Category: NHRA

CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2023 DODGE POWER BROKERS NHRA U.S. NATIONALS
LUCAS OIL INDIANAPOLIS RACEWAY PARK
CLERMONT, INDIANA
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE
SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2023

CHEVROLET LOOKS TO GO BIG AT THE BIG GO IN INDIANAPOLIS

DETROIT (August 30, 2023) – The biggest event that’s circled on many calendars in professional drag racing, the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals, returns this weekend with Chevrolet drivers and teams looking to capture glory and the Wally trophy while solidifying their spot in NHRA history.

Erica Enders, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepower Garage Melling Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock car for Elite Motorsports, is just one victory away from surpassing Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle, Top Alcohol) to become the winningest woman in NHRA history. Currently with 45 Pro Stock wins and one Super Gas victory, Enders stands to further make her mark known as one of the top racers in drag racing on its biggest stage.

“Rolling into ‘The Big Go’ will always feel different,” said Enders. “The significance of the U.S. Nationals will never be lost on me regardless of how many times we race it or win it. The timing of the biggest race of the year couldn’t be better for us right now. Momentum is swinging in our favor, and our climb from 15th in points at the beginning of the season to fifth shows the tenacity of this Elite Motorsports team. We’ve won three U.S. Nationals titles together as a team, and if you ask us, a fourth win at Indy is exactly what the story of our 2023 championship run needs. As always, my money is on us to snag our third Wally of the season with points-and-a-half right before the Countdown points reset. I couldn’t be more excited to be headed to ‘The Big Go’.”

Greg Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock car for KB Titan Racing, may be just one of many challengers for Enders she’ll face this weekend, and enters this year’s U.S. Nationals as both defending winner and No. 1 qualifier after topping the leaderboard in 2022 after qualifying and racing to the winner’s circle. Additionally, Dallas Glenn, driver of the RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock car for KB Titan Racing, is on a hot streak this season, earning his fourth Pro Stock victory most recently at Brainerd International Raceway of his eight total career victories. Additionally leading the NHRA Championship standings heading into the points-and-a-half race weekend at Indianapolis, Glenn stands to kick off his NHRA Countdown to the Championship run with strong momentum his side towards Chevrolet’s potential 28th title as a manufacturer.

For John Force Racing’s Brittany Force, driver of the Flav-R-Pack/Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, looks to not only defend her No. 1 qualifier from 2022 this year and repeat the same feat but also race her way to the winner’s circle for her first time in 2023 after racing to runner-up in Topeka. A momentum shift would benefit B. Force and the team, and with points-and-a-half on the line at Indianapolis ahead of the start of the Countdown, along with a win, could turn her season around as she looks to fight for her fourth championship.

“Heading into the biggest race of the season, the U.S. Nationals in Indy this weekend and we’re sitting fourth in points. We’ve come very close to winning this event with two runner-up finishes but this Flav-R-Pac/Monster Energy team is looking to seal the deal and end up in the winner’s circle this year,” B. Force said. “It’s the final race before points reset so our team needs to grab as many points as we can to close the gap as much as possible. It’s points and a half with an extra qualifying session so we’re going to try and really take advantage. Our goals haven’t changed, we want to qualify top five, and have clean and solid passes every run. We’re looking for a winner’s circle finish.”

With five rounds of qualifying before Monday’s eliminations on Labor Day, the Funny Car drivers of John Force Racing of Robert Hight and John Force, look to catapult to the top of the ladder sheets while also seeking sweet victory.

“When you have a crew chief like Jimmy Prock and a team that has won championships, you just believe in them. And I do, I believe in this whole Cornwell Tools team and I’m doing my part, so I know it’s coming. We’re chasing more wins. I know they’re coming, and they’ll be coming at just the right time. We know it’s going to be a fight, but we have the opportunity this weekend to make up some ground and give ourselves the best position possible going into the Countdown,” Hight said. “We tested Monday in Brainerd to get this Cornwell Tools Chevy where it needs to be for the biggest race of the year and into the Countdown. I’m confident, this team is confident. We’re just ready to get out there.”

Returning to competition this weekend, the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown takes the stage, with Chevrolet also seeking a repeat win. David Barton, defending champion and winner of the 2022 U.S. Nationals, looks to race to the win light in his Chevrolet COPO Camaro in Indianapolis.

Finally, NHRA’s new Factory X presented by Holley category takes to the track this weekend, facing off with Greg Stanfield and Jim Cowan representing Chevrolet in their 630-hp Magnuson 2.65-L supercharger-powered COPO Camaros. Four cars are entered in the new and budding category, and Chevrolet stands to potentially pick up it’s first win in competition.

The 2023 Dodge Power Brokers U.S. Nationals from Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park airs first with Friday’s qualifying broadcasting Sunday, Sept. 3 at 11:30 a.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Saturday’s qualifying from Indianapolis airs also Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET on FS1. The Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout airs Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on FOX. Finals from the U.S. Nationals air Monday at 12 p.m. ET on FS1, and 2 p.m. ET on FOX. Coverage streaming live throughout the weekend can be found through NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

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

“I’m excited for the biggest race of the year. This Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team is putting in the work to make sure we can battle with the rest of them. We will have a few new faces on our team this weekend, but we are not new to battling adversity. These small setbacks only make us stronger as a team. I believe we have a strong chance at leaving here with the hardware.”

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

“Busy weekend for the U.S. Nationals, always is, as it should be. Biggest race of the year, biggest drag race in the world. We have to act like it too. There’s a lot of opportunities to celebrate with the Mission Foods Challenge and the Pep Boys Callout. That’s before we even get to race day. This PEAK Chevy, we’ll be looking to get the job done for all our sponsors. A lot of them in town for our sponsor summit earlier in the week. It’s going to be exciting, a great show for the fans. I’m looking forward to it.”

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

“The U.S. Nationals is the biggest race of the year, and it leads right into the Countdown, so you want to build some positive momentum. The competition has been so tough this year we really want to make some good runs in qualifying so we can give ourselves the best chance on race day. I am excited about getting five qualifying sessions because I think we can get a lot of good data for this Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro team.”

Do you look at Indianapolis differently with it being the U.S. Nationals, or is this a “run your race” type of event?

“You try and think of every race as being the same, but Indy definitely has a different feel. Last year during my rookie year we had a lot going on and honestly Indy was a long race. I feel a lot more confident this year. I am with KB Titan Racing which has been great. I have a better idea of what to expect from a longer race weekend. I really feel good about our chances. We had a good race in Brainerd and just lost a close race to Kyle (Koretsky) in the second round.”

On the points reset after Indianapolis in the Countdown, and how she feels about racing for her first potential NHRA Pro Stock Championship…

“After Indy when the points are reset, we would love to be just a few rounds out of first place. We’ll have six races in the playoffs to get some more wins and race for our first championship. I don’t want to think about that too much because really getting the win at the U.S. Nationals is my focus right now. I feel very comfortable in my race car and I can’t wait to get to the track.”

Erica Enders, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepower Garage Melling Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock car for Elite Motorsports:

“Rolling into ‘The Big Go’ will always feel different. The significance of the U.S. Nationals will never be lost on me regardless of how many times we race it or win it. The timing of the biggest race of the year couldn’t be better for us right now. Momentum is swinging in our favor, and our climb from 15th in points at the beginning of the season to fifth shows the tenacity of this Elite Motorsports team. We’ve won three U.S. Nationals titles together as a team, and if you ask us, a fourth win at Indy is exactly what the story of our 2023 championship run needs. As always, my money is on us to snag our third Wally of the season with points-and-a-half right before the Countdown points reset. I couldn’t be more excited to be headed to ‘The Big Go’.”

TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS:

1,436: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time).

611: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 622.

375: Number of wins in Pro Stock since 1970; 256 won in the Chevrolet Camaro body.

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

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

80: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Robert Hight (6th all-time).

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

47: 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 925 elimination round wins. He could reach 950 round wins with a decent run in the 18-race schedule.

621: Robert Hight achieved 611 Funny Car elimination wins in Chicago to rank 13th on the all-time NHRA list; Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car) sits 12th with 622.

447: By qualifying for his next race, Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) will extend his NHRA record from 446 to 447 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 (165) on the list.

272: By qualifying for his next race, Robert Hight will extend his NHRA record to 272 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 281).

65: Robert Hight moved into the top-10 in 10th on the all-time NHRA victory list with his win in Pomona 1 with 63. Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock, retired) is next ninth on list with 65.

47: Erica Enders has 46 career Pro Stock victories (all with Chevrolet, first win coming at Chicago, 2012 and last win at Las Vegas 2, 2022). Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) 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.

