Category: NHRA

CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
DEWALT NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS
ZMAX DRAGWAY, CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA
SEPT. 19, 2021

Chevrolet moves on in Countdown with two points leaders

• Kyle Koretsky earns first Pro Stock victory, beats Greg Anderson
• No. 1 qualifier Brittany Force is runner-up, takes Top Fuel points lead
• No. 1 qualifier John Force keeps pace in Funny Car points

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 19, 2021) – The stars were aligned for Greg Anderson to pass Warren Johnson as the all-time Pro Stock race winner: home race with spectator support from his car’s primary sponsor, low elapsed time of the event in the semifinals against reigning champion Erica Enders, advancing to his 165th career final round.

KB Racing teammate Kyle Koretsky, in his fourth final and 21st National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) race, won’t apologize for raining on Anderson’s parade. That’s racing, and a 6.629-second pass gave Koretsky his first Pro Stock victory.

“This Lucas Oil Chevy Camaro is unbelievable,” the second-generation Pro Stock driver said. “Greg, he’s ‘The Man.’ He tunes this hot rod and he gave me all it got. I didn’t think about keeping Greg from getting his win; I needed to get this done.

“It’s awesome. This is what I’ve wanted my whole life.”

Brittany Force’s Monster Energy Chevrolet dragster was awesome all weekend and the 2017 Top Fuel champion left zMAX Dragway as the Top Fuel points leader with a runner-up finish. Force earned her eighth consecutive NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series top qualifier honor to extend her single-season record.

No. 1 qualifier John Force, who entered race day second in Funny Car points, appeared to take a quarterfinal victory. But his PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS clipped a center lane timing block near the finish line, which is an automatic disqualification according to NHRA rules.

Force picked up his NHRA record-extending 162nd top qualifier honor. He and daughter Brittany have qualified No. 1 at the same event three times this season and shared the winner’s stage at Topeka, Kansas.

Teammate Robert Hight, the No. 2 qualifier in the Automobile Club of Southern California Camaro SS for the second consecutive event, fell in the first round.

Anderson, the Pro Stock points leader, defeated reigning Pro Stock champion Erica Enders, driver of the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Camaro SS, in one semifinal. Koretsky beat Wally Stroupe in the Stroupe Motorsports Camaro SS in the other.

In the final, Anderson’s HendrickCars.com Camaro SS was a tick quicker off the line, but Koretsky drove around the four-time champion for the win after three runner-up finishes over the 21 races in the 2020-21 seasons. Anderson, who tied Johnson for the career record a week earlier in Reading, will aim for his 98th win Sept. 26 at World Wide Technology Raceway. “The next five days can’t go by quick enough,” said Anderson, who said a clutch part broke heading to the starting line.

“I left one on the table. I’m happy for Kyle; he cut an 0.11 (of a second) light in the final. Give him credit; he earned it. You try to make our stable of cars as fast as you can and eventually you’re going to have to run against your own best stuff. A great day for Kyle Koretsky and an almost great day for Greg Anderson.”

Enders’ first round marked the 600th time she pulled up to the starting line for eliminations. Her first round win came at the 2005 event in Reading.

Round 3 of the Countdown to the Championship will be contested Sept. 24-26 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. In addition to the pro categories, the seventh round of the Constant Aviation Factory Stock

Showdown featuring drivers of the Chevrolet COPO Camaro will be contested. FS1 will telecast eliminations live at 2 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 26.

An interview with Pro Stock winner KYLE KORETSKY, KB RACING, LUCAS OIL CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (first Pro Stock victory; 21st race over two seasons):

HOW DID THE THREE RUNNER-UP FINISHES MOTIVATE YOU?
“There’ll all special. I’m out here living my dream. KB Racing supplies me with the best power out there. Our team just works flawless. I raced Dallas (Glenn) today and after he lost he jumped right on my car to help. This is huge.”

YOU WANTED TO RUN PRO STOCK AND IT WAS A SACRIFICE JUST TO GET HERE.
“Pro Stock is the most competitive class our there in NHRA, I think. We linked up with KB and they have the R&D to do it, so it’s been great. This is the first Wally for our family. I feel bad for Greg (Anderson) but I feel great.”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
“My dad (Kenny) worked his whole life and gave me the opportunity to do it. He told me if we win we could party but make sure I’m back at work at 6:30 Monday morning. Before the final, he said ‘Just do your thing. Treat it like any other round. Dig deep’ and that’s what I did.”

HOW DID THE FINAL AT INDY PLAY IN YOUR MIND?
“Indy was huge. I felt really confident. The car was running great. I thought Indy would be my first one and I don’t think I could ever top that, U.S. Nationals. Coming into Maple Grove, my home track, and I had more than 100 people there. I felt good there, too. I struggled a little bit on Saturday and didn’t get it done on Sunday. We come to Charlotte – Greg’s home and KB Racing’s home. We knew Ken and Judy Black would be here, so we knew we had to make it an all-KB final. They put their heart and soul into this team. I didn’t think about keeping Greg from getting his win; I needed to get this done. That guy is unbelievable. He’s the best.”

YOU’RE NOW A CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER.
“The Countdown is huge; it’s something I always wanted to do. To win the championship, to be honest I’m not even really looking at that now. I’ll take every race one at a time and that’s the way I look at it. Would I like to get one of those white hats? 100 percent.”

CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPIT

TOP FUEL:

BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONSTER ENERGY CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (No. 1 qualifier, runner-up): “Tough for a driver to lose in the final round that way. Fortunately, I have a great group of guys around me in this Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac team and we’re staying positive. We’re still out front and, overall, we had a great weekend: going to the finals, getting that eighth No. 1 in a row and picking up a lot of bonus points. I’m going to put this weekend behind me, build from it, move on and plan to win the next one.”

