Category: NHRA

National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) news and information

  • KALITTA, TASCA AND J. COUGHLIN TAKE PROVISIONAL NO. 1 SPOTS AT NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS

    KALITTA, TASCA AND J. COUGHLIN TAKE PROVISIONAL NO. 1 SPOTS AT NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS

    LAS VEGAS (April 12, 2024) – Reigning world champion Doug Kalitta made the quickest Top Fuel run on Friday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, powering to the provisional No. 1 spot at the 24th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.

    Bob Tasca III (Funny Car) and Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the fourth of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

    Kalitta went to the top position with a run of 3.779-seconds at 332.02 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster, putting the defending champ in line for his first No. 1 qualifier this season and the 54th in his career. He also looks to add to Kalitta Motorsports’ success this season, after teammate Shawn Langdon has won two of the first three races in Top Fuel, while J.R. Todd also sits in the points lead.

    “That was a really nice run for us,” Kalitta said. “We just switched to that car (last week) in Phoenix, so we’re just kind of trying to figure out a new car, which is much different than what we’ve been running. The conditions are probably going to be a little warm tomorrow, so we’ll have the same opportunity tomorrow to see if we can run those numbers again, and we’re looking forward to it.

    “We’ve been qualifying well, and for whatever reason we got beat early in the rounds on Sunday, so we’re definitely looking for a good long day here (on Sunday).”

    Steve Torrence took the second spot thanks to his 3.800 at 332.75 and defending event winner Antron Brown is right behind with his 3.803 at 329.99.

    Bob Tasca III impressed in both Funny Car sessions on Friday, making the quickest run of both sessions, including his 3.931 at 332.02 to close out the day in his 11,000-horsepower BG Products Ford Mustang. If that run holds, Tasca would earn his first No. 1 qualifier of the season and 17th in his career. Making a pair of strong runs on a warm day also meant a lot to Tasca, who is searching for his first victory of the season after a strong 2023 campaign. Tasca is also after his second 4-Wide Nationals win in Las Vegas following his victory at the track in 2021.

    “This morning, I told my crew chiefs [Aaron Brooks and Todd Okuhara] that I didn’t want to be going quicker than 3.95 and do not want to break 330 mph,” Tasca said. “I wanted them to prove to me that they can go slow when the weather’s hot. In the first round, and they were everything was good, they listened to me, we ran 3.96. Everything’s beautiful.

    “I told them the exact same thing, not to change anything for the second run, then Austin [Prock] goes 3.94 right in front of us. Aaron goes in the [tuning] box, he looks at me and says, ‘I’m really sorry, but we’re going to break out,’ and it left and felt good and ran a huge speed. The number that impressed me the most was the 332. It was exactly what we needed to do after two very tough races for us.”

    Austin Prock, who won last weekend in Phoenix, is second with a strong run of 3.947 at 321.42, while his team owner, John Force, sits third thanks to his run of 3.962 at 313.73. Force won the Winternationals last weekend in Phoenix as well.

    Things continue to round into form for Jeg Coughlin Jr., as the five-time Pro Stock world champ went to the provisional No. 1 spot with a run of 6.641 at 206.89 in his Scag Power Equipment car. It puts the veteran in line for his second straight top spot as he looks to build on his Phoenix success. Things are coming together quickly for Coughlin, who came out of retirement to run a full season in 2024, and he’s been impressed with how well his team has come together in such a short time. Coughlin has five career wins at Las Vegas but is looking for his first here in a four-wide format.

    “This shows that our team is beginning to jell, from the crew chiefs to myself behind the wheel,” Coughlin said. “We’ve managed to make solid qualifying runs all season long. In Pomona, I had an unfortunate early exit and that stung a bit but we made a nice rebound in Phoenix.

    “Now, here we are in Las Vegas, and I made a nice 6.64 run in Q1 and that held through Q2 after the heat set in. Tomorrow, the track should be a little better, and the weather might be better so that 6.64 might be in jeopardy. Hopefully, if that happens, it’s the SCAG-mobile that does it.”

    Greg Anderson is currently qualified second thanks to his run of 6.657 at 205.38, while Jerry Tucker moved to third to close out the day with a pass of 6.670 at 206.16.

    Qualifying continues at 11:30 a.m. ET on Saturday at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.


    LAS VEGAS — Results Friday after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 24th annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, fourth of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

    Top Fuel — 1. Doug Kalitta, 3.779 seconds, 332.02 mph; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.800, 332.75; 3. Antron Brown, 3.803, 329.99; 4. Clay Millican, 3.820, 330.80; 5. Brittany Force, 3.820, 326.56; 6. Justin Ashley, 3.839, 320.66; 7. Jasmine Salinas, 3.848, 326.32; 8. Tony Stewart, 3.852, 323.50; 9. Shawn Reed, 3.863, 320.43; 10. Shawn Langdon, 3.954, 247.34; 11. Terry Totten, 4.092, 287.78; 12. Krista Baldwin, 4.329, 195.68; 13. Billy Torrence, 4.538, 178.24; 14. Josh Hart, 4.543, 180.19; 15. Tony Schumacher, 5.525, 121.44.

    Funny Car — 1. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.931, 332.02; 2. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.947, 321.42; 3. John Force, Camaro, 3.962, 313.73; 4. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.993, 323.27; 5. Paul Lee, Dodge Charger, 4.006, 313.37; 6. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.010, 323.12; 7. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 4.010, 318.09; 8. Steven Densham, Mustang, 4.020, 308.78; 9. Alexis DeJoria, GR Supra, 4.035, 319.98; 10. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 4.049, 315.05; 11. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.052, 311.05; 12. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 4.058, 307.79; 13. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.064, 312.57; 14. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.065, 314.31; 15. Jason Rupert, Mustang, 4.086, 312.64; 16. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Camry, 4.117, 275.73. Not Qualified: 17. Terry Haddock, 4.150, 299.60; 18. Jim Campbell, 4.215, 284.27; 19. Alex Miladinovich, 4.285, 281.07; 20. Buddy Hull, 4.310, 289.32.

    Pro Stock — 1. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Camaro, 6.641, 206.89; 2. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.657, 205.38; 3. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.660, 206.16; 4. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.672, 206.13; 5. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.672, 204.70; 6. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.676, 206.16; 7. Brandon Foster, Camaro, 6.679, 204.63; 8. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.682, 204.82; 9. David Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.683, 205.91; 10. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.689, 205.16; 11. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.690, 205.72; 12. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.694, 205.26; 13. Sienna Wildgust, Camaro, 6.698, 204.88; 14. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.704, 203.71; 15. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.715, 205.60; 16. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.719, 204.98. Not Qualified: 17. Kenny Delco, 6.725, 203.55; 18. Steve Graham, 6.759, 203.80; 19. Aaron Stanfield, 6.783, 205.54; 20. Joey Grose, 13.051, 94.44.

  • NHRA AT LAS VEGAS 1: Team Chevy Race Advance | Notes & Quotes

    NHRA AT LAS VEGAS 1: Team Chevy Race Advance | Notes & Quotes

    CHEVROLET IN NHRA
    2024 NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS
    THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
    TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE | NOTES & QUOTES
    APRIL 12-14, 2024

    CHEVROLET AND JOHN FORCE RACING LOOK TO TACKLE THE NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS AT THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

    Notes:

    • Team Chevy next heads to the 2024 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway April 12-14, 2024.
    • After a successful double-winning weekend in Phoenix for Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, and John Force, driver of the PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, who both captured victories with Chevrolet for the Arizona Nationals and weather-delayed Winternationals from Pomona. Force captured Chevrolet’s 160th in Funny Car, with Prock capturing the 161st for Team Chevy, the 80th and 81st respectively in the Camaro SS Funny Car.
    • Seeking a return to the winner’s circle, Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, looks to defend her No. 1 qualifier from 2023 while besting with her 17th career NHRA victory and Chevrolet’s 21st in Top Fuel.
    • Pro Stock saw Dallas Glenn racing to victory for the Bowtie brand in 2023’s 4-Wide Nationals, after Matt Hartford qualified No. 1. Both look to either defend or capture the 2024 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Wally trophy.

