Category: NHRA

National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) news and information

  • SMT EXPANDS NHRA PARTNERSHIP, BECOMING EXCLUSIVE GRAPHICS PROVIDER WITH CUSTOMIZED PACKAGE FOR CAMPING WORLD DRAG RACING SERIES

    SMT EXPANDS NHRA PARTNERSHIP, BECOMING EXCLUSIVE GRAPHICS PROVIDER WITH CUSTOMIZED PACKAGE FOR CAMPING WORLD DRAG RACING SERIES

    Record viewership follows debut of SMT Creative Studio’s storytelling graphics

    DURHAM, N.C., (Oct. 9, 2023) – SMT (SportsMEDIA Technology), the leading innovator in real-time sports data delivery, graphics presentation and tracking solutions, has expanded its partnership with the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series this season, delivering a customized full graphics insert package for the lightning-fast racing series that airs on Fox Sports. Combined with the fan-favorite AR graphics package that virtually displays driver information, sponsor logos billboards, and other race-related content, SMT is now the exclusive graphics partner for the NHRA.

    SMT Creative Studio, the in-house design division of SMT, in collaboration from NHRA and Fox Sports, conceptualized and crafted a statistics-driven insert graphics package to capture the thrill and intensity of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.

    The variety of info-rich graphics helps viewers gauge performances in a sport where races are measured in increments of thousandths of a second. The insert package made its debut on Labor Day weekend, coinciding with one of the NHRA’s most-watched broadcast in history, as nearly 2.1 million viewers tuned in to original airings for the world’s biggest drag race, the 69th annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, the world’s most renowned drag strip.

    In close collaboration with the NHRA, SMT Creative Studio and SMT engineers joined forces to develop data displays tailored specifically for drag racing. For example, the lower-third launch sequence graphic offers real-time insights into race timing, seamlessly synchronized with the broadcast to deliver immediate race results to viewers.

    “Since our partnership with SMT began in 2016, we’ve witnessed year-over-year enhancements to the sport of drag racing as SMT introduces cutting-edge virtual and broadcast graphics. This has helped support NHRA’s ratings growth as fans embrace new storytelling enhancements,” said Steve Reintjes, NHRA Vice President of Broadcast.

    “Bringing our graphics production operation in-house with SMT at the helm has allowed us to further educate our growing fanbase about the sport and the drivers. From virtual driver cards and start and finish lines to the enhanced timing and scoring graphic with RT (reaction time), ET (elapsed time), and MPH, SMT consistently raises the bar year after year.”

    The new design predominantly incorporates the red, white and blue color scheme synonymous with the NHRA, prominently featuring the oval-shaped NHRA logo throughout the look. Creative Studio introduced complementary colors to the mix to highlight winners, including a clean shade of green reminiscent of the NHRA’s “Christmas Tree” starting lights.

    “Our design strategy for NHRA revolved around crafting a distinctive visual identity uniquely their own,” said Jon Kaczmarski, Director, Creative & Strategy, SMT Creative Studio. “Our approach embraced tactile elements by seamlessly integrating 3D shapes and components inspired by various automotive elements and textures. These elements harmonized with a HUD-style design, enabling viewers to absorb the data while keeping their eyes on the cars, allowing us to highlight the depth of real-time data and performance metrics vital to the sport.”

    SMT’s patented video overlay system, NITRO, serves as the core technology behind the virtual graphics. SMT precisely calibrates camera panheads to capture every moment, from the cars inching up to the staging lines before launch to hole-shot views. Given the incredible speed of Top Fuel dragsters covering the 1,000-foot dragstrip in 3.7 seconds at 330 mph, virtual finish lines enable viewers to witness numerous photo finishes.

    “SMT and NHRA are continually exploring ways to enhance and expand our product offerings,” said Rob McCarney, Special Projects Manager, SMT. “Last year, we embarked on a comprehensive upgrade, introducing a brand-new graphics package, statistical interface, and time-and-score insertion, all of which were all launched this season to great acclaim. We take pride in contributing to the success of NHRA and promoting this high-energy, fast-paced sport.”


    About SMT 

    SMT is a world leader in real-time data delivery and graphics solutions for the sports industry, providing clients with cutting-edge storytelling tools to enhance live events and productions. SMT’s technology for scoring, statistics, virtual insertion, tracking analytics and messaging for broadcasts and live events has been used to enhance the world’s most prestigious events. The 37-time Emmy Award-winning company is headquartered in Durham, N.C., with divisions in Jacksonville, Fla.; Fremont, Calif.; Toronto, Canada; and Munich, Germany. 

    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 21 national events featuring the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown™ and Top Fuel Harley Series. 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 120 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.

  • NHRA DRIVERS DOUBLE DOWN IN LAS VEGAS AT PENULTIMATE EVENT OF 2023 SEASON

    NHRA DRIVERS DOUBLE DOWN IN LAS VEGAS AT PENULTIMATE EVENT OF 2023 SEASON

    LAS VEGAS (Oct. 6, 2023) – As the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series winds down, teams gear up for the penultimate race of the Countdown to the Championship playoffs at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the 23rd annual NHRA Nevada Nationals on Oct. 26-29.

    The race marks the fifth event of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will have their eyes locked on the ultimate prize: an NHRA world championship.

    The intensity will be high, the action will be nonstop and race fans won’t be able to look away for a minute as the dragstrip lights up with 11,000-horsepower, 330-mph excitement the entire weekend.

    Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won the 2022 NHRA Nevada Nationals. This season’s race will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), including eliminations at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 29 as the stars of the NHRA battle it out in Las Vegas.

    Force swept both races at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last season, picking up both the NHRA Nevada Nationals win and the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in the spring. She then went onto win the 2022 NHRA Top Fuel world championship during her record-breaking season. To defend her title, she’ll need to get past points leader Doug Kalitta, who won the first two races in the playoffs, Tony Stewart Racing’s Leah Pruett, who is currently second in points, former four-time champ Steve Torrence, Justin Ashley and six-time Las Vegas winner Antron Brown.

    Hagan, who won the Las Vegas Four-Wide event this spring, defeated Robert Hight in the finals of last year’s NHRA Nevada Nationals to stay in the title hunt. Hagan is the most recent Funny Car winner and currently sits third in the standings, only 13 points out of first. Bob Tasca III leads the field – marking the first time he’s held the points lead in the postseason – with Hight just six points back. Also hot in the mix is the reigning champion Ron Capps, who is in fourth and is after his third straight world title. Other marquee names include John Force, J.R. Todd, Alexis DeJoria and Chad Green.

    Enders has been dominant in Las Vegas in recent years with nine wins from the facility, the most of any driver in NHRA history. Her victory helped capped off a dominant season, where she also clinched her fifth world championship in Las Vegas. She has two wins on the 2023 season currently leads the Pro Stock points. Right on her heels is Greg Anderson, the winningest Pro Stock driver of all time, Matt Hartford, 2023 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals Dallas Glenn and Aaron Stanfield.

    Arana Jr., who has one win on the 2023 season, powered his way to victory last year by defeating Matt Smith in the final round. Smith then went on to win the 2022 NHRA championship. This season has been dominated by Gaige Herrera, who has eight wins and currently leads the points standings over Smith by 99 points. Arana, Smith, Herrera’s teammate, Eddie Krawiec, and the rest of the class are all hungry to stop Herrera’s 2023 momentum.

    The NHRA Nevada Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport’s top drivers, and the Summit Racing Series ET Finals, where national champions will be crowned, including the first EV national championship in NHRA history. The weekend will also include action in the thrilling Nostalgia Funny Car class, while fans can watch a spectacular jet dragster exhibition from Team “Muy Caliente” after nitro qualifying on Friday and Saturday.

    It’s also the final race of the season in Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports and the new Factory X presented by Holley category. Fans can also enjoy the finale of the NHRA Summit Series, with drivers competing for a national championship.

    As an added attraction, a special drag-and-drive exhibition will take place during the event, with participants in Sick The Magazine’s “Death Week” will be on display for fans interested in NHRA Street Legal Drag Racing. The cars will be paraded in front of the crowd, with fans getting to see the unique cars taking part in the drag-and-drive event.

    Before the race weekend, the NHRA’s biggest stars will take over the Fremont St. Experience for the annual fan fest from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26. An autograph session takes place from 5:30-6:30, allowing fans to meet their favorite drivers as part of this great event leading into the race weekend.

    On Saturday, the Las Vegas Golden Knights marching band will also perform. Race fans at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the NHRA Nevada Nationals event winners.

    Fans are invited to the Nitro Alley Stage all weekend, which will help create a festive atmosphere leading into Nitro Alley. The Nitro Alley Stage will be the main entertainment hub in the pits when the Camping World Drag Racing Series competitors are not on the track, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, influencer interviews and much more. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food, and fun.

    NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. PT on Friday, Oct. 27, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. PT on Sunday, Oct. 29. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday with eliminations on FS1 at 5:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.

    To purchase tickets to the NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, call 800-644-4444 or visit www.lvms.com. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general admissions areas with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.


    About Camping World Holdings, Inc.

    Camping World Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL, (together with its subsidiaries) is the World’s largest retailer of RVs and related products and services. Our vision is to build a long-term legacy business that makes RVing fun and easy. Our Camping World and Good Sam brands have been serving RV consumers since 1966. We strive to build long-term value for our customers, employees, and shareholders by combining a unique and comprehensive assortment of RV products and services with a national network of RV dealerships, service centers and customer support centers along with the industry’s most extensive online presence and a highly trained and knowledgeable team of employees serving our customers, the RV lifestyle, and the communities in which we operate. We also believe that our Good Sam organization and family of programs and services uniquely enable us to connect with our customers as stewards of the RV enthusiast community and the RV lifestyle. With RV sales and service locations in 43 states, Camping World has grown to become the prime destination for everything RV. For more information, visit www.campingworld.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 21 national events featuring the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown™ and Top Fuel Harley Series. 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 120 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.

  • HAGAN, MILLICAN, ANDERSON AND HERRERA RACE TO PLAYOFF WINS AT NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    HAGAN, MILLICAN, ANDERSON AND HERRERA RACE TO PLAYOFF WINS AT NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    ST. LOUIS (Oct. 1, 2023) – Funny Car driver Matt Hagan picked up his fifth win of the season for Tony Stewart Racing on Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway, defeating defending world champion Ron Capps in the final round in front of a huge crowd at the 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals.

    Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the 18th of 21 races during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, and the third of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

    Hagan went 3.991-seconds at 324.90 mph in his 11,000-horsepower American Rebel Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat to slip past Capps’ run of 4.025 at 306.68, earning his 48th career win in the process. The three-time world champ also pulled to within less than a round of first, as he now trails Bob Tasca III by just 13 points heading into the final three races of 2023.

