Category: NHRA

CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2024 SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS
BRISTOL DRAGWAY
BRISTOL, TENNESSEE
TEAM CHEVY RACE REPORT | NOTES & QUOTES
JUNE 9, 2024

CHEVROLET CAPTURES FUNNY CAR AND FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN VICTORIES IN TODAY’S THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY

Austin Prock Completes the Perfect Weekend for Chevrolet by Qualifying No. 1, Winning the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and the Thunder Valley Nationals Wally

Notes:

• Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, continued showcasing his natural Funny Car driving ability by winning his second Wally trophy of the year and in the category at today’s NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway with a perfect weekend.
• Prock collected not only the No. 1 qualifier on Saturday, but also won the Mission Foods NHRA #2Fast2Tasty Challenge as well as Sunday’s main event, the Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.
• Facing off against JR Todd, Prock won with his 3.989 seconds E.T. run at 312.42 mph to Todd’s 4.022 seconds E.T. at 313.66 mph.
• Additionally, this is Prock’s second victory in four final round appearances this season.
• Prock’s victory marks Chevrolet’s 163rd Funny Car victory in NHRA and the 83rd in the Camaro body.
• Prock’s win at Bristol Sunday marks his sixth career NHRA win across the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories in eight final round appearances.
• Prock also leaves Bristol Dragway the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Funny Car points leader.
• Despite qualifying No. 15 for Sunday’s Thunder Valley Nationals, Brittany Force and her Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel Team powered to her 38th career semifinal round and showcased rebounding momentum.
• John Force, driver of the PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, raced to the semifinal round on a strong Sunday performance, falling to JR Todd with his run of 4.060 seconds E.T at 314.83 mph to Todd’s 4.012 seconds E.T. at 311.34 mph.
• In today’s Thunder Valley Nationals, all three John Force Racing nitro hot rods raced to at least the semifinal round at Bristol Dragway.
• Prock continued his Funny Car roll by qualifying No. 1 at Bristol with a 3.958 seconds E.T. at 317.34 mph in Q1 Friday and maintaining the lead position throughout four rounds of qualifying.
• Prock’s No. 1 qualifier is his third in a row, adding to his two previous at the New England Nationals in Epping and the Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Dragway.
• Additionally, with his Q4 run versus owner and teammate J. Force, Prock picked up the Mission Foods NHRA #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win with his run of 4.049 seconds E.T. at 312.57 mph to Force’s 4.033 seconds E.T. at 315.27 mph.
• Prock’s #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win was his third of the year, awarding both bonus money and bonus points toward the championship standings to the winner. John Force Racing together have won four #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victories, with Prock winning three (Pomona – tied with JR Todd, Las Vegas, Bristol) and J. Force winning one (Epping).
• Jeg Coughlin, Jr. raced his way to the Thunder Valley Nationals victory in Pro Stock, defeating Greg Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock car, after Anderson faced trouble on the run and Coughlin, Jr. ran 6.707 seconds E.T. at 204.94 mph.
• Anderson earned his 126th career No. 1 qualifier by running 6.615 seconds E.T. at 205.38 mph for Chevrolet in his HendrickCars.com Camaro SS Pro Stock car.
• In an all-Chevrolet final round, David Janac and Stephen Bell squared off in the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown category with Bell smoking the tires and Janac racing to his first career victory in just his third career final round appearance.
• The Bowtie brand additionally had four Chevrolet COPO Camaro FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown drivers face off in an all-Chevrolet semifinal, with Janac and Bell advancing to the final round.
• Lee Hartman, in his Hartman Racing Chevrolet COPO Camaro, captured the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown No. 1 Qualifier, back-to-back fastest nods, with his run of 7.897 seconds E.T. at 174.21 mph.

Quotes:

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

“This Monster Energy Chevrolet team is leaving Bristol in a very positive state. We made significant improvements throughout the weekend. Qualifying was rough as we qualified 15th, but on race day, we turned the car around and made a semi-final round appearance. Going rounds on race day boosted the overall morale of the team, which we really needed. We got that confidence boost, and now we’re pumped and excited, ready to go to the next one.”

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

“I’ve been working towards this my whole life. I’m so blessed to have this opportunity. I mean, John Force taking a risk on me, and all these partners, great partners of ours that believed in me, that gave me a shot to win my dream. This is surreal. Winning these Wallys is the best feeling in the world. I hope we get many more, and man, this has been a great year. Good job to my Cornwell Tools Chevrolet team.”

ON QUALIFYING NO. 1 AND RACING AGAINST HIS TEAM OWNER AND TEAMMATE, JOHN FORCE:

“John (Force), he’s done a lot for me in my career, and I definitely want to show him I’m capable of winning. If you can beat that guy, you’re getting the job done. He’s one of the toughest competitors out here and I love racing him. Man, you should have seen us back in the staging lanes. We were grinning ear to ear, duking it out again. He was talking a little smack, and I was just laughing. I’ve been saying we’ve got to keep doing what we’ve been doing all year long – making smart decisions and I’ve got to drive well. We’ve been doing a good job of that again this weekend. I’m super proud of this Cornwell Tools Chevy Camaro team.”

JOHN FORCE, DRIVER OF THE PEAK CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR:

“Coming off of the weekend we had last week, winner and runner-up, the whole world seems perfect. We love Bristol; have had a lot of success here. We did deliver because all of our sponsors, Flav-R-Pac, Cornwell Tools, Chevrolet, Peak, HendrickCars.com, and Monster. We did our job. But yet, I lost in the semis, and I had a car that, if you look at the numbers, I didn’t get the job done. I’m mad about that myself. I want to give credit to my crew chief, Daniel Hood, and Chris Cunningham and Tim Fabrisi. Looking at the numbers, backing them out, I went deep. It looks like I left on him, but actually I was deep. I’m not telling anybody that understands racing what’s going on, but this is how I make myself better. I beat myself up when things are wrong, because if I’m going to compete with these kids for a title, I got to get back in this fight. (Austin) Prock doubled up with the #2Fast2Tasty and the Wally.

“But I love driving, and I love winning, and I’ve got a car that can compete. I’ve got to get myself together. I got to the semis, should have been to the finals. All I had to do was be a little bit better on that light, and I wasn’t. Even though it shows it in the numbers, that’s because I rolled deep. I’m just honest about it.”

DAVID JANAC, DRIVER OF THE JANAC BROS. CHEVROLET COPO CAMARO FLEXJET FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN CAR:

“I don’t have words to describe it. This is a dream that started in the 1970s, and it came to fruition today. My wife, my brother, and all of the Stanfields and all the guys that work with Stanfields, everybody, it’s beyond words. It’s extremely special.”

Up Next:

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series next heads to Virginia Motorsports Park for the 2024 NHRA Virginia Nationals June 21-23, 2024. Friday qualifying airs Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, with Saturday’s qualifying sessions airing Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Sunday’s eliminations broadcast at 5 p.m. ET. All sessions from Virginia Motorsports Park air with NHRA on FOX on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Coverage streams live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

AUSTIN PROCK, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car – Thunder Valley Nationals Winner’s Press Conference:

YOU’RE NOW A TWO-TIME FUNNY CAR WINNER. TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAY…

“It was outstanding. The whole weekend was unbelievable. We swept the whole deal, and that’s just… all the kudos to this team. My dad (Jimmy Prock), Thomas (Prock), Nate Hildal, are just animals. They analyze this racetrack like it’s the back of their hand and made just such great decisions. This team just puts the Chevrolet together perfectly with these Cornwell Tools. I just get to stand on the gas on time and hang on and they do the rest. Great weekend, really proud. Five finals and two wins, this second one tastes good.”

YOU’VE RACED JR TODD THREE TIMES, WHOEVER WINS BETWEEN YOU TWO WINS THE RACE, WHETHER IT’S FINAL ROUNDS OR EARLIER IN THE DAY…

“That sounds good to me. We love turning win lights on against anybody. Everybody we raced today is a tough opponent. You can’t take any of them lightly. We got the job done. This place is really, really difficult to win at. It’s a tricky track for the tuners, and a very difficult course for the driver. A lot of bumps and the car wants to move inside, outside, you can feel the front end off the ground. To get it done here, you should be proud of that.”

