becoming a problem for these guys out here who are, quite frankly, bigger outfits than us. It feels pretty good to be able to run with them.

“We’re having the best season we’ve ever had, to be honest. We just haven’t won a race yet. I think that gets lost in the nature of this business is you’re only as good as your last run. That will happen tomorrow, and that will happen on Sunday, but right now we’re happy with where we’re at.”

Alexis DeJoria took the second spot after going 3.882 at 332.84 and Bob Tasca III, who won the most recent race in Sonoma, is third thanks to a run 3.884 at 332.59.

In Pro Stock, Duluth native Greg Anderson put together a classic performance at the track where he grew up racing, taking the provisional No. 1 position with a run of 6.641 at 207.08 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. That puts Anderson in position to pick up his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the year and the third in the past four races. Anderson hasn’t won in Brainerd since 2011, something the five-time world champion would love to change as the Countdown to the Championship approaches. He closed out qualifying with a standout run and will look to continue that on Saturday when Pro Stock will make three qualifying runs.

“I was hoping we could have run a little bit quicker, but the bottom line is that we did all we could do today. We got all the points that they had to give, and we won Friday,” Anderson said. “So, we’ll move into tomorrow as a new day, and we’ll use that as tuning data. There’s definitely a lot of room left in it, we know we can run better which is great news.

“I love racing here at Brainerd. When it’s cloudy and cool like this, the racetrack is great. The bottom line is that the racetrack is better than we went up there prepared for. That’s a good problem. You go home and find some courage, come back tomorrow and be better. That’s what we’ll do. We’ll come back like a lion tomorrow and hopefully run better and take No. 1 home with us.”

Aaron Stanfield, who has won three of the past four races, is currently second with a 6.642 at 206.26 and Matt Hartford is right behind after going 6.643 at 204.66.

Qualifying continues at 12 p.m. CT on Saturday at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

BRAINERD, Minn. — Friday’s results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, 13th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Steve Torrence, 3.688 seconds, 335.32 mph; 2. Tony Stewart, 3.688, 332.18; 3. Doug Kalitta, 3.703, 335.40; 4. Shawn Langdon, 3.705, 330.07; 5. Jasmine Salinas, 3.714, 334.90; 6. Brittany Force, 3.720, 336.07; 7. Billy Torrence, 3.730, 333.08; 8. Justin Ashley, 3.736, 332.75; 9. Antron Brown, 3.768, 330.31; 10. Josh Hart, 3.796, 325.61; 11. Shawn Reed, 3.807, 320.13; 12. Tony Schumacher, 3.808, 323.04; 13. Ida

Zetterstrom, 3.809, 326.87; 14. Clay Millican, 4.341, 186.25.

Funny Car — 1. Blake Alexander, Ford Mustang, 3.874, 331.61; 2. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota GR Supra, 3.882, 332.84; 3. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.884, 332.59; 4. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.894, 330.07; 5. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.912, 321.12; 6. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.916, 330.15; 7. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.920, 322.65; 8. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.938, 325.22; 9. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.942, 325.92; 10. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.956, 326.00; 11. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.975, 298.54; 12. Jack Wyatt, Charger, 4.359, 226.54; 13. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 6.440, 113.20; 14. Matt Hagan, Charger, 6.509, 113.08; 15. Dave Richards, Toyota Camry, 7.500, 90.84; 16. Buddy Hull, Charger, 9.867, 72.68.

Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.641, 207.08; 2. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.642, 206.26; 3. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.643, 204.66; 4. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.644, 205.38; 5. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.647, 204.88; 6. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.648, 207.15; 7. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.649, 206.76; 8. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.650, 206.23; 9. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.660, 205.76; 10. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.663, 206.29; 11. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.666, 205.51; 12. David Cuadra, Mustang, 6.668, 206.32; 13. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.696, 206.20; 14. Derrick Reese,

Mustang, 6.697, 204.82; 15. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.705, 204.91; 16. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.715,204.98.