3: Brittany Force (Top Fuel, 2 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, 5) 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.

CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2023 LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS
BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
BRAINERD, MINNESOTA
TEAM CHEVY RACE RECAP
AUGUST 20, 2023

DALLAS GLENN RACES TO BRAINERD VICTORY WITH CHEVROLET; GAINS MOMENTUM HEADING INTO U.S. NATIONALS AND THE NHRA COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

• Dallas Glenn, driver of the RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock car, captured his fourth Wally trophy of the 2023 NHRA season and eighth Pro Stock career victory.
• Glenn earned the 375th Pro Stock win for Chevrolet, the 256th in the Chevrolet Camaro.
• With Glenn’s victory, he continues to sit first in the 2023 NHRA Pro Stock points standing heading into the U.S. Nationals.
• Robert Hight, of John Force Racing (Funny Car), and Erica Enders, of Elite Motorsports (Pro Stock), raced to victory during qualifying to take home the Lucas Oil Nationals Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge prize.
• Greg Anderson, of KB Titan Racing, earned his first No. 1 qualifier of the year and 122nd of his Pro Stock career after his 6.597-second run at 205.79 MPH.

BRAINERD, Minnesota (August 20, 2023) – Capturing Chevrolet’s 375th NHRA Pro Stock victory and the 256th in the Chevrolet Camaro, Dallas Glenn, driver of the Rad Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock car for KB Titan Racing, captured his eighth career Pro Stock Wally trophy after defeating Kyle Koretsky in the 2023 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Finals at Brainerd International Raceway.

“I just need to keep this momentum going,” said Glenn. “I’ve been really lucky this season. I feel like I’ve been just good enough, and I’ve got the baddest Jerry Haas race car on the planet right now. It was really ugly in the final, it was shaking pretty good, but we got through it.”

Defeating Jerry Tucker in Round 1, Erica Enders in Round 2, and Aaron Stanfield in Semifinals before winning over Koretsky in the final round, Glenn carries both the points lead and strong momentum with his fourth victory of the season into Labor Day weekend’s U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.

In Funny Car, it was a John Force Racing faceoff in in semifinals, with Robert Hight, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car taking on his teammate and team owner John Force, driver of the PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car. Racing to the finish line with a pass of 3.918 ET at 325.61 MPH to J. Force’s 11.323 ET at 76.73 MPH, Hight ultimately settled for runner-up of the Brainerd event after being defeated by Ron Capps in the finals.

“This is the first final round we’ve been to in the Cornwell Tools Chevy Camaro so hats off to the Cornwell Tools team,” Hight said. “The car has been running well, it’s starting to respond to the decisions Jimmy Prock is making. We had some fun today, had a couple of tough rounds, it was no cakewalk. We really wanted to get the job done, especially with Matt Hagan going out in the first round. We knew it was going to take more to win in the finals, I know Jimmy was shooting for better but we’re chipping away at it. We’re close and knowing that has me excited for the U.S. Nationals. We need another Wally, it’s been a while. So we’ll go out and test tomorrow and work to get one step closer.”

Despite finishing runner-up in the event, Hight was victorious on his birthday weekend by coming out on top of Saturday’s Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge over Matt Hagan with his run of 3.988-seconds at 315.05 MPH to Hagan’s 4.043 ET at 311.20 MPH. Joining Hight, Erica Enders, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepower Garage Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock car, also raced to the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victory during Saturday’s qualifying in Brainerd.

Unfortunately for the Chevrolet-backed Top Fuel teams of Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster, and Austin Prock, driver of the Montana Brands/Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster, it was an early day of elimination competition, with B. Force eliminated after a Round 2 defeat and Prock facing an early exit after Round 1.

“This Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist dragster is close but we haven’t had much luck, and haven’t been able to catch any breaks lately,” said Prock. “I know I also haven’t been doing a great job behind the wheel, I haven’t met my standards. I’ll get it together and be there when it counts and I know my team is working hard to do the same. Indy is next and then it really counts.

The 2023 Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, next up for the Chevrolet teams of Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown, with action kicking off the Labor Day weekend Sept. 1-4, 2023. Broadcast of Monday’s eliminations air live Sunday, Sept. 4 from noon to 2 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET on FOX.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster for John Force Racing:

“Leaving Brainerd International Raceway still on a positive note after an unexpected weekend. We were hoping to do better coming out of a runner-up finish in Topeka. This Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team did qualify No. 4 and earned bonus championship points in the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday but unfortunately got beat in the second round today. We made some solid laps, our best in the first round at 3.694 at 334 but we smoked the tires in round two. Our team is aware of our mistakes and we know how to correct them and move on. The U.S. Nationals is next up in two weeks and we will be ready.”

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

“It was another tough stop on our NHRA Camping World tour. This Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist dragster is close but we haven’t had much luck, and haven’t been able to catch any breaks lately. I know I also haven’t been doing a great job behind the wheel, I haven’t met my standards. I’ll get it together and be there when it counts and I know my team is working hard to do the same. Indy is next and then it really counts.”

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

“It was a good day, good race day. We needed this. I raced my race, I stage deep but I do what I have to, I need all the advantage I can get. I know that PEAK Chevrolet, with my crew chiefs Danny Hood and Tim Fabrisi, I know they give me a good fast race car. I love racing that hot rod. Never want to race your teammate unless it’s in the finals but at least it was in the semifinals and we both will get a chance at the Mission Foods Challenge. One race left before the Countdown, time to buckle up and get the job done.”

DALLAS GLENN, DRIVER OF THE RAD TORQUE CHEVROLET CAMARO SS PRO STOCK CAR FOR KB TITAN RACING – Brainerd Winner’s Press Conference:

EVERYTIME YOU AND ERICA ENDERS HAVE RACED HEAD-TO-HEAD AND WON THAT RACE, THE WINNER HAS WON THE EVENT.

“There’s a reason (Erica Enders’) is a five-time champion. She’s beat up on me a lot and she’s really, really tough. Last couple of times I’ve beat her, I’ve got a little bit lucky. You know what? To win one of these, you need to be lucky.”

YOU’VE COME HERE OFTEN WORKING WITH THE KB TITAN RACING TEAM. THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME HERE AS A DRIVER, AND NOW A WINNER OF THE EVENT.

“First time down the track was Q1. The last time we were here, I was working on Jason Line’s car and we parked it in the Winner’s Circle that time, too.”

YOU UNDERSTAND HOW SPECIAL IT IS HERE, HOW HARDCORE THESE FANS ARE, ESPECIALLY FOR PRO STOCK. THAT’S GOT TO MAKE THIS EVEN BETTER?

“Brainerd always had a good Pro Stock following between Greg Anderson, Warren Johnson, and Jason Line. The Pro Stock fans run deep here. It’s a great place to win. I’m glad to win here. This is usually a tough one to win.”

THIS IS YOUR FOURTH ONE OF THE YEAR. WE’VE GOT INDY, THEN THE COUNTDOWN. IS YOUR TEAM READY FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP RUN?

“Absolutely. With the momentum we’ve got going, we just need to keep our feet moving and not trip and fall. We’ve got a good points lead, and we were sad to see it go. Other years, we’ve seen it go the other way.”

AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE, AND YOU’VE WON, HOW DOES THE TRUCK AND TRAILER GET BACK HOME?

“I’ve got to drive it. It’s 20 hours back home (to North Carolina) or so. We’ll get started and probably get home sometime Tuesday.”

FOURTH WIN OF THE SEASON, EIGHT OF HIS CAREER, IN HIS FIRST APPEARANCE AT BRAINERD… BEATING JERRY TUCKER, ERICA ENDERS, AARON STANFIELD AND KYLE KORETSKY, TALK A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR RACE DAY…

“I feel the car did most of the work today. It’s running so good today. I was a little worried because it seems to be of late the car works really good when it’s hot and humid out. as much as I hate it being hot and humid out. It showed on Saturday when I picked up four bonus points in qualifying. We went out there eon the first run, and I didn’t think it was a great run, and we were second for the session. It put me third pair out second round, so I felt like we had a really good car. We just went out there and made four really solid laps. It shook a little in the final. The track felt a little sticky to me and I think it was probably just a little too good; maybe we just needed to get after it a little bit more, but it made it through it. I know Kyle (Koretsky) really, really, really wanted to win that one especially here at Lucas Oil (Nationals), but that’s one thing I love about KB (Titan) Racing is that there are never any team orders. We put up the absolute best tune up in each car we can, and we let the drivers figure it out. When I won the semifinals and it was an all-KB (Titan Racing) final, that’s where the real emotion of winning kind of comes out because no matter what, the trophy is coming home with us.”