COMPLETING THE PERFECT WEEKEND OF NO. 1 QUALIFIER, WINNING THE #2FAST2TASTY CHALLENGE, AND THE RACE, TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAY…

“Outstanding job by my team this weekend. Every time we went up there, the thing was a car to contend with. We ended up sweeping it. Super proud of that. None of these guys are easy anymore. They’re so tough, and we ended up getting it done. We had to race Matt Hagan in the semifinals, and he’s absolutely brutal. You’ve got to bring you’re a-game. My dad (Jimmy Prock) and Dickie Venables, they always try to one-up each other. They’re always going out there dropping bombs on each other and we were victorious this time, then ended up racing JR (Todd). You never know with that DHL car. It can throw some serious punches and JR (Todd) is definitely one of the best on the starting line. Ended up getting by him and walking out of here with some gold. Super proud of that.”

WHICH DO YOU PREFER?

“The Funny Car all day long. The Funny Car is such a challenge to drive. You’ve got the same amount of horsepower, and you’re missing 175 inches of wheelbase. That’s insane. This thing is rowdy. Every track you go to, they’re handling totally different. You feel every nuance in the racetrack, whether you’re pulling inside, outside, hitting bumps. So you definitely have got to be on the wheel all day. Every time you get in this thing, as you as you think you have it figured out, you don’t. I’ve definitely made my fair share of mistakes, but we’ve been able to get it done when it counts. It’s been a great year. I’m really living my dream. I really wanted to drive one of these Funny Cars my entire life. My grandfather drove them back in the 70’s, and he is so happy seeing us all work together and be behind the wheel. I think it’s making him young again. I can’t wait to get out of here and give him a ring.”

JUMPING FROM TOP FUEL TO FUNNY CAR, DID YOU THINK YOU’D BE THIS HOT THIS QUICK?

“I knew the car would be. I didn’t really know what I was getting into to be honest. I hadn’t driven one in six years. I ended up licensing in a nitro Funny Car first before the Top Fuel car, and it was a lot of thinking, a lot of nerves, a lot of pressure coming into this season. I had four weeks to stew on it, had no idea I’d be driving this thing. I was just telling myself you’ve got to believe in yourself, and you need to be there because I know the racecar is going to be there. I’ve watched my dad my entire life, I’ve watched this team for a very long time and I know the potential of it. There was no way I was going to be the weak link. I’ve been studying, I’ve been doing my homework, I’ve been more focused than I ever have been and more comfortable in this racecar. I don’t know if it’s meant to be in a Funny Car or if it’s because my dad (Jimmy Prock) knocks on the hood and walks off. I think that definitely gives me a boost of confidence.”

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

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BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 9, 2024) – J.R. Gray raced to the win in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ on Sunday, defeating former world champion Kris Thorne at Bristol Dragway as part of this weekend’s 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

It was the fifth of 10 races during the 2024 season and this weekend’s event was powered by Cardinal Insurance.

In the final round, Gray went 5.812-seconds at 247.61 mph in his Camaro, getting past Thorne’s 5.937 at 203.55 to pick up his second career win. To reach the championship round, Gray had to get past Doug Winters, Dmitry Samorukov and Mike Thielen. It was his first finals appearance of the 2024 season.

“We looked at the qualifying sheet and sometimes it’s an uphill battle, but we keep on digging,” said Gray, who qualified second with a run of 5.799 at 249.07. “We had a quite a few things come into play over the last few races, but we’ve been digging hard to come up with ways to get us a little bit more horsepower. I take it one round at a time. Every race is a different race and we up line and shoot them down, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking about it a little bit.”

Thorne, who qualified No. 1 with a spectacular 5.764 at 250.41, knocked off Rickie Smith, Ken Quartuccio and points leader Jose Gonzalez to reach the final round for the second time this season and the 10th time in his career.

The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ returns to action with the Virginia NHRA Nationals on June 22-23 at Virginia Motorsports Park in Richmond, Va. It is the final race of the regular season in the category.

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BRISTOL, Tenn. — Final finish order (1-16) at the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. The race is the fifth of 10 events in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+.

PRO MODIFIED:

1. JR Gray; 2. Kris Thorne; 3. Jose Gonzalez; 4. Mike Thielen; 5. Ken Quartuccio; 6. Dmitry Samorukov; 7. Billy Banaka; 8. Mike Castellana; 9. Lyle Barnett; 10. Khalid alBalooshi; 11. Kevin Rivenbark; 12. Jordan Lazic; 13. Justin Bond; 14. Doug Winters; 15. Rickie Smith; 16. Dwayne Wolfe.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Sunday’s final results from the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. The race is the fifth of 10 events in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+.

Pro Modified — JR Gray, Chevy Camaro, 5.812, 247.61 def. Kris Thorne, Camaro, 5.937, 203.55.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Final round-by-round results from the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. The race is the fifth of 10 events in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+.

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE — Jose Gonzalez, Chevy Camaro, 5.806, 247.79 def. Kevin Rivenbark, Ford Mustang, 5.838, 244.34; Ken Quartuccio, Camaro, 5.809, 244.60 def. Dwayne Wolfe, Camaro, 7.830, 121.54; Mike Castellana, Camaro, 5.783, 247.57 def. Lyle Barnett, Camaro, 5.803, 245.40; Billy Banaka, Camaro, 5.853, 233.44 def. Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 5.837, 246.62; Kris Thorne, Camaro, 5.756, 249.86 def. Rickie Smith, Mustang, 6.017, 190.67; JR Gray, Camaro, 5.868, 247.43 def. Doug Winters, Chevy Chevelle, 6.012, 227.80; Mike Thielen, Camaro, 5.857, 246.03 def. Justin Bond, Camaro, 5.957, 244.34; Dmitry Samorukov, Camaro, 5.835, 244.69 def. Jordan Lazic, Camaro, 5.844, 247.66;

QUARTERFINALS — Gonzalez, 5.815, 247.20 def. Banaka, 5.883, 239.82; Thielen, 5.866, 246.44 def. Castellana, 6.039, 196.59; Thorne, 6.147, 185.61 def. Quartuccio, Foul – Red Light; Gray, 5.808, 247.93 def. Samorukov, Foul – Red Light;

SEMIFINALS — Thorne, 5.820, 248.29 def. Gonzalez, 5.826, 247.66; Gray, 5.844, 247.38 def. Thielen, Foul – Red Light;

FINAL — Gray, 5.812, 247.61 def. Thorne, 5.937, 203.55.

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 9, 2024) – Eight-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher picked up his first win in 37 races on Sunday at Bristol Dragway, defeating reigning world champ Doug Kalitta in the final round of the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Austin Prock (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won at the eighth of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Schumacher pedaled his way to a run of 4.236-seconds at 259.41 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Waltrip Brewing Co./Leatherwood Distillery dragster, getting past Kalitta’s 4.890 in the finals and claiming his first victory since July of 2022. It’s the 87th career win for the most successful driver in Top Fuel history and also his seventh win at Bristol Dragway, which is tied with Ron Capps for the most in NHRA history.

Schumacher defeated Jasmine Salinas, Shawn Langdon and Clay Millican to reach the final round before extracting some revenge on Kalitta, who beat Schumacher last weekend in the finals at New England Dragway. He moved to fifth in points with the victory as well as the team continues to make big strides in recent weeks.

“We hadn’t gotten past half-track (in qualifying), but we found some things and it’s always great when the crew chief goes, no I’m serious, this is what we found, and you listen and it truly makes sense,” Schumacher said. “When you have a year like we had last year, a lot of things are like, ‘Oh we figured it out, but it doesn’t seem to progress into anything.’ The last couple of days, the last couple of weekends, even, it truly had. We didn’t qualify great, but the tune-up we had on raceday was exactly what we needed. From the first round on, I knew we had a racecar.

“After we get the momentum going, calm and cool, it’s so easy for me to race here. I’ve had so many good moments here, so much success. It just seems like we find a way to the winner’s circle. This is everything you could ask for at the home track for the boss (team owner Joe Maynard).”

Kalitta moved into the points lead over Justin Ashley on Sunday by advancing to the final round for the third time this season and 115th time in his career, defeating Antron Brown, Steve Torrence and Brittany Force.

Funny Car’s Austin Prock finished off a flawless weekend at Thunder Valley, as the points leader picked up his second victory of the season in his 11,000-horsepower Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS, going 3.989 at 312.42 in the finals to defeat J.R. Todd. It made it a clean sweep of the weekend for the young standout, as he qualified No. 1, won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and the picked up the event victory all in the span of three days, extending what has been a tremendous first year in Funny Car for the former NHRA Rookie of the Year.