    It was a clutch performance by Hagan as he defeated Alexis DeJoria, John Force and Tasca to reach the finals. He went 4.016 at 316.38 to get past Tasca and then held off Capps and his run of 4.025 at 306.68 to get a much-needed victory.

    “We knew we had to win this race to be in the hunt for this thing,” Hagan said. “It feels like it’s meant to be, and I’m just enjoying the ride. [The team] sat down and looked across from each other, and it’s one of those things where you go, I’m going to dig for you, you dig for me, let’s make this happen. I think that’s what makes it happen, having a core group of guys you want to work hard for. You want to show up for them, and today they all showed up for me, and I felt like I showed up for them.

    “The pressure is huge. I was telling (crew chief) Dickie Venables, damn, this is a lot of pressure, but that’s what you want. That’s what we’re here for. If we didn’t have the pressure, that means we didn’t have a shot. The pressure was huge – you just have to find a way to capitalize on it.”

    Capps reached the final round for the seventh time in 2023 and the 147th time in his career after defeating Tim Wilkerson, Alex Laughlin and Blake Alexander. Tasca leads Hight by just six points – marking the first time Tasca has held the points lead in the playoffs – with Capps only 33 points back in fourth.

    In Top Fuel, Clay Millican powered to his third win this season and sixth in his career, defeating Leah Pruett in the championship round with a pass of 3.758 at 331.94 in his 11,000-horsepower Parts Plus/Comp Cams dragster for Rick Ware Racing. He jumped up to eighth in points in the process, tying Antron Brown for the second-most wins in Top Fuel in 2023.

    He reached the finals by defeating Austin Prock, Mike Salinas and Tony Schumacher, before outrunning Pruett in a thrilling side-by-side duel. It is Millican’s first career victory at World Wide Technology Raceway and the veteran was thrilled with his team’s performance in the heat.

    “Man, what a day. This is huge,” Millican said. “He gave us a hot weekend and man, (crew chief) Jim O (Oberhofer) just showed again that when it’s hot out, look out. We got away with a couple, but we outperformed the cars we raced, and I am so proud. I mean, this was huge. Jim O will quickly tell you, give me a track above 90 degrees and look out. Needless to say, with this perspiration on my face here, it’s above 95 degrees out there, and it was all day. I am already talking to the man upstairs, bring on the heat in Dallas, baby.

    “Our goal is obviously top 10, as far as we can possibly get. It’s way too big a gap to think about chasing down No. 1, but three wins for this Parts Plus team is huge.”

    Leah Pruett advanced the finals for the fourth time this year and the 23rd time in her career, driving past Shawn Langdon, points leader Doug Kalitta and Steve Torrence. She also jumped to second in points, trailing Kalitta by 47 points at the halfway point of the Countdown to the Championship. Torrence is 51 points back of Kalitta and Justin Ashley is 77 points behind.

    Greg Anderson’s late-season surge in Pro Stock continued at St. Louis in a major way, as the veteran won for the second straight weekend thanks to a run of 6.552 at 209.92 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro in the finals against Aaron Stanfield. After struggling for much of the season, Anderson is now second in points – just 25 points behind Erica Enders – picking up his second win of the season and the 103rd in his career. He’s gone from eighth to second in just two races, taking down Jerry Tucker, Deric Kramer and Enders on Sunday to reach the final round.

    It was the second straight semifinal win against Enders, as Anderson was .002 on the starting line against the defending world champ, also snapping her string of four straight wins in St. Louis. He was great on the starting in the final round, too, going .021 to lead wire-to-wire against Stanfield, who went 6.567 at 209.14.

    “I’m back in the game. I’ve legitimately got a shot at this championship with three races to go, and that’s all you can ask,” Anderson said. “I went to the first race at Reading and lost in the first round, and I’ve said it a million times – you can’t win the championship at the first race of the playoffs, but you can lose it. I was knocking on the door of knocking myself out of it. if I didn’t have a big recovery at the next race, I was out of it. I’m back in the fight, and I have a great hot rod, but there are so many great cars, so many great drivers in this class right now. It’s incredible. These next three races are going to be a bare-knuckled brawl.

    “From first round on, it’s like racing the final, every week. Right now, if you don’t do a perfect job round one you go home. There’s no telling what’s going to happen from here on out. I feel fantastic about the way things have gone these past two weeks. With the job my guys have done on my racecar and even the job I’ve been able to do behind the wheel, it feels great.”

    Stanfield advanced to his first final round of 2023 and 14th in his Pro Stock career by defeating Camrie Caruso, Chris McGaha and Bo Butner. Matt Hartford, who was upset in the first round, is 38 points back of Enders and Dallas Glenn, who also lost in the opening round, trails the defending champ by 64 points.

    It was a picture-perfect weekend for Gaige Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle, continuing his dominant season with a run of 6.728 at 201.79 on his Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki to defeat teammate Eddie Krawiec in the final round. It gives Herrera his eighth victory this season, extending his lead to 99 points over Matt Smith at the halfway mark of the playoffs. After qualifying No. 1 for the 11th time this season – tying the single-season mark in Pro Stock Motorcycle history – Herrera broke the track E.T. record in the first round (6.701) to defeat Joey Gladstone.

    He knocked off rookie Chase Van Sant to reach the final round, where he dispatched Krawiec and his 6.761 at 201.52 to deny his teammate of his 50th career victory. But in the process, Herrera moved a step closer to his first career NHRA world championship.

    “Hopefully, I still have a job after knocking Ed off, but that final round was good for our whole team” Herrera said. “All day I had a very consistent motorcycle, and first round was probably the most nervous round for me. Racing Joey, he’s always a tough competitor, so I knew he was going to be on it. All day has been really good.

    “I can’t give enough credit to the whole Vance & Hines Mission Suzuki team. I still can’t believe I got that phone call almost a year ago now to race for them. It’s been incredible, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

    Krawiec reached the final round for the second time this season and the 93rd in his career thanks to round wins against Ryan Oehler, Jianna Evaristo and Smith.

    The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action Oct. 12-15 with the 38th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas.


    MADISON, Ill. — Final finish order (1-16) at the 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway. The race is the 18th of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.

    TOP FUEL:

    1. Clay Millican; 2. Leah Pruett; 3. Steve Torrence; 4. Tony Schumacher; 5. Mike Salinas; 6. Justin Ashley; 7. Antron Brown; 8. Doug Kalitta; 9. Shawn Langdon; 10. Brittany Force; 11. Kyle Wurtzel; 12. Cody Krohn; 13. T.J. Zizzo; 14. Lex Joon; 15. Austin Prock; 16. Josh Hart.

    FUNNY CAR:

    1. Matt Hagan; 2. Ron Capps; 3. Blake Alexander; 4. Bob Tasca III; 5. Robert Hight; 6. Alex Laughlin; 7. John Force; 8. J.R. Todd; 9. Tim Wilkerson; 10. Cruz Pedregon; 11. Chad Green; 12. Alexis DeJoria; 13. Dave Richards; 14. Jack Wyatt; 15. Terry Haddock; 16. Bobby Bode.

    PRO STOCK:

    1. Greg Anderson; 2. Aaron Stanfield; 3. Bo Butner; 4. Erica Enders; 5. Deric Kramer; 6. Fernando Cuadra Jr.; 7. Chris McGaha; 8. Mason McGaha; 9. Matt Hartford; 10. Troy Coughlin Jr.; 11. Eric Latino; 12. Dallas Glenn; 13. Camrie Caruso; 14. Cristian Cuadra; 15. Jerry Tucker; 16. Kyle Koretsky.

    PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

    1. Gaige Herrera; 2. Eddie Krawiec; 3. Matt Smith; 4. Chase Van Sant; 5. Hector Arana Jr; 6. Jianna Evaristo; 7. Cory Reed; 8. Joey Gladstone; 9. Kelly Clontz; 10. Steve Johnson; 11. Chris Bostick; 12. Marc Ingwersen; 13. Ryan Oehler; 14. Angie Smith.

    MADISON, Ill. — Sunday’s final results from the 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway. The race is the 18th of 21 in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series:

    Top Fuel — Clay Millican, 3.758 seconds, 331.94 mph def. Leah Pruett, 3.775 seconds, 327.66 mph.

    Funny Car — Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.991, 324.90 def. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 4.025, 306.88.

    Pro Stock — Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.552, 209.92 def. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.567, 209.14.

    Pro Stock Motorcycle — Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.728, 201.79 def. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.761, 201.52.

    Competition Eliminator — Ronnie Bohn, Dragster, 7.971, 127.04 def. John Frech, Dragster, Foul – Red Light.

    Super Stock — Jay Storey, Chevy Camaro, 9.158, 148.38 def. Brenda Grubbs, Camaro, 9.182, 145.81.

    Stock Eliminator — Tyler Bohannon, Chevy Corvette, 10.415, 118.70 def. Lyn Smith, Buick Century, 11.405, 114.52.

    Super Comp — Trene Cressonie, Dragster, 8.863, 178.59 def. Jeremy Mason, Dragster, Foul – Red Light.

    Super Gas — Al Gavlovsky, Chevy Corvette, 9.901, 151.34 def. Phil Unruh, Chevy Camaro, 9.899, 170.23.

    Top Sportsman — Chad Pekrul,Chevy Camaro, 6.618, 210.44 def. Kyle Firestone, Chevy Bel Air, 6.236, 220.44.

    Pro Modified — Jordan Lazic, Chevy Camaro, No Time Recorded def. Jason Scruggs, Camaro, Broke – No Show.

    Factory X — Allen Johnson, Dodge Clallenger, 7.105, 202.27 def. Chris Holbrook, Ford Mustand, 7.768, 179.47.

    Factory Stock Showdown — Mark Pawuk, Dodge Challenger, 7.638, 180.89 def. Stephen Bell, Chevy Camaro, 7.651, 179.47.

    Junior Dragster Shootout — Piper Filson, Dragster, 7.934, 80.48 def. Zevlynn Riley, Dragster, 8.970, 73.33.

    MADISON, Ill. — Final round-by-round results from the 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, the 18th of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series:

    TOP FUEL:

    ROUND ONE — Leah Pruett, 3.737, 329.99 def. Shawn Langdon, 3.765, 329.02; Tony Schumacher, 3.730, 332.84 def. Brittany Force, 3.803, 292.71; Antron Brown, 3.718, 333.99 def. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.848, 291.63; Doug Kalitta, 3.737, 329.99 def. Lex Joon, 7.590, 89.61; Mike Salinas, 3.730, 329.91 def. Cody Krohn, 4.757, 152.50; Justin Ashley, 3.769, 330.96 def. T.J. Zizzo, 5.507, 119.79; Steve Torrence, 3.741, 329.42 def. Josh Hart, 10.184, 59.40; Clay Millican, 3.761, 333.58 def. Austin Prock, 7.623, 85.41;

    QUARTERFINALS — Torrence, 3.783, 322.50 def. Ashley, 3.815, 326.08; Pruett, 3.803, 328.62 def. Kalitta, 4.833, 162.92; Millican, 3.850, 285.53 def. Salinas, 3.807, 318.99; Schumacher, 3.808, 327.43 def. Brown, 3.896, 290.69;

    SEMIFINALS — Millican, 3.823, 308.35 def. Schumacher, 3.869, 305.22; Pruett, 3.772, 331.77 def. Torrence, 3.825, 322.81;

    FINAL — Millican, 3.758, 331.94 def. Pruett, 3.775, 327.66.