FUNNY CAR:

JOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK ANTIFREEZE & COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 1 qualifier, fell in quarterfinals): “My guys, Danny Hood, Tim Fabrisi, Joe Barlam, all those young kids over there, they’ve given me a great race car. This PEAK Chevy is really running. We’re still in the hunt, just got a little loose, put a couple holes out. We’ll get it fixed, I’ll get back at it and we’ll be good to go.”

ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 2 qualifier, fell first round): “Wasn’t our race today. We stumbled in the first round. Ust making it harder on ourselves going forward, but it’s nothing we can’t handle. There are five races left. I said from the beginning I thought you’d have to win three to get this championship. This Auto Club team can still do that.”

PRO STOCK:

GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 3 qualifier, runner-up, points leader): “The stars were aligned, I had a great car and something in the clutch broke. I went to start the car and drive up to the water and some $5 part broke. It cost me. It’s just another way to lose. I can’t feel bad; we had a great day, everything was going swimmingly. It was a first for me. I at least gained a few points. We love racing here, it’s home for us, no matter where we started our lives and our careers. I don’t know that you have an advantage racing at home, but it’s a powerful motivator to have your team owners, sponsors, friends, and family cheering you on. You want to win every race you go to, but there is always something special about racing here.”

DALLAS GLENN, KB RACING, RAD TORQUE SYSTEMS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 5 qualifier; fell in quarterfinals to winner Kyle Koretsky): “First round was not really a good run so I knew right away I wouldn’t get lane choice against Kyle. I was trying to be as tight on the Tree as I could because I know Kyle has a great car. We’ve had to race eight times this year and we’re 4-4 now. Overall, it was a good day; we didn’t lose anything in the points.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. 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.

• Josh Hart scored a monumental NHRA Top Fuel upset in Sunday’s DEWALT NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway; Hart edged Top Fuel points leader Brittany Force
• Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Kyle Koretsky (Pro Stock) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also scored victories on Sunday at the Bellagio of drag strips
• Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Fall Season of Speed continues with the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 Oct 9-10; Fans can buy tickets at http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 19, 2021) – Brittany Force and Steve Torrence were overwhelming favorites to win the Top Fuel portion of Sunday’s DEWALT NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, but both title contenders took a backseat to a driver with one victory in seven career starts.

Josh Hart – a part-time driver who didn’t qualify for the Countdown to the Championship – advanced to Sunday’s final round to meet Force, who took the Top Fuel points lead when she advanced past Torrence in the semifinal. Hart promptly knocked Force off the zMAX Dragway pedestal, shocking the crowd with a 3.770-second, 324.12-mile-per-hour run in the final round. Hart’s run eclipsed Force to capture his second career win and his first at the Bellagio of drag strips.

“We never really planned on doing a full season this year,” Hart said. “We just wanted to get our feet wet and just build the team. That’s obviously accelerated, with us moving the team to Indianapolis and getting more parts, and the results are showing. The real magic happens in the pits – not on the track. Those (crew) guys are awesome. It’s like watching a controlled symphony. They’re the ones who deserve the credit. I’m glad to just return the favor for them.

“(Force) has a great team, obviously, but so do we. She’s beaten me twice. I guess the third time’s the charm.”

Tim Wilkerson bagged his second Funny Car win in the last three races with a 3.927-second, final-round pass at 331.36 miles per hour, besting Cruz Pedregon.

“I’m proud of my guys. We were thrashing because we had a short crew,” Wilkerson said. “We’re down a few people, so we had to really dig in this weekend. I’m worn out. It was a tough day, but it feels good. … Today, I made wholesale changes (to the car), and it worked out. … It’s very exciting, winning races as a small, one-car team.”

Kyle Koretsky opened his Pro Stock win account with a 6.629-second, 207.27-mph final-round triumph over four-time Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson. Koretsky, nicknamed “Kid Chaos,” emerged victorious by .005 seconds.

“This means the world to me. Every win is special,” said Koretsky, the son of former Pro Stock racer Kenny Koretsky. “Pro Stock is the most competitive class out there in NHRA. … I just wanted to keep my cool and just race every round. I just defeated Greg Anderson, who’s going for the win record. I feel kind of bad, beating him, but winning this race is big for my family. This is the first Wally for my family.”

Angelle Sampey moved by Joey Gladstone at the finish line of the Pro Stock Motorcycle final, using a 6.861-second, 196.62-mph pass to secure her 44th career victory.

Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Cory Reed went for a wild ride during Sunday’s eliminations, when his motorcycle drifted right and out of control, clipping Gladstone’s front tire and sending Reed and his bike into the wall at high speed. Reed was conscious and examined by the NHRA medical team and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

His crash – plus Gladstone’s kill-switch problem keeping him from winning the final – made Sampey put her victory into perspective.

“First and foremost, I thank God that Cory Reed is OK,” Sampey said. “This is definitely for the first parish and everyone of Louisiana. It’s a very emotional day. I feel bad for Joey – he did a great job, but he had some bad luck and I don’t like to win them that way, but sometimes, drag racing is more about luck than skill, and you get to come away with a Wally.”

FOLLOW ALONG:
Keep track of all of the latest news and information from zMAX Dragway by following on Twitter and Instagram or become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

• John Force (Funny Car), Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) recorded the quickest times in Friday’s qualifying session for the DEWALT NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway
• Tickets to Saturday’s and Sunday’s action are available at www.zmaxdragway.com

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 17, 2021) – Friday’s nitro-fueled festivities at zMAX Dragway saw the NHRA’s all-time winningest driver add another feather to his cap. Funny Car legend John Force scorched 1,000 feet of pavement to the tune of a 3.86-second, 331.18-mile-per-hour run to earn provisional pole for the DEWALT NHRA Carolina Nationals.