On Sunday, Prock and his team were ultra-consistent, as he knocked off John Smith, Cruz Pedregon and defending world champion Matt Hagan to reach the final round. He went 3.97, 3.98 and 3.98 over the final three rounds as well, driving away from Todd, who went 4.022 at 313.66 in the finals, to pick up his first career victory in Thunder Valley.

“It was just an outstanding job by my team this weekend,” said Prock, who now has six career wins. “Every time we went up there the thing was a car to contend with and we ended up sweeping it. I’m super proud of that. None of these guys are easy anymore, they’re so tough but we ended up getting it done.

“We had to race Matt Hagan in the semifinals and he’s absolutely brutal and you have to bring your A-game against him. We were victorious this time and ended up racing J.R. and you never know with that DHL car. It can throw some serious punches and J.R. is definitely one of the best on the starting line. We ended up getting by him and walking out of here with some gold, and I’m super proud of that.”

Todd, who is now third in points, reached his second final round this year and 47th in his career, getting past Terry Haddock, Ron Capps and Epping winner John Force, who remains second in points.

In Pro Stock, Jeg Coughlin Jr. added another win in his return to the category, this time dispatching longtime rival Greg Anderson in the championship round with a run of 6.707 at 204.94 in his Scag Power Equipment car. It’s already Coughlin’s second win this season and it’s back-to-back Coughlin Pro Stock wins after Troy Coughlin Jr. won last Sunday in Epping.

Jeg Coughlin Jr. followed suit in Thunder Valley, taking down Elite Motorsports teammates Jerry Tucker, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders to reach the final round. Anderson shook the tires almost immediately on the starting line, helping give Coughlin his 67th career victory and third at Bristol Dragway. The veteran and five-time world champion also moved to fourth in points with the victory.

“It was quite a team battle as we started the day off. Pro Stock in today’s day and age reminds me a lot of the late 90s and early 2000s where fields are separated just by a couple hundredths of a second,” Coughlin said. “When the field is that tight, it does put a on the driver’s shoulders to drive well, get a good start and bang through the gears efficiently and not make any mistakes.

“Greg and I have been in so many elimination-rounds side-by-side. To see them make a mistake and have a hiccup after the stellar runs they’ve put down was amazing. I put it in fourth gear and kind of peeked over a little bit, it was spinning and shaking, got it into fifth gear and I peeked over again and I’m like, you’ve got to be kidding me. Surely, he’s going to be coming on like a freight train. Bottom line, what a great win for us today.”

Anderson, who was the No. 1 qualifier and remained second in points, reached the finals for the third time in 2024 and 179th time in his career after round wins against Larry Morgan, Cristian Cuadra and points leader Dallas Glenn.

Points leader Gaige Herrera enjoyed another record-setting day on Sunday in Pro Stock Motorcycle, winning his ninth straight race and picking up his 35th straight round win after defeating Jianna Evaristo in the final round with a run of 6.818 at 198.17 on his RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. Herrera passed the great Dave Schultz for the most consecutive wins in Pro Stock Motorcycle history, while the nine straight wins and 35 consecutive round wins ties legendary Pro Stock racer Bob Glidden for the most in NHRA history.

It didn’t come easy on Sunday, as Herrera defeated defending event winner Steve Johnson, John Hall and No. 1 qualifier Matt Smith to reach the finals. The victory in a must-see matchup against Smith came on a holeshot, as Herrera’s 6.825 held off Smith’s 6.824 in the semifinals. Herrera, who now has four wins in 2024 and 15 in his career, led wire-to-wire in the finals, avenging last year’s loss at Bristol in the final round in the process.

“It was a good day, but kind of weird starting from the 5th position. We struggled a little bit here in Bristol, it’s a beautiful facility but it’s seemed to have my number,” Herrera said. “The semifinal was probably the highlight of my career so far. Matt was running well all weekend. What a day. The final against Jianna, I always love racing her, and I’m so happy for her. She’s been improving round by round and pass by pass, and to get the win over her is awesome. Not only that, to have basically two young guns in the final it’s very cool. I’m happy to go home with the Bristol win.

“To be mentioned with Dave Schultz and Bob Glidden, it’s a lot to take in. It’s obviously real, but it doesn’t feel real, what’s been accomplished in such a small time. But I’m enjoying the ride and trying to look at every little milestone that passes. As a kid, I never would have thought I would be in this position or have my name in the history. It gets emotional sometimes when I think about it.”

Evaristo advanced to her first final round of the season by knocking off Marc Ingwersen, Chase Van Sant and Richard Gadson.

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to action with the Virginia NHRA Nationals on June 22-23 at Virginia Motorsports Park in Richmond, Va.

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BRISTOL, Tenn. — Final finish order (1-16) at the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. The race is the eighth of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1. Tony Schumacher; 2. Doug Kalitta; 3. Clay Millican; 4. Brittany Force; 5. Steve Torrence; 6. Shawn Langdon; 7. Billy Torrence; 8. Doug Foley; 9. Justin Ashley; 10. Antron Brown; 11. Jasmine Salinas; 12. Josh Hart; 13. Cody Krohn; 14. Shawn Reed; 15. Tony Stewart; 16. Cameron Ferre.

FUNNY CAR:

1. Austin Prock; 2. J.R. Todd; 3. John Force; 4. Matt Hagan; 5. Ron Capps; 6. Cruz Pedregon; 7. Alexis DeJoria; 8. Bob Tasca III; 9. Daniel Wilkerson; 10. Chad Green; 11. Terry Haddock; 12. Buddy Hull; 13. Bobby Bode; 14. Dave Richards; 15. John Smith; 16. Paul Lee.

PRO STOCK:

1. Jeg Coughlin; 2. Greg Anderson; 3. Dallas Glenn; 4. Erica Enders; 5. Aaron Stanfield; 6. Cristian Cuadra; 7. Troy Coughlin Jr.; 8. David Cuadra; 9. Deric Kramer; 10. Fernando Cuadra Jr.; 11. Jerry Tucker; 12. Matt Hartford; 13. Larry Morgan; 14. Kenny Delco; 15. Brandon Foster; 16. Chris McGaha.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1. Gaige Herrera; 2. Jianna Evaristo; 3. Matt Smith; 4. Richard Gadson; 5. John Hall; 6. Hector Arana Jr; 7. Chase Van Sant; 8. Angie Smith; 9. Ron Tornow; 10. Steve Johnson; 11. Chris Bostick; 12. Ryan Oehler; 13. Kelly Clontz; 14. Marc Ingwersen.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Sunday’s final results from the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. The race is the eighth of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel — Tony Schumacher, 4.236 seconds, 259.41 mph def. Doug Kalitta, 4.890 seconds, 150.06 mph.

Funny Car — Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.989, 312.42 def. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 4.022, 313.66.

Pro Stock — Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Camaro, 6.707, 204.94 def. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 20.530, 37.09.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.818, 198.17 def. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.861, 197.94.

Super Stock — Byron Worner, Chevy Camaro, 9.882, 120.24 def. Jeff Adkinson, Camaro, 9.449, 140.43.

Stock Eliminator — Jimmy Hidalgo Jr., Pontiac GTO, 11.094, 113.81 def. Monty Bogan, Chevy Camaro, 10.929, 118.54.

Super Comp — Ray Miller III, Dragster, 8.931, 174.68 def. Vincent Nobile, Dragster, 8.933, 177.86.

Super Gas — Gene Brown, Chevy II, 9.906, 162.63 def. JJ Brock, Chevy Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

Top Dragster — Matt Sackman, Dragster, 6.191, 224.73 def. Vance Houston, Dragster, 6.532, 209.43.

Pro Modified — JR Gray, Chevy Camaro, 5.812, 247.61 def. Kris Thorne, Camaro, 5.937, 203.55.

Factory Stock Showdown — David Janac, Chevy Camaro, 8.037, 169.98 def. Stephen Bell, Camaro, 17.200, 60.47.