    FUNNY CAR:

    ROUND ONE — Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.947, 312.13 def. Jack Wyatt, Dodge Charger, 8.444, 83.24; Alex Laughlin, Charger, 4.221, 278.29 def. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.286, 230.80; Blake Alexander, Mustang, 4.252, 229.20 def. Dave Richards, Mustang, 5.319, 139.73; John Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.969, 311.85 def. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 9.438, 87.27; Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.961, 322.04 def. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota GR Supra, 5.104, 147.99; J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 4.048, 311.70 def. Bobby Bode, Mustang, Foul – Centerline; Ron Capps, GR Supra, 3.998, 306.12 def. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.977, 318.47; Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.940, 314.53 def. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.024, 320.36;

    QUARTERFINALS — Alexander, 6.689, 164.13 def. Todd, 9.245, 86.46; Capps, 4.066, 308.78 def. Laughlin, 4.263, 286.74; Tasca III, 4.008, 323.74 def. Hight, 3.977, 317.49; Hagan, 4.031, 312.35 def. Force, 5.037, 161.17;

    SEMIFINALS — Hagan, 4.016, 316.38 def. Tasca III, 5.037, 165.27; Capps, 4.014, 323.35 def. Alexander, 4.803, 176.28;

    FINAL — Hagan, 3.991, 324.90 def. Capps, 4.025, 306.88.

    PRO STOCK:

    ROUND ONE — Fernando Cuadra Jr., Ford Mustang, 6.560, 210.93 def. Dallas Glenn, Chevy Camaro, 6.585, 207.15; Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.566, 210.28 def. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.587, 207.43; Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.536, 210.90 def. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, Foul – Red Light; Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.562, 208.52 def. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, Broke; Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.576, 209.33 def. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.533, 209.65; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.543, 210.21 def. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 11.938, 73.19; Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.567, 208.49 def. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.538, 210.70; Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.514, 210.90 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.562, 206.83;

    QUARTERFINALS — Stanfield, 6.572, 210.70 def. C. McGaha, 6.587, 208.75; Anderson, 6.537, 209.75 def. Kramer, 6.566, 208.88; Butner, 6.563, 209.98 def. M. McGaha, Broke; Enders, 6.538, 210.60 def. Cuadra Jr., 6.579, 208.42;

    SEMIFINALS — Stanfield, 6.587, 209.65 def. Butner, 6.577, 209.65; Anderson, 6.541, 209.79 def. Enders, 10.309, 89.32;

    FINAL — Anderson, 6.552, 209.92 def. Stanfield, 6.567, 209.14.

    PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

    ROUND ONE — Cory Reed, Suzuki, 6.818, 196.70 def. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.820, 199.49; Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 6.856, 196.67 def. Marc Ingwersen, 7.138, 169.21; Hector Arana Jr, 6.798, 199.35 def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.829, 198.99; Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.808, 198.93 def. Angie Smith, Buell, Broke – No Show; Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.748, 201.40 def. Ryan Oehler, Foul – Red Light; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.742, 202.91 def. Chris Bostick, 6.856, 194.94; Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.701, 201.88 def. Joey Gladstone, Buell, 6.780, 200.17;

    QUARTERFINALS — Van Sant, 6.777, 198.67 def. Arana Jr, 6.825, 199.14; Krawiec, 6.760, 201.28 def. Evaristo, Foul – Red Light; M. Smith, 6.759, 203.40 def. Reed, 18.534, 34.67; Herrera, 6.706, 202.45 was unopposed;

    SEMIFINALS — Krawiec, 6.747, 201.94 def. M. Smith, 6.782, 202.70; Herrera, 6.716, 202.12 def. Van Sant, 6.800, 198.85;

    FINAL — Herrera, 6.728, 201.79 def. Krawiec, 6.761, 201.52.

    MADISON, Ill. — Point standings (top 10) following the 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, the 18th of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series –

    Top Fuel

    1. Doug Kalitta, 2,348; 2. Leah Pruett, 2,301; 3. Steve Torrence, 2,297; 4. Justin Ashley, 2,271; 5. Antron Brown, 2,252; 6. Mike Salinas, 2,224; 7. Brittany Force, 2,210; 8. Clay Millican, 2,196; 9. Tony Schumacher, 2,163; 10. Austin Prock, 2,162.

    Funny Car

    1. Bob Tasca III, 2,358; 2. Robert Hight, 2,352; 3. Matt Hagan, 2,345; 4. Ron Capps, 2,325; 5. Chad Green, 2,206; 6. J.R. Todd, 2,175; 7. Tim Wilkerson, 2,164; 8. Alexis DeJoria, 2,163; 9. John Force, 2,160; 10. Alex Laughlin, 2,143.

    Pro Stock

    1. Erica Enders, 2,331; 2. Greg Anderson, 2,306; 3. Matt Hartford, 2,293; 4. Dallas Glenn, 2,267; 5. Aaron Stanfield, 2,258; 6. Troy Coughlin Jr., 2,224; 7. Deric Kramer, 2,215; 8. Kyle Koretsky, 2,186; 9. Camrie Caruso, 2,154; 10. Bo Butner, 2,152.

    Pro Stock Motorcycle

    1. Gaige Herrera, 2,430; 2. Matt Smith, 2,331; 3. Hector Arana Jr, 2,304; 4. Eddie Krawiec, 2,301; 5. Chase Van Sant, 2,222; 6. Angie Smith, 2,203; 7. Jianna Evaristo, 2,170; 8. Steve Johnson, 2,139; 9. Marc Ingwersen, 2,137; 10. Kelly Clontz, 2,117.
  • NHRA AT WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY: Team Chevy Race Recap

    NHRA AT WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY: Team Chevy Race Recap

    CHEVROLET IN NHRA
    2023 NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS
    WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY
    TEAM CHEVY RACE REPORT
    OCTOBER 1, 2023

    GREG ANDERSON CAPTURES HIS 103RD VICTORY AND CHEVROLET’S 379TH IN PRO STOCK AT 2023 NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    • Greg Anderson captured Chevrolet’s 379th Pro Stock win since 1970 and the 260th in the Camaro during Sunday’s NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis.
    • Earning his 103rd career victory, Anderson also captured his second win of the year just one week after winning at zMAX Dragway in back-to-back fashion after qualifying No. 4.
    • Chevrolet also captured victory in Super Stock, with an all-Camaro final round and Jay Storey taking the Midwest Nationals category win over Brenda Grubbs.
    • Funny Car drivers Robert Hight and John Force of John Force Racing were both defeated by their respective opponents in Round 2.
    • John Force Racing Top Fuel drivers Brittany Force and Austin Prock faced an early exit after being eliminated in Round 1.
    • Erica Enders set both low E.T. and top speed as of Saturday night’s conclusion of qualifying with her pass of 6.549 ET at 210.05 MPH to earn her fifth No. 1 Qualifier of the season.

    MADISON, Illinois (October 1, 2023) – Capturing Chevrolet’s 379th Pro Stock win since 1970 and the 260th in the Camaro, Greg Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS, took the 2023 NHRA Midwest Nationals win over Aaron Stanfield, driver of the Janac Brother Chevrolet Camaro SS, Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis.

    With his run of 6.552 ET at 209.92 MPH, Anderson secured his 103rd career victory and second of the season over Stanfield’s 6.567 ET attempt at 209.14 MPH. Anderson’s win Sunday also came one week after winning at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, N.C., going back-to-back at the right time as three races remain in NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship after qualifying No. 4 this weekend.

    After facing some drama before the run, Anderson admitted making a mistake on the burnout and said, “I screwed it up. I muffed the burnout, and I thought ‘You know what? Forget it. Just forget it. This car is good enough and it’s going to go across that starting line just fine.’ And it did. It was just fine. We got us another Wally. It’s been a helluva two weeks. Thank you to everybody, to this great, great race team. I told you – we’re outracing everybody right now. We might not be out-running them, but we’re outracing them. To the Hendrick guys, Summit, Chevrolet, Race Star Wheels, everybody that helps us, thank you so much. We’re back in this fight and it’s going to be one hell of a run.”

    For Anderson, this was his 175th-career final round and third of the year, in addition to second-in-a-row, after defeating Jerry Tucker in Round 1, Deric Kramer in Round 2, Erica Enders in the semifinals, and Stanfield in the finals. For Stanfield, he made his first final round appearance of the 2023 season this weekend in Pro Stock, the 14th of his career.

    Heading into St. Louis as the NHRA Countdown to the Championship points leader in Funny Car, Robert Hight, driver of the AAA of Missouri Chevrolet Camaro SS, faced early elimination after a Round 2 matchup with Bob Tasca, III. Squaring off in Round 2 against Matt Hagan, John Force, the 16-time champion, team owner, and driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, also faced an early end to his Midwest Nationals race day during the round.

    “The whole team did their job to get us through qualifying and that first round. This AAA of Missouri team is clicking. We put qualifying behind us and had a great start to race day. Being the eighth pair down the track, it was getting warmer, the track was getting worse. So, hats off to Jimmy (Prock) and Thomas Prock and Nate Hildahl and the whole team for getting low ET of the first round. We’ve got some work to do heading into the last three races of the season but we’re still in it. We’re right there.”

    Unfortunately for John Force Racing Top Fuel teammates Brittany Force (driver of the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster) and Austin Prock, (driver of the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster) they both ended their race days early by facing elimination in Round 1 by their respective opponents.

    “This Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team is leaving St. Louis seven in points after a very challenging weekend,” said B. Force. “It took us three qualifying runs to barely get back in the show in the No. 11 spot and then facing Tony Schumacher in the first round we were on a killer run but the pan pressure shut us off. We were just coasting at the end and he was able to drive around us. Overall looking at the weekend, we know where the errors were. We know how to fix them. So, we’ll take a little bit of a break and reevaluate everything and go into his next one full force.”

    “I think we all expected a better race day. It’s disappointing to end three in a row like this but we need to go back and reset,” said Prock. “Still three races left in the season and this Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist team can do a lot with that. We’ll be ready for Texas and the Stampede of Speed.”

    In FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown, while pulling double-duty, Stanfield raced to the semifinals versus Mark Pawuk, but despite his best effort, fell to Pawuk on his run of 7.688 ET at 178.61 MPH to Mark’s 7.665 ET at 180.38 MPH. In the Factory Stock Showdown final, it was Stephen Bell, in his Chevrolet COPO Camaro, facing off against Pawuk, with Bell forcing to settle with the Midwest Nationals runner-up after running 7.651 ET at 179.47 MPH to Pawuk’s 7.638 ET at 180.89 MPH.