Force returns to the Bellagio of drag strips as its defending winner, having captured the Wally in May’s NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals – his 152nd career victory.

“We were in the back (of the qualifying line), so we could see how everyone went, but it felt good,” said Force, who will go for the zMAX Dragway season sweep on Sunday. “I’m excited to be back here at Charlotte. I like to at least be in the hunt, and I’m in the hunt. (Saturday) is a new day. I’ve got to thank Bruton Smith, Marcus Smith, everybody here at zMAX Dragway. This is an amazing race track. Everybody’s running well on it.”

He wasn’t the only Force to be reckoned with on Friday.

Brittany Force continued the family dominance with a phenomenal 3.662-second, 331.85-mph pass to put the Top Fuel title contender in position for her eighth consecutive No. 1 qualifier result. Force tied her zMAX Dragway-record elapsed time with her first run of the weekend.

“It always feels good to come out with the first run of the night and be No. 1,” she said. “To be able to run like that was pretty impressive for the entire Monster Energy team. There’s a lot on the line in this Countdown and we really want to win, but right now we’re focusing on one run at a time, one win at a time. Eventually, we’ll get there.”

Aaron Stanfield stormed to the provisional top spot in Pro Stock qualifying by a scant .003 seconds over Erica Enders. Stanfield’s 6.575-second pass averaged 208.59 miles per hour, giving the third-generation driver the inside line on his first career No. 1 qualifier honor.

“I got on the radio afterward and said, ‘That was a really nice run,’” Stanfield said. “And, it was. I was a bit surprised it held up, because there are some great cars out there. I can’t say that it will or that it won’t hold up, but I hope it does.”

Steve Johnson’s 6.807-second, 196.47-mph run set the pace in Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying. Johnson will chase his third victory of the year and second in a row on Sunday.

“(Being provisional No. 1 qualifier) makes us feel really good,” Johnson said. “Our team is just growing. We have people helping us in all sorts of different areas and we’ve got our sponsors here as well. As the team grows, you get confidence in that.”

The forecast for Saturday’s action features plenty of sunshine, as the NHRA’s best drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle duel for the top seed before Sunday’s all-important eliminations.

SCHEDULE:
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying continues on Saturday at 1:30 and 5:15 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

TICKETS:
To purchase tickets, camping and upgrades to this weekend’s DEWALT NHRA Carolina Nationals, visit www.zmaxdragway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267). For more information about the NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

FOLLOW ALONG:
Keep track of all of the latest news and information from zMAX Dragway by following on Twitter and Instagram or become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

• From qualifying shakeups to jet cars and nostalgia exhibitions, there’s plenty of fun fueling fans’ excitement ahead of the return of drag racing to zMAX Dragway this weekend
• Tickets remain for this weekend’s white-knuckled action at the Bellagio of drag strips, and kids 12 and under get in free; details at zmaxdragway.com

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 13, 2021) – The high-octane excitement of Countdown to the Championship NHRA drag racing returns to zMAX Dragway for the DEWALT NHRA Carolina Nationals this weekend, and there are no shortage of storylines to watch as the action revs to a fever pitch and the 11,000-horsepower prepare to roar to life in a pivotal playoff clash.

Can Anyone Top Torrence?: Three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Steve Torrence has been unstoppable at zMAX Dragway in recent years, winning six of the last seven events – including two consecutive DEWALT NHRA Carolina National events. To continue his recent dominance, the driver of the 11,000-horsepower Capco dragster will have to hold off power houses like Brittany Force, who currently sits second in the point standings; his father, Billy Torrence, fresh off and win at Redding last weekend; and Don Schumacher Racing’s Leah Pruett, among a field of talented Top Fuel drivers.

Funny Car Force: After sitting out the 2020 season amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, John Force Racing’s namesake and 16-time Funny Car champ John Force wasted no time returning to championship form when the bested the field at the NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in May, notching his 152nd career victory in the class. The first of three wins in the 2021 regular season, Force has once again propelled himself into title contention, leading the Funny Car points heading into the weekend. But bringing home a mind-boggling 17th title will require holding off the likes of Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, JR Todd and Force’s teammate Robert Hight, who round out the top five in points.

Leave It to the Pros: A late-season schedule shakeup means Pro Stock racing returns to zMAX Dragway when the NHRA’s best roll into town this weekend. The addition of the Pro Stocks is not only welcome news for fans – who will get to see the likes of Greg Anderson, Erica Enders and Troy Coughlin Jr. compete in a crucial playoff contest – but also for hometown favorite Dallas Glenn. The Mooresville, North Carolina native earned his first career Pro Stock win earlier this season at the NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, and has ridden that momentum to two additional wins in his rookie season. Glenn, who took over driving duties from three-time Pro Stock champion Jason Line, certainly has the pedigree to take home the title, but doing so will require a strong performance in his second visit to zMAX Dragway. Meanwhile, Glenn’s KB Racing teammate, Anderson, who earned a Pro Stock record-tying 97th victory in Redding on Sunday, will look to add a fourth zMAX Dragway Wally to his collection.

Friday Fireworks: The weekend kicks off with the first round of qualifying under the lights on Friday night. With temperatures dropping and header flames rising, blistering speeds are almost assured when the top four classes (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycles) head to the lanes for Q1. In a nod to the history and tradition of drag racing, fans will be treated to exhibition runs by The ScottRods AA/Gassers and Southeast Nostalgia Pro Stockers. Fueling the fun at the end of opening night, two jet dragsters – “Mustang Sally” and “The Diamond Jim Racing” machines – will light up the night with a side-by-side exhibition. And it wouldn’t be a Friday Night of Fire without pyrotechnics, so fans can expect sparks to fly on and off the track!

TICKETS:

While there are no tickets available for Saturday’s qualifying sessions at the NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, tickets remain for Friday and Sunday. Adult tickets start at just $20 on Friday and $40 on Sunday, kids 13 and under get in free. To purchase, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267).

FOLLOW ALONG:

Keep track of all of the latest news and information from zMAX Dragway by following on Twitter and Instagram or become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
MOPAR EXPRESS LANE NHRA NATIONALS
MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, READING, PENNSYLVANIA
SEPT. 12, 2021

Chevrolet makes big moves in Countdown to Championship opener

• Greg Anderson ties Warren Johnson’s Pro Stock wins record at 97
• John Force takes Funny Car points lead with runner-up finish
• Brittany Force sets Top Fuel record with seventh No. 1 qualifier in a row

READING, Pa. (Sept. 12, 2021) – Greg Anderson had heard “When are you going to get the monkey off your back?” ad infinitum since hoisting the Pro Stock Wally on May 2 at Atlanta Dragway.

The four-time National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock champion answered that question at Maple Grove Raceway, winning the Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals to tie his former boss for the most career victories in the class at 97.

Now Anderson, driver of the HendrickCar.com Chevrolet Camaro SS, will be asked “When are you going to win the big one?” He has a succinct answer.
“It’s coming,” said Anderson, who defeated fellow champion Erica Enders in the final.

“It feels pretty cool to make some history today. After the Atlanta race we were on a roll and I kind of dropped the ball and couldn’t find a way to the winner’s circle,” said Anderson, who claimed victory No. 97 in his 164th final. “It just feels fantastic. To tie Warren Johnson for the wins record, that’s saying a lot.”

The opening round of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship also saw John Force move to the top of the Funny Car standings with a runner-up finish in the PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant Camaro SS. Force, the No. 11 qualifier, defeated teammate Robert Hight, the No. 2 qualifier in the Automobile Club of Southern California Camaro SS, in the semifinals.

Brittany Force set a NHRA Top Fuel season record with her seventh consecutive No. 1 qualifier – and ninth in 14 races – with a 3.660-second pass in the Flav-R-Pac/Monster Energy Chevrolet dragster. She also set the track speed record at 335.57 mph.

Force, who was the No. 1 qualifier the last time NHRA competed at Maple Grove Raceway in 2019, was tied with Tony Schumacher (2005) for the most top qualifiers in a row in one season. Gary Beck holds the most Top Fuel No. 1s in a row with nine, set in the 1982-83 seasons.

Force, second in the playoff standings, fell in the semifinals when the dragster lost power with a cylinder out.

Enders, the winner at the U.S. Nationals a week earlier and the No. 1 qualifier in the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Camaro SS, defeated Rookie of the Year candidate Dallas Glenn, driving the RAD Torque Systems Camaro SS. Anderson, the No. 2 qualifier, beat Troy Coughlin Jr. in the JEGS.com Camaro SS on a holeshot in the semifinals.

Anderson, who expanded his championship points lead over Enders with the win, had recorded three runner-up finishes after the Atlanta victory in pursuit of Johnson’s mark. Anderson started in drag racing as a crew member and later crew chief for Johnson during four of his six Pro Stock championship seasons. John Force is the all-time NHRA leader with 154 victories.

“Great day to get the Hendrick Automotive Group their first win and more importantly Rick Hendrick; I don’t think he’s ever won a drag race Wally. Well, now he has,” Anderson said.

Round 2 of the Countdown to the Championship will be contested Sept. 17-19 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina. FOX will telecast eliminations from the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals live at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19.

An interview with Pro Stock winner GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 2 qualifier, 97th career victory in 164th final, surpassed 1,400 career elimination rounds, third win of season, points leader):

BECAUSE ERICA WAS IN THE OTHER LANE WAS IT MORE SPECIAL?
“It’s always special. She’s awesome; she does a great job behind the wheel of that race car, and she wins so many races on a holeshot. You’ve got to run your own game up there. You just have to forget who is in that other lane and you’re racing that Christmas Tree and that racetrack. If you do anything other than that, you’re just going to screw up. I was able to focus on that and do a good job in the final. It was my turn today. I guess it hadn’t been my turn. It’s been a tough run the last few races, but I haven’t been that far off. I just had to stick to my game and keep doing what I was doing. It feels pretty cool to make some history today. Obviously, I respect Warren Johnson; I learned a ton from him. That was my other life, this is a new life and we’re tied. It just feels fantastic.”

YOU GUYS OBVIOUSLY MADE ADJUSTMENTS AND MADE THE RIGHT ONES FOR THE FINAL ROUND.
“We made a great run first round and then slipped a little second round. Third round we got a little worse yet, so the boys had to make some big changes for the final round. We hit it on the nose. It’s so hard to win out here and the competition is so great, you just can’t make mistakes. We did not make one in the final and neither did the driver and that’s what it takes. I have a great new sponsor on the side of my race car. I believe this is his (Rick Hendrick) first drag race Wally. Pretty good day for me and the Hendrick Automotive Group.”

WHAT DID YOU FEEL LIKE WHEN YOU SAW THE WIN LIGHT?

“I was shocked. I was absolutely shocked. So many races in a row that that light did not come on. You think you’ve got everything going for you and everything is going swimmingly and the light just come on in the final round. There’s nothing better than when that light comes on in the final round of an NHRA national event. That’s what we look forward to; that’s why we do this. It’s everything to us. Huge day. To tie Warren Johnson for the wins record, that’s saying a lot. I have a lot of history with him. It’s a cool story. I’m going to my home track of Charlotte and I can’t think of a better place to break the record. You can’t break the record until you tie it and I just finally got it done today. Starting the playoffs on a high note. There are a lot of great cars in the class and anybody can win, but I think deep down we all know that Erica is going to be the one to beat, that you’re going to have to get around if you’re going to win the championship. She doesn’t make mistakes. I’m so proud of this team that I race for and I’m having a blast. I’m 60 years old and I’m having more fun than I’ve ever had in a race car.”

CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPIT:

TOP FUEL:

BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONSTER ENERGY CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (No. 1 qualifier, fell in semifinals): “The first race of the Countdown is behind us and our Flav-R-Pac/Monster Energy team is in a better position than we were coming into this race. We picked up bonus points and made a semifinal round appearance. We kept our number two position and plan to step it up in Charlotte.”

FUNNY CAR:

JOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK/BLUEDEF PLATINUM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 11 qualifier, fell final): “Well, we got the points lead. That’s important. Danny Hood and Tim Fabrisi, they figured this PEAK Chevy our and really gave me a heck of a car today. The whole PEAK team, they worked hard, put things together and all I had to do was drive the car. It was fun today, the crowd, Maple Grove Raceway up here in Pennsylvania. Great way to start the Countdown. Now we get to do it all over again next weekend.”

ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 2 qualifier, fell semifinals to John Force): “It’s tough out there in Funny Car. I knew it was going to be. This Countdown is going to be a fight to the end. Not a bad weekend for this Auto Club Chevy team. We gained some points, went some rounds and made some consistent runs. That’s what we need – to be consistent, to be aggressive and make good runs. Luckily, we get a chance to keep up the momentum right away with the race in Charlotte next weekend.”

PRO STOCK:
TROY COUGHLIN JR., ELITE MOTORSPORTS, JEGS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 6 qualifier; fell in semifinals): “It turned out to be a great weekend. The guys had the JEGS.com Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro running very strong and they certainly made the right adjustments for race day. The car was very fast. It’s a fun time of year with the Countdown underway and it always a good feeling when you’re able to move up the standings. My crew chief, Mark Ingersoll, along with Kyle Bates, Eric Luzinski, Kelly Murphy and Steven Hurley, they know what needs to be done to put us in a position to make a run at the title. This Elite team has been doing exactly that for years.”

KYLE KORETSKY, KB RACING, LUCAS OIL CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 5 qualifier; fell in quarterfinals): “It just shows that the KB guys give equal power to everybody out here that rents from there and they make some serious power. Everything felt good going down the track. I go to every single race looking to win, but I’m going to take every round one by one. It’s great to be home; I’ve got lots of friends and family here.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. 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 AT READING

What: Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil
When: Friday, Sept. 10-Sunday, Sept. 12
Where: Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania
TV: FS1 will telecast eliminations live at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 12

Team Chevy expects success in Countdown to the Championship
Chevrolet drivers are either Nos. 1 or 2 seed for playoff opening round

DETROIT (Sept. 9, 2021) – Chevrolet competitors in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock open the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Countdown to the Championship this weekend at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Championship contenders would be the more appropriate label as all 13 Chevrolet drivers who qualified for the playoffs across the three NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series categories enter the first round with expectations spiced with dashes of hope and momentum.

The nitro categories will race seven times and Pro Stock has six events on the way to crowning NHRA champions Nov. 16 in Pomona, California. The 2020 event at Maple Grove Raceway was not contested because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

John Force, driving PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS, enters the Countdown as the No. 2 seed as he seeks his record-extending 17th Funny Car world championship. Force was runner-up in the 2019 race at Maple Grove to open the playoff format.

“It’s the time when you get that fire in your belly, it’s the Countdown, the final stretch,” said Force, who along with teammate Robert Hight is among three Funny Car drivers who have qualified for every Countdown. “I’m proud of what this PEAK Chevy team has done so far. Danny Hood, Tim Fabrisi, all these young guys, they’ve worked hard and we’re hoping to make it pay off in the end.”

No. 2 Top Fuel seed Brittany Force will aim for her second victory of the season and extend her No. 1 qualifying streak. Her six consecutive top qualifier honors in the category was last accomplished in 2005 by Tony Schumacher, and she has earned the top spot eight times in 13 races.
Force was the No. 1 qualifier (3.623 seconds at 331.61 mph) in the 2019 event at Maple Grove Raceway.

“Indy, the U.S. Nationals and the regular season is behind us and the Countdown to the Championship has officially begun,” Force said. “Now this Flav-R-Pac team really has to step it up. It’s game on. Every point matters, every run matters, everything we do matters and we can’t make mistakes.”

Four-time and reigning Pro Stock champion Erica Enders also brings momentum into the opening round after winning the U.S. Nationals title for the second consecutive year in the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS. Enders, who has posted three wins in the 11 regular-season races, is the No. 2 seed behind Greg Anderson in the HendrickCars.com Camaro SS for KB Racing.

“Momentum is huge in our game and we are hopeful to continue it through,” she said. “The tracks that are in the Countdown are good to my team and I. When it comes down to when it matters, my guys perform flawlessly and I tend to do my job normally as well. It will be a dogfight. I’m going to do my best to put it on top.”

FS1 will telecast eliminations live at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 12.

CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPIT

TOP FUEL:

BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, FLAV-R-PAC/MONSTER ENERGY CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (No. 2 seed): “We start the Countdown this weekend in Reading. This team is looking to get everything we can out of this weekend. We plan for three solid qualifying runs, another No. 1 qualifier and going rounds on race day. We are chasing down that top spot.”

FUNNY CAR:

JOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 2 seed): “I love coming out to Reading and Maple Grove Raceway. The fans, the setting, it’s great. Kicking off the Countdown, being up there in points, No. 2, we’re going after it. I’ve still got a lot of fight in me. I’m ready, my team is ready. I love this, it’s going to be a fun ride and I’m ready to get started.”

ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AUTO CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 6 seed): “This Auto Club team has figured things out at the right time. We need to go A to B, get the car down the track, earn qualifying points and set ourselves up to go rounds on race day. We know we can do that. We’ve either been on or off, we haven’t had any in between. We took advantage of some testing and we’re confident with what we have. Jimmy Prock and Chris Cunningham have a handle on the Chevy and they’ll get us to where we need to be. Maple Grove Raceway is a fast racetrack. Conditions there are always set up to be exciting. It’s why it’s a great place to start the Countdown and gain some confidence, some momentum, to go after another championship.”

PRO STOCK:

GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 1 seed): “I’m feeling good about what we’re going to be able to do in the Countdown. We have a lot of strong cars over here under the umbrella, a lot of chances to win. I’m going to make sure when I get to the track that everything is perfect. I’m feeling good in the driver’s seat, and that’s a big part of the equation. (Three race weekends in a row) I’ve often said the more we can race the better off we are. It’s a high challenge for everyone.”

ERICA ENDERS, ELITE MOTORSPORTS, MELLING PERFORMANCE CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 2 seed): “Ninety percent of this game is mental. Yes, it’s physically draining on your body. On the mental side, you have to stay up; you have to stay positive and dwell on the things you want instead of the negative aspects. The people I have standing behind me are not only working on the car but help keep me up. (Ahead of the Countdown) We started off on the right foot by winning Indy and that was my goal. I knew we couldn’t pass Greg Anderson (for the points lead) but my goal was to go into the Countdown in second place. We accomplished that goal with a win in the process and we’re going to try to carry that U.S. Nationals win to Reading, to Charlotte, to St. Louis.”

KYLE KORETSKY, KB RACING, LUCAS OIL CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 4 seed): “We’ve got momentum, go into our hometown race with our heads up. That will be chaotic with all my friends coming out to support me. They know it’s all I’ve wanted to do all my life is race Pro Stock. To be No. 1 at the U.S. Nationals is a great honor and to be runner-up is disappointing, but my team has done a great job. We’re here to win races. This Lucas Oil car has been a hot rod all year and if the driver does his job we have a shot to win out here.”

DALLAS GLENN, KB RACING, RAD TORQUE SYSTEMS CAMARO SS (No. 5 seed): “I feel like we have a great car going into the Countdown and I’m really excited about it. We have a lot of momentum from the last three races we have a win and two semifinals. If I can keep that going throughout the Countdown, then I’ll let the points play out.”

TROY COUGHLIN JR., ELITE MOTORSPORTS, JEGS MAIL ORDER CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 7 seed): “It’s my first Countdown and I’m extremely proud to be a part of the field and, more importantly, to be headed into the battle with this incredible group. Pro Stock is so tight with so many great drivers, literally the best in the world, and it usually comes down to fractions of a second every race. You have to seek joy in the struggles and the challenges along the way, learn from them, and then put it all behind you and stay locked on to what’s directly ahead. That’s what it takes to win consistently and I have a great example of how to achieve ultimate success right across my pit with Erica (Enders, teammate and four-time world champion).”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. 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 RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
DODGE/SRT NHRA U.S. NATIONALS
LUCAS OIL RACEWAY AT INDIANAPOLIS, BROWNSBURG, INDIANA
TEAM CHEVY RECAP
SEPT. 5, 2021

Chevrolet rolls to impressive weekend at U.S. Nationals

• Erica Enders repeats victory, delivers Chevrolet’s 340th Pro Stock win
• No. 1 Top Fuel qualifier Brittany Force is runner-up, No. 2 playoff seed
• No. 1 qualifier John Force claims No. 2 seed in Funny Car playoffs
• Jesse Alexandra wins Factory Stock Showdown in all-COPO Camaro final

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (Sept. 5, 2021) – Four-time National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock champion Erica Enders recalled the first time she raced at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis and certainly didn’t want a repeat performance in the Pro Stock final of the U.S. Nationals.

“I raced here in 1994 as a 9-year-old at the inaugural Junior Drag Racing League nationals. We went red in the final,” she said.

Fortunately for the driver of the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS, that didn’t occur and the No. 3 qualifier defeated second-year Pro Stock driver Kyle Koretsky on a holeshot to record her third victory of the season and third in the U.S. Nationals.

“This is a dream come true. This track means so much to everybody. This is Indy. It’s so hard to explain to people what it means to us,” said Enders, who delivered Chevrolet’s 340th Pro Stock win since 1970. “My Elite Motorsports/Melling team is bad to the bone and I could not be more proud of them.”

Brittany Force drove the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster to her sixth successive Top Fuel No. 1 qualifier – and eighth in 13 races – on the way to her third runner-up finish of the season. Tony Schumacher in 2005 was the last Top Fuel racer to earn six top qualifiers in a row and owns the record for most No. 1s in a season with 13.

“Wrapped Indy, leaving here No. 2 in points which is a great position to be in and we went to a final round. That’s outstanding for this Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac team. We feel confident going into the Countdown to the Championship,” Force said. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t our day. We didn’t get down there, but our focus now is going into this Countdown and the next seven races.”

John Force, the No. 1 qualifier in the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS, and No. 3 qualifier Robert Hight in the Automotive Club of Southern California Camaro SS, fell in the second round of Funny Car competition.

Force, the top qualifier for the second time in the 13-race regular season, enters the Countdown as the No. 2 seed as he seeks a 17th world championship. He’ll also be the first NHRA driver to reach 2,000 elimination rounds; he has a 1,377-622 record.