Mountain Motor Pro Stock — Bo Butner, Chevy Camaro, 6.712, 162.10 def. John DeFlorian Jr., Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

Legends Nitro Funny Car presented by Modern Warriors — Bobby Cottrell, Chevy Camaro, 4.810, 233.72 def. Geoff Monise, Pontiac Firebird, 8.510, 75.61.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Final round-by-round results from the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, the eighth of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE — Doug Foley, 3.878, 301.74 def. Tony Stewart, 5.131, 148.41; Tony Schumacher, 3.794, 325.61 def. Jasmine Salinas, 3.802, 328.78; Doug Kalitta, 3.723, 328.54 def. Antron Brown, 3.782, 327.27; Clay Millican, 4.328, 195.45 def. Cameron Ferre, 7.084, 93.18; Shawn Langdon, 3.739, 322.81 def. Shawn Reed, 5.031, 144.72; Brittany Force, 3.733, 329.42 def. Justin Ashley, 3.764, 324.36; Steve Torrence, 3.773, 329.75 def. Cody Krohn, 3.901, 311.34; Billy Torrence, 3.768, 331.45 def. Josh Hart, 3.830, 322.65;

QUARTERFINALS — Millican, 3.848, 309.42 def. Foley, 5.325, 134.62; Schumacher, 3.815, 324.05 def. Langdon, 3.835, 300.86; Force, 3.820, 320.58 def. B. Torrence, 4.228, 212.06; Kalitta, 3.767, 326.48 def. S. Torrence, 3.775, 326.08;

SEMIFINALS — Schumacher, 3.795, 326.16 def. Millican, 3.824, 322.50; Kalitta, 3.800, 318.02 def. Force, 4.204, 224.43;

FINAL — Schumacher, 4.236, 259.41 def. Kalitta, 4.890, 150.06.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE — Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.951, 321.65 def. Chad Green, Ford Mustang, 4.009, 318.39; Alexis DeJoria, Toyota GR Supra, 3.938, 318.69 def. Dave Richards, Toyota Camry, 4.242, 294.75; Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.924, 326.87 def. John Smith, Charger, 5.740, 126.84; Ron Capps, GR Supra, 3.962, 323.12 def. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.176, 288.46; Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.194, 250.46 def. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 4.221, 238.55; J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.999, 319.14 def. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.097, 298.01; John Force, Camaro, 3.953, 320.97 def. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.981, 318.69; Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.069, 308.00 def. Paul Lee, Charger, 6.130, 113.55;

QUARTERFINALS — Todd, 3.977, 319.75 def. Capps, 4.001, 316.45; Force, 4.010, 316.60 def. DeJoria, 4.088, 306.19; Prock, 3.976, 319.07 def. Pedregon, 4.065, 313.22; Hagan, 4.126, 279.56 def. Tasca III, 7.292, 85.62;

SEMIFINALS — Todd, 4.012, 311.34 def. Force, 4.060, 314.83; Prock, 3.982, 317.57 def. Hagan, 4.096, 296.89;

FINAL — Prock, 3.989, 312.42 def. Todd, 4.022, 313.66.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE — Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.679, 205.16 def. Brandon Foster, Chevy Camaro, 6.971, 204.23; David Cuadra, Mustang, 6.694, 205.57 def. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.706, 204.57; Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.662, 205.41 def. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.717, 204.11; Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.661, 205.51 def. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 7.072, 158.82; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.639, 205.41 def. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.657, 204.82; Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.657, 205.04 def. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.698, 205.38; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.633, 204.82 def. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.713, 202.55; Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.636, 206.80 def. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.697, 204.60;

QUARTERFINALS — Coughlin, 6.690, 205.32 def. Coughlin Jr., 6.736, 204.85; Glenn, 6.665, 204.91 def. Stanfield, 6.689, 205.16; Enders, 6.665, 206.67 def. D. Cuadra, 6.776, 203.55; Anderson, 6.660, 204.35 def. C. Cuadra, 6.699, 204.01;

SEMIFINALS — Coughlin, 6.720, 204.60 def. Enders, 9.657, 104.42; Anderson, 6.658, 205.10 def. Glenn, 6.833, 179.11;

FINAL — Coughlin, 6.707, 204.94 def. Anderson, 20.530, 37.09.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE — Hector Arana Jr, 6.868, 198.17 def. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.896, 195.11; Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.871, 196.53 def. Marc Ingwersen, Broke – No Show; John Hall, 6.876, 195.96 def. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, Foul – Red Light; Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.813, 197.91 def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.922, 192.82; Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.878, 195.45 def. Ron Tornow, 6.920, 195.03; Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.860, 196.96 def. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 8.130, 119.97; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.807, 199.61 def. Ryan Oehler, 7.012, 194.24;

QUARTERFINALS — Evaristo, 7.115, 161.19 def. Van Sant, Foul – Red Light; Gadson, 6.876, 195.87 def. Arana Jr, 6.874, 197.68; Herrera, 6.829, 197.31 def. Hall, 6.866, 197.45; M. Smith, 6.817, 198.82 was unopposed;

SEMIFINALS — Evaristo, 6.898, 196.50 def. Gadson, 6.916, 194.80; Herrera, 6.825, 198.12 def. M. Smith, 6.824, 198.82;

FINAL — Herrera, 6.818, 198.17 def. Evaristo, 6.861, 197.94.

POINTS STANDINGS:

Top Fuel

Doug Kalitta 631
Justin Ashley 609
Shawn Langdon 583
Steve Torrence 522
Tony Schumacher 471
Antron Brown 465
Clay Millican 460
Billy Torrence 443
Tony Stewart 378
Brittany Force 373

Funny Car

Austin Prock 703
John Force 639
J.R. Todd 594
Matt Hagan 586
Bob Tasca III 510
Ron Capps 417
Dan Wilkerson 411
Alexis DeJoria 398
Chad Green 351
Blake Alexander 295

Pro Stock

Dallas Glenn 697
Greg Anderson 676
Erica Enders 662
Jeg Coughlin Jr. 567
Aaron Stanfield 484
Troy Coughlin Jr 441
Jerry Tucker 432
Cristian Cuadra 386
David Cuadra 307
Brandon Foster 298

Pro Stock Motorcycle

Gaige Herrera 493
Matt Smith 319
Richard Gadson 266
John Hall 258
Angie Smith 239
Chase Van Sant 238
LE Tonglet 233
Hector Arana Jr 193
Jianna Evaristo 189
Steve Johnson 153

KALITTA, TODD RUNNER-UP AT THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS
Toyota extends finals appearance streak to 31

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 9, 2024) – In Sunday’s NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, Doug Kalitta led the Toyota Top Fuel dragster contingent by earning the runner-up spot. Though he was the No. 14 seed to start the day, the defending Top Fuel champion methodically worked his way through the category bracket to make his 115th career final round appearance, ultimately falling to event winner, Tony Schumacher. With his performance today, Kalitta takes over the Top Fuel points lead. Steve and Billy Torrence, along with Shawn Langdon, advanced out of round one on Sunday, but went no further.

In Funny Car, J.R. Todd also made the final round on Sunday after starting the day No. 11 overall. Todd defeated the likes of John Force and Toyota teammate, Ron Capps, to make the final round, but was narrowly defeated by Austin Prock at the end of the day. Capps and Alexis DeJoria both advanced to round two.

With the finals appearances by both Kalitta and Todd on Sunday, Toyota has now reached the final round in 31 consecutive NHRA events in either Top Fuel and/or Funny Car.

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series has a week off before racing at Virginia Motorsports Park, June 21-23 for the NHRA Virginia Nationals.

Toyota Post-Race Recap
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series
NHRA Thundery Valley Nationals
Bristol Dragway
Race 8 of 20

TOYOTA TOP FUEL FINISHING POSITIONS 

Name	Car	Final Result	Round-by-Round
Doug Kalitta	Mark III Employee Benefits Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Finalist	W (3.723) v. A. Brown (3.782) W (3.767) v. S. Torrence (3.775) W (3.800) v. B. Force (4.204) L (4.890) v. T. Schumacher (4.236)
Shawn Langdon	Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Second Round	W (3.739) v. S. Reed (5.031) L (3.835) v. T. Schumacher (3.815)
Steve Torrence	CAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Second Round	W (3.773) v. C. Krohn (3.901) L (3.775) v. D. Kalitta (3.767)
Billy Torrence	CAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Second Round	W (3.768) v. J. Hart (3.830) L (3.820) v. B. Force (4.228)
Antron Brown	Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	First Round	L (3.782) v. D. Kalitta (3.723)
Justin Ashley	SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	First Round	L (3.764) v. B. Force (3.733)

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR FINISHING POSITIONS 

Name	Car	Final Result	Round-by-Round
J.R. Todd	DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	Finalist	W (3.999) v. T. Haddock (4.097) W (3.977) v. R. Capps (4.001) W (4.012) v. J. Force (4.060) L (4.022) v. A. Prock (3.989)
Alexis DeJoria	Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	Second Round	W (3.938) v. D. Richards (4.242) L (4.088) v. J. Force (4.010)
Ron Capps	NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	Second Round	W (3.962) v. B. Hull (4.176) L (4.001) v. J. Todd (3.977)

*= Non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

DOUG KALITTA, Mark III Employee Benefits Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Kalitta Motorsports

TF Final Result: Finalist

What are your thoughts after another strong race day?