Not Qualified: 17. Deric Kramer, 8.619, 108.98.

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 16, 2024) – As the winningest Pro Stock driver in NHRA history, Greg Anderson is no stranger to the winner’s circle, including at Brainerd International Raceway, which serves as the host of this weekend’s 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

Anderson, originally from nearby Duluth, Minn., has 105 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series wins to his credit, more than any other Pro Stock driver. At this weekend’s event in Brainerd, he’ll have his eye on his third win of the season and fourth at Brainerd for KB Titan Racing.

As the penultimate race of the regular season before the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs begin, Brainerd remains a critical event during the NHRA season and Anderson will look to win at the fan-favorite facility for the first time since 2011.

“Brainerd is important for a lot of reasons,” said Anderson, who is currently second in Pro Stock points. “Obviously, with the playoffs coming up, it’s time to be on your A-game and hit your peak. You have to peak at the right time of the year, and this is the time – the time to get everything right.”

In 2023, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) collected Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals wins. This season, the event will again be broadcast on FS1 and FOX, including eliminations action on FOX on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. ET. It is the 14th of 20 races during the 2024 season and Anderson and the rest of the Pro Stock field will be ready for the weekend.

Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro, currently sits second in points behind his KB Titan teammate Glenn. But it has been Elite Motorsports who has claimed the last six Pro Stock wins, with standout Aaron Stanfield earning three of those titles and two from Jeg Coughlin Jr. Other standouts in the class include reigning and six-time world champ Erica Enders, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Deric Kramer.

Anderson will meet up against Stanfield during this weekend’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday. The other side of the Challenge ladder will include Jerry Tucker and Pro Stock rookie Cory Reed, who advanced to the final round in Sonoma in just his second career Pro Stock start.

“It’s a great confidence builder, without a doubt, for both the driver and the team,” Anderson said. “You generally don’t get a practice session for race day. That’s what we consider a practice day, but it’s a real race, and we treat it like a real race. I’ve said every time I win an event that I wish there was another one tomorrow. If we can win, that will be the case and there will be another one tomorrow.”

Top Fuel’s Brown is after back-to-back Brainerd wins and comes in on a hot streak, winning the most recent race in Sonoma. He’ll face off with points leader and defending world champ Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, Brittany Force, Steve Torrence and racing legend Tony Stewart.

Capps, a seven-time Brainerd winner, is seeking his first win of the season. He has a runner-up appearance under his belt and will be competing in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday against reigning champion Matt Hagan. Funny Car newcomer Austin Prock leads the points with Sonoma winner Bob Tasca III in second.

The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock.

Fans will be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Brainerd International Raceway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.

As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Brainerd. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4 and 6:15 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 16 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 18. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, as well as coverage of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on FS1, qualifying action at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday and eliminations on FOX at 3 p.m. ET Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, fans can call 866-444-4455. For more information on the NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 15, 2024) – After nearly four years away, Jack Beckman is thrilled to return to Funny Car racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and he is even more excited with the opportunity in front of him, which begins with this weekend’s 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

Beckman was named the fill-in driver for 16-time Funny Car champion John Force following Force’s crash at Virginia Motorsports Park in late June. Beckman will now pilot the 11,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS for the final eight races of the 2024 campaign, earning points – and a possible 17th championship – for Force.

The magnitude of the moment isn’t lost on Beckman, a former world champion and 33-time event winner, who is thrilled to get behind the wheel for the first time since 2000 at this weekend’s event in Brainerd.

“Brainerd will mark a literal ‘Second-Chance’ in many ways,” Beckman said. “I am thrilled to be a part of the return of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS back to NHRA competition. It has been nearly four years since I made a run that earned championship points, and more than 16 years since driving a Funny Car while also working a full-time job.”

Last season, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) powered to the winner’s circle at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. This year, the event will again be broadcast on FS1 and FOX, including eliminations action on FOX on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. ET. It is the 14th of 20 races during the 2024 season, but the first of the year for Beckman, who will start his year sixth in points.