    In Super Stock, it was a battle of Camaros by Tyler Wudarczyk and Jay Storey in the semifinals, with Storey heading to the final with his run of 9.164 ET at 150.10 MPH over Wudarczyk. Storey then lined up to face Brenda Grubbs in the final, also in a Camaro, with Storey taking the Midwest Nationals Super Stock win.

    In Factory X, Greg Stanfield faced off in his COPO Camaro against Chris Holbrook in the first of two rounds. Despite the strong effort, Stanfield fell to Holbrook with his run of 7.094 ET at 194.55 MPH to Holbrook’s 7.077 ET at 195.28 MPH.

    With three races remaining in the 2023 Countdown to the Championship, NHRA heads next to the Lone Star State for the Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex October 13-15, 2023 in Ennis, Texas. In competition and representing Chevrolet, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown take to the track that weekend to battle it out. Broadcast of Sunday’s eliminations air at 3 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Coverage streams live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

    WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

    John Force, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car for John Force Racing:

    “We are okay, the old hot rod is going down there. My PEAK guys are doing a great job putting up with me. But you know what at the end of the day it’s the Countdown, you want to win. I want to thank the fans for being here. That’s what it’s all about; we’re here to entertain you. I also want to send prayers to Angie Smith, get well. I’ve been there, we love you, Angie.”

    Jay Storey, driver of the Chevrolet Camaro Super Stock, Midwest Nationals winner, and first-time victor:

    “It’s obviously surreal. I’ve missed this a couple of times by less than a thousandth at Denver twice. This was the elusive trophy that got into my hands. Phenomenal team. The team is phenomenal. I have a ten-year head start just by listening to them (the Pattersons) and surrounding myself with good people.”

    Take us through your race day, what was the most challenging part?

    “Waiting. Sitting around. Waiting for the race. By the time we got there, it was so hot. With everything being juggled, I just sat in the car and thought to myself, ‘It’s just another qualifier. Get in it, cut a light, and run a number.’ That’s what Alan Patterson says.”

    GREG ANDERSON, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock – Midwest Nationals Winner’s Press Conference:

    SECOND STRAIGHT WIN, 103RD IN YOUR CAREER, AND NOW SECOND IN POINTS. TWO RACES AGO, IN READING, YOU WERE EIGHTH IN POINTS. YOU’RE NOW IN THE MIX OF THIS CHAMPIONSHIP HUNT. HOW EXCITING IS THIS?

    “It’s been fantastic. And yes, I’m back in the game. I’ve legitimately got a shot at this championship with three races to go. I think, probably, the first four or five cars are all a toss-up. It’s probably down to about four, five, or six cars, and I’m one of them. So that’s all I could ask. I went to the first race at Reading and I lost first round, and I’ve said it a million times – you can’t win the Championship in the first race, but you can lose it. I was knocking on the door of knocking myself out of it. If I didn’t have a big recovery at the next race, which I thank the Lord I did, I was out of it. So I’m back in the fight. I’m back in the game. I’ve got a great, great hot rod but there are so many great cars in this class, and so many great drivers. It’s incredible. These next three races are going to be an absolute bare-knuckle brawl. I have no earthly idea who the favorite should be, or who is going to win this thing. It could be any one of at least a half a dozen cars. The class is great. The class is fantastic right now, and I feel great to still be a part of it at my young, tender age.”

    YOU GO FROM A FIRST ROUND LOSS TO BACK-TO-BACK WINS. JUST HOW CLOSE IS THIS CLASS?

    “It is, and I’ve said it a bunch of times, before from first round out, it’s like racing a final round. First round is like racing final round every week. We come out second round, third round, they’re all like a final round. It’s not like in the old days where you had a couple rounds to kind of get your bearings and you’d just not screw up, you’d advance. Right now, if you’re not on your A game and do a perfect job in round one, you go home. It’s just incredible. We saw it today. Matt Hartford went out first round, Dallas Glenn went our first round. It sucks, but it’s not like huge upsets. It can happen and will happen. There’s no telling what’s going to go on from here on out. It’s three more races, that’s 12 rounds, 12 more final rounds we’ve got to find a way to advance in. It’s a challenge but I feel fantastic about what’s happened these past two weeks. With the job my guys have done on this race car, and with the job I’ve been able to do behind the wheel, it feels great. I had a weak season up to this, and I felt maybe it’s time to step out and put someone else in the car, but now after these past two races, I can still win. I’m not going to do it if I can’t win anymore, and I’ve won these last two weeks. I can’t quit yet.”

    (INAUDIBLE)

    “I pride myself on being consistent. Unfortunately for me, consistent is usually 30 or 40, and that usually doesn’t get the job done. Somehow at the right time, against Erica (Enders) in the semifinal, that’s huge. That’s everything, and she’s still leading the points even though she hasn’t won a race in the playoffs. That’s how tough she is and how tough she’s going to be. Can we find a way to hold her winless the rest of the season? That’s probably asking too much, but that’s what we’re going to have to find a way to do otherwise, she’s going to be a champion again. I got it at the right time, I don’t know how I did it. We didn’t do anything different. I guess the Gods just shined on me. I can’t think of anything I did different except I really, really, really gritted down and stared at that light and just wanted it really badly.”

    ON HOLDING ERICA ENDERS WINLESS IN THE COUNTDOWN…

    “She’s been lights out, the fastest car in the class since we started the playoffs. To hold her winless has been incredible, the job we’ve done. It’s all because of the job my team has done with this race car on Sundays. We haven’t been the fastest car these first three races, she has. We found a way to outrace them on Sunday. It has 100 percent been a team effort, and we’ve outraced them. It’s really that simple. Can we do it three more times? I don’t know, but we’re sure as hell going to try. But, we’re 3-and-0 so far. We’re in the hunt. I’m happier that I’ve got myself back in the game with two or three of my teammates, Dallas Glenn and Matt Hartford, are happier than hell I was able to find a way to get around her the last two weeks. Otherwise, their season would be gone too. It’s a new fight – start over. We start the Playoffs over with three races to go, and basically we’re all about the same. May the best person win.”

    ON THE LEFT LANE AND LANE CHOICE…

    “I was lucky enough to have lane choice and I stayed in the left lane. I don’t know how much of a difference there was in the right lane. I absolutely wanted to be in the left, and fortunately my car ran good enough today to where I could gain lane choice every single round, I think, and in the semifinal with Erica (Enders), one-thousandth I got lane choice by. Maybe that was the whole difference of the whole race. That’s how easily things can change. We picked the left side. I can’t honestly tell you if it was the best one, but it’s the one we wanted coming into Sunday. She didn’t make it down the track in the semifinal in the right lane, so maybe that was everything.”

    ON RACING AT WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY…

    “Absolutely fun place to race. The way this place is set up, this is how all racetracks should be designed, in my opinion. I love coming here because it’s a great facility. It’s a great surface. The grandstands are close to the racetrack. The parking lot is set up perfectly, everything about it is set up perfectly. So, I love coming here and I wish I had had more wins here. It’s a ‘feel good’ racetrack when you roll through the gates. I’ve always loved coming here, and it’s great to win here.”

    KNOWING THE COMPETITION LEVEL OF THIS CLASS, AND THE LIGHTS YOU CUT TODAY, WILL YOU HAVE TO MAINTAIN THAT GOING FORWARD?

    “Yes, I am going to have to. How am I going to stay there? I don’t know how. I, honestly, all year long have been a 30 to 40 guy. I guess I just have to come to grips with that’s just what I am at this age. Today was a special day. I was a hundredth or two better, and it was able to conquer everybody I raced. Can I reach into that well a few more times? We’ll see. I don’t have an exact reason as to why I was better today. Don’t know what I did different last night, but we’re going to try and repeat whatever the hell I did because it was definitely my best day of driving I’ve had all year. That’s what it’s going to take all year, the rest of the Countdown. There are too many fast cars. It’s going to take perfect runs on Sunday, and great lights, otherwise you’re going home.”

    Round 1 Recap:

    Top Fuel:

    No. 10 Austin Prock fell to No. 7 Clay Millican after Prock hazed the tires on the start to Millican’s 3.761 ET at 333.58 MPH.
    No. 11 Brittany Force fell to No. 6 Tony Schumacher on her run of 3.803 ET at 292.71 MPH to Schumacher’s 3.730 ET at 332.84 MPH.

    Funny Car:

    No. 8 Robert Hight defeated No. 9 Cruz Pedregon with his run of 3.940 ET at 314.53 MPH to Pedregon’s 4.024 ET at 320.36 MPH.
    No. 4 John Force defeated No. 13 Terry Haddock with his run of 3.969 ET at 311.85 MPH to Haddock facing issue early on the run.

    Pro Stock:

    No. 1 Erica Enders defeated No. 16 Eric Latino with her run of 6.514 ET at 210.90 MPH to Latino’s 6.562 ET at 206.83 MPH.
    No. 9 Dallas Glenn fell to No. 8 Fernando Cuadra, Jr. after his effort of 6.585 ET at 207.15 MPH to Cuadra, Jr.’s 6.560 ET at 210.93 MPH.
    No. 4 Greg Anderson defeated No. 13 Jerry Tucker with his run of 6.543 ET at 210.21 MPH to Tucker facing issues on his run.
    No. 3 Kyle Koretsky fell to No. 12 Deric Kramer after his car failed to start on the line. Kramer ran a lap of 6.562 ET at 208.52 MPH.
    No. 2 Matt Hartford fell to No. 15 Chris McGaha after McGaha ran a 6.576 ET at 209.33 MPH to Hartford’s 6.533 ET at 209.65 MPH.
    No. 7 Aaron Stanfield defeated No. 10 Camrie Caruso with his run of 6.566 ET at 210.28 MPH to Caruso’s 6.587 ET at 207.43 MPH.
    No. 3 Troy Coughlin, Jr. fell to No. 14 Mason McGaha after running 6.538 ET at 210.70 MPH to McGaha’s 6.567 ET at 208.49 MPH.
    No. 6 Bo Butner, III defeated No. 11 Christian Cuadra after his run of 6.536 ET at 210.90 MPH to Cuadra facing issues on the run.

    Round 2:

    Funny Car:

    Hight fell to Tasca, III on a holeshot after Hight gave it his best effort to run 3.977 ET at 317.49 MPH to Tasca’s 4.008 ET at 323.74 MPH.
    Force fell to Hagan after deep-staging but smoking the tires mid-track on the run to Hagan’s 4.031 ET at 312.35 MPH.