    Quotes:

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

    “(Vegas is) a place we’ve had success in the past and we’re eager to return. The four-wide format there will definitely mix things up, but I believe the testing in Phoenix will have us well-prepared.”

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

    “I’m excited to go to Vegas. I always love going there and it’s a beautiful facility. I’ve always wanted to get a win there. We’ve got some good mojo, so hopefully we can take advantage. I’m looking forward to four-wide and I hope the fans are, too. Maybe we can get the job done this weekend. We’ve started the year strong, struggled a little bit (in Pomona) and had to get some revenge (last) weekend (in Phoenix). When you’re getting to race with your family, there’s never a bad day out here. I’ve wanted to race with my dad and brother my whole life and I’m getting to do that, and we sure are having a lot of fun as a family. I’m getting more comfortable every lap, but every time you think you’re comfortable, this thing does something crazy to you. Every time you think you have a handle on it, you don’t and that’s what makes this category so tough. You’ve got to drive off your gut and instinct. Your car is talking to you the whole time you’re on the gas. These cars are no joke and these are the hardest cars I’ve ever driven.”

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

    “It was a fantastic weekend for Cornwell Tools and Chevrolet, clinching a victory like that, especially with (Austin) Prock landing his first NHRA Funny Car win. It’s a big deal. We had to navigate through some changes, with Robert Hight, a three-time champion, stepping back for a bit. But everything’s aligning well for John Force Racing. Our top priority has always been looking after our sponsors, and this win certainly does that. Clinching the victory in Pomona yesterday was thrilling. It’s still early in the season, but this win sets a positive tone we’re all proud of. Yet, we’re mindful of the fierce competition out there; we’ve got our work cut out for us. (Austin) Prock’s got a solid team behind him, with his dad and brother in the mix. Robert’s (Hight) been sharing his wisdom about the car, much like he does with me, and it’s paying off. (Austin’s) got a background in dirt racing before moving to Top Fuel with us, and he’s had stints in our Funny Car too. Transitioning to a new team in Top Fuel was a challenge, but now he’s backed by a seasoned team, and they’re really complementing each other well. I’m incredibly proud of him for securing these victories for Chevrolet and all our sponsors. It’s all part of the job, but it sure was a great weekend for John Force Racing.”

    How to Watch:

    The 2024 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals kick off Friday, April 12 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with qualifying, airing at 11 p.m. ET. Saturday’s qualifying session airs on Sunday at 11 a.m. ET, with Finals airing at 7 p.m. ET. All sessions from Las Vegas 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:

    1,448: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time).

    626: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 628.

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

    161: 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.

    81: 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.

    25: 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.

  • GREG ANDERSON LOOKS TO CARRY PHOENIX MOMENTUM INTO LAS VEGAS AT 4-WIDE NATIONALS

    GREG ANDERSON LOOKS TO CARRY PHOENIX MOMENTUM INTO LAS VEGAS AT 4-WIDE NATIONALS

    LAS VEGAS (April 10, 2024) – Pro Stock veteran Greg Anderson is no stranger to the NHRA winner’s circle as proven by his 104 career wins. This weekend at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas, he’ll look to add another to his impressive resume at a track that means a great deal to him.

    Anderson, the winningest driver in the Pro Stock field, and the rest of the stars of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will again take to the track this weekend at the 24th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Anderson is coming into Las Vegas hot after his win in Phoenix, his first of the year in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro.

    “I’m excited to get to Vegas because obviously I love the Black family,” said Anderson. “Ken and Judy Black have been my team owners for 20 plus years. We now have new ownership but they’re still the greatest supporters you could ever imagine. They text, they call at races. They certain are not out of the sport. They’re at home but they’re still watching. They’ll be in Vegas next weekend and I would love nothing better than to show off in front of them so I can’t wait to get there.”

    The 2023 event saw Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) take home the coveted NHRA Wally trophies and this season’s race will again be broadcasted on FS1, including eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 14, showcasing all the entertainment from Las Vegas.

    This weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals also marks the first four-wide event for the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. The bonus race debuted last year and takes place on Saturday, putting a bonus purse and championship points on the line. It happens in Vegas for the first time this year, as two quads will face off during the third round of qualifying on Saturday. The top four advance to the final quad to close out qualifying, with the winner getting a chance to double-up in Vegas.

    Because of his win in Phoenix, Anderson will take part in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. In his quad, he’ll meet up with competitors Jeg Coughlin Jr., a five-time Vegas winner, Jerry Tucker and Troy Coughlin Jr. The other quad will made up of reigning champion Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield, Cristian Cuadra and reigning event winner Glenn.

    It all adds up to an opportunity for a double-win weekend for Anderson, who loves the challenge of four-wide racing.

    “As far as the four-wide goes, it’s a bigger challenge than most tracks. I love that,” Anderson said. “I absolutely love a bigger challenge. I’m going to accept the challenge and see if I can find a way to do it better than these young guys. It’s kind of strange because sometimes I feel like the four-wide is more difficult to me because I’ve got so many years of doing it the other way and maybe some of these new guys and new gals. They’re in their beginning and they’re not set in their ways. They don’t have bad habits like I have. They’re not used to always racing two wide. They race four-wide now so it’s probably easier for them to adapt than it is me. It’s a huge challenge to me but I look forward to it and love racing in Vegas. Big challenges coming up but bring it on.”

    Last season in Top Fuel Brown earned his six Las Vegas title. At this weekend’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge Four-Wide addition, Brown will be in a quad of Steve Torrence, Shawn Reed and Phoenix winner Shawn Langdon. The other quad will consist of Billy Torrence, reigning champ Doug Kalitta and Justin Ashley, who picked up the Winternationals win, and motorsports legend Tony Stewart in his Top Fuel rookie season.

    In the Funny Car category, Hagan picked up his fifth Las Vegas win last year. He’s after his first victory in 2024 against the likes of first-year Funny Car driver Austin Prock, who won in Phoenix, Winternationals winner John Force, points leader J.R. Todd, Ron Capps, Bob Tasca III, Alexis DeJoria and Daniel Wilkerson. In the Funny Car Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, one quad includes Prock, Wilkerson, Force and Todd, with the other featuring DeJoria, Cruz Pedregon, Paul Lee and Blake Alexander.

    The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the top racers in the country. Also on deck will be Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and the 2024 debut of the new Holley EFI Factory X category, while a special jet car exhibition featuring the “Muy Caliente” and the “Iceman” jet dragsters will follow the conclusion of nitro qualifying each day as well.

    Fans will also be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which will help create a festive atmosphere leading into the nitro pits. The Nitro Alley Stage will be the main entertainment hub in the pits when the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competitors are not on the track, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans in Vegas 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.

    As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Las Vegas. This opportunity gives fans a unique chance to 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 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. PT on Friday, April 12, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 13 at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. PT on Sunday, April 14. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 11:00 p.m. ET on both Friday and Saturday on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), leading into eliminations coverage at 7:00 p.m. ET on Sunday at FS1.

    To purchase tickets to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on 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

    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.

  • STRONG START IN FUNNY CAR HAS AUSTIN PROCK FEELING GOOD AHEAD OF VEGAS’ NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS

    STRONG START IN FUNNY CAR HAS AUSTIN PROCK FEELING GOOD AHEAD OF VEGAS’ NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS

    LAS VEGAS (April 9, 2024) – Less than a week after his first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Funny Car win, Austin Prock has a chance to keep rolling at this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

    The 2019 NHRA Rookie of the Year moved to the Funny Car ranks for the first time this season for John Force Racing, joining a successful team that also includes his father, crew chief Jimmy Prock, and his brother, Thomas.

    He stepped in for Robert Hight, who stepped out of the car prior to the season to deal with a medical situation, and Prock has proven to be a natural piloting the 11,000-horsepower Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS.

    Prock has picked up two No. 1 qualifiers in three races and grabbed his first NHRA Funny Car win on Sunday in Phoenix, becoming just the 19th driver in NHRA history to win in both Top Fuel and Funny Car. Now, he’ll aim to get his first Vegas four-wide victory just days after a monumental weekend.