“Great to make it to another final with this Mark III Employee Benefits Dragster. Can’t thank everyone from Mark III enough for stepping up and jumping onboard with our program, really wish we could have got the win for them at their first race in the sport. We are going to continue to build and do it again at Richmond. All three of the Kalitta (Motorsports) cars are running strong right now and it’s a big testament to everyone’s hard work.”

J.R. TODD, DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, Kalitta Motorsports

FC Final Result: Finalist

How would you describe your day?

“It was definitely a good way to rebound after qualifying. After qualifying, our ladder was not ideal. Kind of got your back up against the wall and don’t have lane choice in the first round. But it didn’t seem to really matter the way the weather changed today compared to the way it was all weekend. Really proud of the guys for digging deep, giving me a consistent car. I was just a tick behind those guys all day long. Yeah, had some struggles spinning down track and dropping cylinders and what have you. It did it again in the finals. Came up a little short in the final round against those guys (Austin Prock and John Force Racing). They have the best car out here right now. But we’re going to the later rounds every week and that’s what you need to do to stay in the hunt.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the culkktural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th 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 28 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s U.S. operating sites.

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

PROCK, MILLICAN, ANDERSON & M. SMITH TAKE NO. 1 SPOTS AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 7, 2024) – In a matchup of last weekend’s Funny Car final round, points leader Austin Prock knocked off John Force in the finals of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus race, also qualifying No. 1 on Saturday in front of a near-capacity crowd at Bristol Dragway at the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the specialty race, while Millican (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Smith qualified No. 1 at the eighth of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

In the finals of the specialty event, Prock went 4.049-seconds at 312.57 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro, knocking off Force’s 4.033 at 315.27 on a holeshot. Last weekend, it was Force that slipped past Prock in the championship round at Epping in a battle of two teammates and the top two drivers in the points standings. Prock extracted some revenge on Saturday and also earned his sixth No. 1 qualifier in eight races thanks to Friday’s 3.958 at 317.34. He’ll open eliminations against John Smith, looking to sweep the weekend for the first time.

“That’s exactly how you dream it up to race again in the final and see if I can get it back,” Prock said. “We achieved that today and it was another outstanding day for this team. Everyone is doing a great job and this car is so much fun to drive. It’s a good day all-around and I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I love those earlier starts.

“Me and John have so much fun racing each other and that’s what we want to do every weekend. John has done a lot for me in my career and I definitely want to show him I’m capable of winning. If you can beat that guy, you know you’re getting the job done. He’s one of the toughest competitors out there and I love racing him.”

Alexis DeJoria was second a 3.973 at 319.90 and Ron Capps, who has won back-to-back races in Bristol, is third with a 3.976 at 320.74.

In Top Fuel, Clay Millican enjoyed another magical day at Bristol Dragway, winning the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge for the first time in his 11,000-horserpower Parts Plus/Rick Ware Racing dragster, going 3.839 at 302.41 to knock off Shawn Langdon in the specialty race. He defeated Tony Schumacher earlier in the day and then got past Langdon to claim the victory in the bonus race.

His run of 3.786 at 325.06 from Friday also easily held up, as Millican claimed the No. 1 spot in qualifying for the first time this season and 26th time in his career. Millican is now focused on going four rounds on Sunday, starting eliminations with a first-round matchup with Cam Ferre.

“This is absolutely awesome,” Millican said. “We are definitely chasing points. Last year we made a mistake and bumped ourselves out of the top 10, so we are looking for every single point we can get. I’m so excited because we’ve chased this. I really wanted to win this. It’s such a great deal that Mission Foods is not only sponsoring the series, but also putting up money for us to have this race. It changes qualifying as a driver.

“You can’t take it easy on Saturday, and that makes it difficult sometimes. But the old man got up on the wheel. I was racing one of the best there is out there in Shawn Langdon. I’m going to brag even if it’s just that I got him that one time.”

Points leader Justin Ashley qualified second with Friday’s 3.795 at 322.42 and Antron Brown was third, thanks to Friday’s 3.809 at 321.27.

Pro Stock’s Enders continued to roll in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, winning for the third time this season, this time with a 6.644 at 207.30 in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Scag Power Equipment car. That’s a significant amount of championship bonus points for the defending world champion, who knocked off Dallas Glenn in the final round of the specialty race. It continued her strong momentum for the weekend, too, giving Enders a great shot at her 50th national event victory on Sunday.

“We want to get a handle on our hot raceday setup,” Millican said. “Greg threw some huge numbers on the board for the weather conditions but we’re just going to put our heads down and do our own thing. Those points mean an awful lot at the end of the year and my first championship in 2014, had I lost the final round, I would have lost the championship by one point – and we won by 19. It’s always down to the wire, so those points are very important and huge thank you to Mission for putting on the race.”

Greg Anderson delivered a standout run to open Pro Stock qualifying on Saturday, so much so that his pass of 6.615 at 205.38 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro sent him to the No. 1 qualifier position. It’s Anderson’s second No. 1 qualifier this season and the 126th in the veteran’s remarkable career. He’ll open eliminations against Larry Morgan and was thrilled with what the team was able to put together on Saturday.

He nearly eclipsed his own track record, no small feat during the warmer temperatures in the final two qualifying rounds. Now, Anderson will look to win for the third time this season at a track where he picked up his first career Pro Stock victory in 2001. Anderson is also looking for his first Bristol win in 20 years.

“You really never get out of the car at the finish line – at least I don’t – and say you know what I think we got it all. I got out first run this morning and I think we got more than it all,” Anderson said. “I know I’ve never said that before, so it’s fantastic when you do something like that and can back it up on the next run the same day.

“The competition out here is so mean and so tough, you have a different hero every week and you never know who can beat who. To come out here today and outrun the competition by a couple of hundredths, that’s a mile in Pro Stock. It doesn’t guarantee you a win, but to get an advantage like that, it’s priceless. I’m super happy today and hopefully we can carry it into tomorrow. I love racing here. This is where I won my very first ever NHRA national event back in 2001. If it wasn’t for this place and the jump start I got here to start the great career I’ve had, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. It’s been a hell of a ride and I love racing up here at Thunder Valley.”

Enders finished second in qualifying with her 6.631 at 206.92 and Jeg Coughlin Jr.’s 6.639 at 206.45 put him third.

Matt Smith enjoyed an incredible day in Pro Stock Motorcycle, taking the No. 1 qualifier and his first Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win of the season with a pair of standout runs. He picked up the bonus victory over his wife, Angie, going 6.802 at 199.05 on his Denso Auto Parts Buell, knocking off points leader Gaige Herrera earlier in the day.

Smith lowered the boom in Thunder Valley on that run against Herrera, improving on his No. 1 position by going 6.759 at 200.05. Both are track records and it was also the first 200-mph run at Bristol Dragway in Pro Stock Motorcycle history. He’ll get the opportunity to sweep the weekend, taking on Ryan Oehler to open eliminations.

“I didn’t think .75 was possible,” M. Smith said. “Last night’s pass when I went to the centerline, I knew we could have gone .77, I thought we could go .76, but this morning we just got all of it. We went 1.04 60-foot and the scoreboard popped up. That was pretty much a perfect pass for us. Then we come back for Q4 and we’re low of the round again. All in all, I think we have a good deal for tomorrow.

“Hats off to my whole team. I’m the privileged one that gets to ride the thing and all these guys working on it are the ones making it really good. We’ve got a really good program.”

Richard Gadson’s 6.825 at 197.74 gave him the second spot in qualifying, while Chase Van Sant qualified third with a 6.827 at 10636. Gaige Herrera is currently qualified fourth. He is undefeated in 2024 and a win on Sunday would tie the defending world champion with Bob Glidden for the most consecutive wins (9) and round wins (35) in NHRA history.