    Pro Stock:

    Enders defeated Cuadra, Jr. on her run of 6.538 ET at 210.60 MPH to Cuadra, Jr.’s 6.579 ET at 208.42 MPH.
    Anderson defeated Kramer with his pass of 6.537 ET at 209.75 MPH to Kramer’s 6.566 ET at 208.88 MPH.
    Stanfield defeated C. McGaha with his run of 6.572 ET at 210.70 MPH to McGaha’s 6.587 ET at 208.75 MPH.
    Butner, III defeated M. McGaha after McGaha red lights to Butner’s run of 6.563 ET at 209.98 MPH.

    Semifinals:

    Pro Stock:

    Enders falls to Anderson after getting loose early on the run to Anderson’s 6.541 ET at 209.79 MPH.
    Stanfield defeated Butner, III on his run of 6.587 ET at 209.65 MPH to Butner, III’s 6.577 ET at 209.65 MPH.

    Finals:

    Pro Stock:

    Anderson defeated Stanfield with a run of 6.552 ET at 209.92 MPH to Stanfield’s 6.567 ET at 209.14 MPH.

    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 St. Louis Post-Race Report 10.01.23

    Toyota Gazoo Racing North America NHRA St. Louis Post-Race Report 10.01.23

    CAPPS REACHES MIDWEST NATIONALS FINALS FOR SEVENTH TIME, JUST FALLING SHORT
    Toyota leads Top Fuel points standings halfway through the Countdown

    MADISON, Ill. (October 1, 2023) – Reaching the finals of the Midwest Nationals seemed far-fetched for Ron Capps after a difficult two days of qualifying. But with the determination of he and his team, Capps reached his second consecutive finals appearance, and third overall, at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway where he came up just short to Matt Hagan. Capps’ valiant effort helped Toyota reach its 20th consecutive NHRA event finals in Funny Car or Top Fuel.

    Capps heads into the second half of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship fourth in the Funny Car points standings, with J.R Todd in sixth and Alexis DeJoria in eighth.

    In Top Fuel, Steve Torrence led the Toyota charge with a semifinal appearance, where he was defeated by Leah Pruett. Even with its category win streak snapped at seven, Toyota drivers still hold strong in the Top Fuel points standings. Doug Kalitta leads the points after his two wins to start the Countdown, followed by Torrence in third, Justin Ashley in fourth and Antron Brown in fifth.

    The Countdown to the Championship continues in two weeks at Texas Motorplex and the Texas Fall Nationals Oct. 12-15.

    Toyota Post-Race Recap 
    NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series  
    World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway
    Race 18 of 21 

    TOYOTA TOP FUEL FINISHING POSITIONS   

    Name Car Final Result Round-by-Round 
    Steve Torrence Capco Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster Semi-finals  W 3.741 vs. J. Hart (No Run) W 3.738 vs. J Ashley (3.815) L 3.825 vs. L. Pruett (3.772)
    Justin Ashley Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster Second  RoundW 3.769 vs. T. Zizzo (5.507) L 3.815 vs. S. Torrence (3.783)
    Antron Brown Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster Second RoundW 3.718 vs. K. Wurtzel (3.848) L 3.896 vs. T. Schumacher  (3.808)
    Doug Kalitta Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster Second RoundW 7.737 vs. L. Joon (7.590) L 4.833 vs. L. Pruett (3.803)
    Shawn Langdon Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster First RoundL 3.765 vs. L Pruett (3.737)

    TOYOTA FUNNY CAR FINISHING POSITIONS   

    Name Car Final Result Round-by-Round 
    Ron Capps NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny Car Finalist Holeshot W 3.998 vs. T Wilkerson (3.977) W 4.066 vs. A. Laughlin (4.263) W 4.014 vs. B. Alexander (4.803) L 4.025 vs. M. Hagan (3.991)
    J.R. Todd DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car  Second RoundW 4.048 vs. B. Bode (4.302)  L 9.245 vs. B. Alexander (6.689)
    Alexis DeJoria Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car First RoundL 5.104 vs.  M. Hagan (3.961)

    TOYOTA QUOTES 

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

    FC Final Result: Finals

    Can you take us through your weekend at the Midwest Nationals?

    “A result like this always happens in the Countdown, whether you win the championship or not. I lost on a holeshot here last year to Robert and I was miserable, I was not fun to live with at home for that weekend. We talked about it Friday after qualifying that it was going to be a topsy turvy eliminations ladder because of the way some guys didn’t get down the track Friday night. We fought in the heat to qualify and really had a bizarre eliminations ladder. A lot of teams that qualify top five or so were scattered, and some didn’t have lane choice. It created a lot of crazy first and second round matchups with teams high in the Countdown. I knew going into today we were either going to lose a lot of ground or make some of the ground up. I bragged a lot about our guys winning the regular season and those points that came with it. We went out first round in Charlotte, and that is the reason we earned those points to not feel it. And today, I bragged on my guys to have the ‘Get Up and Go’ all day. The heat was incredible today, making the track very demanding. We knew Dickie (Venables) and Matt (Hagan) could run those types of numbers, and we were right there with them. He threw a pretty good light on me, and I saw his car out of my window and I was just hoping he would smoke the tires. It is going to be a battle and it is going to be like this from here on out. I’m really excited now going to Dallas.” 

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

    TF Final Result: Semi-finals

    How would you describe your day and weekend?

    “Ultimately, not the outcome we’d like to have as we wanted to win the race, but so did everyone else. We had a really good Capco Contractors Toyota Supra all weekend. Consistency is going to be key in winning this championship. We need to try to maintain going to the semifinals or so every race and see what we can do. We have this three-race swing over with, so now it’s time to back and regroup and get ready for Texas here in a few weeks.”

    About Toyota  

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

    Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th 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 24 electrified options. 

  • IN FRONT OF SELLOUT CROWD, TASCA, KALITTA, ENDERS AND HERRERA QUALIFY NO. 1 AT NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    IN FRONT OF SELLOUT CROWD, TASCA, KALITTA, ENDERS AND HERRERA QUALIFY NO. 1 AT NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    ST. LOUIS (Sept. 30, 2023) – Looking to move into the points lead in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs for the first time in his career, Funny Car’s Bob Tasca III clinched the No. 1 qualifier in front of a sellout crowd on Saturday at World Wide Technology Raceway at the 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals.

    Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all qualified No. 1 at the 18th of 21 races during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, and the third of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Saturday also marked the eighth sellout of the 2023 NHRA season.

    Tasca picked up his sixth No. 1 spot this year as Friday’s run of 3.852-seconds at 324.90 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang held up during Saturday’s final two qualifying sessions. Currently second in points, Tasca trails Robert Hight by less than a round as he looks for his second straight victory in the postseason. He’ll open eliminations against Jack Wyatt and heads into Sunday with plenty of positives after a strong pass of 3.877 at 331.85 to close out the evening as well.

    “Very exciting, but one round at a time, one run at a time,” Tasca said. “We really don’t pay as much attention to what the cars around us are running. We have enough data now with this car and enough track information to go up there and try to go as quick as we can for the conditions that are presented.

    “You want to be in the (championship) conversation. No one can guarantee a championship. No one knows what’s going to happen over the next four races, but you want to be in the conversation. That’s why the sponsors invest in us, that’s what the fans cheer about. We’re going to do the best we can and if we come out victorious, it’s that much sweeter. But this is what it’s all about. I’ve been around a lot of successful teams. We’ve had some good runs, but this is clearly our best run at it.”

    Chad Green moved all the way to second with a solid run of 3.886 at 330.47 and Blake Alexander took second with a 3.888 at 326.79.

    Kalitta hung on to his second No. 1 qualifier of the season and the 53rd in his career thanks to Friday’s run of 3.709 at 331.85 in his 11,000-horsepower Mac Tools/Toyota dragster. The points leader will open eliminations against Lex Joon, looking to stay perfect in the Countdown to the Championship. The veteran, who is chasing his first world championship in Top Fuel, has won the first two playoff races, building a strong lead against the likes of Steve Torrence and Justin Ashley. He has marveled at the team’s consistency in the postseason and Kalitta hopes to continue their stellar run on Sunday in front of another huge crowd in St. Louis. Kalitta also went 3.72 to close out qualifying.

    “I was really happy with that .72 in that last session,” Kalitta said. “My car has been really consistent. I just can’t say enough about how hard everybody is working on my car. Great crowd here today, a sellout. Connie Kalitta is our fearless leader out here and given me a great opportunity over the years.

    “It’s just nice when it all can come together like it has the last couple of races for my car. We’re just going to hold on and do our best and keep going rounds, as many as we can get. We’re definitely looking forward to tomorrow, whatever it gives us, and hopefully we can have it dialed in real nice.”

    Mike Salinas took the second spot with a run of 3.710 at 329.75 and Antron Brown was right behind in third with a 3.714 at 331.69.

    After earning her third straight No. 1 qualifier to open the playoffs thanks to Friday’s run of 6.549 at 209.69 in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance Chevrolet Camaro, Pro Stock’s Erica Enders has a chance at history on Sunday. With her next win, the defending world champion will become the winningest female driver in NHRA history. She’ll open eliminations against Eric Latino, hoping to secure her 47th victory this season and first in the Countdown to the Championship. Enders has also dominated over the years in St. Louis, winning four straight seasons heading into the weekend. Her six overall wins are the most for any driver at the track.

    “I’m definitely excited to head into raceday,” Enders said. “St. Louis has always been really good to us, and we hope that the trend will continue tomorrow – but there are a lot of really tough competitors out there. I’m hopeful to park that JHG/Melling Performance car in the winner’s circle. We’ve got our work cut out for us, but I’m looking forward to it.

    “I haven’t thought about [the record] on raceday, but no matter when it comes it will be a huge honor. Angelle [Sampey] was one of my heroes growing up, and we’re great friends now. To be the all-time winner for females in any form of motorsports is pretty substantial and an honor I won’t take lightly.”

    Points leader Matt Hartford moved up to second with a strong run of 6.549 at 207.75 and Troy Coughlin Jr. qualified third with a pass of 6.558 at 208.97.

    Gaige Herrera tied Matt Hines for the most No. 1 qualifiers in a single season in Pro Stock Motorcycle history, securing his 11th top spot in 12 PSM races with Friday’s run of 6.716 at 201.79 on his Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. Hines set the mark in 1998 and Herrera matched the mark more than 25 years later as he continued his dominant season. The points leader made two more quality runs on Saturday, taking plenty of momentum into Sunday as he aims to pick up his first win in St. Louis and his eighth victory of the season.

    “This is very cool. I just have to give it up to Andrew (Hines, crew chief) and all the guys at the shop and Matt, included,” Herrera said. “They’re the ones that make that possible. To be able to tie Matt and get that many No. 1 qualifiers in one season, it’s incredible. There have been a lot of remarkable, crazy, things I’ve accomplished so far this year but to add something like this to it is pretty cool.