    “I’m excited to go to Vegas,” said Prock, who won the Charlotte four-wide race last year in Top Fuel. “I always love going there and it’s a beautiful facility. I’ve always wanted to get a win there. We’ve got some good mojo, so hopefully we can take advantage. I’m looking forward to four-wide and I hope the fans are, too. Maybe we can get the job done this weekend. We’ve started the year strong, struggled a little bit (in Pomona) and had to get some revenge (last) weekend (in Phoenix). When you’re getting to race with your family, there’s never a bad day out here.”

    Last year, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) won the coveted NHRA Wally trophies and this season’s race will again be broadcasted on FS1, including eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 14. It is the fourth of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and Prock is off to a great start, trailing points leader J.R. Todd by only two points heading to Las Vegas.

    Things won’t get easier there in the unique and fan-favorite four-wide format, where Prock will also have to deal with the likes of team owner John Force, who won the Winternationals, defending event winner and reigning world champ Hagan, Ron Capps, Bob Tasca III and Alexis DeJoria, but Prock is enjoying every part of this journey. Funny Car represents a huge challenge and Prock has embraced that, especially working hand-in-hand with his family.

    “I’ve wanted to race with my dad and brother my whole life and I’m getting to do that, and we sure are having a lot of fun as a family,” Prock said. “I’m getting more comfortable every lap, but every time you think you’re comfortable, this thing does something crazy to you. Every time you think you have a handle on it, you don’t and that’s what makes this category so tough. You’ve got to drive off your gut and instinct. Your car is talking to you the whole time you’re on the gas. These cars are no joke and these are the hardest cars I’ve ever driven.”

    This weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals also marks the first four-wide event for the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. The bonus race debuted last year and takes place on Saturday, putting a bonus purse and championship points on the line. For the four-wide race, two quads will face off during the third round of qualifying on Saturday. The top four advance to the final quad to close out qualifying, with the winner getting a chance to double-up in Vegas.

    In the Funny Car Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, one quad includes Prock, Wilkerson, Force and Todd, with the other featuring DeJoria, Cruz Pedregon, Paul Lee and Blake Alexander. For Top Fuel, one quad features Tony Stewart, Billy Torrence, Doug Kalitta and Justin Ashley, while the other foursome features Steve Torrence, Shawn Reed, defending event winner Brown and Phoenix winner Shawn Langdon.

    The Pro Stock matchups have J. Coughlin, Jerry Tucker, Anderson and T. Coughlin in one quad, and Enders, Aaron Stanfield, Glenn and Cuadra in the other.

    Top Fuel’s Brown will try to go back-to-back in Vegas and earn his 75th career win, but he’ll have to deal with the likes of Langdon, Brittany Force, Tony Schumacher, Ashley, defending world champ Kalitta and Stewart.

    Pro Stock points leader Glenn took home his second Las Vegas win last season and is rolling in 2024 thanks to his Winternationals win. He’ll look to keep up his hot streak against Phoenix winner Anderson and defending world champ Enders.

    The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the top racers in the country. Also on deck will be Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and the 2024 debut of the new Holley EFI Factory X category, while a special jet car exhibition featuring the “Muy Caliente” and the “Iceman” jet dragsters will follow the conclusion of nitro qualifying each day as well.

    Fans will also be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which will help create a festive atmosphere leading into the nitro pits. The Nitro Alley Stage will be the main entertainment hub in the pits when the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competitors are not on the track, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans in Vegas 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.

    As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Las Vegas. This opportunity gives fans a unique chance to 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 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. PT on Friday, April 12, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 13 at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. PT on Sunday, April 14. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 11:00 p.m. ET on both Friday and Saturday on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), leading into eliminations coverage at 7:00 p.m. ET on Sunday at FS1.

    To purchase tickets to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on 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

    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.

  • BAM WEATHER TO PROVIDE WEATHER DATA AND FORECASTS TO NHRA

    BAM WEATHER TO PROVIDE WEATHER DATA AND FORECASTS TO NHRA

    GREENWOOD, IN (April 9, 2024) – BAM Weather (BAMWX.com) announced today that they will be providing weather data and forecasts to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). NHRA, which is now the largest racing organization in the world, was founded in 1951. BAM Weather will provide weather data, forecasting, and support through their platform, Clarity, for NHRA operations.

    Weather has a major impact on sporting events across the world and anything from light rain to severe weather can affect racing events the NHRA hosts. To mitigate weather concern, NHRA will utilize Clarity’s 24/7, live meteorological consultation to aid in critical weather-related decisions.

    “We’re excited to add BAM Weather as a partner for the NHRA,” NHRA Vice President of Racing Administration Josh Peterson said. “The weather is a huge factor in our sport, and their experts and standout technology ensure we will have the proper tools to make the most accurate weather assessments possible. Working with BAM Weather will allow us to make proactive weather-related decisions when it comes to our events as well.”

    Clarity will provide NHRA with detailed weather data on both an hourly and daily basis using the country’s most accurate, hi-res conglomeration of computer models and direct commentary from BAM Weather meteorologists.

    “The opportunity to partner with a global sports entertainment business like NHRA is extremely exciting for everyone here at BAM,” Director of Partnerships, Lauren Thomas said. “Combined with that fact many of us here at BAM are avid and loyal fans of NHRA, that excitement is elevated to a whole new level. It is thrilling, to say the least, to be entrusted by the NHRA team to assist in mitigating weather concerns to provide the best event experience for their fans and drivers.”

    The Clarity platform brings human interaction back into the picture in a heavily automated world. With consistent interaction and communication on the platform, the goal for BAM is to provide clients an increased level of confidence when dealing with weather situations.

    “It is the mission and expectation of BAM to not only provide state of the art weather tools and information in our platform, Clarity, but to offer the best and most accurate meteorological support to help our clients make weather related decisions,” Thomas said. “With weather playing such a crucial role in the event experience for NHRA, I know that having access to chat with our meteorology team anytime they need will be the key in making confident weather-related decisions.”


    About BAM WX LLC:

    BAM Weather specializes in delivering a very simple yet unique and personal, location specific forecast. In addition to athletic events, BAM Weather also provides forecasting services for industries including school districts, event venues, motorsports, concerts, fairs and festivals, agriculture, snow removal, landscape, energy, and much more. With a focus and extreme attention to detail in both short and long-term forecasting, BAM’s #1 goal is to assist customers in high-cost decision support based on accurate weather analytics.

    To sign up visit: BAMWX.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.

  • TOP FUEL’S TONY STEWART FEELING SURGE OF MOMENTUM HEADING INTO VEGAS’ NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS

    TOP FUEL’S TONY STEWART FEELING SURGE OF MOMENTUM HEADING INTO VEGAS’ NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS

    LAS VEGAS (April 8, 2024) – Returning to the site of his first victory as an NHRA competitor, racing legend and Top Fuel rookie Tony Stewart also enters this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with some newfound momentum.

    The motorsports Hall of Famer picked up his first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series round win on Sunday in Phoenix and then added another, advancing to the semifinals for the first time in Top Fuel.

    It was a strong improvement for Stewart in his 11,000-horsepower Rayce Rudeen Foundation Dodge//SRT dragster ahead of this weekend’s race at Las Vegas, which is a motorsports facility that has treated him very well over his storied championship career. That includes on the drag racing side as well, where Stewart won in Top Alcohol Dragster last year at the four-wide event. The unique spectacle of four-wide drag racing is also something Stewart has quickly embraced.

    “Vegas has been pretty good to us,” Stewart said. “I really enjoy the four-wide races at Vegas and Charlotte. Having the opportunity to do it with the Top Fuel car is something I’m really looking forward to. I really looked forward to it last year. I feel like it’s an equalizer a little bit. I feel like that closes the gap a bit.”

    The 2023 event saw Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) take home the coveted NHRA Wally trophies and this season’s race will again be broadcasted on FS1, including eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 14, showcasing all the entertainment from Las Vegas.