Eliminations for the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Bristol Dragway.

---

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Sunday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, the eighth of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel — 1. Clay Millican, 3.786 seconds, 325.06 mph vs. 16. Cameron Ferre, 5.289, 143.19; 2. Justin Ashley, 3.795, 322.42 vs. 15. Brittany Force, 4.061, 233.24; 3. Antron Brown, 3.809, 321.27 vs. 14. Doug Kalitta, 3.937, 311.77; 4. Shawn Langdon, 3.810, 323.74 vs. 13. Shawn Reed, 3.928, 304.05; 5. Jasmine Salinas, 3.814, 326.00 vs. 12. Tony Schumacher, 3.917, 310.91; 6. Steve Torrence, 3.824, 322.27 vs. 11. Cody Krohn, 3.904, 313.80; 7. Billy Torrence, 3.827, 323.43 vs. 10. Josh Hart, 3.847, 318.02; 8. Tony Stewart, 3.829, 312.64 vs. 9. Doug Foley, 3.843, 310.05.

Funny Car — 1. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.958, 317.34 vs. 16. John Smith, Dodge Charger, 5.020, 222.44; 2. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota GR Supra, 3.973, 319.90 vs. 15. Dave Richards, Toyota Camry, 4.209, 282.78; 3. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 3.976, 320.74 vs. 14. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.185, 273.39; 4. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.988, 315.93 vs. 13. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 4.153, 257.24; 5. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.997, 312.64 vs. 12. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.125, 301.87; 6. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.008, 303.09 vs. 11. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 4.092, 296.18; 7. John Force, Camaro, 4.033, 315.27 vs. 10. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.064, 310.98; 8. Paul Lee, Charger, 4.033, 312.21 vs. 9. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.038, 307.51.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Jim Campbell, 5.238, 148.33.

Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.615, 205.60 vs. 16. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.701, 205.72; 2. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.631, 207.62 vs. 15. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.698, 205.54; 3. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.639, 207.72 vs. 14. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.685, 205.79; 4. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.646, 206.07 vs. 13. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.677, 205.47; 5. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.655, 207.18 vs. 12. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.676, 205.10; 6. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.663, 206.13 vs. 11. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.676, 205.29; 7. David Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.669, 206.26 vs. 10. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.676, 205.47; 8. Brandon Foster, Camaro, 6.673, 205.76 vs. 9. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.675, 205.44.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Mason McGaha, 6.702, 205.57; 18. Eric Latino, 6.706, 205.38.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.759, 200.05 vs. 14. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.973, 476.86; 2. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.825, 197.74 vs. 13. Ron Tornow, Victory, 6.938, 195.25; 3. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.827, 196.62 vs. 12. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.936, 192.33; 4. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.830, 197.77 vs. 11. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.932, 198.96; 5. John Hall, Beull, 6.854, 198.03 vs. 10. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.915, 195.25; 6. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.865, 198.32 vs. 9. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.896, 195.76; 7. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.879, 197.57 vs. 8. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.895, 196.50.

TOYOTA IN STRONG POSITION AFTER THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS QUALIFYING
Repeat wins at Bristol on the table in both Top Fuel and Funny Car

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 8, 2024) – Going into Sunday’s eliminations for the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, Toyota is well-positioned to be victorious in both Top Fuel and Funny Car at the Tennessee dragstrip. Points leader, Justin Ashley, along with Antron Brown and Shawn Langdon lead the Toyota Top Fuel dragsters, qualifying second, third and fourth, respectively, after laying down fast times in the Friday night session.

Ashley enters tomorrow seeking his third consecutive Top Fuel victory at Bristol Dragway and his third victory of the 2024 season. Langdon also seeks his third triumph of the year, while Brown looks to couple his Chicago win from a few weeks ago.

In Funny Car, Alexis DeJoria was the lead GR Supra Funny Car, earning the second overall qualifying position, missing out on the No. 1 spot by just 0.015 seconds. Ron Capps closely followed in the third position, and J.R. Todd will be the No. 11 seed to begin tomorrow. Like Ashley, Capps is also seeking a threepeat at Bristol Dragway and Toyota seeks four in a row in Funny Car with DeJoria capturing victory here in 2021.

Tomorrow’s eliminations have been moved up due to impending weather with the first round now beginning at 10 a.m. EST. Television coverage of the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals eliminations will be on FS1 tomorrow at 7 p.m. EST.

Toyota Post-Qualifying Recap
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series
NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals
Bristol Dragway
Race 8 of 20

TOYOTA TOP FUEL QUALIFYING POSITIONS 

Name	Car	Qualifying Position	First Round Opponent
Clay Millican	Parts Plus Top Fuel Dragster	1st*	C. Ferré
Justin Ashley	SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	2nd	B. Force
Antron Brown	Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	3rd	D. Kalitta
Shawn Langdon	Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	4th	S. Reed
Steve Torrence	CAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	6th	C. Krohn
Billy Torrence	CAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	7th	J. Hart
Doug Kalitta	Mark III Employee Benefits Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	14th	A. Brown

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING POSITIONS 

Name	Car	Qualifying Position	First Round Opponent
Austin Prock	Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Funny Car	1st*	J. Smith
Alexis DeJoria	Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	2nd	D. Richards
Ron Capps	NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	3rd	B. Hull
J.R. Todd	DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	11th	T. Haddock

TOYOTA QUOTES

JUSTIN ASHLEY, SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, SCAG Racing

TF Qualifying Result: 2nd

What are your expectations for tomorrow’s eliminations?

“Yeah, I think for the most part, we accomplished our goal in qualifying. For this kind of race, the person who wins and the team that wins is going to be the team that goes up and down the race track more so than the others. It’s definitely a tricky track to navigate, but we accomplished a lot during qualifying. We’ll have to see what the conditions look like tomorrow. I think they’ll be a little bit better than what we anticipated, should be kind of overcast, at least earlier in the day. Think for our SCAG Power Equipment Toyota team, I think that means good things. I think as long as we can make the power, we’ll give ourselves a good opportunity to win and hopefully it’ll be a long race day.”

ALEXIS DEJORIA, Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, DC Motorsports

FC Qualifying Result: 2nd

How would you describe your weekend so far and your outlook for tomorrow?

“Well, it feels great to be back at a track I feel we have a really good handle on. In qualifying, we made some good passes. Last night’s Q2 at a 3.973 elapsed time gave us that No. 2 spot, which is incredible and that’s where we need to be, that’s where we are. That’s what we’re capable of. We’re so close! It’s been a while since we’ve gotten a Wally (Trophy) and going rounds tomorrow is going to be key. Being consistent. Who knows what the weather is going to hold for us. They’ve moved us up two hours so we can get some (runs) in before the rain, hopefully. So, we’ll just have to see. But, you know, this seems to be our track. I’ve been to so many finals here, qualifying No. 1 and won.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th 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 28 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s U.S. operating sites.

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

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 7, 2024) – Top Fuel veteran Clay Millican made the quickest pass on Friday at Bristol Dragway, racing to the provisional No. 1 qualifier at the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Austin Prock (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the eighth of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Millican went 3.786-seconds at 325.06-seconds in his 11,000-horserpower Parts Plus/Rick Ware Racing dragster in Thunder Valley, holding off points leader Justin Ashley under the lights to take the top spot. Millican, whose first career NHRA win came at Bristol Dragway in 2017, is seeking his first No. 1 qualifier of 2024 and 26th in his career. Friday also marked another special moment at Millican’s favorite and home track on the NHRA tour.

“It’s always something at this place,” Millican said. “This team has absolutely been incredible. We were struggling a little after testing, and then the next thing you know we start going rounds, go to a final at Charlotte, go to the semis last week. I’m excited to do this for a lot of reasons. When you qualify No. 1 against the monsters that we’re racing against these days you’ve accomplished something. But this is the first time I’ve qualified No. 1 with Mr. Rick Ware present. We are here because this guy loves drag racing. The biggest thing he hasn’t been a part of yet is a win on Sunday, so that’s on my agenda, just in case you’re wondering.

“I would love to be the No. 1 qualifier right here at Bristol. That would be awesome. When it comes to raceday, last year I would have told you I wanted it hot on raceday, but I think we have a car now that it doesn’t matter.”