    “We tried to do different things on the bike today, the track is kind of a little tricky for us, so I feel like we made good passes considering. We’ll go back and go over all our data and be ready for tomorrow. All in all, I felt pretty good on the bike and it should be good tomorrow.”

    Defending world champion and defending event winner Matt Smith took second with a 6.766 at 201.76 and Eddie Krawiec bumped to third thanks to his 6.773 at 201.25.

    Eliminations for the NHRA Midwest Nationals begin at 11 a.m. CT on Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis.


    MADISON, Ill. — Sunday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, the 18th of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

    Top Fuel — 1. Doug Kalitta, 3.709 seconds, 331.85 mph vs. 16. Lex Joon, 3.920, 314.09; 2. Mike Salinas, 3.710, 329.75 vs. 15. Cody Krohn, 3.819, 319.07; 3. Antron Brown, 3.714, 331.69 vs. 14. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.816, 314.46; 4. Justin Ashley, 3.730, 331.69 vs. 13. T.J. Zizzo, 3.814, 326.24; 5. Steve Torrence, 3.733, 330.72 vs. 12. Josh Hart, 3.793, 324.20; 6. Tony Schumacher, 3.734, 329.83 vs. 11. Brittany Force, 3.791, 330.72; 7. Clay Millican, 3.740, 334.07 vs. 10. Austin Prock, 3.770, 318.62; 8. Leah Pruett, 3.742, 331.04 vs. 9. Shawn Langdon, 3.748, 328.86.

    Did Not Qualify: 17. Buddy Hull, 3.920, 312.06; 18. Terry Totten, 20.894, 158.39.

    Funny Car — 1. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.852, 324.90 vs. 16. Jack Wyatt, Dodge Charger, 4.173, 264.49; 2. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.886, 330.47 vs. 15. Alex Laughlin, Charger, 4.140, 304.94; 3. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.888, 326.79 vs. 14. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.132, 292.90; 4. John Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.914, 325.06 vs. 13. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.079, 299.00; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.927, 326.40 vs. 12. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota GR Supra, 4.008, 324.44; 6. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.937, 293.47 vs. 11. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 4.005, 321.04; 7. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 3.952, 324.90 vs. 10. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.982, 321.04; 8. Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.953, 323.89 vs. 9. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.981, 320.66.

    Did Not Qualify: 17. Dale Creasy Jr., 4.179, 296.11; 18. Chris King, 4.771, 187.50.

    Pro Stock — 1. Erica Enders, Chevy Camaro, 6.549, 209.69 vs. 16. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.609, 207.21; 2. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.549, 207.75 vs. 15. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.605, 208.62; 3. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.558, 208.97 vs. 14. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.602, 208.36; 4. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.560, 208.81 vs. 13. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.595, 208.81; 5. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.569, 208.65 vs. 12. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.590, 208.91; 6. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.570, 209.07 vs. 11. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.583, 208.81; 7. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.570, 208.01 vs. 10. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.582, 208.39; 8. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.575, 207.69 vs. 9. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.581, 207.62.

    Did Not Qualify: 17. Fernando Cuadra, 6.627, 207.85; 18. Robert River, 7.050, 196.07.

    Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.716, 201.79 vs. 14. Joey Gladstone, Buell, 7.061, 160.69; 2. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.766, 201.76 vs. 13. Chris Bostick, EBR, 7.026, 187.63; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.773, 201.25 vs. 12. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.953, 193.82; 4. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.774, 198.70 vs. 11. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.880, 198.93; 5. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.796, 199.14 vs. 10. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.879, 196.85; 6. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 6.841, 197.31 vs. 9. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.874, 196.44; 7. Cory Reed, Suzuki, 6.870, 195.48 vs. 8. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.874, 197.88.

  • KALITTA, TASCA, ENDERS AND HERRERA GRAB PROVISIONAL NO. 1 POSITIONS AT NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    KALITTA, TASCA, ENDERS AND HERRERA GRAB PROVISIONAL NO. 1 POSITIONS AT NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    ST. LOUIS (Sept. 29, 2023) – Top Fuel points leader Doug Kalitta continued his impressive run in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship at World Wide Technology Raceway, powering to the provisional No. 1 spot to close out Friday’s racing at the 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals.

    Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 18th of 21 races during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, and the third of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

    As part of the final pair of the evening under the lights at World Wide Technology Raceway, Kalitta turned in a run of 3.709-seconds at 331.85 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Mac Tools/Toyota dragster. If that holds, the veteran would pick up his second No. 1 spot this year and 53rd in his career. Seeking his first career world championship, Kalitta has won the first two playoff races this year and continued to gain momentum on Friday.

    “Everybody is running really close, and we somehow snuck by them,” Kalitta said. “Hat’s off to (crew chiefs) Alan Johnson and Brian Husen and all my guys; they’re really working their tails off on this car, and it’s definitely showing. Consistency is everything in this sport, and that was a nice A to B run for us. It was close, but we pulled it off.

    “We’re all hungry. I always love coming to St. Louis. Just a lot of great memories here and a great racing town. This is really a good start for us here for the first qualifying run. The competition is tough and everybody is running well. I just feel really fortunate to pull off the low qualifier so far.”

    Mike Salinas took the second spot with a run of 3.710 at 329.75 and Antron Brown was right behind in third with a 3.714 at 331.69.

    In Funny Car, Tasca delivered an epic blast to close out qualifying, going a spectacular 3.852 at 324.90 in his 11,000-horsepower Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang. Coming off last weekend’s win in Charlotte and advancing to second in points, Tasca grabbed the qualifying points on Friday at World Wide Technology Raceway as only one of two drivers to dip into the 3.80s. With warm temperatures expected on Saturday, Tasca appears on track to earn his sixth No. 1 qualifier in his tremendous 2023 campaign and the 15th in his career. It would also be his second No. 1 in the playoffs if it holds, a week after making a career-best pass in Charlotte.

    “We’ve been working on this all season long, starting in testing,” Tasca said. “We had to have the setup to go out here and run with the big teams when the conditions were good. We had flashes of that early in the season, worked on it when the conditions were good, and just seeing this car run really hard. Aaron Brooks, Todd Okuhara, they have a lot of confidence in the setup. They were trying to run .85 and the car ran .85.

    “This wasn’t a fluke, they told me keep it on the inside until about a half-track and then pull it back slowly. Normally you muscle a Funny Car, but in this example, you’re really just finessing it. You can’t be a one-trick pony. You have to be able to throw down when it’s hot and be able to pull it back and still throw down when it’s cool.”

    Blake Alexander took the second spot with a run of 3.888 at 326.79 and John Force is third after going 3.914 at 325.06. Points leader Robert Hight is 13th.

    World Wide Technology Raceway has belonged to Pro Stock’s Erica Enders over the years and that continued on Friday, as the defending world champion went to the No. 1 spot with a run of 6.549 at 209.69 in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance Chevrolet Camaro. If that holds, Enders would earn her third straight No. 1 qualifier, fifth this season and the 34th in her stellar career. She’s been nearly flawless in St. Louis, winning the past four years at the track, giving her six overall. That’s the most in NHRA history at the facility and a seventh win this weekend – and 47th in her career – would also give her the most wins by a female in NHRA history.

    “It definitely felt awesome,” Enders said. “I say this a lot but I feed off of Mark Ingersoll, my crew chief. I really enjoy his confidence because it in turn gives me confidence. This place has always been amazing to me. To have the last four years in a row is pretty awesome. It’s Mark’s home track, and he wants to swing hard here. We’re really excited.

    “My sister and I have coined the phrase, everything changes in St. Louis. We’ll just go ahead and hope that’s going to be the outcome. When we went into the Countdown, we haven’t won one yet, but I said three races in a row, in three weeks I’m going to know where I stand and maybe my stomach can relax a little bit. It’s so fun coming here. I’m excited to have things change in St. Louis.”

    Troy Coughlin Jr. took the second spot thanks to his pass of 6.558 at 208.97 and Greg Anderson, who won last weekend in Charlotte, is third after a 6.560 at 208.81. Points leader Matt Hartford’s 6.565 has him fourth.

    In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gaige Herrera enjoyed another terrific Friday night, this time putting together an impressive run of 6.716 at 201.79 on his Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. It puts the points leader on track for an incredible 11th No. 1 qualifier this season in 12 races for the category, another sign of his dominating season. He picked up his first career win in the Countdown to the Championship last weekend and, after moving back into the points lead, Herrera looks to keep rolling this weekend in St. Louis.

    “I’ve been having fun all year, and all the little changes, they’re out to get us as a team or me,” Herrera said. “Just to have that feeling, basically, Matt (Smith) is doing everything he can to try to knock us off the top. I think that makes us drive harder, push harder, and me as a rider, try to be more consistent. I had a .029 light there today and last weekend I had an average of .032. It makes me try harder and push harder, and the same for Andrew (Hines, crew chief). He wants to give me the most consistent but fast motorcycle, so I think overall it just drives us to keep on pushing. I’m just excited to be a part of it. I’m very lucky to ride for them and be part of it.”

    Defending world champion and defending event winner Matt Smith, who trails Herrera by 52 points heading into the weekend, is currently second with a 6.766 at 201.76 and Eddie Krawiec is third with a 6.787 at 201.40.

    Qualifying continues at 1:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at the NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway.


    MADISON, Ill. — Friday’s results after the first one of three rounds of qualifying for the 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, 18th of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

    Top Fuel — 1. Doug Kalitta, 3.709 seconds, 331.85 mph; 2. Mike Salinas, 3.710, 329.75; 3. Antron Brown, 3.714, 331.69; 4. Justin Ashley, 3.730, 331.69; 5. Tony Schumacher, 3.734, 329.83; 6. Leah Pruett, 3.742, 331.04; 7. Clay Millican, 3.745, 328.62; 8. Shawn Langdon, 3.748, 328.86; 9. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.816, 314.46; 10. Cody Krohn, 3.819, 319.07; 11. T.J. Zizzo, 3.832, 321.88; 12. Lex Joon, 3.920, 314.09; 13. Steve Torrence, 5.464, 119.76; 14. Austin Prock, 5.936, 110.86; 15. Josh Hart, 6.142, 110.64; 16. Brittany Force, 6.651, 88.33. Not Qualified: 17. Buddy Hull, 7.396, 78.78; 18. Terry Totten, 20.894, 158.39.

    Funny Car — 1. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.852, 324.90; 2. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.888, 326.79; 3. John Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.914, 325.06; 4. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.928, 328.78; 5. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.937, 293.47; 6. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.959, 328.86; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.982, 321.04; 8. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.079, 299.00; 9. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.193, 275.84; 10. Alex Laughlin, Charger, 4.220, 295.40; 11. Jack Wyatt, Charger, 4.296, 240.77; 12. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.904, 159.61; 13. Robert Hight, Camaro, 5.445, 131.48; 14. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 5.770, 122.43; 15. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 6.023, 111.12; 16. Alexis DeJoria, GR Supra, 6.387, 114.01. Not Qualified: 17. Cruz Pedregon, 7.564, 91.85.