    This weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals also marks the first four-wide event for the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. The bonus race debuted last year and takes place on Saturday, putting a bonus purse and championship points on the line. It happens in Vegas for the first time this season, as two quads will face off during the third round of qualifying on Saturday. The top four advance to the final quad to close out qualifying, with the winner getting a chance to double-up in Vegas.

    Stewart’s quad in the Challenge includes Billy Torrence, Doug Kalitta and Justin Ashley, while the other foursome features Steve Torrence, Shawn Reed, defending event winner Brown and Phoenix winner Shawn Langdon. It also puts a premium on staying locked in for the challenge that is four-wide racing.

    “If you pay attention, it works just fine,” Stewart said.” Last year with the Top Alcohol team, they’d put a piece of tape with a number on there inside the car, so if for any reason I got distracted on which light I needed to look at, I could check that as a reference. I think if you’re doing your job and paying attention, you don’t necessarily need that help. I know the routine tends to be a little longer, since you’re trying to get four teams organized and their cadence right.”

    Stewart and his team made plenty of positive steps in Phoenix, advancing to the semifinals before falling just short in a great race against Winternationals winner Ashley. Stewart was thrilled with the turnaround, praising a team that continues to work well together.

    “These guys really rallied (on Sunday), so by having the opportunity to make three runs, you feel like we’re finally starting to get a base and then can work from there,” Stewart said. “I never thought just winning one round would take such a weight off your shoulders. It’s kind of like when we made the first run at Gainesville. I kind of relaxed and settled in. It was the same way (Sunday) getting through the first round and after we did that, I started to get that rhythm again. It’s good for all of us as a team. We’ll just keep digging. I’m looking forward to (this) week.”

    In the Funny Car category, Hagan picked up his fifth Las Vegas win last year. He’s after his first victory in 2024 against the likes of first-year Funny Car driver Austin Prock, who won in Phoenix, Winternationals winner John Force, points leader J.R. Todd, Ron Capps, Bob Tasca III, Alexis DeJoria and Daniel Wilkerson.

    Pro Stock points leader Glenn took home his second Las Vegas win last season and is rolling in 2024 thanks to his Winternationals win. He’ll look to keep up his hot streak against Phoenix winner Greg Anderson, defending world champ Erica Enders, who has dominated in Vegas, Jeg Coughlin Jr., Matt Hartford and Cristian Cuadra.

    In the Funny Car Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, one quad includes Prock, Wilkerson, Force and Todd, with the other featuring DeJoria, Cruz Pedregon, Paul Lee and Blake Alexander. The Pro Stock matchups have J. Coughlin, Jerry Tucker, Anderson and T. Coughlin in one quad, and Enders, Aaron Stanfield, Glenn and Cuadra in the other.

    The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the top racers in the country. Also on deck will be Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and the 2024 debut of the new Holley EFI Factory X category, while a special jet car exhibition featuring the “Muy Caliente” and the “Iceman” jet dragsters will follow the conclusion of nitro qualifying each day as well.

    Fans will also be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which will help create a festive atmosphere leading into the nitro pits. The Nitro Alley Stage will be the main entertainment hub in the pits when the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competitors are not on the track, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans in Vegas 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.

    As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Las Vegas. This opportunity gives fans a unique chance to 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 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. PT on Friday, April 12, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 13 at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. PT on Sunday, April 14. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 11:00 p.m. ET on both Friday and Saturday on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), leading into eliminations coverage at 7:00 p.m. ET on Sunday at FS1.

    To purchase tickets to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on 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

    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.

  • KEVIN RIVENBARK WINS FIRST CONGRUITY NHRA PRO MOD RACE AT CATEGORY’S DEBUT IN PHOENIX

    KEVIN RIVENBARK WINS FIRST CONGRUITY NHRA PRO MOD RACE AT CATEGORY’S DEBUT IN PHOENIX

    PHOENIX (April 7, 2024) – In the first-ever appearance for the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ at Firebird Motorsports Park in Phoenix, Kevin Rivenbark picked up his first career victory in front a sellout crowd as part of this weekend’s 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals.

    It was the second of 10 races during the 2024 season and this weekend’s event was powered by LAT Racing Oils. Rivenbark knocked off Ken Quartuccio in a matchup of first-time finalists, going 5.746-seconds at 249.76 mph in his Culp Lumber Ford Mustang, grabbing a memorable first victory at NHRA Pro Mod’s debut in Phoenix.

    “This is unreal,” Rivenbark said. “It hasn’t set in yet. We’ve run in this class off and on, and we’ve tried to be consistent the last few years, but this year we’re going to make a run for a championship. To get a win at the second race, it’s just remarkable.”

    To reach the final round, Rivenbark defeated defending world champion Mike Castellana, Justin Bond and Mason Wright, going a weekend-best 5.738 at 251.02 to reach the finals.

    Quartuccio, who qualified second with a 5.678 at 249.72, got to the final for the first time thanks to round wins against Chip King, Lyle Barnett and Billy Banaka.

    The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ returns to action May 17-19 as part of the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK Performance at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago.


    CHANDLER, Ariz. — Final finish order (1-16) at the 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. The second of 10 events in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+.

    PRO MODIFIED:

    1. Kevin Rivenbark; 2. Ken Quartuccio; 3. Billy Banaka; 4. Mason Wright; 5. Lyle Barnett; 6. JR Gray; 7. Jose Gonzalez; 8. Justin Bond; 9. Khalid alBalooshi; 10. Mike Stavrinos; 11. Jason Lee; 12. Stan Shelton; 13. Mike Castellana; 14. Mike Thielen; 15. Dmitry Samorukov; 16. Chip King.

    CHANDLER, Ariz. — Sunday’s final results from the 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. The second of 10 events in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+.

    Pro Modified — Kevin Rivenbark, Ford Mustang, 5.746, 249.76 def. Ken Quartuccio, Chevy Camaro, 5.828, 238.47.

    CHANDLER, Ariz. — Final round-by-round results from the 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park, the second of 10 events in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+.

    PRO MODIFIED:

    ROUND ONE — Kevin Rivenbark, Ford Mustang, 5.776, 250.23 def. Mike Castellana, Chevy Camaro, 8.600, 105.46; Jose Gonzalez, Camaro, 6.676, 147.44 def. Mike Thielen, Camaro, 9.901, 81.52; Ken Quartuccio, Camaro, 5.731, 249.86 def. Chip King, Dodge Charger, Broke; Billy Banaka, Camaro, 5.738, 252.00 def. Mike Stavrinos, Camaro, 5.895, 242.50; Mason Wright, Camaro, 5.749, 248.84 def. Dmitry Samorukov, Camaro, 11.337, 77.00; JR Gray, Camaro, 6.167, 242.23 def. Stan Shelton, Mustang, 6.296, 234.33; Justin Bond, Camaro, 5.681, 251.11 def. Jason Lee, Camaro, 5.929, 235.06; Lyle Barnett, Camaro, 5.774, 248.66 def. Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 5.716, 252.85;

    QUARTERFINALS — Wright, 5.766, 247.93 def. Gonzalez, 7.675, 123.71; Quartuccio, 5.756, 249.44 def. Barnett, 5.816, 248.57; Rivenbark, 10.048, 85.60 def. Bond, 31.055, 98.64; Banaka, 5.761, 251.53 def. Gray, 6.238, 219.97;

    SEMIFINALS — Rivenbark, 5.738, 251.02 def. Wright, 6.235, 210.70; Quartuccio, 5.748, 248.98 def. Banaka, 5.998, 192.47;

    FINAL — Rivenbark, 5.746, 249.76 def. Quartuccio, 5.828, 238.47.

    CHANDLER, Ariz. — Point standings (top 10) following the 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park, the second of 10 events in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+.

    Pro Modified

    1. Jose Gonzalez, 167; 2. Ken Quartuccio, 150; 3. Kevin Rivenbark, 138; 4. Mason Wright, 132; 5. Justin Bond, 117; 6. Mike Thielen, 111; 7. Billy Banaka, 106; 8. Kris Thorne, 94; 9. (tie) JR Gray, 87; Jason Scruggs, 87.
  • PROCK, LANGDON AND ANDERSON WIN NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS IN FRONT OF SELLOUT CROWD

    PROCK, LANGDON AND ANDERSON WIN NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS IN FRONT OF SELLOUT CROWD

    PHOENIX (April 7, 2024) – Austin Prock powered to his first career Funny Car win on Sunday at Firebird Motorsports Park for John Force Racing, driving past Alexis DeJoria in the final round in front of a sellout crowd at the 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals.

    Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) each won at the third of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Sunday also marked the second straight sellout crowd this weekend.

    Prock, who was also the No. 1 qualifier, went 3.952-seconds at 320.74 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS to get past DeJoria in his second final round this season. After defeating Buddy Hull, Daniel Wilkerson and points leader J.R. Todd to reach the finals, Prock led wire-to-wire against DeJoria, becoming just the 19th driver in NHRA history to win in both Top Fuel and Funny Car.

    It marked a memorable moment for Prock, especially winning with his father, Jimmy, as the crew chief, and his brother, Thomas, as the car chief.

    “This is a huge win,” Prock said. “This car has been running great and we started the year out strong and struggled a little bit last week in Pomona. We had to get some revenge this weekend and we definitely did that. That was a great run in the final round there. That’s a run we were trying to do that all weekend long and just couldn’t piece it all together. For it all to finally come together to get my first Funny Car win means a lot.

    “To enter that league (of winning in Top Fuel and Funny Car) with the Don Prudhommes, the Shawn Langdons, the J.R. Todds, the Kenny Bernsteins, who are legends and Hall of Famers, it’s pretty cool to be a part of that. To do it with my family makes it even more special. It was a beautiful day, a packed house and we’re rolling out of here with some gold. What more could you ask for?”

    DeJoria reached the finals for the first time this season thanks to round wins against Bob Tasca III, Paul Lee and Blake Alexander.

    Shawn Langdon picked up his second Top Fuel win in three races to open the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, this time knocking off Justin Ashley in the final round on Sunday with a run of 3.760 at 318.69 in his 11,000-horsepower Kalitta Air Careers/Toyota dragster. It’s the first career Top Fuel win at Firebird Motorsports Park for Langdon, who also denied Ashley a double-up victory this weekend in Phoenix. Langdon defeated Josh Hart, Antron Brown and No. 1 qualifier Steve Torrence to reach the final round and then posted a brilliant .050 reaction time against Ashley to pick up his 19th career victory.

    It’s the first time Langdon has led the points three races in a row since the 2015 campaign as he continues to roll early in the year, again crediting the job first-year crew chief Brian Husen has done.

    “When you run a Justin in the final, you know what he’s capable of. He’s the best leaver in the class bar none, so my only focus was just leave with him. and then leave it up to Brian because I have that much confidence in Brian and my guys,” Langdon said. “So when I hit the gas, we left with him, I said, ‘Well, we’ve got a shot,’ and so I just tried to hold it straight and saw the win light and the rest is history.

    “It feels great, obviously. I’m just really proud of everybody and all the hard work that went into the offseason. It’s been hard for the last couple of years to struggle. but you just keep your head down, just keep working hard, and eventually, the tide’s going to roll the other way. At some point, you don’t know how long that will be but it’s paying dividends right now.”

    Ashley reached his second straight final and 21st overall on the strength of round wins against Tony Schumacher, Doug Kalitta and Tony Stewart, who won his first rounds in Top Fuel on Sunday.

    In Pro Stock, Greg Anderson grabbed his first victory of the season in impressive fashion, taking down teammate Dallas Glenn in the final round with a 6.582 at 208.97 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. It’s also the 104th career victory for Anderson and his third career win in Phoenix, winning at Firebird Motorsports Park for the first time since 2017. Anderson defeated Eric Latino, Troy Coughlin Jr. and then No. 1 qualifier and longtime rival Jeg Coughlin Jr. to reach the championship round, posting an impressive .022 reaction time to lead wire-to-wire against his KB Titan Racing teammate.

    The early-season win is also a breath of fresh air for Anderson, who remains focused on winning a sixth career world championship. He didn’t pick up a victory last year until late in the season but made sure that didn’t happen again on Sunday in Phoenix.

    “This feels great and, honestly, it feels as good as the first,” Anderson said. “It’s just so hard to win in this class anymore and to have the day I had, the weekend I had, I actually a good job behind the wheel. I’m really thrilled with that, but that’s what it takes to win in this class anymore. You have to have the whole total package, you have to have the best car, you have to have the best crew and you have to drive it well.

    “We were able to put all three together today on a very, very tricky racetrack. It’s a tough one, but I love those challenges. My crew loves those challenges. You had to be on your toes, so now we’re going to Vegas with a little bit of momentum.”

    Glenn, who won the postponed Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals on Saturday in Phoenix, reached the finals for the 19th time in his career and second time this season thanks to round wins against Mason McGaha, Cristian Cuadra and Aaron Stanfield.

    The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to action April 12-14 with the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.


    CHANDLER, Ariz. — Final finish order (1-16) at the 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. The race is the third of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

    TOP FUEL:

    1. Shawn Langdon; 2. Justin Ashley; 3. Steve Torrence; 4. Tony Stewart; 5. Doug Kalitta; 6. Shawn Reed; 7. Billy Torrence; 8. Antron Brown; 9. Tony Schumacher; 10. Clay Millican; 11. Terry Totten; 12. Josh Hart; 13. Travis Shumake; 14. Brittany Force; 15. Jasmine Salinas; 16. Krista Baldwin.

    FUNNY CAR:

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

    PRO STOCK:

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

    CHANDLER, Ariz. — Sunday’s final results from the 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. The race is the third of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

    Top Fuel — Shawn Langdon, 3.760 seconds, 318.69 mph def. Justin Ashley, 3.849 seconds, 324.98 mph.

    Funny Car — Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.952, 320.74 def. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota GR Supra, 4.049, 316.90.

    Pro Stock — Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.582, 208.97 def. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.618, 208.91.

    Super Stock — Ryan McClanahan, Chevy Cobalt, 8.471, 154.86 def. Brad Burton, Pontiac Firebird, 9.340, 135.27.

    Stock Eliminator — Tony Marconi, Plymouth Demon, 10.927, 116.44 def. Mike Cotten,Plymouth Duster, 11.042, 118.72.

    Super Comp — Madison Payne, Dragster, 10.840, 88.24 def. Tim Parker, Dragster, Broke.

    Super Gas — Evan Kowalski, Chevy Corvette, 9.926, 156.34 def. John Dexter, Corvette, 9.966, 144.97.

    Super Street — Keith Manogue, ChevyNova, 10.892, 140.23 def. Matthew Bong, Ford ustang, 10.856, 134.28.

    Top Sportsman — Allen Firestone, Chevy Camaro, 6.420, 207.98 def. Bryan Warr, Camaro, 6.755, 203.65.

    Top Dragster — Thomas Bayer, Dragster, 6.151, 211.89 def. Dylon Hough, Dragster, 6.662, 199.17.

    Pro Modified — Kevin Rivenbark, Ford Mustang, 5.746, 249.76 def. Ken Quartuccio, Chevy Camaro, 5.828, 238.47.

    Legends Nostalgia Funny Car presented by Modern Warriors — Geoff Monise, Pontiac Firebird, 4.755, 238.68 def. Bobby Cottrell, Chevy Camaro, 4.810, 230.02.