“My PEAK Chevy, we couldn’t get it done today but it was fast in qualifying. That right lane was tricky and it got me in trouble,” said Force, who won the U.S. Nationals for the fifth time in 2019.

Enders’ Camaro ran 6.626 seconds to Koretsky’s 6.613 in the Lucas Oil/Nitro Fish Camaro SS, but her .024 of a second reaction time was the difference by about 13 inches. Enders defeated Greg Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Camaro SS, in one semifinal, while Koretsky bested KB Racing teammate Dallas Glenn, who defeated Koretsky in the final at Topeka three weeks earlier.

Anderson, seeking to tie Warren Johnson’s class record of 97 wins, is the top seed heading into the Countdown. Five different drivers of the Camaro SS have won at least once in 11 regular-season races.

Jesse Alexandra defeated 2020 U.S. Nationals winner Aaron Stanfield in an all-Chevrolet COPO Camaro final to register his first Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown victory. Chevrolet has won five of the six races in the eight-event series.

The Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil on Sept. 10-12 kicks off the Countdown to the Championship. The event at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, Brittany Force was the No. 1 Top Fuel qualifier and John Force was the Funny Car runner-up.

FS1 will telecast eliminations live at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 12.

An interview with Pro Stock winner ERICA ENDERS, ELITE MOTORSPORTS, MELLING PERFORMANCE/ELITE MOTORSPORTS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS:
WALK US THROUGH YOUR RACE DAY.
“Well, I had a really great car all day. We had an outstanding run first round but second round we were a little behind at 60 feet but won. From that point, we steadily worked on the race car to get it to perform. We lost lane choice going into the finals, which we thought was pretty crucial today. I didn’t drive spectacular today; I’d probably give a C minus. My lights were not stellar, but being able to turn on the win light is all that matters. Just being there and taking advantage of the situations, keeping lane choice when it was crucial, especially against Greg Anderson in the semifinals. That was a big round win of the day.”
HAVE YOU EVER REALIZED HOW MUCH YOU’VE ACCOMPLISHED?
“I step back and look at it but the hunger in me wants more. What’s next? What’s next? My dad reminds me a lot – these are the good old days. Don’t forget what you’re accomplishing by looking too far into the future. Just enjoy the moments. I didn’t have a lot of success until I came to Elite – this is my eighth season with them. We won our first U.S. Nationals together in 2015 and the last three years we’ve been in the finals. We had that heart-breaking loss to our ex-teammate and were able to win back to back. I think this is a great way to kick off the Countdown. We have four in a row and we have to keep it rolling. It’s really humbling to take a step back and realize what we’ve accomplished in such a short time. I’ve been driving Pro Stock for 17 years, but I’ve only had a great car and a great team for eight.”

DOES THIS PUT THE 2019 FINAL IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR?

“I drove better in ’19. Being .00 on the Tree and then having a transmission failure and getting beat was probably the most gut-wrenching, made me physically ill, hardest loss of my career. The only justification at the time was he was my teammate, so at least Elite was in the winner’s circle. That was a tough pill to swallow and one that stuck with me until we got to the next race. Those are the moments that make you better, righty? Coming back in 2020 and getting the win and being able to stick it in the winner’s circle today, I had a good feeling this morning and some days you’re the windshield and some days you’re the bug. Today was one of those races when we had our lucky rounds and we were there when it mattered. I’ve been on the wrong side of the win light a lot, so days like this make up for it.”
DOES WINNING INDY MAKE IT EASIER TO WIN INDY?
“Before I got my first, someone said as soon as you get your first win the others will follow. It’s something that you have to learn. You have to learn how to be a winner. You have to learn how to perform when the pressure is on. You have to acquire that trait. That’s why driving all those cars that when we showed up I knew we wouldn’t qualify, just battling it out through the sponsorship woes, you do everything you can to get where you’re at. I guess once you win Indy … it’s crazy; it’s our third one and two other finals. It just means a lot. Once you win, you just want more.”

CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPIT

TOP FUEL:

BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONSTER ENERGY/ FLAV-R-PAC CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (No. 1 qualifier, runner-up): “Wrapped Indy, leaving here No. 2 in points which is a great position to be in and we went to a final round. That’s outstanding for this Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac team. We feel confident going into the Countdown to the Championship. Now that Indy is behind this, all the hard work, everything we’ve learned this year, everything we’ve done, now it’s time to put it to good use and go for this championship. The final round was definitely disappointing. Again, proud to be in that final round and have that No. 1 qualifier coming out of Indy so we can’t hang our heads too low, but it was frustrating. We were right there; we could almost taste it. We had been running in the left lane all weekend long and that right lane was tricky. Unfortunately, it wasn’t our day. We didn’t get down there, but our focus now is going into this Countdown and the next seven races.”

FUNNY CAR:

ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AUTO CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 3 qualifier, fell in quarterfinals): “Definitely not what we wanted. That was disappointing, for sure. Not how this Auto Club team wanted to perform at the U.S. Nationals, but we get to move on, reset points and really begin the battle for another championship next weekend. We’re confident. Jimmy Prock and Chris Cunningham, they’re looking for some consistency and we felt really good after testing in Brainerd. Luckily, we get four back-to-back races, build some momentum early in the Countdown. We love coming to Indy; it’s kind of a home track for us with our race shop right down the street.”

JOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 1 qualifier, fell in quarterfinals): “My PEAK Chevy, we couldn’t get it done today but it was fast in qualifying. That right lane was tricky and it got me in trouble. To see the fans come here and pack it, it looked great. Thank you for making the Camping World Drag Racing Series what it is and to make us drivers who we are. We’re excited to make the Countdown, but winning Indy is like winning a championship.”