Before the crash, Force had enjoyed a banner year, winning twice and advancing to three final rounds. That gives Beckman confidence knowing the car had been running well, but there’s also a big adjustment from not being in a car for several seasons.

Beckman raced in the car last weekend, which was helpful, and he hopes to use that momentum this weekend in Brainerd.

“We learned a couple things about the car. Remember, John and I don’t weigh the same (and) our driving styles are a little bit different,” Beckman said. “The crew and I are going to have to meld our styles together to where everything is predictable again for them (like) it was when John was driving.

“The biggest thing is now I know how to go home and visualize exactly what this car looks like, feels like, sounds like and responds like. I’ll be better when we get to Brainerd.”

Beckman’s first race back is certainly a riveting story as well, with the fan-favorite returning for the legendary Force to try and help the iconic driver win another world championship. It’s an inspirational and heart-warming story, and Beckman is eager to make the most of it.

He’ll face off against a loaded Funny Car class that also includes John Force Racing teammate and points leader Austin Prock, as well as reigning world champ Matt Hagan, defending event winner Capps, J.R. Todd, rookie Daniel Wilkerson, Cruz Pedregon and Alexis DeJoria. It’s a tough challenge, but Beckman has embraced the moment.

“I, along with thousands of fans in Minnesota, will have John in our hearts this weekend,” Beckman said. “His team and I will do everything we can to make PEAK, our partners, the fans, and John proud.”

Top Fuel’s Brown is after back-to-back Brainerd wins and comes in on a hot streak, winning the most recent race in Sonoma. He’ll face off with points leader and defending world champ Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, Brittany Force, Steve Torrence and racing legend Tony Stewart.

Glenn currently leads the Pro Stock class, but Elite Motorsports has been dominant as of late, winning six straight races. That’s a group that includes Jeg Coughlin Jr., Sonoma winner Aaron Stanfield, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders, while other top names include five-time champ and area native Greg Anderson, Deric Kramer and Eric Latino.

The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock.

Fans will be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Brainerd International Raceway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.

As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Brainerd. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4 and 6:15 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 16 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 18. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, as well as coverage of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on FS1, qualifying action at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday and eliminations on FOX at 3 p.m. ET Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, fans can call 866-444-4455. For more information on the NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Schumacher rolls to eight Top Fuel wins at The Big Go during the decade, Anderson goes on Indy run in Pro Stock, Ashley Force-Hood makes history and more

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 14, 2024) – To become the most successful driver at the world’s biggest drag race, Top Fuel star Tony Schumacher had to enjoy at least one incredible streak at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.

That happened in the 2000s, which featured a remarkable performance to the tune of eight wins and nine final rounds from The Big Go’s winningest driver. Schumacher has an NHRA-best 10 victories on drag racing’s grandest stage and he’ll look for another when the biggest stars in the sport descend on Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Aug. 28-Sept. 2 for the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.

The Big Go turns 70 in 2024 and Schumacher has contributed greatly to the rich history at the event. As the road to the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals continues with a look at each decade, the 2000s most prominent storyline was Schumacher’s spectacular run of dominance.

He won Indy eight times in the 2000s, advancing to the final all but one year (2001). He won three straight times from 2002-2004 and after falling to Larry Dixon – the only other Top Fuel driver to win at Indy in the 2000s – in 2005, Schumacher cleaned house the rest of the decade, winning four in a row from 2006-2009.

Schumacher quickly realized what winning the world’s biggest drag race can do for a driver’s legacy and the team was seemingly always on point in Indy. The decade was filled with epic battles against the likes of Doug Kalitta, Gary Scelzi, Dixon and others, but Schumacher, the eight-time Top Fuel champ, always seemed to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

“Indy is my Magic Kingdom and for me to have such a great dominance at Indy is really something,” Schumacher said in a 2020 interview. “I can’t begin to explain it other than I think we are better under pressure and I think because the race is a bigger race. They’re just so big, I think I try harder.