    CHANDLER, Ariz. — Final round-by-round results from the 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park, the third of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

    TOP FUEL:

    ROUND ONE — Billy Torrence, 4.733, 160.79 def. Krista Baldwin, 10.331, 75.81; Shawn Reed, 3.791, 324.36 def. Jasmine Salinas, 6.880, 83.16; Justin Ashley, 3.804, 328.22 def. Tony Schumacher, 3.791, 325.69; Tony Stewart, 4.163, 260.56 def. Brittany Force, 6.396, 94.92; Doug Kalitta, 3.993, 247.25 def. Terry Totten, 3.978, 285.53; Steve Torrence, 3.829, 327.90 def. Travis Shumake, 4.504, 191.73; Antron Brown, 3.804, 327.35 def. Clay Millican, 3.898, 271.35; Shawn Langdon, 18.546, 53.50 def. Josh Hart, Foul – Red Light;

    QUARTERFINALS — Stewart, 3.978, 250.46 def. B. Torrence, 7.844, 67.89; S. Torrence, 3.835, 322.04 def. Reed, 4.867, 158.26; Langdon, 3.823, 322.88 def. Brown, 9.059, 85.10; Ashley, 3.825, 326.00 def. Kalitta, 3.866, 307.37;

    SEMIFINALS — Ashley, 3.844, 323.74 def. Stewart, 3.885, 316.45; Langdon, 3.870, 316.52 def. S. Torrence, 3.851, 324.90;

    FINAL — Langdon, 3.760, 318.69 def. Ashley, 3.849, 324.98.

    FUNNY CAR:

    ROUND ONE — Alexis DeJoria, Toyota GR Supra, 4.108, 286.44 def. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 8.310, 86.16; Paul Lee, Dodge Charger, 3.973, 320.97 def. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Camry, Foul – Red Light; Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 4.398, 277.83 def. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.673, 184.80; John Force, Camaro, 3.991, 314.75 def. Jim Campbell, Chevy Monte Carlo, 6.551, 97.64; J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.936, 324.05 def. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.023, 314.83; Blake Alexander, Mustang, 4.525, 293.15 def. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 5.055, 182.33; Bobby Bode, Mustang, 4.027, 315.19 def. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.141, 276.01; Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.949, 324.28 def. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.043, 310.48;

    QUARTERFINALS — DeJoria, 4.043, 309.20 def. Bode, 9.485, 81.25; Alexander, 7.874, 73.62 def. Lee, Broke; Prock, 4.053, 280.54 def. Wilkerson, 7.514, 98.44; Todd, 4.003, 319.90 def. Force, 4.036, 317.64;

    SEMIFINALS — DeJoria, 4.060, 313.44 def. Alexander, 8.463, 85.30; Prock, 3.999, 315.34 def. Todd, 4.010, 320.97;

    FINAL — Prock, 3.952, 320.74 def. DeJoria, 4.049, 316.90.

    PRO STOCK:

    ROUND ONE — Jerry Tucker, Chevy Camaro, 6.652, 209.26 def. David Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 18.511, 43.37; Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.620, 209.52 def. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 14.598, 70.91; Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.607, 208.62 def. Brandon Foster, Camaro, 6.626, 207.34; Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.587, 209.59 def. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.586, 208.81; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.569, 209.56 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.621, 209.14; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.572, 209.23 def. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 7.041, 157.71; Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.558, 209.69 def. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.619, 208.71; Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.552, 210.11 def. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 7.538, 157.28;

    QUARTERFINALS — Glenn, 9.668, 148.28 def. C. Cuadra, Foul – Red Light; Anderson, 6.586, 209.33 def. Coughlin Jr., 17.087, 48.43; Stanfield, 6.877, 197.94 def. Enders, 7.076, 207.05; Coughlin, 6.619, 209.20 def. Tucker, 9.417, 101.81;

    SEMIFINALS — Glenn, 6.635, 208.42 def. Stanfield, 6.798, 208.39; Anderson, 6.612, 208.78 def. Coughlin, 10.928, 103.10;

    FINAL — Anderson, 6.582, 208.97 def. Glenn, 6.618, 208.91.

    CHANDLER, Ariz. — Point standings (top 10) following the 39th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park, the third of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series –

    Top Fuel

    1. Shawn Langdon, 295; 2. Justin Ashley, 259; 3. Steve Torrence, 225; 4. Billy Torrence, 212; 5. Antron Brown, 167; 6. Doug Kalitta, 166; 7. Tony Schumacher, 165; 8. Brittany Force, 146; 9. Tony Stewart, 134; 10. (tie) Josh Hart, 116.

    Shawn Reed, 116.

    Funny Car

    1. J.R. Todd, 262; 2. Austin Prock, 260; 3. John Force, 211; 4. Matt Hagan, 189; 5. Ron Capps, 170; 6. Bob Tasca III, 155; 7. Paul Lee, 146; 8. Alexis DeJoria, 144; 9. Chad Green, 140; 10. Daniel Wilkerson, 120.

    Pro Stock

    1. Dallas Glenn, 295; 2. Erica Enders, 291; 3. Greg Anderson, 267; 4. Jeg Coughlin, 175; 5. Cristian Cuadra, 168; 6. Aaron Stanfield, 159; 7. David Cuadra, 136; 8. Brandon Foster, 131; 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., 122; 10. Matt Hartford, 121.

    Pro Modified

    1. Jose Gonzalez, 167; 2. Ken Quartuccio, 150; 3. Kevin Rivenbark, 138; 4. Mason Wright, 132; 5. Justin Bond, 117; 6. Mike Thielen, 111; 7. Billy Banaka, 106; 8. Kris Thorne, 94; 9. (tie) JR Gray, 87; Jason Scruggs, 87.
  • NHRA AT PHOENIX: Team Chevy Race Report

    NHRA AT PHOENIX: Team Chevy Race Report

    CHEVROLET IN NHRA
    2024 NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS
    FIREBIRD MOTORSPORTS PARK
    CHANDLER, ARIZONA
    TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE | NOTES & QUOTES
    APRIL 7, 2024

    CHEVROLET CAPTURES THREE NHRA WALLY TROPHIES IN PHOENIX, WITH AUSTIN PROCK AND JOHN FORCE IN FUNNY CAR, AND GREG ANDERSON IN PRO STOCK

    Notes:

    • Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, raced to his first NHRA Funny Car victory, capturing the Arizona Nationals Wally trophy over Alexis DeJoria to give John Force Racing their second event win of the weekend after John Force, driver of the PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, won over Matt Hagan in the weather delayed NHRA Winternationals Finals from Pomona.
    • Prock’s win in Phoenix Sunday earned Chevrolet their 161st NHRA Funny Car victory since 1967, the 81st for Team Chevy in a Camaro-bodied Funny Car.
    • Prock kicked off the Arizona Nationals race day from the No. 1 position, qualifying at the top of the leaderboard, with his run of 3.840 seconds E.T. at 334.40 mph earning his second Funny Car No. 1 qualifier and of the 2024 season, and fifth career in NHRA (four in Top Fuel).
    • In Saturday’s Q3, the completion of Pomona’s final round resulted in J. Force, racing to victory over Matt Hagan to capture his 156th-career victory, as well as Chevrolet’s 160th Funny Car victory since 1967, Team Chevy’s 80th in a Camaro-bodied car, and Force’s 20th for Chevrolet.
    • Force Sunday later drove to a Round 2 appearance in the Arizona Nationals, defeated in a close race by J.R. Todd with Force’s run of 4.036 seconds E.T. at 317.64 mph not enough for Todd’s 4.003 seconds E.T. at 319.90 mph.
    • Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, led the John Force Racing team for Chevrolet in qualifying for Sunday’s Arizona Nationals with her pass of 3.689-seconds E.T. at 334.90 mph to put her on the race day ladders at No. 2. Despite strong qualifying, B. Force fell to Tony Stewart in Round 1.
    • Greg Anderson, capturing his 104th national event win in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock car, raced to the Arizona Nationals Wally trophy over Dallas Glenn with his run of 6.582 seconds E.T. at 208.97 mph to Glenn’s 6.618 seconds E.T. at 208.91 mph. Anderson’s win on Sunday gives Chevrolet their 385th Pro Stock victory since 1970 and the 266th in the Camaro.
    • Dallas Glenn, driver of the RAD Torque Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock, defeated Erica Enders in the Pomona finals conclusion during Arizona Nationals’ qualifying to earn his ninth career NHRA victory in Pro Stock, as well as Chevrolet’s 384th Pro Stock victory since 1970 and the 265th in the Camaro.