YOU SEEM TO EBB AND FLOW THIS YEAR. WHAT’S IT GOING TO TAKE FOR SOMEONE IN THE COUNTDOWN TO TAKE COMMAND AND RUN IT TO THE FINISH LINE?

“I feel like I definitely have the car to do it. If I can just work a little bit more… I felt like I made some gains with my clutch pedal, then that red light in Q3 against Erica (Enders) kind of set me back a little bit. It kind of took some of the confidence away. As long as somebody can settle into the teens of double-0’s with a car that’s working as good as mine, then it’s going to be really, really tough to beat.”

“The conditions this weekend were pretty tricky. We started pretty cool, then it got really hot and humid, and then it went back to even better and (cooler). We put down some good laps on Sunday, but to come here and race and win my first time, it’s an awesome feeling.”

KNOWING WHAT’S COMING WITH INDY AND THE COUNTDOWN, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO GET WINNING BACK ON YOUR SIDE AS ALL THIS APPROACHES?

“It’s funny you mention that. My first season, I got three wins, then I only got one in my second season. I got three wins this season pretty quick, and now I feel like we kept going to the final and coming up short. To get this one, it breaks that kind of three-win wall. I know I can win more than three in a season, so now I feel like the sky is the limit. It definitely builds the confidence that when you have a car this good, you don’t have to be double-0 (on the tree) every hit. I can just calm down, relax, and make good quality and consistent runs.”

GIVE US A PREVIEW OF U.S. NATIONALS, THE NEXT RACE ON THE TOUR, THE BIGGEST SINGLE RACE ON THE SCHEDULE, CONCLUDING THE REGULAR SEASON:

“I came really close last year. I ran Greg (Anderson) in the final, and I felt like I rushed my staging procedure just a little bit. I got in just an extra half-inch and went .002 red. Everybody kind of tightens the belts a little more, bring their a-game, and their best stuff for Indy. It’s like the preview for the Countdown, what’s to come. Everybody wants to win Indy. It’s a tough one. I’m really glad I get to be in another #2Fast2Tasty Challenge because I think there are three or four of us tied for points right now. Whoever gets the most points gets to keep the trophy, which I found out at the last one. So, I really want to bring that trophy back home with me. I get one more chance to do it. It’ll be tough. Indy’s always tough. It’s a long week. You get your one run Friday, two Saturday, two Sunday, and you race Monday. It feels like you’re there forever and you’ve got cars running constantly. It’s definitely a grind and definitely brings out the best in the competitors.”

Round 1 Recap:

Top Fuel:

No. 4 Brittany Force defeated No. 11 Josh Hart with her run of 3.694 ET at 334.15 MPH to Hart’s 3.758 ET at 331.85 MPH.
No. 8 Austin Prock fell to No. 7 Mike Salinas with his run of 3.748 ET at 325.30 MPH to Salinas’s 3.726 ET at 335.32 MPH.

Funny Car:

No. 6 Robert Hight defeated No. 11 Bobby Bode with his pass of 3.881 ET at 330.88 MPH to Bode’s 3.929 ET at 322.50 MPH.
No. 7 John Force defeated No. 10 Chad Green with his run of 3.959 ET at 329.99 MPH to Green’s 325.30 MPH.

Pro Stock:

No. 1 Greg Anderson defeated No. 16 David Cuadra with his run of 6.562 ET at 207.82 MPH to Cuadra’s 6.638 ET at 207.89 MPH.
No. 8 Kyle Koretsky defeated No. 9 Camrie Caruso with his pass of 6.580 ET at 207.21 MPH to Caruso’s 6.584 ET at 208.71 MPH.
No. 11 Chris McGaha defeated No. 4 Christian Cuadra after Cuadra red lit to McGaha’s 6.619 ET at 208.33 MPH.
No. 2 Matt Hartford defeated Fernando Cuadra, Jr. with his run of 6.557 ET at 208.81 MPH to Cuadra, Jr.’s 6.621 ET at 206.76 MPH.
No. 7 Aaron Stanfield defeated No. 10 Bo Butner, III with his pass of 6.577 ET at 207.91 MPH to Butner, III’s 6.593 ET at 208.14 MPH.
No. 3 Erica Enders’ defeated No. 14 Mason McGaha with her run 6.574 ET at 209.04 MPH to McGaha’s 6.612 ET at 207.82 MPH.
No. 5 Deric Kramer defeated No. 12 Troy Coughlin, Jr. with his run of 6.546 ET at 208.20 MPH to Coughlin, Jr.’s 6.566 ET at 208.75 MPH.
No. 6 Dallas Glenn defeated No. 11 Jerry Tucker with his pass 6.555 ET at 206.86 MPH to Tucker’s 6.692 ET at 204.94 MPH.

Round 2 Recap:

Top Fuel:

B. Force fell to Leah Pruett with her run of 4.309 ET at 262.49 MPH to Pruett’s 3.750 ET at 333.41 MPH.
Funny Car:

J. Force defeated Dale Creasy, Jr. on a 3.900 ET at 328.94 MPH-run with Creasy, Jr. disqualifying on his pass.
Hight defeated Dave Richards with his run of 3.913 ET at 329.83 MPH.

Pro Stock:

Koretsky defeated Anderson with his pass of 6.587 ET at 208.14 MPH to Anderson’s 6.582 ET at 208.14 MPH.
Kramer defeated C. McGaha with his run of 6.573 ET at 208.01 MPH to McGaha’s 6.626 ET at 207.75 MPH.
Stanfield defeated Hartford with his run of 6.581 ET at 208.49 MPH to Hartford’s 6.556 ET at 209.04 MPH.
Glenn defeated Enders with his pass of 6.561 ET at 208.07 MPH to her 6.648 ET at 206.20 MPH.

Semifinals Recap:

Funny Car:

Hight defeated teammate J. Force with his run of 3.918 ET at 325.61 MPH to Force’s 11.323 ET at 76.73 MPH.

Pro Stock:

Koretsky defeated Kramer with his run of 6.586 ET at 208.30 MPH to Kramer’s 6.574 ET at 208.49 MPH.
Glenn defeated Stanfield with his run of 6.555 ET at 207.62 MPH to Stanfield’s 6.578 ET at 208.42 MPH.

Finals Recap:

Pro Stock:

Glenn defeats Koretsky with his run of 6.566 ET at 207.56 MPH to Koretsky’s shaking of the tires after the start.

Funny Car:

Hight felt to Ron Capps with his run of 3.900 ET at 324.90 MPH to Capps’s run of 3.887 ET at 332.75 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.

BROWN, CAPPS COMPLETE TOYOTA DOUBLE AT BRAINERD

BRAINERD, Minn. (August 20, 2023) – Antron Brown was victorious in Top Fuel action, besting Leah Pruett in the final round to earn his 73rd-career win. Justin Ashley continues to lead the Top Fuel point standings after making it to the semi-finals on Sunday.

In Funny Car, Ron Capps scored his 75th-career win with a victory over Robert Hight in the final round at Brainerd. Capps took over the points lead with one race remaining before the start of the Countdown to the Championship.

Toyota Post-Race Recap
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
Brainerd International Raceway
Race 14 of 21

TOYOTA TOP FUEL FINISHING POSITIONS 

Name	Car	Final Result	Round-by-Round
Antron Brown	Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Winner	W. 3.689 vs. 3.782 (S. Langdon) W. 3.738 vs. 3.716 (Holeshot Win – S. Torrence) W. 3.708 v. 3.710 (M. Salinas) W. 3.715 v. 3.757 (L. Pruett)
Justin Ashley	Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Semi-finals	W. 3.746 v. 3.977(T. Totten) W. 6.781 v. Bye L. 3.753 v. 3.733 (L. Pruett)
Steve Torrence	Capco Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Second Round	W. 3.691 vs. 3.776 (K. Wurtzel) L. 3.716 vs. 3.738 (Holeshot Loss – A. Brown)
Shawn Langdon	Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	First Round	L. 3.782 v. 3.689(A. Brown)
Doug Kalitta	Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	First Round	L. 3.720 v. 3.689 (C. Millican)

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR FINISHING POSITIONS 

Name	Car	Final Result	Round-by-Round
Ron Capps	NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	Winner	W. 3.906 v. No run W. 3.892 v. 8.517 (T. Wilkerson) W. 3.914 v. 8.814 (B. Tasca III) W. 3.997 v. 3.900 (R. Hight)
J.R. Todd	DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	First Round	L. 4.045 v. 4.038 (D. Creasy Jr.)
Alexis DeJoria	Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	First Round	L. 3.906 v. 3.883(T. Wilkerson)

TOYOTA QUOTES

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

TF Final Result: Winner

Can you tell us about your race day and how you got the win today?

“Every run was important. The one thing that really sticks out to me is when we came into this race, we made it to that Mission Foods 2Fast2Tasty Challenge, and we took it one lap at a time. We came out and we had a decent first round qualifying lap and we really wanted to get that Friday night one in there until the sun started going down on us. Then, the last qualifying round we were going to step up and the last round we went an 80, but our car was originally on a 75 and we didn’t make it to the finish line. I dropped a hole at 340 feet. So, we looked at the data and said we’re going to run a mid-75, we could’ve been number two or number three without a problem because we were only about six or seven slower than Justin Ashley’s 74. So, we missed out on that. When we got into race day, we knew we had our first round match up with Shawn (Langdon) and that’s what set the stage. We knew that we had to throw what we could throw at it and Brian (Corradi, crew chief) saw the conditions and we knew the car was going to have more power and it showed up. I saw that thing kick out a little bit and I got butterflies, so I hit the gas pedal and thought I hit the tree on time, and I heard Shawn leave before me. I literally heard him but then by the time I got to about 330 I felt that we were even, and I felt like I drove around him. Then, after that I saw the win light come on and I saw that 68 pop on the board and I was like, ‘That’s what I’m talking about.’ I think that really set the stage up for the confidence. Then, when we got to the second round — so tricky is when we went up there and raced Steve (Torrence). We saw the first couple pair ahead of me – like Justin (Ashley) smoke the tires we knew exactly what they were going to run because Mike Green said we’re going to step it up and run hard. We saw the next pair after them, Brittany (Force) smoked the tires and she went a 69 the round before. So, Brian made that call, and he goes ‘Let’s do this and that. The suns out, it got a little bit hotter and we don’t know if it’s going to hold.’ We went a 73 and Steve went a 71 and we got past that round. Then, we saw (Mike) Salinas drop the bomb on everybody. Everybody else was not going quick enough. We got to the semi’s and we had to race Mike and we thought they were going to tune it up and go a 68 or 69, but the track got so good it ate everybody up when they slowed down. I think Mike just slowed it down to a 68 and it just popped up a 71. We did the same thing – thought we were going to run a 68 again and went a 70 flat and got us to the finals. In the finals, you know when you’re racing those TSR cars and Leah (Pruett), she is hungry right now. That girl is full blown beat mode. And, I was like ‘Oh lord. Here we go. Here we go.’ And we knew what they were capable of and we just went out there and just wanted to make another lap. We thought we were going to pick it up a little bit more, but the track got so good it ate us up just a little bit and I think that’s what happened to Leah where it ate them up a little bit too. We were both pushing to go quicker. By the end of the day, when you look at those numbers, we were very consistent today and that’s what it took to get the job done.”

How did your qualifying rounds setup today’s success?

“I tell you what, this is the hardest part about this sport right now. We had good qualifying rounds. The track got hot and tricky on Saturday and Justin’s (Ashley) impressive run of 74, we knew that we were in the ballpark that we could run. Every lap that we made, we were very competitive and in the top-five of every run. When we actually dropped that hole, we would’ve made a top-two or top-three run without a problem. So, we got in eliminations today and we knew it was going to be a completely different day. Qualifying for our class, on any given Sunday, qualifying is a definer on what you’re going to do on race day – the full package. Car, driver, team and who makes the least amount of mistakes and who can run the best they can run at that time. When we came into race day, we knew the conditions would get better and we had some runs with some good laps. Bryan, that’s where he shines at. Brian (Corradi, crew chief) and Mark (Oswald, co-crew chief) they shine at that deal, where the conditions change they can make an adjustment and know right where to put it at. We started off with a great lap and I think that just set our tone for the day. We were the quickest and fastest of the first session. We tied Clay Millican, but we ran 334 miles an hour and then we just go into race mode where you’ve got to race smart. You can’t throw Hail Mary’s and if they don’t stick then you just lose a run because you overpowered the race track. So, they stayed in that zone and that consistency pays off and that’s what wins and that’s what wins championships.”

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

FC Final Result: Winner

What does this win mean to you today?

“Our NAPA guys, they work so well as a team and work so hard, and I just don’t want to make a mistake. And Guido, I can see it in his eyes when he’s racing Jimmy Prock. Robert Hight and I talk about it all the time, it’s very cool because you know they’re going to push each other and sometimes one of them makes a mistake and pushes too hard. But as the conditions got better and better today, we were convinced they were probably going to go 85 that’s what Jimmy does. And Guido didn’t want to make a mistake and push too far, so the way I staged, the car probably went 86. I could hear Robert all the way down like a video game and I was like ‘c’mon baby, just make it,’ and it was a huge relief.”

What does it mean to have the points lead at this point in the season?

“We’ve got all different Funny Cars that have won races this year, but here we are with the points lead. Before we even won the final round today, we had the points lead, so that tells you the consistency that we’ve had all year. You’re going to have to be good to beat the NAPA Supra because Guido doesn’t make many mistakes, so it’s such a confidence booster and it’s just a lot of fun right now. We set a goal of winning the regular season championship, and we’re one step closer to achieving that goal.”

What does it mean to get your 75^th career win today?

“First of all, 75 wins is crazy. Pat Austin has been one of my heroes and I got to be around him early in my career as a crew guy and I always strived to be Pat Austin. To watch him, ice in his veins, just some huge match-ups for me to stand behind their car back then. I used to look at the list and was like ‘Pat Austin, 75 wins’ that seems so out of this universe so when I came around the corner after the final and saw a ’75 wins’ sign, it blew my mind.”

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.

ASHLEY, CAPPS EARN NO. 1 QUALIFER SPOTS FOR TOYOTA IN BRAINERD
Antron Brown Wins Top Fuel Mission Challenge

BRAINERD, Minn. (August 19, 2023) – Toyota drivers Justin Ashley and Ron Capps earned the no. 1 qualifier spots for Top Fuel and Funny Car competition, respectively, at Minnesota’s Brainerd International Raceway on Saturday. Ashley leads the Toyota Top Fuel contingent, who swept the top-three qualifying spots with Doug Kalitta set to start second and Steve Torrence in third. Antron Brown picked up his first Top Fuel Mission Challenge win on Saturday and qualified in the sixth spot.

Capps was the top-qualifier in Funny Car action, followed by J.R. Todd who slotted in the second spot and Alexis DeJoria qualified eighth.

Toyota Post-Qualifying Recap
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
Brainerd International Raceway
Race 14 of 21

TOYOTA TOP FUEL QUALIFYING POSITIONS

Name	Car	Qualifying Position	First Round Opponent
Justin Ashley	Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	1st (3.746)	T. Totten
Doug Kalitta	Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	2nd (3.757)	C. Millican
Steve Torrence	Capco Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	3rd (3.758)	K. Wurtzel
Antron Brown	Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	6th (3.780)	S. Langdon
Shawn Langdon	Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	9th (3.796)	A. Brown

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING POSITIONS

Name	Car	Qualifying Position	First Round Opponent
Ron Capps	NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	1st (3.894)	J. Campbell
J.R. Todd	DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	2nd (3.907)	D. Creasy Jr.
Alexis DeJoria	Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	8th (3.960)	T. Wilkerson

TOYOTA QUOTES

JUSTIN ASHLEY, Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Maynard Ashley Racing

TF Qualifying Result: 1st

How important is it to get the top qualifying spot for tomorrow?

“That’s a style run with the conditions what they are and, you know, nothing necessarily surprises me with the team that we have with Mike Green and Tommy DeLago. It really just speaks volumes for our team. This is kind of a unique situation, because I’m not sure how much of that you can actually take and apply it to tomorrow because it’s going to be cooler. It’ll be much different out there tomorrow. But nonetheless, what we did was, at least position ourselves the best that we can heading into race day. I don’t care who we’re racing now. I feel like it’s hard to even win on a bye run out there. It’s going to be tough starting with our good friend Terry Totten over there. I never take anyone lightly so I am looking forward to hopefully what will be a long and exciting race tomorrow.”

How do you feel about the position your team is in right now?

“I feel like we’re in a really good place. I think the most important thing is that we’re staying on offense. We’re staying aggressive. You know, we don’t want to become conservative at all. We want to continue to move forward. And the best way that we can do that is take each and every lap whether it goes good bad or somewhere in between. Once these points reset, we have people right now, nipping at our heels so we just got to stay on the offensive and make sure that we continue to learn and continue to grow and do everything we can to apply it in the most positive way they’re in those final six races of the Countdown.”

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

TF Qualifying Result: 6th

Mission Challenge Top Fuel Winner

How exciting was it for you to get the Mission win today?

“We’ve been wanting to win this race for a long time. First, you’ve got to make it in the show, and we made it in a couple times. I think this was our fourth time and it felt good to get past that first round today. All these cars are just tough, tough competitors. To go in the final round against Brittany Force and the way their car has been running and to go against Justin Ashley in the first round, they are the two heavy hitters of the class. (Steve) Torrence and the rest of them and Kalitta is running good – so many cars are running so good. Just get in that final, we’re off to a good start and we were trying to run a mid-seven and our car was on that, and we held on. To pull off that win is very special for us because we’ve got to get some of those points back to all these other cars like Torrence and Dougie and Justin whose got a lot of points from this thing. The championship countdown is right around the corner, so we’ve got to keep going and doing what we do and man, I’m telling you it feels good to get that first win. For Mission to put this on, and give us something to race for Saturday. This feels like it’s a Sunday and we’re racing on Saturday. It’s really cool to do that in front of the fans and watch them go crazy. It’s great to put on a show like that and I love being a part of it.”

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

FC Qualifying Result: 1st

Do you feel good heading into tomorrow knowing what kind of runs tomorrow can bring?

“Yeah, I hope so. You never take anything for granted. The equalizer will be the cool conditions. We saw the clouds come in with a few runs to go and I actually felt the breeze inside the car. Bob (Tasca III) ran that 92 and I thought, ‘Oh boy.’ Guido (Dean Antonelli, crew chief) actually got back in the box, and I think he was trying to run 88 and test the track. Tomorrow is going to be epic. It’s going to be some pretty incredible times and speeds. The yellow hat is just such a tribute to how good our guys are and there’s not a lot you do as a driver. I say that because you just try to just stage the car and keep it in the groove. I look back at that first run and we had to shut the car off. It was at the time very unfortunate. I thought, man, we don’t get very many races we get two qualifying runs on Friday. The fact they caught that and the fact we didn’t hurt anything, and we went back out and got the number one spot – it sure felt a lot better.”

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.

CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2023 LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS
BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
BRAINERD, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 18-20, 2023

CHEVROLET NITRO AND PRO STOCK TEAMS HEAD NORTH TO BRAINERD FOR THE LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS

DETROIT (August 17, 2023) – Rapidly approaching NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship that kicks off after U.S. Nationals Labor Day weekend, Brainerd International Raceway hosts the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals and Chevrolet teams of Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock Aug. 18-20, 2023.

Entering the weekend, Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, seeks to defend her 2022 Brainer No. 1 qualifier while also racing to the Winner’s Circle. Last weekend’s runner-up in Topeka, B. Force noted her excitement for the upcoming weekend with momentum from Minnesota.

“Our Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team is ready to head to Brainerd International Raceway after a strong and eventful weekend in Topeka, Kansas. We really stepped it up on race day, ran killer all day long, went to the finals and I was strong on the tree. We didn’t get the win but we had a great weekend,” B. Force said. “Carrying that over to Brainerd, it just motivates you, it pumps you up. This Monster Energy team wants to win Brainerd. We’re inching closer and closer. We are so close to that first win of the season. It would be coming at the perfect time to get the win this weekend right before we head to the U.S. Nationals and these points reset for the Countdown to the Championship.”

After securing her 45th Pro Stock victory (46 overall with one in Super Gas) in Topeka last weekend over Greg Anderson, Erica Enders, driver of the Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS, is just one win away from tying Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) as the winningest female in NHRA history. With action heating up for Elite Motorsports and Erica, Enders has plenty of room left this season to surpass Sampey and solidify herself further in NHRA history.

Currently idle, the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown Chevrolet teams return for the biggest event of the season soon, the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Sept. 1-4, 2023.

The 2023 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minn. Airs first with Friday’s qualifying session on Friday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Saturday’s qualifying airs Sunday, Aug. 20 at 1 p.m. ET on FS1, with eliminations following by airing at 4 p.m. ET on FOX. Coverage streaming live throughout the weekend can be found through NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

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

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Brainerd International Raceway. I’ve always loved going to this one. That crowd is always electric, and I enjoy being with the fans. Last weekend in Topeka was tough for this Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team but we know we will redeem ourselves this weekend. Excited to get started.”

Robert Hight, driver of the Cornwell Tools/AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car for John Force Racing:

“We started to turn a corner in Topeka, I do believe that. The combination started to respond. Jimmy Prock and the Cornwell Tools guys, we’re pretty excited moving forward. We didn’t get the results we wanted last weekend so I’m glad we get to turn around right away and get back in the seat. It’s not too late to get back into this points deal and even go into the Countdown to the Championship with the No. 1 spot. We qualified well and went a couple of rounds in Topeka, if we do well in Brainerd and then with points and a half at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, we are right back in the thick of things and that’s our mindset right now.”

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

“I love racing at Brainerd International Raceway, and, over the years, it’s liked me too. This PEAK Chevy is coming around. I know I have a fast race car, this team is capable of getting wins. We wouldn’t be out here if we didn’t think that. We made some adjustments, you do that when you’re trying to get better, it’s all coming together. We’ll get the job done.”

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

One establishing herself at KB Titan Racing:

“The win at the Arizona Nationals was huge since it was our first Pro Stock National event but getting that Pro Stock Allstar Callout trophy was a big step for our team. We joined KB Titan Racing this year and I was the last KB Titan racer left after the first round so I had the whole team pulling for me. I love being over here with the KB Titan Racing guys and we have a really good group.”

On competing in Brainerd this weekend:

“You want to win every race but when you get to the semifinals you know you will be in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge at the next race. Our goals are simple for every race. We want to qualify as high as we can and try to win the race. Winning gets you the Wally and guarantees you get a shot at the Mission Challenge. Those championship points could come in handy at the end of the season. We want to get into that race for the U.S. Nationals for sure and that starts this Friday in Brainerd.”

TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS:

1,434: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time).

605: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 621.

374: Number of wins in Pro Stock since 1970; 255 won in the Chevrolet Camaro body.

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

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

80: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Robert Hight (6th all-time).

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

47: 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 924 elimination round wins. He could reach 950 round wins with a decent run in the 18-race schedule.

621: Robert Hight achieved 605 Funny Car elimination wins in Chicago to rank 13th on the all-time NHRA list; Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car) sits 12th with 621.

446: By qualifying for his next race, Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) will extend his NHRA record from 445 to 446 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 121 No. 1 qualifiers. He will tie Warren Johnson (Pro Stock, 138) for second to John Force (165) on the list.

271: By qualifying for his next race, Robert Hight will extend his NHRA record to 271 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 280).

65: Robert Hight moved into the top-10 in 10th on the all-time NHRA victory list with his win in Pomona 1 with 63. Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock, retired) is next ninth on list with 65.

46: Erica Enders has 45 career Pro Stock victories (all with Chevrolet, first win coming at Chicago, 2012 and last win at Las Vegas 2, 2022). Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) is 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, 45) 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.

3: Brittany Force (Top Fuel, 2 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, 5) 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.

CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2023 MENARDS NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY PETARMOR
HEARTLAND MOTORSPORTS PARK
TOPEKA, KANSAS
TEAM CHEVY EVENT RECAP
AUGUST 11-13, 2023

ERICA ENDERS COLLECTS FINAL NHRA PRO STOCK WALLY FROM HEARTLAND MOTORSPORTS PARK

• In a classic battle expected as these two five-time World Champions roll up to line in eliminations, Erica Enders defeated Greg Anderson in Pro Stock, her second Wally of the season and 45th of her career
• Brittany Force advanced to her first Top Fuel final round of the season in the final race at Heartland Motorsports Park just outside Topeka, Kansas
• Robert Hight drove his Cornwall Tools /AAA Camaro SS Funny Car to his third of the season and 80th career No. 1 qualifying position
• Dallas Glenn squeaked by the boss Greg Anderson to capture the No. 1 qualifier spot in Pro Stock, his second of the season and followed up with a win over Enders in the Mission #2 Fast 2 Tasty NHRA Challenge at Topeka

TOPEKA, Kansas (August 13, 2023) – After a more than five hour delay due to Mother Nature being uncooperative, eliminations began to close out the final NHRA event to be held at Heartland Motorsports Park, Topeka, Kansas.

Defending and five-time NHRA Pro Stock champion drove her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance Camaro to her second victory of the season and 45th of her career by defeating Greg Anderson in his HendrickCars.com Camaro.

“Today was just a great day,” Enders said. “Coming in, we felt like we struggled – yeah, we were No. 4 qualifier, but my car wasn’t running as great as some of my teammates, and we certainly weren’t running as good as the other guys. We knew we had our work cut out for us today. Looked up the ladder first thing this morning and it was stout. It was pretty cool that I had to battle everybody from a different team this time except for Aaron.

Her path to collecting the Wally after two additional short weather delays included defeating Chris McGaha, Aaron Stanfield and Dallas Glenn before facing Anderson in the final.

In Top Fuel, Team Chevy raced to the Final round, with Brittany Force, driver of the Flav-R-Pac/ Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster. Her runner-up finish kept her third in points following her loss to Justin Ashley. She eliminated Shawn Langdon, Steve Torrence and Clay Millican on her way to the final round.

Austin Prock driver of the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, was eliminated in Round Two.

An early Round 1 end for John Force, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, followed by a Round Two exit for Robert Hight, driver of the Cornwall Tool/AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car.

NHRA next heads to Brainerd International Raceway for the 2023 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn. Aug. 17-20, 2023. Broadcast of Sunday’s eliminations will air live at 4 p.m. ET on FOX Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

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

“Leaving Topeka, not with the win but definitely on a high note. This Flav-R-Pac / Monster Energy team turned things around this weekend, qualified eighth but made it to the finals. It was a close drag race until the win, unfortunately, we had a cylinder out and we got beat but we stay three in points,” Force said. “It was a really strong day not just for the team but me as a driver. That holeshot win was huge in the second round. There’s no better feeling than a driver winning on a holeshot. To get that done for the boys was exciting and we kept pushing. Still had a great light in the final and it was a close race. Our confidence is boosted and we’re ready to go to Brainerd.”

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

“This Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team struggled this weekend. We did make some improvement on our hot tune up and we got a round win but we came up short in the second round,” Prock said. “We’re still digesting the run and trying to learn from it, learn from the whole weekend really. Chin up and on to the next one though, luckily we don’t have to wait long.”

Robert Hight, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car for John Force Racing:

“Not a bad weekend for this Cornwell Tools Chevy. We made some improvements; this combination is starting to respond to what Jimmy Prock is doing. Disappointed we could go a couple more rounds, especially with this probably being the last event at Heartland Motorsports Park,” Hight said. “It’s not too late to get back into the top of the points. We did decent here and if we do good in Brainerd with Indy having points and a half, we could be right in the thick of things and that’s going to continue to be our mindset.”

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

“Not the way we wanted to say goodbye to this place if it really is the last time we race at Heartland Motorsports Park,” Force said. “There’s a lot of history here, I have a lot of history here. Was hoping we’d get another double-up this weekend. Would have been something special to do it again with Brittany. We’ll just have to pull it together, this PEAK Chevy team, we’ll be ready for the next one. We’ve got work to do but that’s nothing new.”

Erica Enders, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance Camaro:

“Today was just a great day. Coming in, we felt like we struggled – yeah, we were No. 4 qualifier, but my car wasn’t running as great as some of my teammates, and we certainly weren’t running as good as the other guys. We knew we had our work cut out for us today. Looked up the ladder first thing this morning and it was stout. It was pretty cool that I had to battle everybody from a different team this time except for Aaron.

“I’m fortunate to have such a great team that when everybody was eliminated everybody was all-hands on deck for the quick turnaround. Like always, when my guys’ backs are against the wall, they perform the best. You give Mark Ingersoll a couple opportunities, and he’ll get better. That’s exactly what we did today. We improved on every round. I’m just really grateful he’s in my corner and I’m glad to have the guys I have that have my back.”

Round 1 Recap:

Top Fuel:

· No. 8 Brittany Force defeated No. 9 Shawn Langdon with her run of 3.787 ET at 321. MPH to Langdon’s 3.853 ET at 314.53 MPH.

· No. 14 Austin Prock defeated No. 3 Doug Kalitta after Kalitta lost an engine just past half-way; Prock ran a 4.260 ET at 291.82 MPH after starting to lose traction but able to pedal to save it

Funny Car:

· No. 1 Robert Hight defeated No. 16 Jack Wyatt after Wyatt was off the throttle early and Hight went on to run a 3.967 at 322.19 MPH.

· No. 5 John Force fell to No. 12 Alexi Dejoria after J. Force was off the line first, but tires went up in smoke allowing Dejoria to drive around him for the win running 4.029 ET at 306.19 MPH to J Force’s 4.867 ET at 159.66 MPH.

Pro Stock:

· No. 8 Camrie Caruso defeated No. 9 Bo Butner III with her run of 6.700 ET at 205.911 MPH to Cuadra’s 6.709 ET at 205.69 MPH.

· No. 10 Troy Coughlin defeated No. 7 Kyle Koretsky after Koretsky red lit on the starting line.

· No. 6 Deric Kramer defeated No. 11 Jerry Tucker with his run of 6.665 ET at 204.94 MPH to Tucker’s 4.297 ET at 163.00 MPH. Kramer led from tree in solid drag race

· No. 5 Aaron Stanfield defeated No. 12 Christian Cuadra with his run of 6.652 ET at 206.39 MPH to Cuadra’s 6.687 at 204.08 MPH. Stanfield was first off the line and didn’t look back

· No. 2 Greg Anderson defeated No. 15 David Cuadra on his run of 6.649 ET at 205.57 MPH to Cuadra’s 6.723 ET at 205.26 MPH as Anderson lays down lowest ET of round

· No. 3 Matt Hartford defeated No. 14 Fernando Cuadra, Jr with his run of 6.672 ET at 206.07 MPH to Cuadra’s 6.738 ET at 205.32

· No. 1 Dallas Glenn defeated No. 16 Fernando Cuadra with his run of 6.649 ET at 205.38 MPH to Cuadra 6.737 ET at 204.45 MPH, shaking the tires early on his run.

· No. 4 Erica Enders defeated No.13 Chris McGaha with her run of 6.660 at 205.91 MPH to MaGaha’s 6.709 ET at 205.63 MPH.

Round 2 Recap:

Top Fuel:

· B. Force defeated Steve Torrence with her hoeshot run of 3.781 ET at 321.04 MPH, to Torrence’s 3.766 ET at 327.82 MPH.

· Prock falls to Antron Brown who ran 3.811ET 326.56 MPH against Prock’s 4.008 ET at 244.12 MPH.

Funny Car:

· Hight wins over Lee after his 3.956 ET at 318.09 MPH to Lee’s 4.244 ET at 236.26 MPH

Pro Stock:

· Kramer defeated Hartford with his run of 6.654 ET at 205.07 MPH to Hartford’s 15.373 ET at 55.41 MPH after Hartford redlit

· Enders defeated Stanfield with a run of 6.655 ET at 206.16 MPH to Stanfield’s 6.655 ET at 206.83 MPH.

· Glenn defeated Caruso with his run of 6.650 ET at 205.22 to Caruso’s 6.650 ET at 205.72 MPH. with a holeshot

· Anderson defeated Coughlin, Jr with his run of 6.640 ET at 206.01 MPH to Coughlin’s 6.647 ET at 206.48 MPH.

Semifinals Recap:

Top Fuel:

· B. Force beats Clay Millican with her run of 3.717 ET at 329.91 MPH to Millican’s 3.762 ET at 326.00 MPH.

Funny Car:

· Hight goes down to Bob Tasca III who ran 3.933 ET at 305.63 MPH to Hight’s 3.969 at 320.58 MPH

Pro Stock:

· Enders defeated Glenn with her run of 6.637 ET at 206.54 MPH to Stanfield’s 6.629 ET at 204.94 MPH.

· Anderson defeated Kramer with his run of 6.613 ET 204.57 MPH to Kramer’s run of 6.630 ET lap at 205.76 MPH.

Finals:

Top Fuel:

· B Force defeated by Justin Ashley in a close drag race. Asley ran 3.702 ET at 323.58 MPH to Force’s 3.707 ET at 322.88 MPH

Pro Stock:

· Enders defeated Anderson with her run of 6.617 ET at 206.13 MPH as Anderson’s car headed toward the centerline so he pulled the chute to get control of hs car

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with 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.

ASHLEY GROWS POINTS LEAD WITH TOPEKA RACE WIN
Todd continues strong performance with fifth consecutive semi-final or better finish

TOPEKA, Kan. (August 13, 2023) – Justin Ashley continued his season dominance with his sixth win in 13 starts this year. Ashley was stellar behind the wheel with reaction times in the .030 range in the last two rounds against former champions Antron Brown and Brittany Force. With the win, Ashley expands his points lead to 83 points over Steve Torrence.

In Funny Car, J.R. Todd continued his performance surge as he advanced to his fifth consecutive Funny Car semi-final or better in Topeka. Todd defeated Chad Green and Ron Capps, before coming up just short to points leader Matt Hagan

Toyota Post-Race Recap
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
Heartland Motorsports Park
Race 13 of 21

TOYOTA TOP FUEL FINISHING POSITIONS 

Name	Car	Final Result	Round-by-Round
Justin Ashley	Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Winner	W. 3.753 v. 5.259(J. Hart) W. 3.755 v. 3.794(L. Pruett) W. 3.726 v. 3.711(Holeshot Win –A. Brown) W. 3.702 v. 3.709(B. Force)
Antron Brown	Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Semi-Finals	W. 3.810 v. 4.874(M. Salinas) W. 3.811 v. 4.008(A. Prock) L. 3.711 v. 3.726(Holeshot Loss –J. Ashley)
Steve Torrence	Capco Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Second Round	W. 3.786 v. No Run(T. Totten) L. 3.766 v. 3.781(Holeshot Loss – B. Force)
Shawn Langdon	Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	First Round	L. 3.853 v. 3.787(B. Force)
Doug Kalitta	Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	First Round	L. 4.465 v. 4.260(A. Prock)

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR FINISHING POSITIONS 

Name	Car	Final Result	Round-by-Round
J.R. Todd	DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	Semi-Finals	W. 3.963 v. 4.119 (C. Green) W. 3.960 v. 4.977(R. Capps) L. 3.945 v. 3.933(M. Hagan)
Ron Capps	NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	Second Round	W. 4.337 v. 5.828(D. Richards) L. 4.977 v. 3.960(J. Todd)
Alexis DeJoria	Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	Second Round	W. 4.029 v. 4.867(J. Force) L. 4.046 v. 4.025(B. Tasca)

TOYOTA QUOTES

JUSTIN ASHLEY, Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Maynard Ashley Racing

TF Final Result: Winner

How will you tell the story about this Wally on such a unique day?

“Just like that – it was a unique day. This track has a lot of history for me. My father won here in 2007, and then Jim Epler was the first person to go 300mph here in Topeka and this is the last race in Topeka. To do it at night like this – I was getting in the car, and I was talking to Dustin Davis, and I said ‘this is pretty cool isn’t it?’ He said ‘yeah, I think this is pretty cool, Justin.’ I was along for the ride, and what a ride it has been. Phillips Connect has done so much for our team and everybody on the whole Phillips Industries side – I’m so grateful for them, Toyota, Kato, Lucas Oil, Mac Tools – this team made four incredible turnarounds. I have so much gratitude for everybody. Thank you fans for sticking it out today, and thank you to my family watching at home.”

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.

TORRENCE EARNS NO. 1 QUALIFER, TOP FUEL MISSION CHALLENGE WINNER
Reigning champion Capps leads Toyota in the Funny Car class, starts second

TOPEKA, Kan. (August 12, 2023) – Steve Torrence picked up his second consecutive challenge win and the no.1 qualifier hat at the final race at Heartland Motorsport Park. Doug Kalitta continued his performance surge as he starts third, with points leader Justin Ashley in seventh.

In Funny Car, Ron Capps leads the Toyota contingent as his Toyota GR Supra Funny Car starts from the second spot, with Sonoma winner J.R. Todd coming from seventh.

Toyota Post-Qualifying Recap
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
Heartland Motorsports Park
Race 13 of 21

TOYOTA TOP FUEL QUALIFYING POSITIONS

Name	Car	Qualifying Position	First Round Opponent
Steve Torrence	Capco Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	1st (3.764)	T. Totten
Doug Kalitta	Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	3rd (3.799)	A. Prock
Justin Ashley	Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	7th (3.818)	J. Hart
Shawn Langdon	Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	9th (3.826)	B. Force
Antron Brown	Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	11th (3.864)	M. Salinas

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING POSITIONS

Name	Car	Qualifying Position	First Round Opponent
Robert Hight*	Cornwell Tools Chevy Camaro Funny Car	1st (3.948)	J. Wyatt
Ron Capps	NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	2nd (3.950)	D. Richards
J.R. Todd	DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	7th (4.011)	C. Green
Alexis DeJoria	Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	12th (4.121)	J. Force

(*non-Toyota driver)

TOYOTA QUOTES

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

TF Qualifying Result: 1st

Mission Challenge Top Fuel Winner

It was a battle between the top two in points. Can you talk about your run there in the Mission Challenge finals?

“Justin Ashley has shown himself to be a fierce competitor, and he’s got a good team over there. Admittedly, we’ve not been the CAPCO boys of the past. We’re doing the best we can to get back to that. I think that at some point, we might have given these guys a false sense of hope that we aren’t the team we used to be. Maybe we’re not there yet, but we’re coming back. It gives me a lot of confidence and makes me feel excited about the rest of the year. We’re building the steam, building the momentum at the right time, and that CAPCO train is coming. This morning I felt safe. The conditions have changed and evolved to cloudy and cool. The big thing is, picking up bonus points throughout the rounds, that’s key, that’s crucial. We need to pick up those points. We need to get those tortilla challenge points. Justin had built a little bit of a lead, and we’re cutting that down. [The Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge points] are going to be crucial. I’ve won a championship by less than two or three points. It’ll be a big deal at the end. “

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.

CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2023 MENARDS NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY PETARMOR
HEARTLAND MOTORSPORTS PARK
TOPEKA, KANSAS
AUGUST 11-13, 2023

TEAM CHEVY LOOKS TO TACKLE THE MENARDS NHRA NATIONALS AT TOPEKA

DETROIT (August 10, 2023) – The heartland hosts the 13th round of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing season, with Team Chevy heading to Heartland Motorsports Park for the Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor this weekend near Topeka, Kan.

Facing a Round 1 elimination redemption from 2022, the Top Fuel teams of Austin Prock and Brittany Force at John Force Racing, enter this weekend eyeing Topeka for a momentum shift. “We’ve had a great car the last few weekends and are looking to prove that to everyone this weekend,” Prock said. “John Force Racing has had a history of wins in Topeka, and I would like to add our Montana Brand team to that list for the last stand at Heartland Motorsports Park.”

In Funny Car, 16-time Funny Car champion and drag racing legend John Force, of John Force Racing, looks to finish one position better this year after racing to the final round and earning runner-up versus Bob Tasca, III. After facing elimination from Force in the 2022 semifinals, Robert Hight also looks to advance to the NHRA Winner’s Circle at Heartland Motorsports Park this weekend for what would be his 64th career victory.

Returning to action this weekend, the Chevrolet Pro Stock teams look to go back-to-back for the Bowtie brand in the heartland, with Troy Coughlin, Jr. defending his 2022 victory at Heartland Motorsports Park, in addition to being the most recent Pro Stock winner at Bandimere Speedway near Denver in July.

Currently idle, the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown Chevrolet teams return for the biggest event of the season soon, the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Sept. 1-4, 2023.

The 2023 Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kan. airs first with Friday’s qualifying session on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Saturday’s qualifying airs Sunday, Aug. 13 at 1 p.m. ET on FS1. Finals on Sunday follow at 3 p.m. ET on FS1.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Top Fuel Dragster:

“Headed to the final national event at Heartland Motorsports Park. I’m really sad to see it go away. That’s a racetrack I raced A-Fuel in the sportsman divisions and I had my first ever double up with my dad in 2021 there. It’s a very special track with a lot of memories. Our game plan going in with this Flav-R-Pac / Monster Energy team is to go out on a strong note. We want to qualify top five and go some rounds on race day.”

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

“I’m excited to get back in the seat of my Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist dragster. We’ve had a great car the last few weekends and are looking to prove that to everyone this weekend,” Prock said. “John Force Racing has had a history of wins in Topeka and I would like to add our Montana Brand team to that list for the last stand at Heartland Motorsports Park. My team and crew chiefs are confident and so am I. Excited to see how the cards fall.”

Robert Hight, driver of the Cornwell Tools/AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car for John Force Racing:

“Winding down on the regular season as we head to Topeka. It’s a great race track, there should be a lot of quick runs, fast runs, hopefully the weather cooperates. We’re not in a bad spot. This Cornwell Tools team, we’re in the top half but we know we need to give ourselves the best chance to be in the best position possible when the Countdown comes around. We’ve got some work to do these next couple of races, but I have no doubt we’ll be ready to get the job done. I have faith in Jimmy Prock and all of these guys.”

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

“This has been a great racetrack for a lot of years. I know it’s not easy keeping a track going so I’m sad to see this one go. I have a lot of memories here, a lot of wins, but 2021 was special, to share the winner’s circle with my daughter, Brittany (Force), that was something else, that was a dream. Maybe we can do it at Heartland Motorsports Park one more time. I have a fast race car, this PEAK Chevy, now it’s just about getting the job done.”

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

“Last year was a blur to be honest. This was the part of the season when we really started to battle to finish the season as a rookie team. We had a solid rookie season, but I feel like this year we have taken a major step forward on so many levels from being a part of KB Titan Racing to my driving getting better. Everyone said it would take time and they were right. I can’t wait to get back into my Tequila Comisario Camaro this weekend. I hated the layoff.

“This weekend is the start of a very important three race stretch for our Tequila Comisario Chevrolet team. We raced to the semifinals in Denver and we want to keep that momentum going this weekend and beyond. This is the time to get hot and start winning rounds. I know we have a team that can win races and I just want to get back into my car and starting hitting the tree.”

TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS:

1,434: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time).

606: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 621.

375: Number of wins in Pro Stock since 1970; 255 won in the Chevrolet Camaro body.

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

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

79: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Robert Hight (6th all-time).

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

47: 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 921 elimination round wins. He could reach 950 round wins with a decent run in the 18-race schedule.

621: Robert Hight achieved 606 Funny Car elimination wins in Chicago to rank 13th on the all-time NHRA list; Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car) sits 12th with 621.

445: By qualifying for his next race, Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) will extend his NHRA record to 445 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 121 No. 1 qualifiers. He will tie Warren Johnson (Pro Stock, 138) for second to John Force (165) on the list.

270: By qualifying for his next race, Robert Hight will extend his NHRA record to 270 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 279).

65: Robert Hight moved into the top 10 on the all-time NHRA victory list with his win in Pomona 1 with 63. Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock, retired) is next ninth on list with 65.

46: Erica Enders has 44 career Pro Stock victories (all with Chevrolet, first win coming at Chicago, 2012 and last win at Las Vegas 2, 2022). Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) is 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, 44) 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.

3: Brittany Force (Top Fuel, 2 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, 5) is the leader.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with 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.

ASHLEY, TODD COMPLETE TOYOTA DOUBLE IN SONOMA
Justin Ashley takes back the points lead with series-leading fifth win of the season

SONOMA, Calif. (July 30, 2023) – Justin Ashley continued his incredible season as the New York-native earned his fifth win this season in just 12 events as he defeated fellow Toyota driver Antron Brown in the final round. With the victory, Ashley went back around Steve Torrence to the top of the point standings by 33 points with three races to go in the regular season.

In Funny Car, J.R. Todd earned his first victory since 2021 and first win the Toyota GR Supra as he bested Chad Green in the final round at Sonoma. Todd, who scored his first Funny Car victory at the track in 2017, continued his special history at the facility as the former world champion also owns two Top Fuel triumphs at the track.

Toyota Post-Race Recap
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
Sonoma Raceway
Race 12 of 21

TOYOTA TOP FUEL FINISHING POSITIONS

Name	Car	Final Result	Round-by-Round
Justin Ashley	Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Winner	W. 3.707 v. 3.750(D. Kalitta) W. 3.740 v. 3.761(A. Prock) W. 3.768 v. 3.793(J. Hart) W. 3.778 v. 3.787(A. Brown)
Antron Brown	Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Finalist	W. 3.744 v. 3.717(M. Salinas) W. 4.034 v. 6.321(B. Force) W. 3.794 v. 3.810(S. Torrence) L. 3.787 v. 3.778(J. Ashley)
Steve Torrence	Capco Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Semi-Finals	W. 3.751 v. 3.878(R. August Jr.) W. No Time – Mechanical v. BYE L. 3.810 v. 3.794(A. Brown)
Shawn Langdon	Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	Second Round	W. 3.755 v. 3.746(L. Pruett) L. 4.697 v. 3.793(J. Hart)
Doug Kalitta	Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	First Round	L. 3.750 v. 3.707(J. Ashley)

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR FINISHING POSITIONS

Name	Car	Final Result	Round-by-Round
J.R. Todd	DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	Winner	W. 3.958 v. 3.980(B. Alexander) W. 3.985 v. 4.110 (B. Tasca III) W. 3.965 v. 3.999 (M. Hagan) W. 3.972 v. 4.039(C. Green)
Ron Capps	NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	Semi-Finals	W. 4.602 v. No Run(T. Gibbons) W. 4.018 v. 4.577 (R. Hight) L. 4.013 v. 3.991(C. Green)
Alexis DeJoria	Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	First Round	L. Foul – Redlight v. 3.991(P. Lee)

TOYOTA QUOTES

JUSTIN ASHLEY, Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Maynard Ashley Racing

TF Final Result: Winner

Can you talk about your race?

“It was tough. Especially in Top Fuel now, competition is so tough, and so hard. It really feels like four final rounds, every time you get up there – the margin of error is so small. Looking at the ladder and seeing as we advance all of the opponents that would come next, you’ve got to think that it is going to take a real team effort to win a race this weekend. It did. Mike Green and Tommy DeLago (crew chiefs) had an incredible raceday as they always do. We ran good in qualifying. We were better than our qualifying position showed. We had a great car on raceday.”

Could you see Antron Brown? It was a close race.

“Yeah, I couldn’t that time. Sometimes, I can see them, or I can hear them. That time – maybe because it was a final round and I was dialed in, I didn’t see him or hear him or anything. I knew it was going to be a close race no matter what. Most of the time when we line up, it is a really close race. You have to credit Antron (Brown) and his team. I didn’t know where he was. I was trying to do everything I could to stay focused on my point ahead in my lane. Happy to win such a close race and that is the way to close out a race like that, a weekend like this in Sonoma Raceway.”

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

FC Final Result: Winner

Can you summarize what this win means?

“It has been a long road to get here. We started off with a brand-new combination at the beginning of the season, and it wasn’t dumb luck that we did there in Gainesville. We tested there for almost a week – preseason testing and then testing right before the race, and ran well during the race there, and then had the problems in Pomona. Todd (Smith, crew chief) said before the problems we had that it was going to take him a while to get a handle on this new tuneup, and the problems just set that back even further. We were just trying to recoup everything after Pomona, so now I feel like he and Jon-O (Jon Oberhofer, co-crew chief) are getting a good handle on things and just are fine tuning it and the car is responding, and the consistency is coming around. When you are going down the track like you are, it gives them more confidence and a better ability to tune it.”

What is your current take on the Funny Car class?

“I keep saying that I think that Funny Car is the toughest class in the sport. From the top to the bottom anyone can win, and we need to work on qualifying better. We definitely don’t do ourselves any favors going into Sunday – it seems like we are always in that seventh to 10 spot, which sets you up to be second-to-last or last pair first round, and when that happens you get the quick turnaround with these live TV deals, where if you have oil downs in front of you – that just makes it less time to service the thing. Guys like (Matt) Hagan), Robert (Hight) and (Ron) Capps – I feel like they set the bar high for everybody. They win a lot, and they make it look easy, but it is not easy. It is definitely not easy. You can go through guys like that and have a trophy at the end of the day, you have to take advantage of it, because when you go two-plus years without winning one of these things, you don’t know if it is going to happen again.”

What is it about Sonoma?

“There is no reason. It’s not like I try harder or anything like that. I’ve been fortunate to be with good teams in the past. It’s my favorite track on the tour; I say that when we’re not here, and I mean it. I love coming here. I got to share the winner’s circle with Eric Medlen here, and anytime you can come back here and win – it’s just extra special. To do it in Scott Kalitta’s car, and in Eric Medlen country, it is pretty magical. It’s definitely my favorite track on tour. I love Sonoma and Napa Valley. I love wine tasting and things like that, and to get the special trophy along with the Wally – it’s cool things like that, that makes this place special.”

What does mean to win in the Supra body?

“I was getting really mad. I was the only ones who hadn’t won in it. We did a lot of r&d and testing with it, and I feel like we got it all ironed out for (Ron) Capps to go out there and beat it with us, week-in and week-out with it. To finally break through and hold up our end, means a lot. I can’t thank Slugger (Labbe) and everybody at Toyota Gazoo Racing North America enough for giving us the parts and pieces and the help to go out and compete with these teams. It means a lot.”

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.