Points leader Ashley also dipped into the 3.70s with a 3.795 at 322.42, putting him second, and Antron Brown’s 3.809 at 321.27 slots him third.

Austin Prock continued to roll in qualifying, blasting to the top of the Funny Car field with an impressive run under the lights, going 3.958 at 317.34 in his 11,000-horsepower Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS. Should that hold, the Funny Car points leader would gain his sixth No. 1 qualifier in the first eight races, a remarkable feat for the first-year Funny Car driver. He advanced to the final round last weekend in Epping, finishing as runner-up to his boss, John Force, and moving to the points lead in the process.

Prock made two strong runs on Friday and can continue that momentum on Saturday with the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge.

“This place is very tough to navigate, for sure. It’s kind of a driver’s racetrack. You have to be on your game all the way to pulling the parachutes,” Prock said. “This is up another level, stressful for the crew chiefs, but if you’re a race car driver you sure do enjoy a place like this.

“When I heard a .95 over the radio, that was the number they were calling and it ended up being good enough. It ended up working out for us, and the entire day was great for this Cornwell Camaro. We have the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge tomorrow, so we’ll be focused. We want to win that medal at the end of the day for sure.”

Alexis DeJoria jumped to the second spot with a 3.973 at 319.90 and Ron Capps, who has won back-to-back races in Bristol, is third after going 3.976 at 320.74.

In Pro Stock, Erica Enders returned to the site of her 2023 turnaround and put on a show, going low in each session, including a 6.631 at 206.92 that put her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Scag Power Equipment car in the top spot. Enders, the defending event winner in Bristol, is now on track to put up her second straight top qualifier and fourth this season, and she hopes to break through with her 50th national event victory as well.

Thunder Valley might be the perfect place to do it, as Enders’ turnaround last year came in Bristol. She went on to win her sixth world championship and she’ll look to win for the 50th time this weekend.

“I feel like we’re getting a better handle on our race car,” Enders said. “It was a nice run and was better on the graph. I like the four-qualifying run format better, you can track more things, purse is a little bigger on Sunday. I had a very fast race car and that’s translating to here so far as well.

“I love what I do and the people that I do it with. These moments don’t last forever, so you have to take advantage of them. I realize how blessed I am that I get to do what I love for a living and have done pretty well at it. I feel like we have a lot more left to accomplish.”

Greg Anderson is currently second thanks to his run of 6.636 at 206.45 and Jeg Coughlin Jr. is right behind with his 6.639 at 206.45.

Making the quickest run of both sessions in Pro Stock Motorcycle, six-time world champion Matt Smith made a strong statement on Friday, taking the No. 1 spot with a run of 6.788 at 198.52 on his Denso Auto Parts/Matt Smith Racing Buell. Smith is attempting to pick up his second No. 1 qualifier this season and the 54th in his career, but Friday’s two stellar runs also give him a strong shot to possibly unseat Gaige Herrera and end his incredible streak.

Herrera has won eight straight races – tied for the most in PSM history – and 31 consecutive rounds, and a win would tie the defending world champion with Bob Glidden for the most consecutive wins (9) and round wins (35) in NHRA history. Smith, though, has other plans.

“I think we showed at Chicago that we’ve been testing a lot and getting our program back better,” Smith said. “It showed here again. I messed up tuning the bike on Sunday in Chicago and came here to redeem myself. My Denso bike is pretty fast, and I’m pretty happy with what we’ve done so far.

“I’m focused, head down. I’m like a hound dog, I’m a hunting dog right now, on the ground trying to find that 60-foot and make it better and better. We are getting better, and we’ll continue to try to work hard and make our bike as fast as possible.”

Chase Van Sant is currently second after going 6.827 at 196.36 and Herrera is third with a 6.830 at 197.77.

Qualifying continues at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

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BRISTOL, Tenn. — Friday’s results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, eighth of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Clay Millican, 3.786 seconds, 325.06 mph; 2. Justin Ashley, 3.795, 322.42; 3. Antron Brown, 3.809, 321.27; 4. Shawn Langdon, 3.810, 323.74; 5. Jasmine Salinas, 3.814, 326.00; 6. Steve Torrence, 3.824, 322.27; 7. Billy Torrence, 3.827, 323.43; 8. Tony Stewart, 3.829, 312.64; 9. Doug Foley, 3.843, 310.05; 10. Josh Hart, 3.867, 317.05; 11. Cody Krohn, 3.915, 313.80; 12. Tony Schumacher, 3.917, 310.91; 13. Doug Kalitta, 3.937, 311.77; 14. Shawn Reed, 3.964, 285.11; 15. Brittany Force, 4.141, 220.98.

Funny Car — 1. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.958, 317.34; 2. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota GR Supra, 3.973, 319.90; 3. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 3.976, 320.74; 4. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.988, 315.93; 5. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.997, 312.64; 6. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.008, 303.09; 7. Paul Lee, Dodge Charger, 4.036, 307.30; 8. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.038, 307.51; 9. John Force, Camaro, 4.048, 312.86; 10. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.064, 310.98; 11. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 4.092, 268.92; 12. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.125, 291.89; 13. Dave Richards, Toyota Camry, 4.209, 256.31; 14. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.387, 222.62; 15. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 4.492, 200.08; 16. John Smith, Charger, 5.381, 137.05.

Pro Stock — 1. Erica Enders, Chevy Camaro, 6.631, 206.95; 2. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.636, 205.60; 3. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.639, 206.45; 4. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.661, 205.69; 5. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.664, 206.04; 6. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.665, 206.51; 7. David Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.669, 205.79; 8. Brandon Foster, Camaro, 6.673, 205.35; 9. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.676, 205.47; 10. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.676, 205.26; 11. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.676, 205.10; 12. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.677, 205.47; 13. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.690, 204.98; 14. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.701, 205.69; 15. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.702, 205.57; 16. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.714, 204.60. Not Qualified: 17. Fernando Cuadra Jr., 6.723, 205.54; 18. Eric Latino, 7.599, 133.04.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.788, 199.64; 2. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.827, 196.36; 3. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.830, 197.77; 4. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.840, 197.13; 5. John Hall, Beull, 6.889, 197.54; 6. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.896, 195.76; 7. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.933, 193.57; 8. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.936, 192.33; 9. Ron Tornow, Victory, 6.938, 194.74; 10. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.946, 197.57; 11. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 7.027, 191.54; 12. Angie Smith, Buell, 7.051, 196.50; 13. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 7.055, 476.86; 14. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 7.572, 135.59.

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 6, 2024) – Pro Stock Motorcycle veteran Steve Johnson looks to become the first repeat rider at Bristol Dragway at this weekend’s 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals and turn around his 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season in the process.

The Pro Stock Motorcycle class is back in action at this weekend’s race in Thunder Valley and Johnson is the reigning Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals winner. After struggling at the first three races of the season, Johnson is seeking his first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series win of the season on his Suzuki.

But he has plenty of strong Bristol vibes as one of only three PSM winners at the legendary facility. The only two other winners at Bristol are Angelle Sampey and Jerry Savoie since the class came to Thunder Valley in 2021.

“It’s a very challenging race track for us,” Johnson said. “Where my team has been this last year and where I think we should be, it’s been exciting. The data doesn’t lie. There’s a bunch of calculations between there and you come up with gear ratios, you come up with jetting, you come up with timing, and hopefully you bring a rider, and you go throw down on the track then you come back and modify that.

“Ultimately, it is a challenge because we had very little data from that track, and it’s been really hot and it’s been super cold. It’s going to be really challenging to get down that track and especially to try to out run everybody there.”

Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Enders (Pro Stock) and Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home titles last year in picturesque Thunder Valley and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. It is the eighth of 20 races during the 2024 season and the fan-favorite Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge also takes place on Saturday, featuring semifinalists from last weekend’s NHRA New England Nationals.

Last year, Johnson handed Gaige Herrera his first runner-up finish of the season when Herrera went red in the final round. That made Johnson one of only four Pro Stock Motorcycle winners in 2023: Johnson, Hector Arana Jr., multiple-time champ Matt Smith and Herrera. With a quarterfinal finish to his credit this season, Johnson is excited to get to Bristol.

“I love what I do,” Johnson said. “I hope everyone has that fire because it takes that kind of passion to do what you do.”

Johnson and the rest of the class will have to contend with Herrera, who is undefeated thus far in 2024. He’s also won eight consecutive races – tied for the most in PSM history – and 31 straight rounds. A win in Bristol would tie Herrera, the 2023 world champ, with Bob Glidden for the most wins in a row (9) and the most consecutive round wins (35).

In the Pro Stock ranks, reigning champion Erica Enders has been hanging on in the thick of the points battle. She collected a race win in Gainesville and was runner-up last weekend in Epping. With three No. 1 qualifiers so far and two Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge wins, she is second in points and hopes the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals will to be her race to reclaim the points lead from Dallas Glenn.

Ashley has back-to-back wins from Bristol Dragway. He currently leads the Top Fuel points and will be seeking his third race win of the season. If he wants to get three wins from Bristol, he’ll be up against reigning champ Doug Kalitta, who won last weekend in Epping, two-time 2024 winner Shawn Langdon and multi-time champs Steve Torrence and Antron Brown.

Capps won his second straight Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals last season when he defeated Alexis DeJoria in the finals. He’s looking for his first win of 2024 in a loaded group that includes points leader Austin Prock, John Force, who won Sunday in Epping, Gainesville winner J.R. Todd, reigning champ Matt Hagan and Bob Tasca III.

The Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the top racers in the country, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock. The weekend includes an appearance from the Legends Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars as well. After final qualifying on Saturday, fans will also be treated to a special autograph session and fanfest at the Bristol Dragway Welcome Tent in the midway.

Fans will also be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage all weekend, which features Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Bristol Dragway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrates 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 is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Bristol event winners.

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

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:45 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, June 7, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 8 at 12:30 and 3:15 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 9. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

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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

Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., 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 SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS
BRISTOL DRAGWAY
BRISTOL, TENNESSEE
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE | NOTES & QUOTES
JUNE 7-9, 2024

JOHN FORCE RACING AND CHEVROLET TAKE MOMENTUM TO THUNDER VALLEY AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY

Notes:

• Team Chevy heads to the 2024 Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, the eighth round of the season, June 7-9 at Bristol Dragway.
• Closing the gap after racing to victory at the New England Nationals, John Force, driver of the PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, settles into second in the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series points standings behind Austin Prock, Force’s teammate and driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car. Prock enters Bristol leading by 22 points over J. Force.
• Prock, having earned the No. 1 Qualifier in Epping, has now started from the number one position in a series leading 5 of 7 NHRA National events.
• Brittany Force and her Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel team defeated their previous speed record at New England Dragway at 335.57 mph.
• After setting the No. 1 qualifier 2023, Erica Enders raced to the Bristol Dragway victory and shifted her seasonal momentum to the good. This year, Enders enters the event trailing Dallas Glenn by 44 points, but looks to capture a back-to-back event victory.

Quotes:

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

“I love these back-to-back races and that we head straight into Bristol with this Monster Energy team. We are excited to go there and we have a plan coming into the weekend on some changes we want to make. We are expecting to qualify well again, and our main focus is four solid runs in qualifying to prepare us for race day. This is my favorite track on the circuit; there is nothing like Thunder Valley and there would be nothing better than to win.”

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

“Coming into Bristol, back in black with Cornwell tools and with some momentum. I’ve always enjoyed coming to Bristol. It’s a very challenging track from a tuning and driving standpoint so if you get it done there you really earned it. The conditions look favorable and I’m looking forward to getting back in the seat. I love these back-to-back races, let’s see if we can do one spot better this weekend.”

JOHN FORCE, DRIVER OF THE PEAK ANTIFREEZE & COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR:

“You know, right now my car is on a mission and what matters to me now in the big picture is Brittany’s (Monster Energy Chevy) Top Fuel dragster. Austin Prock’s (Cornwell Chevy Camaro) car has always been in the hunt for this championship with Robert and now Prock is doing great too. I love Bristol, I love what Bruton Smith built and these super stadiums. John Force Racing has had some success here. The real people that make this happen is our team. That’s Dan Hood, Chris Cunningham, Tim Fabrisi, and the young kids on my team. We all share the technology. We are working well with Jimmy Prock, David Grubnic, too. Our teamwork is what makes it work, and we will continue that. I’m really proud of the job that Brittany (Force) and (Austin) Prock, and their teams are doing, and even this old man is getting into the game.”

How to Watch:

The 2024 Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals from Bristol Dragway kick off Friday, June 7 with qualifying airing at 7 p.m. ET. Saturday’s qualifying airs Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET, with Finals following at 7 p.m. ET. All sessions from Bristol, Tennessee air with NHRA on FOX on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Coverage streams live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS:

1,457: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time).

626: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 629.

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

162: 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.

82: 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.

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 4, 2024) – Daniel Wilkerson has already enjoyed a great start to his first full season in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, sitting sixth in Funny Car points after a final round in Charlotte and back-to-back semifinal appearances at the last two races.

But the rising star in the loaded Funny Car ranks and the son of former standout Tim Wilkerson can take another big leap at this weekend’s 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

With Tim now tuning and Daniel driving the 11,000-horsepower Scag Power Equipment/Summit Racing Equipment Ford Mustang, the team has made consistent improvements all year. It’s put Wilkerson on the verge of a victory as he has set career-best marks at seemingly every race.

In Epping, he went 3.899-seconds at 329.91 mph to qualify a career-best fourth in Funny Car, making him even more excited to race in Thunder Valley and at Bristol Dragway, a facility he has always enjoyed.

“I love Thunder Valley. The setting is amazing and it’s unique,” Wilkerson said. “The race track is tricky, though, (but) I think we have something for this year. My family is coming again so hopefully we can take some winner’s circle pictures with everyone this weekend. I’m so very honored to be able drive this SCAG Power Equipment, Summit Racing Equipment Ford Mustang. Tim has been doing a great job making our hot rod fast and consistent.”

Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home titles last year in picturesque Thunder Valley and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. It is the eighth of 20 races during the 2024 season and the fan-favorite Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge also takes place on Saturday featuring semifinalists from last weekend’s NHRA New England Nationals.

Wilkerson will be part of that bonus event for the third straight race, taking on points leader Austin Prock in a semifinal rematch from Sunday. Wilkerson will look to extract some revenge after Prock slipped by him in a thrilling side-by-side duel between a pair of young guns in the Funny Car category.

The other matchup features Epping winner John Force and Gainesville winner J.R. Todd, with the specialty race winner having a chance for a double-up weekend. Wilkerson would love for that to be him, though he will have to navigate a loaded field that also includes reigning world champ Matt Hagan, Bob Tasca III, defending event winner Capps, whose seven wins are the most for any driver at Bristol Dragway, and former Bristol winner Alexis DeJoria.

But Wilkerson has enjoyed the team’s race-to-race progress, and the father-son dynamic has brought out the best in both the tuner and driver, which could mean Wilkerson’s first career victory is on the horizon.

“This SCAG Power Equipment, Summit Racing Ford Mustang team has found some consistency, maybe a little luck, too, but Tim has been making good decisions and the car has been responding,” Wilkerson said. “All the hard work is paying off. It’s been fun. We’ve picked up round wins and continue to hit some of my career bests.”

In Top Fuel, Ashley, the current points leader, is after his third straight Bristol win against a star-studded field that includes reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, Antron Brown, Steve Torrence, Clay Millican, Shawn Langdon, Brittany Force and Top Fuel rookie Tony Stewart.

Enders, the reigning Pro Stock world champ, is after consecutive Bristol wins and also her 50th career national event victory this weekend. To do so, she’ll have to get past the likes of points leader Dallas Glenn, Greg Anderson, who has two wins this season, Jeg Coughlin Jr., Aaron Stanfield and Epping winner Troy Coughlin Jr.

Johnson, a veteran in Pro Stock Motorcycle, claimed his win over Gaige Herrera in 2023. Herrera, who won 11 events last year, went on to win the title in dominant fashion and is undefeated thus far in 2024. Other contenders include six-time champion Matt Smith, former champ LE Tonglet, John Hall, Hector Arana Jr. and Angie Smith.

The Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the top racers in the country, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock. The weekend includes an appearance from the Legends Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars as well. After final qualifying on Saturday, fans will also be treated to a special autograph session and fanfest at the Bristol Dragway Welcome Tent in the midway.

Fans will also be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage all weekend, which features Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Bristol Dragway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrates 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 is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Bristol event winners.

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

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:45 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, June 7, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 8 at 12:30 and 3:15 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 9. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

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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

Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., 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.