    Quotes:

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

    “Starting off strong in Phoenix, we secured a second-place qualification and consistently made good runs. Unfortunately, our fortune shifted on race day when we were eliminated in the first round due to driving into smoke. However, we’re looking forward to testing tomorrow, planning to complete four laps in the heat, which should be beneficial before heading to Las Vegas. Speaking of Vegas, it’s a place we’ve had success in the past and we’re eager to return. The four-wide format there will definitely mix things up, but I believe the testing in Phoenix will have us well-prepared.”

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

    “This is huge. All you want to do is make your parents proud, and I sure hope they’re proud because I definitely am. My dad (crew chief Jimmy Prock) and Thomas (Prock) are doing a great along with Nate Hildahl, this whole Cornwell team, and a big win for Chevrolet. A double-up for John Force Racing this weekend, and man, the days don’t get much better than this. What more could you ask for? We’re rolling out of here with some gold, baby.”

    THOMAS PROCK, CREW CHIEF AND BROTHER OF AUSTIN PROCK:

    “This is amazing. This has been a tough day. Anybody who’s gone down this track with four runs in a row, they deserve an award. This is great for Cornwell Tools, for our company. We’ve had a great start to this year. I’m so proud of this team. My brother has just done a phenomenal job driving this thing. He deserves a lot of credit. He saved our butts first round, and I’m just excited to celebrate. We’re testing tomorrow, and we’re going to try and a little better.”

    JIMMY PROCK, CREW CHIEF AND FATHER OF AUSTIN PROCK, on Prock’s driving so far in Funny Car: “He’s still learning, but he’s adapting and he’s changing. He’s doing a really good job.”

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

    “It was a fantastic weekend for Cornwell Tools and Chevrolet, clinching a victory like that, especially with Prock landing his first NHRA Funny Car win. It’s a big deal.We had to navigate through some changes, with Robert Hight, a three-time champion, stepping back for a bit. But everything’s aligning well for John Force Racing. Our top priority has always been looking after our sponsors, and this win certainly does that. Clinching the victory in Pomona yesterday was thrilling. It’s still early in the season, but this win sets a positive tone we’re all proud of. Yet, we’re mindful of the fierce competition out there; we’ve got our work cut out for us.Prock’s got a solid team behind him, with his dad and brother in the mix. Robert’s been sharing his wisdom about the car, much like he does with me, and it’s paying off. The kid’s got a background in dirt racing before moving to Top Fuel with us, and he’s had stints in our Funny Car too. Transitioning to a new team in Top Fuel was a challenge, but now he’s backed by a seasoned team, and they’re really complementing each other well. I’m incredibly proud of him for securing these victories for Chevrolet and all our sponsors. It’s all part of the job, but it sure was a great weekend for John Force Racing.”

    GREG ANDERSON, DRIVER OF THE HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS PRO STOCK:

    “It’s special. It’s been a while. It’s been a tough race track all weekend. My crew did a fantastic job. We managed the race track. We just flat out raced (Glenn). I just can’t thank them enough. I got a little extra pump today. I was watching the NASCAR race at Martinsville, and my teammates at Hendrick were 1-2-3. So, I felt like, you know what, if I don’t win, I’m the weak link in the chain. A lot of pressure there, but I love that. I love the extra pressure. Thank you, Mr. (Hendrick). A great day for you, and a great day for me too. Team Hendrick, baby. Thank you so much. Thank you, Hendrick Cars, Chevrolet, everybody that helps us. Thank you so much. Mac Tools. I love this stuff.”

    AUSTIN PROCK, CORNWELL TOOLS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR – NHRA Arizona Nationals Funny Car Winner Press Conference:

    “This is a huge win. This car has been running great, and we started the year out strong. We struggled a little bit last weekend and had to get some revenge this weekend. We definitely did that. That was a great run in the final round there. We were trying to do that all weekend long. Just couldn’t piece it together but it finally all came together. To get my first Funny Car win and enter a league of its own with the Don Prudhommes, the Shawn Langdons, the J.R. Todds, the Kenny Bernsteins, all these people that are legends and future hall of famers, it’s pretty cool to be a part of that small group. To do it with my family makes it even more special. There hadn’t been a bad day at the race track, even last weekend when we struggled. You never want to struggle, but when you get to race with your family, there’s never a bad day out here. Everyone’s just doing an outstanding job. We earned this one today. Had to pedal it first round, dropped holes, legged it as long as I could, almost took the fence out. Then we go up there and I was dead late against JR (Todd) and the Prock Rocket bailed me out. We put it all together there in the final. I chopped the tree down and the thing hauled the mail. We definitely earned it. These Funny Cars are no joke. I said at the top end this is by far the hardest car I’ve ever driven and most competitive class I’ve ever driven in. I’ve been racing since I was 10 years old. There’s nothing funny about a Funny Car.”

    You say this is the most challenging car you’ve driven yet you win your first in just your third race. It took you 16 races to win in Top Fuel. What’s the difference?

    “In my Top Fuel career, I worked with some wonderful people. Very brilliant, smart people, but we never really had a fair shot at running back-to-back seasons with the same group of people and that really crippled our performance, I feel. If you name any one of the crew chiefs I worked with, if we had back-to-back years, I think we could’ve really done some damage. When you fall into a golden pot like I did this year into a championship-contending car every year it goes out there, the thing is just bad fast and I’m hanging on and trying to learn as fast as I can. It’s definitely been a crash course, but I’m doing the best I can. That’s all you can ask.”

    Did you have a mental idea of how long it would take for you to win?

    “I knew the car was capable of it. I was sure I wasn’t going to be the weak link. I’m just hanging on for dear life, and like I said, do the best I can. Today was the W.”

    With a tough class and tough field, did you think it would take this short to get your first Funny Car win?

    “If you don’t believe in yourself, you shouldn’t be here. This is a very competitive class, and if you don’t believe in yourself, you’re not going to be competitive. You’ve got to walk around here believing you can do it, walk with your chin up, take your punches, and try and swing some back. That’s all I’ve been doing. I’ve just been trying to be a sponge. The tough thing about drag racing is you don’t get another lap to fix it. You go up there, and you’ve got to be perfect. If you make a mistake, you’ve got to sit around for three hours or more, and then go up there and make sure you don’t make it again. That’s what makes drag racing so tough. I’ve just been focused. I’ve got the best people in my corner. We’ve got the best sponsors, and the best parts and pieces. I’m just trying not to mess it up essentially. It’s working. I’ve been able to showcase my talent in a really tough field in a tough car.”

    Talk about, while it being a short time from January to April, about your comfort level in the car…

    “I’m getting more comfortable every lap, but the thing is every time you get comfortable, this thing tries to do something crazy on you. It’s like in first round, I pedaled the thing, it was beautiful. Couldn’t have done much better. Straight down there, had holes out, got the round win and then I’m like, ‘Man, I’ve got to hang on.’ Next round, it goes out there, drops holes and I about knocked the fence down. I get the finish line board. Almost crashed the car but got the win. Every time you think you’ve got a handle on it, but you don’t, and that’s what makes this category so tough.”

    JOHN FORCE, PEAK CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR – NHRA Winternationals Funny Car Winner Press Conference:

    Longtime coming to get back in the winner’s circle. You had to wait a couple of weeks from the weather delay, but how exciting is it to get the Winternationals win?

    “The best was the sold-out crowd. I love that. Of course, who doesn’t love racing The Hulk (Matt Hagan)? He’s an animal out there. I’ve been struggling. I mean, (J.R.) Todd got me. I think my car ran quick as quick, probably ran quicker. But I got my mind right. I said, ‘how bad do you want to win?’ The only thing that was changing is you could make up a story in your head, but what was really happening was I was mad. I was mad at myself saying ‘you just need to get out of the seat, you’re too old for this stuff, or get out there and fight the fight.’ I did, and things went right, and I got the win. So I’m excited. It’s Pomona, that’s always… where my family and all of us grew up on that race track. It was really exciting, but I just… I’m excited.”

    You’ve raced, obviously, at Pomona for a very long time, and you raced here at Phoenix (where the final was concluded) since the first race. Is there any level of extra comfort you have here?