    Pro Stock — 1. Erica Enders, Chevy Camaro, 6.549, 209.69; 2. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.558, 208.97; 3. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.560, 208.81; 4. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.565, 207.85; 5. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.569, 208.65; 6. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.570, 208.01; 7. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.573, 209.10; 8. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Ford Mustang, 6.575, 207.69; 9. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.582, 208.39; 10. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.582, 207.15; 11. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.583, 208.81; 12. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.605, 208.62; 13. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.615, 207.27; 14. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.622, 207.15; 15. Fernando Cuadra, Mustang, 6.627, 207.85; 16. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.627, 206.61. Not Qualified: 17. Robert River, 7.123, 196.07; 18. Deric Kramer, 7.971, 122.87.

    Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.716, 201.79; 2. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.766, 201.76; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.787, 201.40; 4. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.796, 199.14; 5. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 6.841, 197.31; 6. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.847, 194.21; 7. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.910, 195.96; 8. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.929, 194.60; 9. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.953, 193.82; 10. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.961, 193.40; 11. Chris Bostick, EBR, 7.026, 187.63; 12. Joey Gladstone, Buell, 7.061, 160.69; 13. Angie Smith, Buell, 7.190, 149.38.

  • NHRA DRIVERS RIDE INTO DALLAS FOR KEY PLAYOFF RACE AT TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS

    NHRA DRIVERS RIDE INTO DALLAS FOR KEY PLAYOFF RACE AT TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS

    ENNIS, Texas (Sept. 28, 2023) – The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series gallops into the Texas Motorplex to conclude the third annual Stampede of Speed with the main event of the 10-day event, the 38th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals on Oct. 12.-15. The stakes will be high as the second half of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs takes place at the fan-favorite event in Dallas.

    The 19th event of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season is the fourth event of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs, and it promises to deliver all the thrilling 11,000-horsepower, 330-mph race action fans have enjoyed for nearly four decades at the legendary Texas Motorplex.

    An extra element of excitement will also return to the Texas NHRA FallNationals with the addition of “Friday Night Live,” which offers more than $40,000 in bonus money to the stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.

    The low qualifier under the lights on Friday at the famed Texas Motorplex will net Top Fuel and Funny Car stars $15,000 each in bonus money, with $7,500 going to the quickest qualifier in Pro Stock and $5,000 in Pro Stock Motorcycle. That leads into final qualifying on Saturday and championship Sunday, where winners will be crowned at the legendary facility to close out a memorable weekend of adrenaline-filled action.

    Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home victories last season. This year’s race will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) as the playoffs heat up for NHRA drivers.

    Top Fuel standout Ashley claimed his second consecutive Texas NHRA FallNationals win last year when he defeated Austin Prock in the final round. Ashley has been hot this season with six wins to his credit. If he wants to claim an NHRA world championship, he’ll need to get past current points leader Doug Kalitta, who has won the first two races in the Countdown to the Championship, Texas native Steve Torrence, defending world champion Brittany Force, Leah Pruett and Antron Brown.

    Reigning Funny Car world champion Capps defeated Matt Hagan in the 2022 Dallas final, giving Capps his second consecutive Dallas win and third from the facility. Capps then went on to claim his third NHRA championship and second in a row. If he wants to make it three Dallas wins in a row, he’ll need to power past current points leader Robert Hight, Bob Tasca III, who won the most recent race to pull within 25 points of Hight, Hagan, John Force, J.R. Todd and Texan Chad Green.

    Enders, a Texas native, wowed fans all throughout 2022 by collecting 10 NHRA titles en route to her fifth Pro Stock world championship. One of those 10 victories was her 2022 Texas NHRA FallNationals win, helping her clinch a championship a race later. If the Texan will want to earn her third Dallas win, she’ll need to get past points leader Matt Hartford, who holds a four-point lead over Enders, Troy Coughlin Jr., Dallas Glenn, who is 15 points out of first, Charlotte 2 winner Greg Anderson and Kyle Koretsky.

    Pro Stock Motorcycle veteran Arana Jr. picked up his first win from Dallas last year when he took down Jerry Savoie, who has three wins from the facility, in the final round. Arana has one win on the 2023 season and is currently sitting third in the NHRA points standings. Leading the way is points leader Gaige Herrera, who has seven wins this season. Also hot in the mix is Eddie Krawiec, defending world champ Matt Smith, rookie Chase Van Sant and Angie Smith.

    The Texas NHRA FallNationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport’s top drivers, as well as the penultimate race of the season in Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown. The weekend will also include the Jr. Dragster Shootout, as well as a jet dragster and wheelstander exhibition after nitro qualifying on Friday.

    Fans will also be treated to the JEG’s Allstar event, which pits sportsman racers from across the country against each other for the ultimate drag racing battle. The popular competition will take place at the famed Texas Motorplex for the first time and the unique specialty race is one of most highly-anticipated events of the year.

    Race fans at Texas Motorplex can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Texas NHRA FallNationals event winners.

    Leading into the race, fans can take part in several events as part of the Stampede for Speed, including a cattle drive and Scott Palmer Nitro Sideshow (October 6), Stars Over Texas Festival (October 7-8), celebrity media race and stampede warmup (October 9), Stampede of Speed Shootout (October 10), NHRA Fall Nationals professional testing (October 11), Champions’ Dinner (October 11, 6pm) and the NHRA FanFest in downtown Waxahachie (October 12), where fans can meet and get autographs from all the top stars in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.

    Fans are invited to the Nitro Alley Stage all weekend, which will help create a festive atmosphere leading into Nitro Alley. The Nitro Alley Stage will be the main entertainment hub in the pits when the Camping World Drag Racing Series competitors are not on the track, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets and much more. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food, and fun.

    NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 13, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 16. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday and as well as action from eliminations at 3 p.m.

    To purchase tickets to the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, call 800-668-6775 or visit tickets.texasmotorplex.com. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general admissions areas with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.


    About Camping World Holdings, Inc.

    Camping World Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL, (together with its subsidiaries) is the World’s largest retailer of RVs and related products and services. Our vision is to build a long-term legacy business that makes RVing fun and easy. Our Camping World and Good Sam brands have been serving RV consumers since 1966. We strive to build long-term value for our customers, employees, and shareholders by combining a unique and comprehensive assortment of RV products and services with a national network of RV dealerships, service centers and customer support centers along with the industry’s most extensive online presence and a highly trained and knowledgeable team of employees serving our customers, the RV lifestyle, and the communities in which we operate. We also believe that our Good Sam organization and family of programs and services uniquely enable us to connect with our customers as stewards of the RV enthusiast community and the RV lifestyle. With RV sales and service locations in 43 states, Camping World has grown to become the prime destination for everything RV. For more information, visit www.campingworld.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 21 national events featuring the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown™ and Top Fuel Harley Series. 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 120 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.

  • PRO STOCK’S GREG ANDERSON AIMS TO CONTINUE PLAYOFF SURGE AGAINST LOADED FIELD AT NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    PRO STOCK’S GREG ANDERSON AIMS TO CONTINUE PLAYOFF SURGE AGAINST LOADED FIELD AT NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    ST. LOUIS (Sept. 28, 2023) – With as quickly as things change in Pro Stock, Greg Anderson knows he can’t get too comfortable with last week’s win in Charlotte, especially with another huge NHRA Countdown to the Championship race taking place at this weekend’s 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway.

    But the five-time world champion got new life when it comes to the title chase with his first win of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the 102nd in his career. After struggling during the regular season, Anderson has put things together at the right time, pulling within 61 points of points leader and KB Titan Racing teammate Matt Hartford.

    Anderson, though, knows he can fall back out of the title hunt just as quick as he got back in it, which is why this weekend in St. Louis is so important for the veteran in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro.

    “Things are great and I can’t wait to get to St. Louis,” Anderson said. “I know I’m back in the fight and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. We feel great as a team and our effort, and I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a battle. All these cars are fast and it seems like everyone has stepped up when we got to the playoffs. You better find something special and we were back on the dyno trying to find something for St. Louis. If not, you’re going to get waxed and that’s how fast everything changes in this class.”

    Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won last year in St. Louis and this year’s playoff event will again be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), with action from eliminations set to air at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1. It is the third of six playoff events during the 2023 NHRA season, and if Anderson is to find success at World Wide Technology Raceway, where he has a pair of wins, he’ll likely have to defeat Enders to do it.

    She has won four straight races in St. Louis and her six victories at the popular track are the most for any driver in NHRA history. Enders is also just four points outside of first and has qualified No. 1 at each of the first two playoff races.

    Anderson got by the reigning and five-time world champion in Charlotte, but he knows it will take an incredible effort to do it again in St. Louis. Plus, he also has to deal with the likes of Dallas Glenn, who is only 15 points behind Hartford, Troy Coughlin Jr., Kyle Koretsky, Aaron Stanfield and Deric Kramer.

    “There’s so many people that can win in this class and you can absolutely get your butt whipped in any round you go up there,” Anderson said. “That’s what makes Pro Stock so great and that’s why it feels so good when a win light comes on. It’s going to be an exciting Countdown the rest of the way. We’re back in the game and back in the hunt with four races to go, and it’s going to be exciting. You’re only as good as your last race and you’ve got to appreciate every opportunity you have.”

    In Pro Stock Motorcycle, it was back to business as usual – at least in 2023 – for Gaige Herrera, as the points leader won for the seventh time this year, taking a 52-point lead over Matt Smith with his Charlotte triumph.

    It was a big moment for Herrera, who didn’t win in Indy or the playoff opener and watched Smith take the points lead with his Reading win. Herrera, though, bounced back with his first career playoff win and will look to continue that momentum in St. Louis. Smith, though, has impressed at the facility, winning two straight races and five overall at the facility. Herrera will also have to contend with standouts like Hector Arana Jr., who is 54 points out of first, Angie Smith, rookie Chase Van Sant, Eddie Krawiec and Jianna Evaristo.

    “My bike was consistent again (in Charlotte),” Herrera said. “Losing the last two races (in Indy and Reading) kind of lit a fire under me. After Reading I was kind of upset because we really couldn’t pinpoint what happened and that basically made me dig down. The bike came off the trailer (in Charlotte) flying.

    “I’ve got a really fast motorcycle compared to a lot of others out here, so it makes it look easy, but at the same time, they’re all very tough competitors. I love the pressure. My dream would be to race Matt in the final in Pomona for the championship.”

    Torrence heads to St. Louis second in Top Fuel points, trailing Doug Kalitta by 63 points. Kalitta has taken the lead by winning the first two playoff races against the likes of Justin Ashley, defending world champ Brittany Force, Leah Pruett and Antron Brown.

    Defending Funny Car event winner Hight holds a 25-point lead over Bob Tasca III, who knocked off Hight last weekend in Charlotte. Other championship hopefuls include defending world champ Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, John Force and Chad Green.