“There are people who rise and get better when their heart rate’s up and there are people who choke, so I’m extremely thankful that during the big moments, we performed better because you could be the guy that wins the other stuff but has a hard time under the bigger circumstance.”

Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson didn’t quite reach Schumacher’s level at Indy in the 2000s, but he surely came close, winning at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park five times during the decade, including four straight from 2003-2006. It was the quickest way to emerge from Warren Johnson’s shadow and Anderson was marvelous on the sport’s grandest stage, as only Jeg Coughlin and Dave Connolly won at Indy in Pro Stock in the 2000s.

Coughlin won three times (2000, 2002, 2009), cementing the long-lasting Anderson-Coughlin rivalry that continues to this day, while Connolly enjoyed a pair of victories in back-to-back years in 2007 and 2008.

Remarkably, the sport’s most successful driver, John Force, only cashed in once at Indy in the 2000s, winning in 2002, but John Force Racing certainly made a statement at The Big Go. Gary Densham won for JFR in 2004, while Robert Hight announced his Funny Car arrival with victories in 2006 and 2008. Force’s daughter, Ashley, ended the decade with the 2009 Funny Car victory, becoming the first female in Funny Car history to win the world’s biggest drag race.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Antron Brown broke through for his first Indy triumph in 2000, winning again in 2004. To get his first Top Fuel win at Indy, the three-time world champ would have to wait another seven years. Angelle Sampey won twice early in the decade, while the category’s longest-tenured rider, Steve Johnson, picked up Indy victories in 2005 and 2008.

Other highlights in the terrific 2000s included 2007 Funny Car victory from Mike Ashley, father of Top Fuel standout Justin Ashley, Tim Wilkerson breaking through in 2003 and a win from Whit Bazemore (2001). Del Worsham also swept Indy in 2005 in Funny Car, winning the Skoal Showdown and the U.S. Nationals the same weekend, while reigning Indy champ Matt Smith picked up his first Indy victory in 2006.

The look at the 2010s comes next, as John Force Racing continues an impressive Funny Car run and a handful of star drivers crack through at The Big Go for the first time, including reigning Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta.

This year, the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals promises to be one of the biggest in the illustrious history of The Big Go. It features the final Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of the year and the Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout, as well as the special Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge presented by the McCandless Collection and the Rooftec Comp Cash Clash, along with racing in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ and NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, plus:

• A special 70th anniversary NHRA U.S. Nationals pennant for the first 8,000 fans in attendance for eliminations on Monday, Sept. 2.
• Free parking for all fans and children 12-under admitted free.
• An unforgettable Top Eliminator Club experience, including NHRA driver appearances, food and drink, TEC gift bag, starting line seats and much more.
• The biggest field in drag racing.

Last year, Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won, with Brown, Capps and Smith winning at Indy for the second straight year. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FOX and FS1, including eliminations on FOX at 2 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 2.

Kalitta currently leads the Top Fuel ranks, while Austin Prock’s debut season in Funny Car has been a huge success as he leads the way. Dallas Glenn is the Pro Stock points leader, while Gaige Herrera has six wins to his credit in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Other stars to watch include Top Fuel’s Ashley, Brittany Force, Shawn Langdon and racing legend Tony Stewart, who will make his Indy Top Fuel debut, Funny Car’s Bob Tasca III, Matt Hagan and J.R. Todd, Pro Stock’s Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield and Troy Coughlin Jr., and Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Chase Van Sant and Jianna Evaristo.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 6:45 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 30, two rounds at 12 and 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 31 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 12 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET on Monday, Sept 2.

The first round of the Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout takes place at 1:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 1, with the semifinals at 2:40 p.m. and the final round at 4:30 p.m. A special broadcast of the Callout takes place on FOX at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, and eliminations at 12 p.m. on FS1 on Monday, shifting to FOX at 2 p.m.

To purchase tickets to the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2024 LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS
BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
BRAINERD, MINNESOTA
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE | NOTES & STATS
AUGUST 17-19, 2024

CHEVROLET AND JOHN FORCE RACING CARRY STRONG MOMENTUM TO BRAINERD’S LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS

Notes:

• Team Chevy heads to the 2024 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals with John Force Racing for the 13th round of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Aug. 17-19.
• Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, heads to Brainerd already locked into the Countdown to the Championship after being the first driver in Funny Car to clinch this season at Seattle.
• Making a splash in his first season in Funny Car after transitioning from Top Fuel to fill in for sidelined teammate Robert Hight, Prock has already raced to the Winner’s Circle four times this season in NHRA and a fifth at the season-opening exhibition PRO Super Star Shootout event.
• Jack Beckman, a 2020 U.S. Nationals winner as well as the 2003 NHRA World Champion, has been tapped to compete on behalf of John Force, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, starting in Brainerd.
• Beckman, who is a decorated winner and Funny Car competitor, returns to the seat after a hiatus since 2020 and will accumulate points on behalf of the 16-time champion and is seeking a 17th championship title for Force.
• While still seeking her first victory since Las Vegas 2 in 2022, Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, looks to carry momentum into Brainerd with her match race event win at Norwalk’s Night Under Fire and semifinal finish in Seattle.
• Both competing in the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge after finishing in the semifinals at Seattle, Prock will face Bob Tasca, III in Funny Car and B. Force will face Antron Brown in Top Fuel.
• The Chevrolet teams in Pro Stock and Factory X return to competition this weekend at Brainerd after a brief break, while the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown COPO Camaros return at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis Labor Day weekend.

Quotes:

AUSTIN PROCK, DRIVER OF THE CORNWELL TOOLS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR:

“I’m excited to get back in my Cornwell Tools Chevy Camaro SS. The team has been busting their tails making sure we are in check for the later part of the season. I always love going to BIR and am excited to see what it’s all about in a Funny Car! We are hoping to turn on a few more win lights than Sonoma (after finishing in the semifinals).”

JACK BECKMAN, DRIVER OF THE PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR:

“Brainerd will mark a literal “second chance” in many ways. I am thrilled to be a part of the return of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS back to NHRA competition. It has been nearly four years since I made a run that earned championship points, and more than sixteen years since driving a Funny Car while also working a full-time job.”

JACK BECKMAN ON FILLING IN FOR FORCE, SUPPORTING THE TEAM, AND THINKING OF JOHN…

“I, along with thousands of fans in Minnesota, will have John (Force) in my heart this weekend. His team and I will do everything we can to make PEAK, our partners, the fans, and John proud.”

BRITTANY FORCE, DRIVER OF THE MONSTER ENERGY CHEVROLET TOP FUEL DRAGSTER:

“We head into Brainerd coming off of a big win in last week’s Night Under Fire race (at Norwalk) for this Monster Energy, Cornwell Tools Chevy Dragster team. We have two races until the Countdown kicks off so doing well in Brainerd is going to be critical. We have shown improvement in qualifying, but our focus needs to be going rounds on race day to pick up the most points to move us up out of the number ten spot. The tenth spot is a risky position this late in the regular season and we need to move up into a safer spot before the Countdown resets. I’m very confident in this David Grubnic/John Collins-run team. We have a lot of work to do but it will be worth it when we get there.”

How to Watch:

The NHRA Mission Foods Racing Series from Brainerd International Raceway airs first with qualifying on Friday, August 16 at 8 p.m. ET, with Saturday seeing the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge air on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. Sunday’s race day kicks off with Saturday’s qualifying airing at 1 p.m. ET followed by Finals on FOX at 3 p.m. ET. Coverage streams live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS:

1,460: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time).

626: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 631.

167: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for John Force (1st all-time).

165: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins since 1967.

84: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Robert Hight (6th all-time). Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel) is fifth with 88.

85: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins with the Camaro SS body.

47: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Brittany Force.

28: Number of NHRA championships Chevrolet holds as a manufacturer since entering the first in 1966. This is the seventh consecutive award and ninth in 11 seasons. No other manufacturer has won it more than Chevrolet.

26: Wins by John Force in a Chevrolet-bodied Funny Car.

20: Chevrolet career Top Fuel wins in NHRA.

16: Number of Chevrolet career wins by Brittany Force.

7: Number of Funny Car driver championships.

2: Number of Top Fuel driver championships.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 13, 2024) – After winning his long-awaited first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series world championship, there’s been no slowing down Top Fuel fan-favorite Doug Kalitta during the 2024 season.

The longtime standout is the points leader with a commanding advantage this year and he is set to make more history at this weekend’s 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at festive Brainerd International Raceway, becoming the first Top Fuel driver in NHRA history to make his 600th career appearance.

Kalitta’s storied career began in 1998 and race No. 600 will come this weekend in Brainerd in his 11,000-horsepower Mac Tools Toyota dragster. All these years later, Kalitta is still going strong, winning three races, advancing to five finals rounds and qualifying No. 1 five times in 2024 heading into the penultimate race of the regular season.

“It’s been an interesting ride and I didn’t realize nobody else has made it to 600 (in Top Fuel). It’s been a cool ride and a great opportunity for me, competing for as long as I have,” Kalitta said. “I still enjoy driving the cars and surrounding myself with great teams and great people. It’s been amazing driving for Connie (Kalitta, team owner) and I’ve been very fortunate to have so many great people around me. I’m still enjoying it and as long as we can continue to drive up front, that’s what drives me to keep going.”

Last season, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) powered to the winner’s circle at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. This year, the event will again be broadcast on FS1 and FOX, including eliminations action on FOX on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. ET. It is the 14th of 20 races during the 2024 season and Kalitta will attempt to pick up his third career win in Brainerd and first since the 2005 campaign.

The weekend also includes the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday in the three pro categories, though it will mark a rare occasion that Kalitta won’t appear in the bonus race this year. He suffered a surprising first-round loss in Sonoma and will look to get back on track as the Countdown to the Championship playoffs get closer.

That’s where Kalitta got hot a year ago, winning three playoff races to pick up his first world championship, including a winner-take-all final round in Pomona. The team’s momentum is stronger than ever with what has been a brilliant 2024 thus far, but Kalitta knows the challenges will only get more different in the stretch run while facing off against a star-studded lineup that includes Kalitta Motorsports teammate Shawn Langdon, Brown, four-time champ Steve Torrence, Tony Schumacher, Clay Millican, Brittany Force and Top Fuel newcomer Tony Stewart.

Kalitta, though, has weathered those challenges this year, proving to be a dynamic duo with standout crew chief Alan Johnson and the rest of his Kalitta Motorsports team. They’ve made a strong impression at nearly every race this year, only losing in the first round on two occasions, but Kalitta hopes there’s no slowing down with this team as he makes his 600th Top Fuel appearance this weekend in Brainerd.

“It’s definitely a dogfight right now,” Kalitta said. “Brainerd is always a great place to go and I look forward to it every year. It’s always entertaining and the place is always packed. It’s just one of those very entertaining races to go. It’s just a special place to race. Our car has been running well and hopefully we can have another great weekend. It’s been fun to be a part of this and we’re just keeping our heads down, trying to make it happen. When you catch a wave like this, you want to stay on it as long as you can.”

In Funny Car, Capps is certainly no stranger to the Brainerd winner’s circle in Funny Car, picking up seven wins in his career. The Funny Car field is loaded with competition this season thanks to the efforts of points leader Austin Prock, Sonoma winner Bob Tasca III, reigning champ Matt Hagan, Gainesville winner J.R. Todd, rookie Daniel Wilkerson, Alexis DeJoria and Chad Green.

Glenn currently leads the Pro Stock class, but Elite Motorsports has been dominant as of late, winning six straight races. That’s a group that includes Jeg Coughlin Jr., Sonoma winner Aaron Stanfield, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders, while other top names include five-time champ and area native Greg Anderson, Deric Kramer and Eric Latino.

The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock.

Fans will be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Brainerd International Raceway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.

As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Brainerd. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4 and 6:15 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 16 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 18. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, as well as coverage of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on FS1, qualifying action at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday and eliminations on FOX at 3 p.m. ET Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, fans can call 866-444-4455. For more information on the NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Specialty events at Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indy and NHRA Nevada Nationals in Vegas to deliver a combined $125,000 in total purses

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 9, 2024) – The unique RoofTec NHRA Competition Eliminator Cash Clash is back, with competitors in the category getting the chance to compete in a pair of major specialty races with a combined $125,000 in total purses.

The first takes place at the world’s biggest drag race, the prestigious 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals on Aug. 28-Sept. 2 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis, continuing at the NHRA Nevada Nationals on Oct. 31-Nov. 3 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The bonus-earning opportunities for the Competition Eliminator racers are made possible through the efforts of Rodger Brogdon and his RoofTec brand. The specialty races also continue to bring a bigger spotlight for the category, which is Brogdon’s goal for these big-money shootouts.

“We wanted to give the teams participating an extra means of earning more money, which has provided a lot of excitement around what we are doing here,” Brogdon said. “We debuted this race-within-a-race, and it created all the excitement we expected and then some. It created a buzz for Competition Eliminator and was a hit for the racers.”

At the prestigious Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, the RoofTec Indianapolis Comp Cash Clash winner will get $30,000, while the Las Vegas RoofTec Comp Cash Clash will feature $50,000 in base earnings.

To compete in the RoofTec Comp Cash Clash events, racers must be in the top 16 in points before the event that hosts the special race-within-a-race.

Through six races in the RoofTec Competition Eliminator bonus, Texas-based Rick Brown leads the standings heading into the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Taylor Chomiski is only one point behind and defending RoofTec Comp Eliminator Bonus Fund champion Chase Williams is third, just 12 points behind Brown.

“It’s been a great year,” said Brown, 72, who races a B/Pro Stock Truck Automatic Chevrolet S-10. “I’m feeling very fortunate I can still do it. Any way you look at what Rodger Brogdon has done for Competition Eliminator is incredible.”

Fifty-time NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series national event winner Jeff Taylor, who has competed in numerous specialty events, has been thoroughly impressed by the RoofTec Comp Cash Clash events.

“It’s huge, the money is crazy and the racing is the toughest that there is because you’ve got the best, top cars there in the freaking world. They’re running for it,” said Taylor, who is seeded No. 9 heading into Indianapolis. “You got the best drivers; you got the fastest cars. So, it takes a lot of work to win. I mean, nobody’s ever won two in the same year. That should say something right there.”

“This bonus program from RoofTec and Rodger Brogdon has brought a tremendous amount of excitement for the Competition Eliminator category, and we’re thrilled to see it continue in 2024,” NHRA Director of Advertising/Sponsorship Sales Jeff Morton said. “It’s a terrific addition to the world’s biggest drag race in Indy and we’re excited to see these standout Comp racers compete for big money at the bonus event in Las Vegas as well.”

The following drivers will compete in the second annual RoofTec Comp Cash Clash on Friday, Aug. 30 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. First-round pairings will be determined using a chip draw.

ROOFTEC COMP CASH CLASH QUALIFIERS FOR TOYOTA NHRA U.S. NATIONALS

1. Rick Brown
2. Taylor Chomiski
3. Chase Williams (defending RoofTec Comp Eliminator Bonus Fund Champion)
4. Don Thomas (defending RoofTec Cash Clash champion)
5. Rodger Brogdon
6. Adam Hickey
7. David Triplett
8. Glen Treadwell
9. Jeff Taylor
10. Jason Grima
11. Kayla Mozeris
12. Clint Neff
13. Scott Linder
14. Greg Kamplain
15. Cali Neff
16. Jarrod Granier

ALTERNATES

Kevin Carter
Steve Basgall
Allen Wilson
Brian Wegner
Ashton Hudson
Brooke Heckel

For more information, visit https://www.compeliminatorbonusfund.com/. For more information on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.