PRO STOCK:

KYLE KORETSKY, KB RACING, LUCAS OIL/NITRO FISH CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 1 qualifier, runner-up): “The crew gave me a great car as usual and driver didn’t do his job. We got some momentum with two runner-up finishes in a row and got some points toward the Countdown. My team did a great job. Erica is a tough competitor and I knew I had to be good on the Tree. I drove good, just not on the Tree. It’s good old Pro Stock racing. This Lucas Oil Chevy Camaro has been on fire all weekend.”

GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 7 qualifier, fell in semifinal): “I just didn’t have a great weekend. We only got that one qualifier and I had a problem with my engine so we had to change engines for today. It was definitely off starting today and we were gaining on it each run, but we missed on the starting line set-up and spun the tires. I actually drove good but we didn’t make the right calls with the car. You have to have it all together.”

DALLAS GLENN, KB RACING, RAD TORQUE SYSTEMS CAMARO SS (No. 4 qualifier; fell in semifinal): “I think this weekend went really good; we had a good car. I never really made a bad run. I feel like I have a great car going into the Countdown. I feel like we have a lot of momentum. The last two races I have a win and a semifinal.”

MATT HARTFORD, HARTFORD RACING, TOTAL SEAL/CIP1 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 6 qualifier, fell in quarterfinals): “We were happy to get through first round and now we’re not happy unless we’re qualified deep in the top half and going to the final round. We went to a lot of final rounds in the last couple years. The Total Seal/CIP1 Camaro has been performing and if we can keep the driver on point we have as good a chance as anyone (to win).”

DERIC KRAMER, KRAMER RACING, GET BIOFUELS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 10 qualifier, fell in first round): “It wasn’t the weekend and hasn’t been the season we’ve been looking for, but we did enough to get into the Countdown and that’s what we’re out here for. Hopefully we can turn it around through the Countdown and make up some points on the rest of the field.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. 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 RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
DODGE/SRT NHRA U.S. NATIONALS
LUCAS OIL RACEWAY AT INDIANAPOLIS, BROWNSBURG, INDIANA
SEPT. 4, 2021

Chevrolet sweeps No. 1 qualifiers at U.S. Nationals
Brittany Force (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Kyle Koretsky (Pro Stock) lead way

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (Sept. 4, 2021) – Big performances by Team Chevy drivers on a clear Friday night at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis were crucial as the two remaining rounds of qualifications for the 67th U.S. Nationals were canceled Saturday, Sept. 4, because of persistent rain.

Chevrolet drivers earned No. 1 qualifier honors in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock for the third time in 11 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Camping World Drag Racing Series events this season.

Brittany and John Force, who shared the winner’s stage for the first time three weeks ago, roared to the top of qualifying for the second time this season in their respective professional classes.

Brittany Force raced to her seventh consecutive No. 1 Top Fuel qualifier honor – and eighth in 13 races – with a 3.684-second pass at 334.57 mph in the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster.

Tony Schumacher in 2005 was the last Top Fuel racer to earn six top qualifiers in a row and he owns the record for most No. 1s in a season with 13. Force will aim for her second victory of the season, which would give her 200 career round wins, and secure the second seed for the seven-race Countdown to the Championship that begins next week.

“Eight No. 1 qualifiers, that says a lot about this team, ” said Force, who was the top qualifier in the 2019 U.S. Nationals. “We want No. 1 qualifiers, but we also want to win on race day. I’ve been chasing the Indy win. It’s the big one and we want to come out here and do it this week. We haven’t had luck here in the past but hoping to turn things around.

“I think we’re in a really good place. We’re No. 2 in points and our goal coming into this season was to be top three for the Countdown, where everything resets. It’s been a long season and we’ve put a lot of hard work into getting that No. 2 spot.”

Her father, John, has five Funny Car wins at the U.S. Nationals – tied for the most with Ed McCulloch – and took a step toward his sixth victory and the top seed for the Countdown by securing his second top qualifier of the season.
Force, driving the PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS, turned in a 3.871-second pass. He last won the U.S. Nationals in 2019 for his 150th career victory, and all John Force Racing drivers did not compete in the 2020 event because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’ve always loved this. Go out here in Indy at night, go down that racetrack, header fire on both sides, driving around weaving,” said Force, who claimed the 162nd top qualifier of his career. “Our teams are doing well. This PEAK Chevy, that Monster Energy dragster and Auto Club Camaro, we’re all running well, I’m proud of us.”

Teammate Robert Hight, a three-time winner of the event, qualified third with a pass of 3.889 seconds in the Automobile Club of Southern California Camaro SS.

“This was a good start to the weekend,” Hight said. “This Auto Club team put in some extra work after Brainerd, figured some things out and left testing really excited for what we think we can do. We’ll go some rounds on Sunday and make up a couple of spots in the points to start the NHRA Countdown in a prime position for another championship.”

Koretsky, runner-up at the most recent Pro Stock race at Topeka, Kansas, three weeks ago, picked up his initial No. 1 qualifier with a 6.572-second pass in the Lucas Oil/NitroFish Camaro SS.

“It’s huge for my self-confidence. It felt good when I made the run, and to come back and find out I’m No. 1 is great,” he said. “KB Racing supplies me with the best power out here. Who doesn’t want to be No. 1 at the U.S. Nationals? Our goal is to leave Indy top five and I’m confident we can do it.”

Elite Motorsports teammates Troy Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders were Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, in the Camaro SS. KB Racing’s Greg Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Camaro SS, qualified seventh as he seeks to tie Warren Johnson’s class record of 97 career wins. Koretsky’s father, Kenny, was runner-up to Anderson at the 2004 U.S. Nationals.

FOX will telecast eliminations from the U.S. Nationals live at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. 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.