    The NHRA Midwest Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and the new Factory X presented by Holley category. It is also the penultimate race in the Pro Mod’s “Road to the Championship” as they get close to crowning a championship. The ET Racing Showcase, Jr. Arch Shootout, Budweiser Challenge, high school challenge and Jr. Dragster Shootout will all take place during the weekend as well.

    Fans are invited to the Nitro Alley Stage all weekend, which will help create a festive atmosphere leading into Nitro Alley. The Nitro Alley Stage will be the main entertainment hub in the pits when the Camping World Drag Racing Series competitors are not on the track, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets and much more. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food, and fun.

    Race fans at World Wide Technology Raceway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the St. Louis event winners.

    NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 6:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Sept. 29, and the final two rounds on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 1. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 29 and 2 p.m. ET on Sunday Oct. 1, with eliminations starting at 3 p.m. ET on FS1 on Sunday.

    Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.


    About Camping World Holdings, Inc.

    Camping World Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL, (together with its subsidiaries) is the World’s largest retailer of RVs and related products and services. Our vision is to build a long-term legacy business that makes RVing fun and easy. Our Camping World and Good Sam brands have been serving RV consumers since 1966. We strive to build long-term value for our customers, employees, and shareholders by combining a unique and comprehensive assortment of RV products and services with a national network of RV dealerships, service centers and customer support centers along with the industry’s most extensive online presence and a highly trained and knowledgeable team of employees serving our customers, the RV lifestyle, and the communities in which we operate. We also believe that our Good Sam organization and family of programs and services uniquely enable us to connect with our customers as stewards of the RV enthusiast community and the RV lifestyle. With RV sales and service locations in 43 states, Camping World has grown to become the prime destination for everything RV. For more information, visit www.campingworld.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 21 national events featuring the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown™ and Top Fuel Harley Series. 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 120 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.

  • NHRA AT WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY: Team Chevy Race Advance

    NHRA AT WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY: Team Chevy Race Advance

    CHEVROLET IN NHRA
    2023 NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS
    WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY
    MADISON, ILLINOIS
    TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE

    SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 1, 2023

    CHEVROLET LOOKS TO REPEAT VICTORY AT WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY ON THE HUNT FOR A 28TH NHRA MANUFACTURERS CUP

    DETROIT (September 28, 2023) – Only four events remain in the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season as the Chevrolet drivers and teams race on in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship. With Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown in competition at this weekend’s NHRA Midwest Nationals, World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) plays host as the Bowtie brand continues to race towards their 28th Manufacturers Cup since 1966.

    With a strong winning history at the track, including with Erica Enders, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock for Elite Motorsports, looking to not only continue to solidify herself in the history books with her 47th NHRA win, she also seeks her fifth-in-a-row victory at the Madison, Ill. track after winning consecutively in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

    Adding to Chevy’s winning ways in St. Louis, Robert Hight, driver of the Cornwell Tools/AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car for John Force Racing, looks to capture a repeat Wally trophy after not only qualifying No. 1 with his run of 3.853 ET at 336.32 MPH in 2022, but also winning over opponents Tim Wilkerson, Matt Hagan, and Ron Capps to capture the event win. Additionally, Hight currently enters the weekend first in Countdown points and looks to continue his march toward a fourth championship crown.

    “We’ve hit our stride at the right time. This AAA team, we had a rough patch but we got through it. My crew chiefs, Jimmy and Thomas Prock and Nate Hildahl, and all our guys stuck through it. I don’t think any of us had any doubt we’d be right in the thick of things when it mattered most,” Hight said. “We’ve got to keep it going. It’s going to take wins to get this championship locked up, going rounds is good and we’ve done that so far, we just need more of it. Those small points in qualifying will be important too. We lost last year by three, we’re not going to let that happen again.”

    Striking success early in the weekend with a strong qualifying run, the 16-time NHRA champion and drag racing legend John Force, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, set the No. 2 qualifying pace last year to give John Force Racing occupation of the top two ladder positions heading into race day with his run of 3.853 ET at 334.15 MPH. Despite facing a tough year, J. Force looks optimistic heading to WWTR.

    “It’s been a tough season, we’ve struggled, but we’re not out of it yet. It’s competitive in Funny Car, maybe the most competitive it’s been, so no one is running away with it yet,” Force said. “We’ve had some consistency lately, figured some things out, so we just need to keep at it, keep our heads up. I think we’re all looking forward to St. Louis and hopefully ending these three back-to-back races on a good note.”

    Back in competition this weekend, the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown Chevrolet COPO Camaros hit the track looking to take home yet another Wally trophy this weekend. Last competing at the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, Aaron Stanfield pulled double-duty in the class while also in Pro Stock, and ultimately taking home the Factory Stock Showdown win.

    “I want to keep going rounds and hold onto this lead for sure,” said Stanfield. “The biggest thing is how much support I have gotten this season. Everyone on this team has chipped in to get us where we are now. I have the FlexJet bounty on me now and I would like to make sure it keeps growing for a few races.

    The 2023 NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Ill. kicks off Friday, Sept. 29, with qualifying airing at 7 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Saturday qualifying airs Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on FS1, with eliminations following at 3 p.m. ET on FS1. Coverage streams live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

    WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

    Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster for John Force Racing:

    “The Midwest Nationals is race three of six in this Countdown. It’s easy to stay motivated when you’re coming right out of one event into another. We competed in Reading, Pennsylvania then Charlotte and now St. Louis for three back-to-back races. This Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team enters this event sitting sixth and we still have complete confidence we can make some big moves to get us closer to the top. Our qualifying has improved the last several weekends, we’ve been more consistent and earning bonus points to put us higher in the field. With three attempts this weekend, we want to take full avenge of those small points with some solid runs to put us at least in the top five. We need to go rounds on race day, we set the track record speed last year, but this year, we need to bring home a St. Louis win.”

    Austin Prock, driver of the Rocky Mountain Twist / Montana Brand Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster for John Force Racing:

    “We’re coming off a bit of momentum in Charlotte at the Carolina Nationals. I think we’re all looking forward to firing off strong in St. Louis at World Wide Technology Raceway. We have all the pieces to the puzzle to succeed on this Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team, we just need to utilize them efficiently. Once we do that, we will come out victorious.”

    Camrie Caruso, driver of the Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro Pro Stock car for KB Titan Racing:

    “I feel so much better in this Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro at this point of the season than when we started. There wasn’t anything wrong, but it was a new car and I was still getting adjusted to it. Now I love rolling up to the starting line. I know I have good power from KB Titan Racing and this team is awesome. We have started winning rounds in the Countdown and now we just need to make a move up the points.”

    Discussing last year’s Countdown:

    “Last year during the Countdown I was worn out mentally and physically. I had a better idea of what to expect this year and I think we can keep improving these last four Countdown races. I am looking forward to getting to St. Louis because I know I have a race car that can win. I am working on making sure I do everything correctly and three races in a row help keep me in a groove.”

    On her second year in Pro Stock, comfort level, and competing in the All-Star Callout:

    “I am still figuring a lot of things out in my second year but after getting that first win at the Arizona Nationals and thenx the Pro Stock All-Star Callout win, I definitely feel like I belong. Winning and running well helps with confidence but you still have to drive the car and get more experience. I am looking forward to getting that first qualifying run Friday night in St. Louis and then building on it on Saturday.”

    On working with KB Titan Racing and teammates:

    “Working with KB Titan Racing has been incredible every way you look at it,” said Caruso. “The power we have under the hoods is great and the team of people we have is incredible. My teammates are awesome drivers and when you look at how well Greg (Anderson), Dallas (Glenn), Matt Hartford, and Kyle (Koretsky) are doing I have a lot of confidence when I go to the races. I want to do my part for the team and for everyone at Tequila Comisario, DENSO, Big Jeff Audio, Powerbuilt Tools, and VP Racing Lubricants.”

    Aaron Stanfield, driver of the Stanfield Racing Engines Chevrolet COPO Camaro in FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown:

    “I want to keep going rounds and hold onto this lead for sure. The biggest thing is how much support I have gotten this season. Everyone on this team has chipped in to get us where we are now. I have the FlexJet bounty on me now and I would like to make sure it keeps growing for a few races. Getting the win in Reading was a big boost with only three races left. I have had good luck in St. Louis, and I am looking forward to getting back there.

    TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS:

    1,437: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time).

    620: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 624.

    378: Number of wins in Pro Stock since 1970; 259 won in the Chevrolet Camaro body.

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

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

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

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

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

    27: Number of NHRA championships Chevrolet holds as a manufacturer since entering the first in 1966. No other manufacturer has won it more than Chevrolet.

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

    18: Number of Pro Stock championships.

    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.

    UPCOMING NHRA MILESTONES:

    950: Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) is second all-time with 929 elimination round wins. He could reach 950 round wins with a decent run in the 18-race schedule.

    624: Robert Hight achieved 620 Funny Car elimination wins in Chicago to rank 13th on the all-time NHRA list; Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car) sits 12th with 624.

    450: By qualifying for his next race, Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) will extend his NHRA record from 449 to 450 consecutive race day appearances. His first appearance came in 2002 at Pomona 2, and he holds the longest career qualifying streak in NHRA.

    138: Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) ranks third on the NHRA all-time list with 122 No. 1 qualifiers. He will tie Warren Johnson (Pro Stock, 138) for second to John Force (Funny Car, 166) on the list.

    276: By qualifying for his next race, Robert Hight will extend his NHRA record to 276 consecutive race day appearances. His first appearance came in 2010 at Pomona 2, and he currently sits seventh in career qualifying streaks in NHRA (Doug Kalitta is sixth at 284).

    65: Robert Hight moved into the top-10 in 10th on the all-time NHRA victory list with his win in Reading with 64. Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock, retired) is next ninth on list with 65.

    47: Erica Enders has 46 career NHRA victories (45 Pro Stock, one Super Gas; all with Chevrolet). Her first win in Pro Stock came at Chicago, 2012, and her last win at Topeka, 2023 in Pro Stock. Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle, Top Alcohol Dragster) and Enders are tied as the all-time NHRA female leader with 46.

    18: Brittany Force (16 Top Fuel career wins) will move past Shirley Muldowney (18 wins) into third on the NHRA all-time victory list for females. Erica Enders (Pro Stock, 46) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle, 46) are ahead.

    6: Erica Enders (Pro Stock) could tie Warren Johnson (6 Pro Stock championships) for second on the class list. The same holds for Greg Anderson. Bob Glidden is the leader with 10. Enders currently holds five Pro Stock championships, the most of any female in NHRA.

    3: Brittany Force (Top Fuel, two championships) would tie Shirley Muldowney (Top Fuel) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) for second on the NHRA all-time championship list by females with another title in 2023. Erica Enders (Pro Stock, five) is the leader.

    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.