    “You know, it’s funny. Trying to keep my mind right, and I’m sick to my stomach every morning, and just ask ‘why am I stressed?’ Because I dream. Once you get to the race track, I’m well, but I still want that carrot. I still want to win. All of a sudden, something goes right and you don’t know why. Once I get in the race car, I’m home, it’s where I feel right. That’s when the stomach aches go away. Just getting in yesterday was a big deal knowing you could make the show and you could go race. You try to run three races in one and all of a sudden you don’t qualify because you smoked the tires. That’s painful. We got away with it. I’ve got a great team with Daniel Hood and Cunningham has joined us. We’ve got a bunch of young kids who really still believe in me, and do care about me. My wife Laurie and my grandsons, Jacob and Noah, are here. We go the win.”

    How excited are you, today, versus the first time you’ve ran?

    “The hard part is thinking I have to give it up. You have to sooner or later. You just can’t go until you fall in the dirt. To have a day like this… First of all, I can’t remember the first day I had my first win. I think it was in Montreal. But the point is, you get this, and all of a sudden, your life is back. I could see my wife (in the Top End) with the two boys after we won with a gleam in her eyes. She was happy for me, because she knows what I go through in the middle of the night sitting up in bed. It gets old. This, this fixes you.”

    Your last win came just before your 73rd birthday. This one is shortly before your 75th. How do you feel?

    “I better take it now (laughs). I just realized I’m going to be 75 in another month, and I’m doing some serious thinking where I’m going. But moods change you, and my mood has changed right now. It’s a win, and I’ve had lots of wins. But I’ve watched these young kids, and I’ve got some drivers I’m talking to. There’s something coming; I’ll let you all know.”

    Up Next:

    The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heads to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, April 12-14, 2024. Friday qualifying airs April 12 at 11 p.m. ET, with Saturday’s qualifying airing Sunday at 11 a.m. ET. Sunday’s eliminations wrap up the weekend, with finals broadcasting at 7 p.m. ET. All sessions from Firebird 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.

    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.

  • Toyota Gazoo Racing North America NHRA Phoenix Post-Race Report – 04.07.24

    Toyota Gazoo Racing North America NHRA Phoenix Post-Race Report – 04.07.24

    LANGDON CAPTURES VICTORY AT ARIZONA NATIONALS
    Toyota earns third straight Top Fuel victory to start 2024; fourth consecutive overall

    CHANDLER, Ariz. (April 7, 2024) – Shawn Langdon took home the Wally Trophy at the NHRA Arizona Nationals by defeating Toyota teammate, Justin Ashley, in the finals Sunday afternoon at Firebird Motorsports Park. Today’s triumph is Langdon’s second win in three races to kick off 2024 and is the 19th victory of his career. Ashley’s final round appearance caps off a solid weekend for the New York native, in which he also won the postponed Winternationals final from two weeks ago.

    In Funny Car, Alexis DeJoria led the Toyota GR Supra contingent by making the final round on Sunday – her first finals appearance since the Mile High Nationals last summer. The Texan was defeated by Austin Prock in a nail-biting final. J.R. Todd followed up his Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victory yesterday by taking his DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car to the semifinals, falling to Prock by 0.011 of a second.

    The final round appearances by Ashley, Langdon and DeJoria extended Toyota’s final round streak to 26 consecutive in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories.

    Toyota Post-Race Recap
    NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series
    NHRA Arizona Nationals
    Firebird Motorsports Park
    Race 3 of 20

    TOYOTA TOP FUEL FINISHING POSITIONS 

    NameCarFinal ResultRound-by-Round
    Shawn LangdonKalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel DragsterWinnerW (18.456) v. J. Hart (4.182 – red light) W (3.823) v. A. Brown (9.059) W (3.870 – holeshot) v. S. Torrence (3.851) W (3.760) v. J. Ashley (3.849)
    Justin AshleySCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel DragsterFinalistW (3.804 – holeshot) v. T. Schumacher (3.791) W (3.825) v. D. Kalitta (3.866) W (3.844) v. T. Stewart (3.885) L (3.849) v. S. Langdon (3.760)
    Steve TorrenceCAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel DragsterSemi-finalsW (3.829) v. T. Schumake (4.504) W (3.835) v. S. Reed (4.867) L (3.851) v. S. Langdon (3.870 – holeshot)
    Doug KalittaSealmaster Toyota Top Fuel DragsterSecond RoundW (3.993 – holeshot) v. T. Totten (3.978) L (3.866) v. J. Ashley (3.825)
    Antron BrownMatco Tools Toyota Top Fuel DragsterSecond RoundW (3.804) v. C. Millican (3.898) L (9.059) v. S. Langdon (3.823)
    Billy TorrenceCAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel DragsterSecond RoundW (4.733) v. K. Baldwin (10.331) L (7.844) v. T. Stewart (3.978)

    TOYOTA FUNNY CAR FINISHING POSITIONS 

    NameCarFinal ResultRound-by-Round
    Alexis DeJoriaBandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny CarFinalistW (4.108) v. B. Tasca III (8.310) W (4.043) v. B. Bode (9.485) W (4.060) v. B. Alexander (8.463) L (4.049) v. A. Prock (3.952)
    J.R. ToddDHL Toyota GR Supra Funny CarSemi-finalsW (3.936) v. C. Pedregon (4.023) W (4.003) v. J. Force (4.036) L (4.010) v. A. Prock (3.999)
    Ron CappsNAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra Funny CarFirst RoundL (5.055) v. B. Alexander (4.525)

    *= Non-Toyota driver

    TOYOTA QUOTES

    SHAWN LANGDON, Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Kalitta Motorsports

    TF Final Result: Winner

    It seemed like a picture-perfect day for your team, would you say?

    “You know, it really was. This whole Kalitta Air team, from Connie (Kalitta, team owner, Kalitta Motorsports), Chad Head (general manager, Kalitta Motorsports), to Brian Husen (crew-chief) coming over this year. Brian’s done such a fantastic job making some crew changes and the crew has been absolutely flawless. They’ve given me a picture-perfect car all year long. First round, we had a little bit of a weird hiccup and I had to do the idle of shame down the race track. The rest of the runs went a lot smoother. I know in the final, Justin (Ashley) and that whole SCAG group over there with Tommy (DeLago, crew chief) and Mike Green (co-crew chief), they’re a tough bunch. I was thinking in my head, ‘I just got to lead Justin and let Brian do his work.’ So when I hit the gas, I said, ‘Well, we got a shot.’ So, congrats to Brian, the whole Kalitta Air team, everyone at Toyota, DHL, Revchem. Two out of three is not bad, but we’re ready for more.”

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

    FC Final Result: Finalist

    Can you describe your day and weekend overall?

    “What a way to turn it around. This is a complete ‘rags to riches’ event for us. We had a hard time qualifying, had a hard time getting it down the race track. We moved some things around, Del (Worsham, crew chief) went through the car because it was just being finnicky and it wasn’t listening to anything we were trying to do to it. But, he figured it out, the guys got it all together and we got qualified in the 15th spot. You’ve just got to qualify; you’ve got to get in it to have a shot to win it, and that’s exactly what we did. To tell you that I thought we were going to make it to the finals today, was not very likely but again, anything can happen if you just stay focused and have faith, and I have the utmost faith in my team. I know what we’re capable of, we’ve done it before. It was a great way to come back from not being able to get down the race track. Got to the finals, leaving here in the eighth position, heading to Las Vegas for the Four-Wide Nationals. That’s another great track where we’ve had success. I just have to say how proud I am of my team, my crew chief Del Worsham, and assistant crew chief Matt Bynum for keeping it together. It’s been really frustrating for all of us. We’re better than what we’ve shown the last few races and this is a testament to how good we really are. We’ve got our car back.”

    About Toyota 

    Toyota (NYSE:TM), creator of the Prius hybrid and the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota and Lexus brands, and directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America (more than 49,000 in the U.S.).

    Over the past 65 years, Toyota has assembled nearly 45 million cars and trucks in North America at the company’s 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, the company’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

    Through our more than 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.), Toyota sold more than 2.4 million cars and trucks (more than 2.1 million in the U.S.) in 2022, of which, nearly one quarter were electrified vehicles (full battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell).