Category: NHRA

Leah Pruett & Matt Hagan
Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel & Funny Car Drivers
Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals
July 15-17 | Morrison, Colorado

Event Recap

Leah Pruett, driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster:

● Earned No. 16 provisional qualifying position in Q1 on Friday after smoking the tires (11.016 ET at 77.75 mph).

● Earned No. 1 qualifying position in Q2 on Friday (3.788 ET at 326.79 mph).

● Scored three bonus points for quickest run of the session.

● Improved upon her No. 1 qualifying position by running a 3.784 ET at 327.90 mph in Q3 on Saturday.

● Scored three bonus points for quickest run of the session.

● Secured No. 3 qualifying position in Q4 on Saturday (3.771 ET at 322.50 mph).

● Scored one bonus point for third-quickest run of the session.

● Advanced to Final on Sunday:

●  Round 1: 3.910 ET at 308.50 mph, beat Antron Brown (4.189 ET at 231.79 mph).

●  Round 2: 4.059 ET at 251.77 mph, beat Clay Millican (4.192 ET at 236.17 mph).

● Semifinal: 3.879 ET at 317.94 mph, beat Justin Ashley (4.091 ET at 303.64 mph).

● Final: 3.884 ET at 316.38 mph, beat Shawn Langdon (DNF).

● Currently sixth in the Top Fuel championship standings, 337 points behind leader Mike Salinas.

Matt Hagan, driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car:

● Earned No. 1 provisional qualifying position in Q1 on Friday (3.968 ET at 324.67 mph).

● Scored three bonus points for quickest run of the session.

● Earned No. 1 qualifying position in Q2 on Friday (3.927 ET at 319.07 mph).

● Scored three bonus points for quickest run of the session.

● Improved upon No. 1 qualifying position by running a 3.908 ET at 323.12 mph in Q3 on Saturday.

● Scored three bonus points for quickest run of the session.

● Secured No. 1 qualifying position based off Q3 run on Saturday. In Q4 on Saturday, Hagan ran a 6.600 ET at 103.68 mph.

● Eliminated following Round 1 on Sunday:

●  Round 1: 4.913 ET at 210.97 mph, lost to Jack Wyatt (4.182 ET at 279.73 mph).

● Currently second in the Funny Car championship standings, 95 points behind leader Robert Hight.

Notes of Interest

● This was Pruett’s 10th career Top Fuel win and her second at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado. Pruett won her first Wally at Bandimere in 2018.

● Pruett’s victory was the fourth for Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, but its first in Top Fuel. Hagan has delivered three Funny Car wins so far in TSR’s inaugural season.

● Pruett’s win was a satisfying one for team partners Dodge//SRT and Mopar as its Dodge Power Brokers brand was the primary sponsor for both Pruett and Hagan during the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals.

● Pruett’s win allowed her to gain significant ground in the championship standings, as she jumped from 10th in points to sixth.

● Pruett advanced to the finals for the 19th time in her career and for the first time this season.

● Following Q2 on Friday, both Pruett and Hagan were the provisional No. 1 qualifiers for the first time in 2022.

● Hagan earned his 47th career No. 1 Funny Car qualifier and his fourth of the season with Saturday’s Q3 run (3.908 ET at 323.12 mph). This was the second straight year that Hagan won the pole for the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals. Hagan came into the event as the defending Funny Car winner.

Leah Pruett, Driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster

“This is absolutely everything. We have the best fans in the entire nation. This is my favorite track. I’ve been trying to be emotionless all day just to do my job, but this is for Neal Strausbaugh (crew chief), Mike Domagala (co-crew chief), Ryan McGilvry (car chief), and my entire Dodge Power Brokers crew that has been flawless all weekend. I told you guys a long time ago it was coming and I couldn’t be prouder than to do it at a place like this. Thank you, Bandimere. This is the first Top Fuel win for Tony Stewart Racing, so hearing those words will never get old. For those that don’t know, Tony won his Camping World SRX Series race last night. We wanted to keep the wins in the family and get another win, so that was great. What you guys are seeing here is pure gratitude for my team and the belief that Tony has had in us. We’ve had a tough season so far, but the team is optimistic and this is deserved long-term goals and you’re seeing the short-term results of it.”

Matt Hagan, Driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car

“We had a really great racecar this weekend. It was nice being able to qualify No. 1 on the mountain. Going into the first round, we really weren’t expecting to smoke the tires like that. We really tried to pull things back to make things favorable for the racecar. Obviously, the mountain had a different idea about how things were going to go up here. We smoked the tires and I gave it a good peddle job for a while and gave up the ghost up there. Jack Wyatt is an underdog that you cheer for, so it’s nice to see him go some rounds. We hate it because we wanted to get Dodge a win, with this being their race. We were in a great position to do that, but the racing gods didn’t have it in store this weekend. We’ll make some adjustments and move on to Sonoma and Seattle.”

Next Up

The next event on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule is the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals July 22-24 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. The event will serve as the second race in the NHRA’s Western Swing before culminating with the Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals July 29-31 at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington.

• Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) pilot Leah Pruett drove her Dodge Power Brokers dragster from the No. 3 qualifier position to the winner’s circle at the Dodge Power Brokers National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Mile-High Nationals to earn the team’s first Top Fuel Wally trophy
• Pruett’s win was her second at Bandimere Speedway, the first with her new team, and the tenth of her Top Fuel career
• Pruett’s drive to victory at the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals propelled her from a previous tenth place position to sixth in the Top Fuel championship standings
• After securing the No. 1 qualifier position, TSR teammate Matt Hagan had a rare first round exit when his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car lost traction early in first run ending his chance to defend his 2021 win at Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals
• Despite the early exit, Hagan remains second in the Funny Car championship standings and 95 points behind the leader

July 17, Morrison, Colorado — Leah Pruett drove her Dodge Power Brokers dragster from the No. 3 qualifier position to the winner’s circle in front of a full house at Bandimere Speedway to earn Tony Stewart Racing’s (TSR) first Top Fuel Wally trophy at the 42nd annual Dodge Power Brokers National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Mile-High Nationals.

“Congratulations to Leah Pruett on powering her Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel dragster to her 10th career win and Tony Stewart Racing’s first Top Fuel victory at our headline event,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “Leah’s victory today demonstrates the hard work, dedication, and tenacity that she and her team put into every race, the kind of performance that Dodge//SRT is known for, and what enthusiasts can expect from Dodge Power Brokers and Direct Connection.”

Pruett’s victory, her second (2018) at the picturesque dragstrip known as Thunder Mountain, was her first with her new team and solidified her place in the Top Fuel Top-10 by jumping from tenth to sixth place in the championship standings.

Pruett began her drive to conquer the mountain from her third place position on the eliminations ladder and a solid opening round win over No. 14 seed Antron Brown. She went on to turn on win lights in the quarterfinals after both she and No. 6 qualifier Clay Millican hazed the tires at midtrack. 

In the semifinals, Pruett had a lightning fast reaction time of 0.015 seconds against No. 2 qualifier Justin Ashley on her way to recording her quickest run of the day with a 3.879-second elapsed time run at 317.94 mph to advance to her first final elimination this season and the 19th of her career.

What could have been an exciting final round battle against No. 12 seed Shawn Langdon turned into a solo run after her opponent’s dragster broke on the burnout. Pruett, however, opted to demonstrate her Dodge Power Broker dragster’s performance and show fans just how much progress the team has made this year with a stout 3.884 second elapsed time run at 316.38 mph to leave no doubt in her team’s ability to win.

“This is everything,” said Pruett of the Wally trophy she held in her arms. “This being the Dodge Power Brokers (MIle-High) Nationals we brokered that Dodge power all week long. My crew has been flawless all weekend long and couldn’t be more proud to do this in front of these Denver Fans. I’ll say two things; this view never gets old. Also, this is the first Top Fuel win for Tony Stewart Racing and that will also never get old.”

TSR Funny Car driver Matt Hagan, who has three wins of his own this season aboard the Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat, came into the weekend looking to repeat his 2021 performance at Bandimere Speedway when he powered from the No. 1 qualifier position to his first coveted win at the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals. The defending winner looked poised to do that after topping three of four qualifying sessions on his way to securing the No. 1 qualifier position for the second consecutive year and his fourth of the season.

In the opening round of eliminations, Hagan lined up his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat next to No. 14 seed Jack Wyatt and was first off the starting line when his ride began to lose traction. While he attempted to pedal it, he wasn’t able to regain control quickly enough and saw his hopes of advancing go up in tire smoke. 

Despite the rare first round loss, Hagan remains second in the Funny Car standings and within 95 points of his rival Robert Hight who won the 2022 Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals event title.

After having earned a spot in the top half of the Funny Car eliminations ladder in every event this season with his Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, Cruz Pedregon had a bit more of a challenging time on Thunder Mountain through qualifying and landed in the ninth spot to start his race day. The two-time Funny Car event winner at the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals lined up next to No. 6 seed J.R. Todd for his opening round pairing but had a cylinder out that ended his day prematurely. Pedregon drops one spot to sixth in the Funny Car points battle with five more events remaining before the “Countdown to the Championship” playoffs series begins.

The next stops on the NHRA’s three consecutive event western swing are at Sonoma Raceway in California for the Sonoma Nationals July 22-24 and then Pacific Raceways for the Northwest Nationals near Seattle, Washington, July 29-31.

ADDITIONAL NOTES and QUOTES:

Leah Pruett, Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster  

(No. 3 Qualifier – 3.771 seconds at 322.50 mph)

Round 1: (0.076-second reaction time, 3.910 seconds at 308.50 mph) defeats No. 14 Antron Brown (0.072/4.189/231.79)

Round 2: (0.102/4.059/251.77) defeats No. 6 Clay Millican (0.066/4.192/236.17)

Round 3: (0.015/ 3.879/317.94) defeats No. 2 Justin Ashley (0.059/4.091/303.64)

Round 4: (0.078/3.884/316.38 ) defeats No. 12 Shawn Langdon (no time)

“This is absolutely everything. We have the best fans in the entire nation. This is my favorite track. I’ve been trying to be emotionless all day just to do my job, but this is for Neal Strausbaugh (crew chief), Mike Domagala (co-crew chief), Ryan McGilvry (car chief), and my entire Dodge Power Brokers crew that has been flawless all weekend. I told you guys a long time ago it was coming and I couldn’t be prouder than to do it at a place like this. Thank you, Bandimere. This is the first Top Fuel win for Tony Stewart Racing, so hearing those words will never get old. For those that don’t know, Tony won his SRX race last night. We wanted to keep the wins in the family and get another win, so that was great. What you guys are seeing here is pure gratitude for my team and the belief that Tony has had in us. We’ve had a tough season so far, but the team is optimistic and this is deserved long-term goals and you’re seeing the short-term results of it.” 

Matt Hagan, Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car  

(No. 1 Qualifier – 3.908 seconds at 323.12 mph)

Round 1: (0.095-second reaction time, 4.913 seconds at 210.97 mph defeats No. 14 Jack Wyatt (0.109/4.182/279.73)

“We had a really great race car this weekend. It was nice being able to qualify No. 1 on the mountain. Going into the first round, we really weren’t expecting to smoke the tires like that. We really tried to pull things back to make things favorable for the race car. Obviously the mountain had a different idea about how things were going to go up here. We smoked the tires and I gave it a good peddle job for a while and gave up the ghost up there. Jack Wyatt is an underdog that you cheer for, so it’s nice to see him go some rounds. We hate it because we wanted to get Dodge a win, with this being their race. We were in a great position to do that, but the racing gods didn’t have it in store this weekend. We’ll make some adjustments and move on to Sonoma and Seattle.”

Cruz Pedregon, Pedregon Racing Snap-on® Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

(No. 9  Qualifier – 4.038 seconds at 306.74 mph)

Round 1: (0.087-second reaction time, 4.351 seconds at 226.09 mph) loss to No. 6 J.R. Todd (0.060/4.014/317.87)

“These cars are finicky and we just never got on the right track. We’re fighting cylinder dropping and I don’t have any answers mechanically, but I’m confident that (crew chiefs) John Collins and Rip Reynolds will look at it and figure some things out. My goal is to test up here before next year. I just want to make some runs cause it’s so different up here than at sea-level. 

“Every run could be the run to get us back on track, but it just wasn’t meant to be today. I’ve come up here and had the body in ten pieces and four or five motors laying on the ground, so there’s a silver lining and that’s that we get to race again in a few days. I’m confident we’ll get back on track.”

NHRA CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS:

Following the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway 

FUNNY CAR (season wins in parentheses)

1.   Robert Hight 1050 (5)

2.  Matt Hagan (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat): 955 (3)

3.  Ron Capps: 884 (2)

4.  John Force: 736

5.  Bob Tasca III: 575

6. Cruz Pedregon (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat): 593

7.  J.R. Todd: 563

8.  Alexis DeJoria: 523

9.  Tim Wilkerson: 488

10. Chad Green: 440

TOP FUEL (season wins in parentheses)

1.  Mike Salinas: 877 (3) 

2.  Brittany Force: 867 (3)

3.  Justin Ashley: 785 (2) 

4.  Steve Torrence: 744

5.  Josh Hart: 509

6. Leah Pruett (Dodge Power Brokers): 540

7. Austin Prock: 538

8.  Shawn Langdon: 529 

9.  Clay Millican: 519

10.  Doug Kalitta: 492

DodgeGarage: Digital Hub for Drag Racing News

Fans can follow all the NHRA action this season at DodgeGarage, the one-stop portal for Dodge//SRT and Mopar drag-racing news. The site includes daily updates and access to an online racing HQ, news, events, galleries, available downloads and merchandise. For more information, visit www.dodgegarage.com.

@DodgeMoparMotorsports on Instagram

The @DodgeMoparMotorsports Instagram channel continues to share content capturing Dodge//SRT Mopar drivers on the track. Fans can see action from the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series and NHRA Sportsman grassroots racers, competing in classes such as Factory Stock Showdown, Stock and Super Stock, as well as additional motorsports series.

Dodge//SRT

For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge shifts into high gear with muscle cars and SUVs that deliver unrivaled performance in each of the segments where they compete.

Dodge drives forward as a pure performance brand, offering SRT versions of every model across the lineup. For the 2022 model year, Dodge delivers the drag-strip dominating 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, the 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Redeye, the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world, and the Dodge Durango SRT 392, America’s fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV. Combined, these three muscle cars make Dodge the industry’s most powerful brand, offering more horsepower than any other American brand across its entire lineup.

In 2020, Dodge was named the “#1 Brand in Initial Quality,” making it the first domestic brand ever to rank No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). In 2021, Dodge brand ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (mass market) — making it the only domestic brand ever to do so two years in a row.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Mopar

This year marks the 85th anniversary of Mopar.

A simple combination of the words MOtor and PARts, Mopar offers exceptional service, parts and customer-care. Born in 1937 as the name of a line of antifreeze products, Mopar has evolved over nearly 85 years to represent both complete vehicle care and authentic performance for owners and enthusiasts worldwide.

Mopar made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era with performance parts to enhance speed and handling for both on-road and racing use. Later, Mopar expanded to include technical service and customer support, and today integrates service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance customer and dealer support worldwide.

Complete information on Mopar is available at www.mopar.com. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Dodge, Mopar and Stellantis news and video on:

Company blog: blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Dodge brand: www.dodge.com

Mopar brand: www.mopar.com/

DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com

Mopar blog: blog.mopar.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge and www.facebook.com/mopar

Instagram: @Dodgemoparmotorsports, @dodgeofficial and @officialmopar

Twitter: @Dodge, @OfficialMopar and @StellantisNA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/c/mopar and www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
DODGE POWER BROKERS NHRA MILE-HIGH NATIONALS
BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY IN MORRISON, COLORADO
JULY 17, 2022

Team Chevy drivers take first step to sweeping the Swing

• Points leader Robert Hight claims fifth Funny Car victory of the season in Camaro SS
• Matt Hartford earns Pro stock victory in Camaro SS over No. 1 qualifier Aaron Stanfield
• Brittany Force secures fourth No. 1 Top Fuel qualifier honor in Chevrolet dragster

MORRISON, Colo. (July 17, 2022) — Robert Hight said “you can’t sweep the Swing if you don’t start here.”

It was a good start to achieving that goal for the driver of the Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS, who collected his fifth victory of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) season and 58th of his Funny Car career by defeating Bob Tasca III in the final at Bandimere Speedway.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ Western Swing continues this week at Sonoma, California – where Hight has won the past three times NHRA has visited (2021, ’19 and ’18) — and concludes at the end of the month in Kent, Washington. Sixteen-time NHRA champion John Force is the only Funny Car driver to sweep the three-race set (1994).

“Good job by this Auto Club team. Their back was to the wall all day,” said Hight, who increased his Funny Car points lead with the victory. “We didn’t have lane choice the last two rounds and that was a masterful job of getting this race car down the track. Jimmy (Prock) and Chris (Cunningham) did on a little tougher lane.

“To have five wins at this point in the season, it’s surreal. Everything is working from top to bottom and we’re just going to try to stay focused and keep working. It’s been a great first half of the season, but these next 11 are going to be even tougher.”

Matt Hartford earned his first Pro Stock win since May 2021 in Houston by defeating No. 1 qualifier Aaron Stanfield, driving the Janac Brothers Camaro SS, in the final.

“We came here in ’19 and we should have won the deal there, but Greg (Anderson) had a better car than us,” said Hartford, driver of the Total Seal Camaro SS. “But we came here this weekend, and we had a good platform and we qualified pretty well.

“We turned this car around in 20 minutes and we would not have been able to do it without the assistance of the KB Racing guys. They came over and jumped in and helped us.”

Hight, the No. 2 qualifier, defeated teammate and No. 3 qualifier Force, driver of the PEAK/BlueDEF Platinum Camaro SS, on a holeshot in the semifinals.

Brittany Force, who registered her fourth No. 1 qualifier of the season in the Flav-R-Pac/Monster Energy Chevrolet dragster, lost in the second round and remained second in the Top Fuel standings. Teammate Austin Prock, the No. 7 qualifier in the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster, also fell in the second round.

Mason McGaha, driving the Harlow Sammons of Odessa Camaro SS, defeated Pro Stock points leader and No. 2 qualifier Erica Enders in the first round. The last time Enders fell in the opening round – to Bo Butner in March at Gainesville – she went on to advance to five consecutive final rounds in the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Camaro SS. McGaha had an .003 light to score the holeshot victory after Enders outran him 6.951 to 6.965 seconds.

“I’ve never been here before as a driver,” said McGaha, 20. “And I struggled with my lights. I tried to get amped up like I always do, and it worked out.”

Jay Storey of Andover, Kansas, was runner-up in Stock Eliminator in his Chevrolet COPO Camaro.

An interview with Funny Car winner ROBERT HIGHT, driver of the Automobile Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS:

THIS WAS A LONG DAY.

“I love this place. Jimmy (Prock) and I have done a lot of winning here; it’s a fun place. And when you have a crew chief – a tandem of crew chiefs like Jimmy and Chris (Cunningham) – it’s amazing. Last year we came here and it was our worst race ever. We were horrible. But they really worked and thought about it for a year and came back and we just had a great race car all weekend.”

YOU WINNING THE SEMIFINAL ON A HOLESHOT AGAINST THE BOSS. IS THAT GOING TO CAUSE ANY FRICTION?

“No, we’re all good. Chevrolet was bound to be in the final, so you can’t lose at that point. Where you hate to race each other is early on. They have a great race car and they’re going to get their fair share of wins. Right now, things are just clicking for this Auto Club team.”

WHEN MATT HAGAN WENT OUT EARLY, YOU HAD TO CAPITALIZE AND YOU GOT EVERYTHING YOU COULD.

“Today we needed to make hay while the sun is out. It was a big day for us, and it would have been horrible to not take advantage of that. There are going to be a lot of battles. The points chase is going to move back and forth, and it’s a whole new ballgame after Indy when they reset the points. Hopefully, we’re not getting these wins out of the way too early and we still have some at the end when it counts.”

YOU’VE HAD PRETTY GOOD RESULTS AT SONOMA.

“I think we’ve won there the last three years, so we can’t wait to get to Sonoma.”

An interview with Pro Stock winner MATT HARTFORD, driver of the Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro SS:

IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME.

“It has been a long time; we kind of stunk up the circuit earlier this year. I won more rounds today than I have all season. That’s the truth on how our season went. But we started to turn it around at Bristol, Norwalk started running better. Unfortunately kept coming up short in the second round. Here we had a fast car.”

THE HEAT OF THE RACETRACK, THE DIFFERENT CONDITIONS AFFECT EVERYONE. HOW DID YOU MANAGE?

“We were runner-up a couple of years ago (2019) here. We had a fast car on race day and it’s all because of my team. We have a great team, we have a great engine supplier. Ken Black makes sure we have as good of power as Greg Anderson. (KB Racing) has as much integrity as anybody I’ve ever met and it shows today with going to the finals.”

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING, YOU WIN ONE RACE A YEAR. WOUYLD YOU LIKE TO BUILD ON THAT?

“That’s a good stat, but our next step is Sonoma. We’re going to go there, back to sea level. Denver closes everything up for Pro Stock, so it’s harder here. When we get to Sonoma, you’re going to see the performance differences from one to 16. If we can go there and qualify well, I think we have a chance. We won Seattle the last time we were there.”

CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPIT

TOP FUEL:

BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, FLAV-R-PAC/MONSTER ENERGY CHEVROLET DRAGSTER: “Challenging weekend for our Flav-R-Pac team here at Bandimere Speedway. We struggled Friday qualifying and had some breakage on Sunday in the second round of eliminations. We still kept ourselves up in the points and brought home our fourth No. 1 qualifier of the season. Lucky for us we head straight to Sonoma for number two on this Western Swing.”

AUSTIN PROCK, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONTANA BRANDS/ROCKY MOUNTAIN TWIST CHEVROLET DRAGSTER: “Not the day this Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team wanted, but we learned. Our car is close and just needs a few small changes and we can be dangerous. I made some progress in my department as well, I felt satisfied with my performance this weekend, which I haven’t in a while. have a good feeling about Sonoma. I’m glad my dad and Hight were able to make the day worth it, especially with NK Seeds and Frank Tiegs in attendance. We will celebrate their win for the John Force Racing team and get it done next weekend.”

FUNNY CAR:

JOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK/BLUEDEF PLATINUM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS: “As a team owner, as part of a team, anytime you come out of the day with someone in your camp winning, it’s a good day. Robert and that Auto Club team they’re on a roll, they’re the team to beat. But this PEAK team, we’re getting there, we’re right there. We’ve been consistent. Danny Hood and Tim Fabrisi, all these PEAK guys, they are working hard to get the job done and I just need to keep doing my job too.”

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. 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.

All three Toyota GR Supra Funny Cars qualify in the top half of the field

MORRISON, Colo. (July 16, 2022) – Justin Ashley closed the four qualifying passes in the Top Fuel class with a stellar 3.765 elapsed time that nearly earned Ashley his second no.1 qualifying spot of the season at the stunning Bandimere Speedway just outside of Denver. Ashley is joined in the top-half of the field by veteran Doug Kalitta (eighth).

In Funny Car, all three Toyota GR Supra Funny Cars qualified in the top half of the field with 3.96 second runs. Defending Funny Car champion Ron Capps led Toyota with a 3.961 elapsed time in fifth, with J.R. Todd (sixth) and Alexis DeJoria (seventh) following with identical 3.964 second passes.

Toyota Post-Qualifying Recap
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
Bandimere Speedway
Race 11 of 22

TOYOTA TOP FUEL QUALIFYING POSITIONS

Name	Car	Qualifying Position	First Round Opponent
Brittany Force*	Flav-R-Pac Top Fuel Dragster	1st (3.758)	T. Totten
Justin Ashley	Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	2nd (3.765)	C. Ferre
Doug Kalitta	Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	8th (3.827)	J. Hart
Steve Torrence	Capco Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	10th (3.845)	A. Prock
Shawn Langdon	DHL Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	12th (3.901)	G. Carrillo
Antron Brown	Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	14th (4.069)	L. Pruett

(*non-Toyota driver)

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING POSITIONS

Name	Car	Qualifying Position	First Round Opponent
Matt Hagan*	Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat FC	1st (3.908)	J. Wyatt
Ron Capps	NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	5th (3.961)	P. Lee
J.R. Todd	DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	6th (3.964)	C. Pedregon
Alexis DeJoria	Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	7th (3.964)	T. Wilkerson

(*non-Toyota driver)

TOYOTA QUOTES

JUSTIN ASHLEY, Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Davis Motorsports

TF Qualifying Result: 2nd

What is it like to come up here and race on the mountain?

“It’s stunning. This whole facility is gorgeous. It’s important to take a minute and say thank you to the fans, because they came out in droves all weekend – Friday, Saturday. I can’t wait to see what it’s like tomorrow. It’s a blast from a driver’s perspective to walk around the facility and see how engaged everybody is. It just gives you that much more motivation. For everybody that is here from Velocity, Bendix, everybody at Toyota, Vita C Energy, and of course, Phillips Connect, we are excited to keep this going and we are excited about tomorrow.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 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 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants.  By 2025, Toyota’s 14^th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

• Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) driver Matt Hagan and his Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat earned the No. 1 qualifier position after topping the Funny Car timing sheets in three of four qualifying sessions ahead of the Dodge Power Brokers National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Mile-High Nationals
• Hagan took the top spot for Sunday’s eliminations at Bandimere Speedway for the second year in a row and now looks to defend last year’s Funny Car event win 
• Hagan’s No. 1 qualifier position was his fourth of the season and the 47th of his career
• Top Fuel pilot Leah Pruett, winner of the 2018 edition of the Denver area NHRA event, qualified her Dodge Power Brokers dragster No. 3 after joining her TSR Teammate Hagan as provisional polesitters in their respective categories Friday night under the lights
• Cruz Pedregon qualified his Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat ninth for Sunday’s Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals

July 16, 2022, Morrison, Colorado — The Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat of Tony Stewart Racing Funny Car driver Matt Hagan took the top spot on Thunder Mountain in three of four sessions and earned the No. 1 qualifier position at Bandimere Speedway ahead of the 42nd annual Dodge Power Brokers National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Mile-High Nationals.

The defending event winner, picked up where he left off last year by taking his 11,000 horsepower HEMI-powered machine to top of the qualifying sheets with a 3.968 second elapsed time first pass, then improved on it with a solid 3.927-second run to close out Friday qualifying as the provisional polesitter. 

Hagan ran his quickest pass of the weekend on Saturday in Q3 at 3.908 mph at 323.12 mph, a time that kept him in the top spot through the fourth session when he had an issue with his burnout and lost traction at the hit of the throttle. That third run by the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat was strong enough to secure Hagan’s second consecutive No. 1 qualifier position at Bandimere Speedway. It is also his fourth pole position of the season and the 47th of his career.

His qualifying efforts also provided him with 12 valuable bonus points to close the gap on the Funny Car points leader and rival Robert Hight who took over the top spot from Hagan at the last event in Norwalk. Hagan will begin his event title defense with an opening round pairing with No. 16 seed Jack Wyatt.

Hagan’s TSR teammate Leah Pruett, winner of the 2018 edition of the Denver event, also powered her Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel dragster to the provisional No. 1 qualifier position on Friday under the lights. She improved again on Saturday, recording her quickest pass of the weekend on her final lap with a 3.771-second elapsed time run to put her third on the eliminations ladder. She also collects seven bonus points for setting the quickest times in two sessions and placing third in the final one. Pruett will begin her Sunday drive to vy for her second Top Fuel Wally trophy from Bandimere Speedway against No. 14 seed Antron Brown.

Two-time Funny Car event winner Cruz Pedregon qualified his Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat ninth overall with a best pass of 4.038 seconds at 306.74 mph on Saturday after having qualified in the top half of the eliminations ladder through the first ten races of the season. Despite a more challenging start to the weekend than the Cruz Pedregon Racing has had in a while, the team is fifth in the category and ready to chase down their first Wally of the season by kicking off eliminations against No. 6 qualifier J.R. Todd

Sunday’s Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals elimination rounds will air on FOX’s broadcast network commencing at 4 p.m. ET and will include live coverage of the finals.

ADDITIONAL NOTES and QUOTES: 

Leah Pruett, Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster  

(No. 3 Qualifier –  3.771 seconds at 322.50 mph)

Qualifying 1: 11.016 sec./ 77.75 mph

Qualifying 2: 3.788 sec./326.79 mph (3 bonus points for quickest run of session)

Qualifying 3: 3.784 sec./327.90 mph (3 bonus points for quickest run of session)

Qualifying 4: 3.771 sec./322.50 mph ( 1 bonus point for 3rd quickest run of session)

“I think the most valuable aspect of our qualifying is that we were able to develop a baseline here on the mountain because we really didn’t have one as this new team. All we could do was take what we’ve done so far this year. For us to find a really good quick spot on Friday was great, but I think most importantly was Saturday and running consistently and fast. That’s what’s going to prove to be effective on Sunday.”

“Of course it’s going to be different conditions, but I’m extremely impressed with the way that this team unified throughout these two days. Everybody scrapped their egos at the door and tuned [the racecar] by committee and had everyone’s back for whatever the car did whether it went back to number one, or if we made a complete pass. Having that positive surroundings is exactly what was allowing us to broker our power, the way that we would like to. Starting in third position going into Sunday is fantastic. We couldn’t ask for more than a better qualifying position at a Dodge race with our Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel dragster.”

Matt Hagan, Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car  

(No. 1 Qualifier – 3.908 seconds at 323.12 mph)

Qualifying 1: 3.968 sec./324.67 mph (3 bonus points for quickest run of session)

Qualifying 2: 3.927 sec./319.07 mph (3 bonus points for quickest run of session)

Qualifying 3: 3.908 sec/323.12 mph (3 bonus points for quickest run of session)

Qualifying 4: 6.600 sec./103.68 mph

“I was impressed that we ran that 3.90 in the heat. The rain cooled everything off but there was still a lot of water grains in the air and the crew chiefs had to make some calls. Then tonight (Q4) was a bummer. I came through the water and the tires spun faster than normal and [the car] got sideways. I can’t hit the throttle with the front end looking at the wall and by then the water dried off the tires and the clutch got hotter. It was not going to be what we were looking for. I mean, we stayed in the No. 1 spot, but we should have run in the 3.85-3.87 second range. If you take the last run out of it, we’ve got a good car on Sunday. This is a Dodge car at the Dodge event. We’re expected to do well and have a shot as much as anyone.”

Cruz Pedregon, Pedregon Racing Snap-on® Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

(No. 9  Qualifier – 4.038 seconds at 306.74 mph)

Qualifying 1: 7.962 sec./92.75 mph

Qualifying 2: 4.081 sec./308.14 mph 

Qualifying 3: 4.038 sec./306.74 mph

Qualifying 4: 4.459 sec./206.23 mph

“It’s been a challenging weekend for sure. It was just little things here and there. I kind of let (crew chiefs) John Collins and Rip Reynolds do their thing. I trust that they’re going to do the right thing and get the Snap on Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat car going fast. Tomorrow is another day because it’s a completely different setup than the cooler evening sessions we’ve had. While I’d like to get all caught up in all the 3.92s and 3.93s, which is what I think we could run, tomorrow’s going to be warmer and I think that’s going to play more into our hands. I’m still optimistic. I still feel like we have had so many great qualifying runs and then fizzled out like in the second round, so while qualifying is cool and important, it’s really about the race day. So that’s what I’m focused on.”

DodgeGarage: Digital Hub for Drag Racing News

Fans can follow all the NHRA action this season at DodgeGarage, the one-stop portal for Dodge//SRT and Mopar drag-racing news. The site includes daily updates and access to an online racing HQ, news, events, galleries, available downloads and merchandise. For more information, visit www.dodgegarage.com.

@DodgeMoparMotorsports on Instagram

The @DodgeMoparMotorsports Instagram channel continues to share content capturing Dodge//SRT Mopar drivers on the track. Fans can see action from the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series and NHRA Sportsman grassroots racers, competing in classes such as Factory Stock Showdown, Stock and Super Stock, as well as additional motorsports series.

Dodge//SRT

For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge shifts into high gear with muscle cars and SUVs that deliver unrivaled performance in each of the segments where they compete.

Dodge drives forward as a pure performance brand, offering SRT versions of every model across the lineup. For the 2022 model year, Dodge delivers the drag-strip dominating 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, the 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Redeye, the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world, and the Dodge Durango SRT 392, America’s fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV. Combined, these three muscle cars make Dodge the industry’s most powerful brand, offering more horsepower than any other American brand across its entire lineup.

In 2020, Dodge was named the “#1 Brand in Initial Quality,” making it the first domestic brand ever to rank No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). In 2021, Dodge brand ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (mass market) — making it the only domestic brand ever to do so two years in a row.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Mopar

This year marks the 85th anniversary of Mopar.

A simple combination of the words MOtor and PARts, Mopar offers exceptional service, parts and customer-care. Born in 1937 as the name of a line of antifreeze products, Mopar has evolved over nearly 85 years to represent both complete vehicle care and authentic performance for owners and enthusiasts worldwide.

Mopar made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era with performance parts to enhance speed and handling for both on-road and racing use. Later, Mopar expanded to include technical service and customer support, and today integrates service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance customer and dealer support worldwide.

Complete information on Mopar is available at www.mopar.com. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Dodge, Mopar and Stellantis news and video on:

Company blog: blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Dodge brand: www.dodge.com

Mopar brand: www.mopar.com

DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com

Mopar blog: blog.mopar.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge and www.facebook.com/mopar

Instagram: @DodgeMoparMotorsports, @DodgeOfficial and @OfficialMopar

Twitter: @Dodge, @OfficialMopar and @StellantisNA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/c/mopar and www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

Leah Pruett & Matt Hagan
Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel & Funny Car Drivers
Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals
July 15-17 | Morrison, Colorado

Event Overview

Friday, July 15 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

● Nitro qualifying session (Q1): 4:30 p.m. MDT/6:30 p.m. EDT

● Nitro qualifying session (Q2): 8 p.m. MDT/10 p.m. EDT

Saturday, July 16 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

● Nitro qualifying session (Q3): 3:30 p.m. MDT/5:30 p.m. EDT

● Nitro qualifying session (Q4): 7 p.m. MDT/9 p.m. EDT

Sunday, July 17 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

● Round 1: 11 a.m. MDT/1 p.m. EDT

● Round 2: 1:15 p.m. MDT/3:15 p.m. EDT

● Semi-Finals: 2:50 p.m. MDT/4:50 p.m. EDT

● Finals: 4:10 p.m. MDT/6:10 p.m. EDT

TV coverage

● Friday, July 15: Qualifying show (8 p.m. MDT/10 p.m. EDT on FS1)

● Sunday, July 17: Qualifying show recapping Saturday’s action (9 a.m. MDT/11 a.m. EDT on FS1)

● Sunday, July 17: Finals show (2 p.m. MDT/4 p.m. EDT on FOX)

Notes of Interest

● The Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado, marks the 11th event on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ 22-race calendar. It’s the halfway point of the season and it kicks off the Western Swing – three consecutive races where after the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals, the series heads to Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway July 22-24 for the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals and then to Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington, July 29-31 for the Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals. Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) will be represented in Top Fuel by nine-time event winner Leah Pruett and in Funny Car by three-time champion Matt Hagan.

● Dodge Power Brokers and Direct Connection return to Pruett’s Top Fuel dragster and Hagan’s Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car this weekend at Bandimere. The Dodge Power Brokers program serves as the exclusive source for Direct Connection, Dodge’s factory-backed performance parts program, which is equipped with staff trained to deliver a performance-focused customer service experience.

● The Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals will be Pruett’s 182nd career Top Fuel start and her sixth at Bandimere. For Hagan, this will be his 304th career Funny Car start and his 13th at Bandimere.

● Pruett won at Bandimere in 2018 (3.831 at 316.45 mph) when she defeated Doug Kalitta (3.852 ET at 319.82 mph). Pruett also has two No. 1 qualifiers at the event, which came in 2017 (3.733 ET at 326.24 mph) and 2018 (3.799 ET at 327.19 mph).

● In addition to Pruett’s 2018 Top Fuel win and 2017 runner-up finish to Antron Brown, she reached the final round last year in the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown division. In a Dodge Challenger, Pruett ran an 8.265 ET at 166.48 mph, narrowly losing to Stephen Bell’s run of 8.259 ET at 164.77 mph. Of all the tracks that comprise the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, Pruett’s winning percentage is best at Bandimere. She has won 69.2 percent of her Top Fuel heats (9-4) and 75 percent of her rounds in Factory Stock (3-1).

● Hagan enters the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals as the event’s defending Funny Car winner. In 2021, Hagan’s 4.105 ET at 305.70 mph defeated Alexis DeJoria (4.227 ET at 297.68 mph). Hagan has two No. 1 qualifiers at the event, which came in 2010 (4.161 ET at 301.33 mph) and 2021 (3.966 ET at 319.22 mph).

● Hagan is a three-time winner already this season, collecting Wallys March 13 at Gainesville, Florida; April 24 at Baytown, Texas; and June 5 at Epping, New Hampshire. Hagan has also earned three No. 1 qualifiers and advanced to the finals six times in 2022.

● On Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. MDT at Coors Field in Denver, Hagan will throw out the first pitch before the Colorado Rockies take on the San Diego Padres

● Pruett and Hagan will participate in a Dodge autograph session on Friday from 3-3:30 p.m. MDT and again on Saturday from 2-2:30 p.m. MDT. Both sessions will take place in the pits at the Dodge display.

Leah Pruett, Driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster

Describe the significance of the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals and the uniqueness of the event given the track’s altitude of 5,800 feet.

“Our minds are on Mile-High and the necessary changes the car needs from different pistons, the uniqueness of the event, how the car has cooperated in the last couple races, to fuel adjustments are all just precursors for the Dodge Power Brokers event. It’s going to be one to win, I’ve always said it – some people think the U.S. Nationals are a big one. Winning the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals would be the pinnacle of the year, in my opinion. That is where our backbone is, on top of that mountain. We performed well in Norwalk with our Detroit executives at the track and we intend to do the same and build on that for Denver. We needed a bit of this rejuvenation. We have a healthy program and that’s also very important. There are teams out here running on the edge and hurting a lot of parts. Our healthy program will allow us to push, which will allow us to qualify better and get on top of that mountain.”

Bandimere Speedway is home to your highest win percentage of all NHRA tracks. What makes the track so successful for you?

“Over the years, it’s been a combination of my love for Bandimere Speedway and the talented and dedicated teams I’ve been a part of. Rising to the occasion has always been my motto for Bandimere, and not in an intimidating way, but more of a prolonged excitement and preparation for the race on the mountain since I was nine years old. And this year I know our Dodge Power Brokers team is just as excited and prepared to continue our momentum, upward and onward.”

Denver kicks off the NHRA’s Western Swing and it marks the halfway point of the season. Even though Bandimere is unique in regard to car setup, what advantages do three events in a row have on continuing good routines?

“For a driver, being in the seat as much as possible, specifically back-to-back, is key. Repetition is our friend. It might seem unnatural to feel ‘comfortable’ in an 11,000 horsepower machine, but when I get to have back-to-back races with the highest of horse-powered Dodge HEMI behind me, the comfortability turns into confidence, and that is where I’m at. Therefore, going into the Western Swing and kicking it off with thousands of Mopar enthusiasts is the exact type of scene I want to be in. The car and team is prepared for the longest and most brutal swing of the season.”

Matt Hagan, Driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car

Describe the significance of the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals and the uniqueness of the event given the track’s altitude of 5,800 feet.

“I’m looking forward to getting to Denver for the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals. We’ve been able to build upon our data and Dickie Venables (crew chief) has been putting a great car underneath me. We’ll be taking a different car combination to Bandimere in regard to the motor, clutch and blower. You can wick your blowers up and the compression is crazy with the elevation. We have a great car setup we won there with last year, so we put that on the shelf, didn’t touch it, and we’re going to bring it back out and put it on the racecar. I look forward to having a successful weekend in Denver, which is what we need to do. With it being a Dodge Power Brokers race, we want to give them a strong showing.”

Last year marked your first win at the Mile-High Nationals. What kind of confidence does that give you entering this year’s event?

“When we won the Mile-High Nationals in 2021, it was really cool. Since we only race in Denver once a year, the car is a one-time setup. Dickie (Venables) had a good handle on the car last year, since we were No. 1 qualifier and won. Hopefully we’ll have continued success for this year’s race. It’s challenging up there on the mountain. Do I think it’ll be easy? No way. There are a lot of crazy variables with altitude and tuning. When the parachutes hit, there is no air. The Bandimeres do a great job promoting the track and it’ll be a packed house. We’ll be in town early for the Dodge Drive Event and it’ll be a busy week, so I’m looking forward to getting up there, seeing all the fans and having some fun.”

Denver kicks off the NHRA’s Western Swing and it marks the halfway point of the season. Even though Bandimere is unique in regard to car setup, what advantages do three events in a row have on continuing good routines?

“Having three races in a row is always good because it keeps the momentum going. I’ve never swept the Western Swing, so that would be great to do. It’s really challenging in Funny Car because there are so many competitive drivers every weekend. It’s a little tough because we go from one-mile high in elevation to sea level at Sonoma, so it changes the dynamics of the car. But the racing is good and the tracks are good and we need to sweep the Swing, so let’s do it this year.”

• Dodge Power Brokers and Direct Connection will be spotlighted at the 42nd edition of the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway on July 15-17 near Denver, Colorado
• Dodge//SRT and Mopar partnership with Bandimere Speedway spans four decades (1989-2022) and remains the longest active and continuous event title sponsorship in motorsports
• Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals is the first of two premier NHRA events with Dodge//SRT and Mopar headline support this season, including the prestigious Dodge Power Brokers U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis
• Defending event winner Matt Hagan seeks to continue to reign over Thunder Mountain with his Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car after earning three wins this year to date for the new Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) team
• TSR Top Fuel pilot Leah Pruett seeks to wheel her Dodge Power Brokers dragster to a repeat performance of her 2018 successful run from No. 1 qualifier to winner
• Two-time Funny Car event winner at Bandimere Speedway Cruz Pedregon is working to take home another Wally aboard the Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

July 12, 2022 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Dodge Power Brokers and Direct Connection take center stage this weekend as the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Camping World Drag Racing Series brings the thunderous sound and feel of 11,000 horsepower back to the Rocky Mountains for the high-altitude challenge presented by the 42nd edition of the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway on July 15-18.

Dodge//SRT and Mopar continue the decades-long relationship that began in 1989 with the Denver-area Bandimere family-owned track by spotlighting Dodge Power Brokers within this year’s event title sponsorship and on the Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) HEMI®-powered nitro cars of Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett.

“The Dodge brand is excited to bring the horsepower back to Bandimere Speedway with one of the premier events in all of racing, the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “We take a lot of pride in being part of the longest standing event sponsorship in motorsports history — 33 years and counting — and a big reason for that is the amazing race fans in the Denver area who turnout each year and pack Thunder Mountain. We’re excited to interact with enthusiasts and share some details about our new Dodge Power Brokers program, which serves as the exclusive source for Dodge Direct Connection performance parts.”

As the 11th of 22 NHRA events on the circuit, the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals weekend marks the halfway point of the season and kicks off three consecutive weeks of racing with the traditional trio of western-swing races that include stops at the Sonoma Nationals in California and the Northwest Nationals near Seattle. The Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals event is also the first of two marquee title sponsorships for the Dodge//SRT and Mopar brands this year along with the prestigious Dodge Power Brokers U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis on Labor Day weekend.

Three-time world champion Matt Hagan returns to the picturesque mountainside drag strip with his first-year TSR team to defend the Funny Car event win he earned last year from the No. 1 qualifier position to take home his first Wally trophy from Thunder Mountain. Hagan looks to make even more noise this year as his Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat has already amassed three wins, three No. 1 qualifier positions and advanced to six final elimination rounds.

“I’m looking forward to getting to Denver for the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals,” said Hagan, who after being a mainstay atop the Funny Car category for most of this season comes into the weekend second in the points standings. “We’ve been able to build upon our data and (crew chief) Dickie Venables has been putting a great car underneath me. We’ll be taking a different car combination to Bandimere in regards to the motor, clutch and blower. You can wick your blowers up and the compression is crazy with the elevation.

“We have a great car set up that we won there with last year, so we put that on the shelf, didn’t touch it and we’re going to bring it back out and put it on the race car,” added Hagan. “I look forward to having a successful weekend in Denver, which is what we need to do. With it being a Dodge Power Brokers race, we want to give them a strong showing.” 

TSR Top Fuel pilot Leah Pruett rolls into Denver with some positive momentum after her Dodge Power Brokers dragster’s semifinal performance at the last event in Norwalk, Ohio, put her back into the top 10 in the championship standings. 

“Our minds are on Mile-High and the necessary changes the car needs from different pistons, the uniqueness of the event, how the car has cooperated in the last couple races, to fuel adjustments are all just precursors for the Dodge Power Brokers event,” said Pruett, who is also familiar with turning on win lights at Bandimere Speedway after powering from the No. 1 qualifier position to victory in 2018. “It is going to be one to win, I’ve always said it. Some people think the Dodge Power Brokers U.S. Nationals are a big one. Winning the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals would be the pinnacle of the year, in my opinion. That is where our backbone is, on top of that mountain. 

“We performed well in Norwalk and we intend to do the same and build on that for Denver,” added Pruett. “We needed a bit of this rejuvenation. We have a healthy program and that’s also very important. There are teams out here running on the edge and hurting a lot of parts. Our healthy program will allow us to push, which will allow us to qualify better and get on top of that mountain.”

Also looking to garner some attention for Dodge//SRT performance this weekend aboard his Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car is two-time event winner (1993 and 2013) Cruz Pedregon who is fifth in the category points tally to date, has consistently qualified in the top half of the eliminations ladder this year, and is chasing his first Wally of the season.

“Bandimere is a great race track and great facility with great fans,” said Pedregon. “I love that Dodge continues to support the Bandimere family and this event as it really has been a marquee event for many years. We’re looking forward to getting back on track after a two week break that was perfect for getting ready for the mid-season run when things get really busy. We’ll keep working on getting good results and improving our performance and position in the standings through the summer.”

Fans are invited to visit the 4,800-square-foot Dodge//SRT and Mopar exhibit in the Manufacturer’s Midway. Not only will they find a selection of performance parts and Dodge vehicles to peruse, they’ll have a chance to meet their favorite Dodge//SRT drivers for autographs, test their virtual race skills aboard the dueling pair of Dodge Challenger SRT Demon simulators, or climb in the Dodge Power Brokers Funny Car simulator to experience the thrill of a nitro run.

The display will also provide additional information on the Dodge Power Brokers dealership network and the features it offers performance enthusiasts. The network is the exclusive source for new Direct Connection performance parts and has dealership staff with comprehensive knowledge and expertise in high-performance areas. Customers can purchase a vehicle with Direct Connection upgrades directly from a Dodge Power Brokers dealership and benefit from maintaining the balance of the three-year/36,000-mile vehicle warranty. More information is available at DCPerformance.com.

Additionally, the display will host the Mopar Career Automotive Program (CAP) booth which features a subject matter expert and program information about the immersive service technician courses offered through 100 certified training institutions. The curriculum is designed to immediately place students in Stellantis dealerships upon graduation to meet the demand for new service technicians. More information on the program and activation is available at Moparcap.com.

Sunday’s Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals elimination rounds will air on FOX’s broadcast network commencing at 4 p.m. ET and will include live coverage of the finals. FS1 will provide two highlight shows covering the four nitro qualifying sessions. Friday’s two sessions, including qualifying under the lights, will air on July 15 from 10-11 p.m. ET, while a recap of Saturday’s two runs will air Sunday, July 17, from 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. ET. Fans at home can also follow all the racing action at Bandimere Speedway via the NHRA.TV livestream throughout the weekend.
 
DodgeGarage: Digital Hub for Drag Racing News
Fans can follow all the NHRA action this season at DodgeGarage, the one-stop portal for Dodge//SRT and Mopar drag-racing news. The site includes daily updates and access to an online racing HQ, news, events, galleries, available downloads and merchandise. For more information, visit www.dodgegarage.com.
 
@DodgeMoparMotorsports on Instagram
The @DodgeMoparMotorsports Instagram channel continues to share content capturing Dodge//SRT Mopar drivers on the track. Fans can see action from the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series and NHRA Sportsman grassroots racers, competing in classes such as Factory Stock Showdown, Stock and Super Stock, as well as additional motorsports series.

Dodge//SRT
For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge shifts into high gear with muscle cars and SUVs that deliver unrivaled performance in each of the segments where they compete.
 
Dodge drives forward as a pure performance brand, offering SRT versions of every model across the lineup. For the 2022 model year, Dodge delivers the drag-strip dominating 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, the 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Redeye, the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world, and the Dodge Durango SRT 392, America’s fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV. Combined, these three muscle cars make Dodge the industry’s most powerful brand, offering more horsepower than any other American brand across its entire lineup.
 
In 2020, Dodge was named the “#1 Brand in Initial Quality,” making it the first domestic brand ever to rank No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). In 2021, Dodge brand ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (mass market) — making it the only domestic brand ever to do so two years in a row.
 
Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.
  
Mopar
This year marks the 85th anniversary of Mopar.

A simple combination of the words MOtor and PARts, Mopar offers exceptional service, parts and customer-care. Born in 1937 as the name of a line of antifreeze products, Mopar has evolved over nearly 85 years to represent both complete vehicle care and authentic performance for owners and enthusiasts worldwide.
Mopar made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era with performance parts to enhance speed and handling for both on-road and racing use. Later, Mopar expanded to include technical service and customer support, and today integrates service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance customer and dealer support worldwide.

Complete information on Mopar is available at www.mopar.com. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.
 

Follow Dodge, Mopar and Stellantis news and video on:
Company blog: blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Dodge brand: www.dodge.com
Mopar brand: www.mopar.com
DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com
Mopar blog: blog.mopar.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge and www.facebook.com/mopar
Instagram: @DodgeMoparMotorsports, @DodgeOfficial and @OfficialMopar
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YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/c/mopar and www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

Non-Profit Organization to Serve as Primary Partner of Leah Pruett’s Top Fuel Dragster at DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (July 9, 2022) – The Rayce Rudeen Foundation has partnered with Tony Stewart Racing in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, and the non-profit organization that honors the life of Rayce Rudeen will be emblazoned on the Top Fuel dragster of Leah Pruett during the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals July 22-24 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway.

The Rayce Rudeen Foundation works with organizations and programs to encourage a healthy and productive life that is free of addiction. The designated 501(c)(3) is named in honor of Rayce Rudeen, who at age 26 passed away from an accidental Fentanyl overdose. Since its inception, the Rayce Rudeen Foundation has advocated for creating a supportive community in which everyone can access prevention, treatment, recovery and family-support services, all free from stigma. That message will be carried on Pruett’s blue-and-yellow Top Fuel dragster at Sonoma. Following Sonoma, the Rayce Rudeen Foundation will remain on Pruett’s car as an associate partner with branding near the canopy.

“Motorsports has always been a part of our family, and when Rayce died it was the motorsports community that provided incredible support and understanding when we needed it the most,” said Kevin Rudeen, Chairman of the Board, Rayce Rudeen Foundation.

“We formed the Rayce Rudeen Foundation is Rayce’s memory. The racing community is very special to us, and we want to empower the racing community to fight the disease of addiction. By sharing our story and the mission of the foundation in an industry that touches so many, we feel it’s an excellent way to raise awareness and support for those who battle addiction and/or those who have a loved one struggling with addiction.

“The Rayce Rudeen Foundation Top Fuel dragster that Leah Pruett will race at Sonoma is so much more than just a racecar. It’s megaphone to help those with addiction, while also providing the necessary resources and understanding to their loved ones.”

By collaborating with local universities, researchers, organizations, businesses and community coalitions, the Rayce Rudeen Foundation is leading communities toward a united and compassionate response to addiction by identifying gaps in care and building educational tools.

“When we fly the Rayce Rudeen Foundation colors in Sonoma, it’ll be more than just a vibrant paint scheme. It’s an honored feeling that through our racing efforts we can champion their mission and deliver their message to those who need it most,” said Pruett, a nine-time winner in Top Fuel.

“The ultimate loss is losing a loved one to addiction. As someone who has formerly and recently experienced a close connection to the devastating effects of addiction, it means a lot to represent the Rayce Rudeen Foundation. I hope this car and Rayce’s story can instill both courage and support for those dealing with addiction so they can seek the proper help and get the resources they need.

“Many may recognize the Rayce Rudeen Foundation name and logo from its involvement in the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions. We’re proud to work with them in expanding their message to our fans here in the NHRA.”

Tony Stewart, owner of Pruett’s Top Fuel dragster as well as the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1, knows the Rudeen family well. Rayce’s father, Kevin, has been a sprint car team owner for nearly 30 years. Following Rayce’s death, the foundation created a race in his memory to address the disease and remove the stigma of addiction. In 2019 at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa, Stewart won the Rayce Rudeen Foundation sprint car feature, which was a part of the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions.

“We’re honored to recognize the life of Rayce Rudeen on Leah’s Top Fuel dragster,” Stewart said. “The Rayce Rudeen Foundation is doing instrumental work in helping those with addiction. We’re proud to highlight this important cause and shed light on how their work can assist those in need.”

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car at NHRA Midwest Nationals

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (June 29, 2022) – Baja Vida Snacks has partnered with Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, with the California-based company highlighting its line of all-natural Baja Vida Beef Jerky on the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car of three-time champion Matt Hagan.

Baja Vida Snacks will serve as the primary sponsor of Hagan during the NHRA Midwest Nationals Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis. The sky blue car design will feature Baja Vida Snacks on the sides of Hagan’s 11,000-horsepower machine with Baja Vida Beef Jerky emblazoned on the nose. For all other races, Baja Vida Snacks will be featured in an associate partner position on each side of the rear wing.

“Racing is an adventure, and nothing stirs the senses quite like an 11,000-horsepower Funny Car going more than 330 mph in a thousand feet,” said Will Dryden, general manager, Baja Vida Snacks. “It’s visceral and vibrant, and the fans are immersed in the culture. The NHRA is a great place for Baja Vida to be, and we have an excellent partner in Tony Stewart Racing to help showcase our lineup of Baja Vida Beef Jerky to fans who are as passionate about racing as we are about creating delicious, quality food.”

Baja Vida Snacks was formed in 2019 with products influenced by the culture of the Baja Peninsula, where freshness and adventure abound. Its line of beef jerky has been a staple since the company’s inception, all of which are Baja inspired and support “The Flavor of Adventure”. Baja Vida Beef Jerky launched with five core flavors – Traditional, Lime & Serrano, Sweet Orange, Salsa Fresca and Churro. Two additional flavors were added in 2021 – Crackin’ Pepper and Street Taco. Baja Vida Snacks also offers a variety of beef sticks, dried mangos and seasonings.

Made to be a part of the adventure, Baja Vida Snacks are delicious, satisfying, and easy to take on the go. They’re also lower in sodium, made with little to no sugar, are gluten free, have no MSG, no preservatives and no added hormones or nitrates. Baja Vida Beef Jerky can be found online at BajaVida.com. Come August, Baja Vida Snacks will also be available at all Menards locations.

“We’re proud to have Baja Vida Snacks join our race team. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality fits perfectly within our organization,” said team owner Tony Stewart. “In racing, we’re always on the go, so having a healthy snack that’s packed with protein and tastes good is a must-have. We keep Baja Vida Beef Jerky stocked in our transporters and at our shop. It’s never out of reach.”

Hagan, a winner of three Funny Car events so far this season to put himself in the thick of another championship run, is already a fan of Baja Vida Snacks and its beef jerky, in particular.

“I’ve had the privilege of sampling a variety of flavors of Baja Vida Beef Jerky,” Hagan said. “They offer bold flavors and their products contain preservative-free ingredients to help fuel my body before strapping into the car. I’m looking forward to Baja Vida Snacks joining us here in the world of drag racing because there’s nothing else like it.”

Leah Pruett & Matt Hagan
Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel & Funny Car Drivers
Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals
June 24-26 | Norwalk, Ohio

Event Recap

Leah Pruett, driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster:

● Earned No. 7 provisional qualifying position in Q1 on Friday (3.867 ET at 321.27 mph).
● Earned No. 14 qualifying position in Q2 on Friday (3.862 ET at 313.58 mph).
● Maintained No. 14 qualifying position after Q3 on Saturday, which was based off Friday’s Q2 run. In Q3, Pruett ran a 3.867 ET at 319.37 mph.
● Secured No. 15 qualifying position based off Q2 run on Friday. In Q4 on Saturday, Pruett ran a 3.872 ET at 316.38 mph.
● Advanced to Semifinal on Sunday:

●  Round 1: 3.776 ET at 327.98 mph, beat Justin Ashley (3.852 ET at 317.49 mph).

●  Round 2: 3.798 ET at 325.61 mph, beat Steve Torrence (3.802 ET at 327.51 mph).

● Semifinal: 6.062 ET at 135.36 mph, lost to Mike Salinas (3.822 ET at 296.89 mph).

● Currently 10th in the Top Fuel championship standings, 404 points behind points leader Salinas.

Matt Hagan, driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car:

● Earned No. 8 provisional qualifying position in Q1 on Friday (4.078 ET at 310.34 mph).

● Earned No. 5 qualifying position in Q2 on Friday (3.917 ET at 329.91 mph).

● Maintained No. 5 qualifying position after Q3 on Saturday, which was based off Friday’s Q2 run. In Q3, Hagan ran 6.650 ET at 101.75 mph.

● Secured No. 5 qualifying position based off Q2 run on Friday. In Q4 on Saturday, Hagan ran a 4.049 ET at 311.99 mph.

● Advanced to Round 2 on Sunday:

●  Round 1: 3.948 ET at 322.65 mph, defeated Tim Wilkerson (8.509 ET at 104.92 mph).

●  Round 2: 4.876 ET at 173.45 mph, lost to Bob Tasca III (3.941 ET at 327.27 mph).

● Currently second in the Funny Car championship standings, 21 points behind points leader Robert Hight.

Notes of Interest

● Pruett advanced to the semifinal for the first time this season, elevating her to 10th in the Top Fuel championship standings.

● With Hagan earning the No. 5 qualifying spot, his average qualifying position after 10 events this season is 3.9.

Leah Pruett, Driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster

“Advancing to the semifinal was a long time coming and it didn’t come easy. Even though we were consistent in qualifying with our 0.86s, we kept trying to go faster and the car was going slower. This entire year, the car has been very reactive to what we ask it to do. This whole weekend, it was not cooperating. We were trying to throw more at it and it kept slowing down. It hung on there through the first two rounds. I’m very proud of all of my guys bolting this Dodge HEMI together. They are quality men with quality parts and great decision-making skills. I’m proud of myself for being up on the wheel. My takeaways are yes, we get excited about some round wins, but we didn’t get overzealous. We’re highlighting how we got to this point and we will also be highlighting why we smoked the tires in the semifinal. We didn’t think we were too far over center, but we got a better handle on going rounds. Being in the top-10 right now, we’re good at clinching on to what we know and moving forward with momentum. We’ll do the same thing with the points. This was very needed on all parts – for morale, attitudes and performance of the car. It was an awesome weekend to do it in our Dodge Power Brokers dragster as we brokered it to the semifinal.”

Matt Hagan, Driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car

“Having qualified fifth this weekend, we had a good racecar. We’re just trying to gather more data in the heat. Dickie Venables (crew chief) always has a great handle on what he’s doing and the decisions to make next. I know he’s always got a great game plan. Once we get out to Denver, we’ll be doing the Dodge Drive Event on Wednesday and Thursday, so we’ll have a long and productive weekend to start the Western Swing. We’ll be changing up our entire combination and use the one we had last year when we won at Bandimere. We’ll take what we learned here and tuck it away until we get to another hot racetrack with similar conditions and we can apply the knowledge we learned this weekend in the Dodge Power Brokers Funny Car. All in all, it’s tough when you’ve been on such a roll to go out in the second round a couple of times in a row, but that’s drag racing. We’ll keep digging and growing and building our data to move forward.”

Next Up

The next event on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule is the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals July 15-17 at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado. The Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals will start the NHRA’s Western Swing and serve as the midpoint of the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. It will also be a marquee weekend for Tony Stewart Racing and team partner Dodge, with a Dodge Drive Event taking place July 13-14.