Category: Other Series Racing

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 21, 2024) – Reigning Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan picked up his first No. 1 qualifier since March for Tony Stewart Racing, clinching the top position on Saturday at zMAX Dragway to close out qualifying at the 16th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals.

Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also qualified No. 1 at the 16th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the second of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Hagan’s Friday run of 3.832-seconds at 333.25 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Dodge//SRT Hellcat stood up through Saturday’s two sessions, as the four-time world champ raced to his second No. 1 position of the year and the 52nd in his career. Hagan, who opened the weekend 137 points out of first, also has a chance to sweep both Charlotte races this season and a win on Sunday would certainly be ideal for his title chances.

“We feel like we found some stuff, working hard behind the scenes,” Hagan said. “My guys have obviously been scratching their head a little bit all year and have just not had the performance that we really wanted or hoped to, but knowing that we can run with these guys, and I think that we showed that Friday, that’s real. We can do this still, so that was a great shot in the arm for us.

“Tomorrow’s going to be 90 degrees, so it’s back to probably pedaling the car some and figuring out how to get down the racetrack. But the lanes are really nice, both equal, so at the end of the day, I feel confident that we got a car that could go down the racetrack.”

Points leader Austin Prock finished second in qualifying with Friday’s 3.833 at 332.84, while John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman is right behind in third after a 3.850 at 327.27.

Top Fuel’s Brittany Force easily held on to the No. 1 spot thanks to Friday’s stellar run of 3.690 at 334.24 in her 11,000-horsepower HendrickCars.com Chevrolet dragster, but the two-time Top Fuel world champion added some more momentum with a strong run in the warmer temperatures to close out qualifying on Saturday. It’s Force’s third No. 1 this season – and second in the last three races – and the 49th in her standout career.

She opened the weekend ninth in points but is determined to make a run and Force will need a big raceday to do it. Force opens eliminations against rookie Ida Zetterstrom and will attempt to pick up her first event win since her 2022 championship campaign.

“We missed it on the first run today and that was a really crucial run, but on our last run, we ran a (3.77), which was second in the field, so that was a killer run for us,” Force said. “We needed that. We just needed our car to go down the racetrack. We had a window we were trying to aim for, and we made it right in that window and picked up some points and had a good run in the heat.

“It’s going to be even hotter tomorrow, so that was actually more important of a run than our 3.69 Friday night. I wish we would have gotten down there both runs today, but we pushed a little too hard, and hopefully we can find that balance for tomorrow.”

Shawn Reed qualified second thanks to his 3.700 at 324.12 and defending world champion Doug Kalitta took third with Friday’s 3.710 at 332.59.

Erica Enders made the absolute most of qualifying in Charlotte as she seeks her first win since the season-opener in Gainesville, turning in the quickest run in all four qualifying sessions, including Friday’s 6.557 at 208.20 in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Scag Power Equipment car that clinched her 40th career No. 1 qualifier. Enders, who entered the weekend third in points, made two more strong runs on Saturday, setting up the potential for her 50th career national event win.

Enders, who has now qualified first or second at 13 of the 16 races this year, will open raceday against Derrick Reese, looking to build on two strong days of qualifying and last weekend’s runner-up at the playoff opener in Reading.

“Obviously, that [50th win] is being held over our heads pretty significantly, but I have a great race car this weekend. My car is flying,” Enders said. “We were low for every session, which was worth 12 bonus points, so that’s more than half a round, so now I have to go to work.

“Hearing the excitement in my guys’ voices, that part’s really exciting, but on the other side of things, it weighs on you because now it’s in my hands. I have a really fast race car and I promise you, as a driver, there’s nothing worse than posting a really fast time, and the guy next to you posting a slower one, and still turning the win light on, which happened to me last week. I’ve got my work cut out for me, but the confidence is very strong in my equipment and my team.”

Greg Anderson moved into the No. 2 position on speed, going 6.580 at 208.49 on Saturday, pushing points leader and Reading winner Aaron Stanfield to third with his Friday pass of 6.580 at 207.85.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, six-time world champion Matt Smith enjoyed another strong day at zMAX Dragway, lowering his No. 1 qualifying time to a 6.799 at 199.67 on his Denso Auto Parts Buell. It was quicker than Friday’s run and Smith, who claimed his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the 2024 campaign, was the only rider to dip into the 6.70s through the first days of the event. He gained points on leader and defending world champion Gaige Herrera and Smith feels good about his chances heading into raceday as he seeks his second win of the year.

“We knew the weather was a little bit better, but the track was a little bit worse, so we took a tooth off [the rear sprocket] this morning to see if we control the tire. It stuck and we went 6.79 so we thought we were on the right path but got back in that right lane that has thrown us for a loop,” Smith said. “Lane choice is going to be big for me tomorrow and I will stay in the left lane as long as I can or have to figure out how to go down that right lane if I lose (lane) choice tomorrow.

“Having a bye (in round one) is always good because we can go up and try stuff and it’s good that (Gaige Herrera and Richard Gadson) have each other on the other side of the ladder.”

Herrera stayed close behind, qualifying second with a 6.812 at 198.47 and his teammate, Richard Gadson, qualified third after a run of 6.830 at 199.26.

Eliminations for the NHRA Carolina Nationals begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday at zMAX Dragway.

---

CONCORD, N.C. — Sunday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 16th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, the 16th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.690 seconds, 335.73 mph vs. 16. Ida Zetterstrom, 3.797, 317.94; 2. Shawn Reed, 3.700, 325.61 vs. 15. Billy Torrence, 3.797, 329.42; 3. Doug Kalitta, 3.710, 332.59 vs. 14. Tony Stewart, 3.796, 329.18; 4. Justin Ashley, 3.714, 330.80 vs. 13. Dan Mercier, 3.780, 323.12; 5. Tony Schumacher, 3.714, 327.11 vs. 12. Doug Foley, 3.770, 325.06; 6. Shawn Langdon, 3.725, 334.15 vs. 11. Josh Hart, 3.755, 327.59; 7. Steve Torrence, 3.725, 332.92 vs. 10. Antron Brown, 3.752, 324.90; 8. Jasmine Salinas, 3.734, 331.20 vs. 9. Clay Millican, 3.749, 326.32.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Mike Bucher, 3.896, 294.56; 18. Cameron Ferre, 9.301, 73.81.

Funny Car — 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.832, 333.25 vs. 14. Dave Richards, Ford Mustang, 4.208, 238.38; 2. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.833, 332.84 vs. 13. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota GR Supra, 4.147, 245.85; 3. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.850, 327.27 vs. 12. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.101, 308.92; 4. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.884, 328.22 vs. 11. John Smith, Charger, 4.046, 302.21; 5. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.886, 332.92 vs. 10.

Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.033, 312.71; 6. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.886, 329.02 vs. 9. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.963, 318.24; 7. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.904, 319.22 vs. 8. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 3.906, 329.67.

Pro Stock — 1. Erica Enders, Chevy Camaro, 6.557, 209.10 vs. 16. Derrick Reese, Ford Mustang, 6.644, 206.80; 2. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.580, 208.49 vs. 15. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.641, 207.08; 3. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.580, 208.52 vs. 14. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.622, 208.36; 4. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.586, 208.20 vs. 13. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.614, 208.07; 5. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.590, 207.46 vs. 12. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.609, 207.08; 6. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.591, 207.72 vs. 11. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.603, 208.78; 7. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.592, 207.62 vs. 10. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.602, 208.49; 8. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.595, 208.42 vs. 9. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.597, 208.20.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Larry Morgan, 6.656, 208.10.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.799, 199.67 vs. Bye; 2. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.812, 198.58 vs. 15. Marcus Hylton, 7.168, 184.55; 3. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.830, 199.26 vs. 14. Ron Tornow, Victory, 6.936, 195.76; 4. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.834, 198.17 vs. 13. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.930, 195.82; 5. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.850, 199.55 vs. 12. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.917, 195.05; 6. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.878,

197.25 vs. 11. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.898, 197.13; 7. John Hall, Beull, 6.881, 196.79 vs. 10. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.893, 197.02; 8. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.882, 198.15 vs. 9. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.889, 196.76.

KALITTA, TODD LEAD TEAM TOYOTA IN CAROLINA NATIONALS QUALIFYING
NHRA Countdown to the Championship Hits Halfway Point on Sunday

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 21, 2024) – Defending Carolina Nationals winner, Doug Kalitta, enters tomorrow’s eliminations at zMAX Dragway as the number three qualifier in Top Fuel. The reigning world champion ran a 3.710 time during the Friday night qualifying session to position himself well as he looks to defend his crown. Kalitta is joined towards the top of the Top Fuel field by points leader, Justin Ashley, who is the fourth seed, along with Shawn Langdon (sixth) and Steve Torrence (seventh) as they look to close the points gap to Ashley and Antron Brown at the halfway point of the Countdown to the Championship.

In Funny Car, J.R. Todd earned the sixth seed in the Funny Car ladder for tomorrow’s eliminations as he seeks his second victory of the 2024 season and to gain further in the championship standings. His GR Supra Funny Car teammates, Ron Capps and Alexis DeJoria, will start eliminations as the eighth and 13th seeds, respectively.

Tomorrow’s NHRA Carolina Nationals eliminations at zMAX Dragway fire off at 12 p.m. EST with live TV coverage beginning at 3 p.m. EST on FOX.

Toyota Post-Qualifying Recap
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series
zMAX Dragway
NHRA Carolina Nationals
Race 16 of 20

TOYOTA TOP FUEL QUALIFYING POSITIONS

Name	Car	Qualifying Position	First Round Opponent
B. Force	Hendrick Cars.com Chevrolet Dragster	1st	I. Zetterstrom
Doug Kalitta	Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	3rd	T. Stewart
Justin Ashley	SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	4th	D. Mercier
Shawn Langdon	Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	6th	J. Hart
Steve Torrence	CAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	7th	A. Brown
Antron Brown	Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	10th	S. Torrence
Billy Torrence	CAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster	15th	S. Reed

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING POSITIONS 

Name	Car	Qualifying Position	First Round Opponent
M. Hagan	Direct Connection Dodge Funny Car	1st	D. Richards
J.R. Todd	DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	6th	D. Wilkerson
Ron Capps	NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	8th	C. Green
Alexis DeJoria	Bandero Café Toyota GR Supra Funny Car	13th	A. Prock

*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

DOUG KALITTA, Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Kalitta Motorsports

TF Qualifying Result: 3rd

How do you feel about the qualifying run and your prospects for tomorrow?

“Yeah, going into tomorrow third. So, I’m looking forward to it! The track is going to be pretty hot tomorrow, probably, so we’ve been working on a setup for hot conditions and what not, but we have all the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) guys in their trailer analyzing the track. That’s a huge help to have them out here for this.”

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

FC Qualifying Result: 6th

How would you assess your qualifying?

“Yeah, we made a good run in the heat of the day, Q3, which is going to be similar conditions to what we’re going to race in. So, that’s something good to take away from Saturday. Still have some work to do to catch the cars in front of us. We’re hoping we can get some help along the way tomorrow and you know, go to the late rounds to gain on these guys. That’s all we can do, do the best we can and hope for some help along the way.”

About Toyota

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

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 13^th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 29 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

• Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also claimed provisional No. 1 qualifier honors during the first day of NHRA Carolina Nationals action at America’s Home for Racing
• Saturday will feature two final qualifying sessions to set the stage for Sunday eliminations; tickets are available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or at the gate

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 20, 2024) – As the NHRA Countdown to the Championship returned to zMAX Dragway for the NHRA Carolina Nationals, Funny Car driver Matt Hagan picked up where he left off in the spring. After winning the April four-wide event to earn his 50th career victory, the Virginia native powered his Tony Stewart Racing machine to the provisional No. 1 qualifier spot Friday night.

Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also led the field in their respective categories through the first two rounds of qualifying.

Topping the field by 0.001 of a second, Hagan took top honors with a 3.832-second pass at 332.25 mph in the final Funny Car qualifying session of the night to earn provisional No. 1 qualifying honors heading into Saturday’s qualifying.

Following right behind with a time of 3.833 seconds was Funny Car points leader Austin Prock and his John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman with a 3.850-second pass.

After picking up his 50th career win in the spring NHRA 4-wide Nationals, Hagan is looking to make a Charlotte sweep this season in his fight for the championship.

“I think it says a lot for us to come out here, qualify on the bottom of the field pretty much all year and kind of figure it out when it counts,” Hagan said. “It’s just good to come back and see our guys smiling in the pits and that’s why we do it.”

Taking the fourth and fifth spot were Blake Alexander with a 3.884-second run and Bob Tasca at 3.886 seconds.

Force Tops Opening Night Qualifying in Top Fuel

After earning the top spot through Friday’s first round, Force saw veteran Doug Kalitta briefly earn the lowest ET during the late session, but bested her earlier time – and his – with a 3.690-second run at 334.24 mph to lead the field heading into the weekend.

“I tried to look at the scoreboard when we flew by, but couldn’t make it out. They came on the radio, couldn’t make out anything they were saying,” Force said. “I didn’t know until we got to the top end, but I was pumped because I thought that was a killer run. Sometimes as a driver, you just feel it.”

Despite sitting ninth in Top Fuel points, Force said she remains confident in her team’s ability to make a push toward a championship at season’s end.

“Our mindset for tomorrow is what it was coming into today,” Force said. “We want to take it one round at a time. We want to pick up points where we can. Track temp is going to be quite a bit different, so we’ve got to figure that track out going into Sunday.”

Shawn Reed, Kalitta, Justin Ashley and Tony Schumacher round out the Top 5 with two qualifying sessions remaining on Saturday.

Enders Dominates Friday Pro Stock Qualifying

Enders’ 6.557-second pass at 208.20 mph, led the field in both qualifying sessions, besting second-place provisional qualifier and current points leader Aaron Stanfield by 0.023 seconds. Dallas Glenn, Matt Hartford and Cristian Cuadra rounded out the top five spots.

“It’s a brand new car for me this year. I raced my last car to four championships in five years, so getting a new car at the beginning of the season, I was just really skeptical,” Enders said. “It’s taken me all season to get comfortable in it. We went through kind of a holeshot slump – something I’m not proud of, obviously, because we pride ourselves on that. Getting ourselves all fixed before the Countdown, performance is everything. Moreso than that, it’s getting our swagger back and a little bit of confidence.”

A two-time winner at zMAX Dragway, the defending world champion will look to improve her third-place position in the overall standings during Saturday’s final two qualifying sessions, setting up a Sunday elimination day that could prove pivotal in keeping her championship hopes alive.

Smith Draws Closer to Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle Night One

In the Pro Stock Motorcycle division, North Carolina native Matt Smith set the stage with a 6.803 time at 198.47 mph, attempting to chase down points leader Gaige Herrera who qualified second with a 6.812 time. Cutting Herrera’s 17-point lead down to only 14, Smith said they’re looking for a win to push them to the points lead.

“They’re just little points, you just gotta keep going, keep digging,” Smith said. “All in all, we’re ready; we’re ready to battle.”

Richard Gadson (6.836 seconds), Jianna Evaristo (6.850 seconds) and Marc Ingwersen (6.878 seconds) finished out the top five for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category.

TICKETS:

Single-day tickets for Saturday and Sunday’s NHRA Carolina Nationals are available online at charlottemotorspeedway.com, by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or at the gate.

KEEP TRACK:

Stay on pace with what’s happening at Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on X and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 20, 2024) – Two-time Top Fuel world champion Brittany Force made the quickest runs in both qualifying sessions on Friday at zMAX Dragway, powering to the provisional No. 1 position at the 16th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals.

Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 16th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the second of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Force went 3.690-seconds at 334.24 mph in her 11,000-horsepower HendrickCars.com Chevrolet dragster to close out the night session, putting Force on track for her third No. 1 qualifier of the year and the 49th in her career. Currently ninth in points after the opening race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs – and 133 points out of first entering the weekend – Force is after a big weekend as she seeks her first victory since her record-breaking 2022 championship season.

“To end qualifying with two solid runs, we picked up points, and we’re leaving currently No. 1, our Monster Energy/HendrickCars.com team are all very excited and very proud of that,” Force said.

“Our mindset for tomorrow is what it was coming into today. We want to do exactly what we accomplished today. We want to pick up points where we can tomorrow in the conditions we’re running in where the track temp is going to be quite a bit different, and we’ve got to figure that track out for Sunday. That’s where it really matters.”

Shawn Reed impressed and is currently second with a 3.700 at 324.12, and defending world champion Doug Kalitta sits third after going 3.710 at 332.59.

Needing his own big weekend to get back in championship hunt, defending Funny Car world champ Matt Hagan enjoyed an ideal Friday, making the quickest pass of both sessions as well, including a blistering 3.832 at 333.25 under the lights in his 11,000-horsepower Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Dodge//SRT Hellcat. Two runs after points leader Austin Prock went 3.833, Hagan eclipsed him by .001 in a stellar Friday-night pass.

If it holds, it would be Hagan’s first No. 1 qualifier since the second race of the season as the Tony Stewart Racing team, which won the 4-Wide race this spring, looks to get rolling in the Countdown to the Championship.

“That’s definitely a good shot in the arm. Our qualifying positions all year long have been a struggle and we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to figure it out,” Hagan said. “It’s always tough when you see a guy like [crew chief] Dickie Venables scratch his head. That’s when you’re going, ‘This must be pretty bad if the guy’s not got it figured out,’ but those guys never give up.

“It’s just good to come back and see our guys smiling in the pit and everybody high-fiving and to be on top. There’s a lot of times that these race cars will kick you, and it’s just an awful feeling because it’s just so humbling because you work so hard at it, and then you every now and then you get a little shot in arm.”

Points leader Prock made a big move in the second session, with his 3.833 at 332.84 good enough for second, and John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman is third thanks to his 3.850 at 327.27.

In Pro Stock, Erica Enders, who was the runner-up at last week’s playoff opener, went to No. 1 in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Scag Power Equipment car after going 6.557 at 208.20. It would be her sixth top qualifier of the season and things appear to be heading in the right direction for the defending and six-time world champion. She advanced to the final round in Reading against her teammate, Aaron Stanfield, and was just 35 points out first heading into the weekend at zMAX Dragway.

“Those [qualifying bonus points] can be huge and make or break a championship run,” Enders said. “I think in 2015 when we won the championship, we accumulated the most ‘baby’ points in the Countdown, and it was definitely helpful for us to lock it up. We got six today and if we do the same tomorrow, that will be 12, and that’s more than a half a round of racing, so it’s a pretty significant chunk.

‘I’m sure it’ll be sunny and hot and sticky tomorrow, so I just want to go out there and make good runs. I want to make two really clean cracks at the Christmas Tree, trying to redeem myself on last week’s holeshot loss in the finals. I’ve got a little bit of work to do in the cockpit.”

Points leader and Reading winner Stanfield took the second spot after going 6.580 at 207.85 and Dallas Glenn, who is currently second in points, went 6.590 at 208.20 to sit third.

Racing close to home, Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Matt Smith enjoyed a strong Friday on his Denso Auto Parts Buell, grabbing the No. 1 spot on Friday thanks to a run of 6.803 at 198.47. The six-time world champion is after his fifth top spot of 2024 and is right in the thick of the points chase, sitting less than 20 points out of first. Smith ran into bike troubles in the semifinals at the playoff opener but returned in impressive fashion on Friday in Charlotte.

“We’ve just got to do our job and collect points,” Smith said. “We gained some points on Gaige (Herrera) today and those bonus points are huge and we’re gaining ground, but we’re in a dogfight. They’ve had the dominant bike all year long, and I still think they have the better bike than what we have right now, so we have to turn on win lights. That’s our goal right now.

“If we win this race. we’ll probably leave here as the point leaders. We’ve just got to keep going, keep digging and turn on some win lights on Sunday.”

Defending world champion and points leader Herrera is right behind after going 6.812 at 198.47 and his teammate, Richard Gadson, is third after a 6.836 at 197.80.

Qualifying continues at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

---

CONCORD, N.C. — Friday’s results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 16th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, 16th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.690 seconds, 335.73 mph; 2. Shawn Reed, 3.700, 325.61; 3. Doug Kalitta, 3.710, 332.59; 4. Justin Ashley, 3.714, 330.80; 5. Tony Schumacher, 3.714, 327.11; 6. Shawn Langdon, 3.725, 334.15; 7. Steve Torrence, 3.725, 332.92; 8. Jasmine Salinas, 3.734, 331.20; 9. Clay Millican, 3.749, 326.32; 10. Antron Brown, 3.752, 324.90; 11. Josh Hart, 3.755, 326.71; 12. Doug Foley, 3.770, 325.06; 13. Tony Stewart, 3.796, 325.69; 14. Billy Torrence, 3.797, 329.34; 15. Ida Zetterstrom, 3.797, 317.94; 16. Dan Mercier, 3.825, 317.87.

Not Qualified: 17. Mike Bucher, 3.988, 294.56; 18. Cameron Ferre, 9.301, 73.81.

Funny Car — 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.832, 333.25; 2. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.833, 332.84; 3. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.850, 327.27; 4. Blake Alexander, Ford Mustang, 3.884, 328.22; 5. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.886, 332.92; 6. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 3.886, 329.02; 7. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.904, 309.63; 8. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 3.910, 323.81; 9. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.963, 306.67; 10. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.041, 299.53; 11. John Smith, Charger, 4.046, 302.21; 12. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.108, 307.30; 13. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.208, 238.38; 14. Alexis DeJoria, GR Supra, 8.994, 79.15.

Pro Stock — 1. Erica Enders, Chevy Camaro, 6.557, 208.20; 2. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.580, 208.04; 3. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.590, 208.20; 4. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.590, 207.05; 5. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.592, 207.05; 6. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.595, 208.20; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.595, 206.99; 8. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.597, 208.20; 9. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.603, 208.78; 10. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.613, 207.85; 11. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.614, 207.34; 12. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.618, 207.08; 13. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.623, 208.36; 14. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.631, 208.49; 15. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.641, 207.08; 16. Derrick Reese, Mustang, 6.644, 206.80.

Not Qualified: 17. Larry Morgan, 6.657, 206.61.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.803, 198.47; 2. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.812, 198.47; 3. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.836, 197.80; 4. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.850, 198.20; 5. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.878, 196.24; 6. John Hall, Beull, 6.881, 195.87; 7. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.882, 197.71; 8. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.893, 196.04; 9. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.910, 195.36; 10. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.917, 190.94; 11. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.921, 196.13; 12. Ron Tornow, Victory, 6.936, 194.63; 13. Chris Bostick, Suzuki,

6.948, 194.91; 14. Marcus Hylton, 7.168, 184.55; 15. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 9.296, 95.11.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana Jr. aims to make late-season charge

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 19, 2024) – Following the first race of the 2024 NHRA Countdown to the Championship, the Pro Stock division has a new points leader in Aaron Stanfield. As teams head south to zMAX Dragway for this weekend’s 16th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals, Stanfield will look to increase his lead as he continues to enjoy a career-best season.

Stanfield, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance /Janac Brothers Racing Pro Stock car, is the most recent winner on the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour after his win in Reading, continuing what was a red-hot summer.

He has collected five wins for Elite Motorsports so far during the NHRA season – with all five victories coming in the last seven races – and as the series returns to Charlotte, Stanfield is aiming for his second career win at zMAX Dragway. Stanfield previously won the fall race in 2022 and was also the runner-up at the 4-Wide race in Charlotte in April.

“Momentum is real and things have been rolling our way,” said Stanfield, who has advanced to seven finals in 2024. “We’ve been getting the round wins when we need them. When you start second in points, you know you definitely have a shot to win. I know the equipment I’m in and how hungry my guys are to win. We definitely have a shot to win and we just need to keep our momentum rolling.”

Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all picked up wins at the fall race in Charlotte and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations coverage starting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

The NHRA Carolina Nationals is the 16th event of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and second stop of the NHRA Countdown. As the playoffs marches on, competition in the loaded Pro Stock category continues to ramp up, especially in the top four.

Dallas Glenn of KB Titan Racing led the points for the majority of the season and is now second but is only nine points back of Stanfield. With three wins under his belt, he will also be aiming for his first NHRA Pro Stock championship.

Erica Enders is third following her runner-up finish in Reading to Stanfield, 35 points behind the leader, while five-time champion and NHRA 4-Wide Nationals winner Anderson is fourth, followed by the five-time champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. Anderson has ruled Charlotte as of late, winning the last two races at the track, but Stanfield is enjoying a special run heading to zMAX Dragway.

“I think I just need to go out there and try to do the same thing,” said Stanfield, who has 13 career Pro Stock wins. “It’s going to be a dogfight to the end. Dallas is a great driver and he’s got a great car. Obviously we have Erica and Greg is in there, too, and you can’t count out Jeg. There’s a bunch of us who are capable of winning it all.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana Jr. appears to be getting hot at the perfect time, winning last weekend on his GETTRX Buell. It was the veteran’s first victory of the year, but he vaulted all the way to fourth in points, now trailing leader and reigning world champion Herrera by 60 points.

Richard Gadson and Matt Smith are also above him, but Arana impressed in Reading, defeating Herrera in the semifinals and then Gadson in the championship round. That positions him well for a furious finish and Arana is ready for the challenge this weekend at zMAX Dragway, where Herrera has won the last three races.

“I believe we have a chance (to win a championship),” said Arana Jr., who won at zMAX Dragway in 2013. “Here we are, flying under the radar and now that it’s the Countdown, it’s time to shine. We have some more power to make and we still have some catching up to do, but I like the improvements we’ve made. You’ve got to have a good, consistent bike to win the race.”

In Top Fuel, Kalitta will look to turn things around after a first-round upset in Reading. It helped send Justin Ashley into the points lead, while Antron Brown is just a point back and Shawn Langdon is only six points out of first.

In Funny Car, Tasca will try to win his second straight fall race at zMAX Dragway following last year’s success. Currently second in points, Tasca is trying to chase down leader Austin Prock, who has six wins in 2024. Others to watch include defending world champ and 4-Wide winner Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, J.R. Todd and Alexis DeJoria.

Top Fuel 1. Justin Ashley, 2,1812. Antron Brown, 2,1803. Shawn Langdon, 2,1754. Doug Kalitta, 2,1485. Steve Torrence, 2,1236. Clay Millican, 2,1027. Tony Stewart, 2,0878. Tony Schumacher, 2,0859. Brittany Force, 2,04810. Billy Torrence, 2,031	Funny Car 1. Austin Prock, 2,2502. Bob Tasca III, 2,1643. John Force / Jack Beckman, 2,1514. J.R. Todd, 2,1235. Matt Hagan, 2,1136. Ron Capps, 2,1087. Alexis DeJoria, 2,0828. Blake Alexander, 2,0689.Chad Green, 2,06710. Daniel Wilkerson, 2,056
Pro Stock 1. Aaron Stanfield, 2,2092. Dallas Glenn, 2,2003. Erica Enders, 2,1744. Greg Anderson, 2,1635. Jeg Coughlin, 2,0956. Troy Coughlin Jr., 2,0787. Cristian Cuadra, 2,0728. Jerry Tucker, 2,0669. Eric Latino, 2,04210. Mason McGaha, 2,037	Pro Stock Motorcycle 1. Gaige Herrera, 2,1982. Matt Smith, 2,1813. Richard Gadson, 2,1794. Hector Arana Jr, 2,1385. Chase Van Sant, 2,1026. John Hall, 2,0997. Angie Smith, 2,0968. (tie) Jianna Evaristo, 2,0638. (tie) Steve Johnson, 2,06310. Chris Bostick, 2,033

The NHRA Carolina Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport’s top drivers, as well as the fan-favorite Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ and Pingel NHRA Top Fuel Motorcycle Series, which wraps up its four-race 2024 schedule in Charlotte.

Fans won’t want to miss the thrilling and highly-entertaining KSFMX freestyle motocross show in the midway as well, which takes place before each round of pro qualifying on Friday and Saturday in the midway.

They are also invited the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at zMAX Dragway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the NHRA Carolina Nationals event winners.

As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Charlotte. This unique opportunity gives fans a chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. Fans can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food, and fun for the entire family.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two qualifying rounds at 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 20, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 22. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, and then eliminations on FS1 at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, please visit www.zmaxdragway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267). For more information about NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

---

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 19, 2024) – The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ “Road to the Championship” continues this weekend as part of the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway and with 27 cars slated to participate, the event will undoubtedly mark one of the toughest races of the season.

It is the eighth of 10 races during the 2024 season and the second of four events in the “Road to the Championship” as things get down to crunch time in the NHRA Pro Mod category. This weekend’s event in Charlotte is powered by Culp Lumber and action from the race will be featured on Sunday’s FS1 broadcast as well, as all the championship contenders will look to have a big weekend against a loaded field at zMAX Dragway.

Ken Quartuccio moved into the points lead after winning the playoff opener in Indy, marking a huge moment in Quartuccio’s career after taking the prestigious U.S. Nationals victory. Heading into Charlotte, Quartuccio leads Kevin Rivenbark by 47 points, with former world champion Jose Gonzalez 53 points behind in third.

Stan Shelton, who drives for this weekend’s partner, Culp Lumber, is currently in the 15th spot in the talent-filled class.

“We are thrilled to continue our support of the NHRA Pro Mod category at the NHRA Carolina Nationals. zMax Dragway is our home track and continues to be a natural fit to raise awareness for our family-owned company. Culp Lumber began in the early 1920’s by Henry W Culp Sr. and now employs over 100 employees,” said Amy Shelton, Executive at Culp Lumber.

“We are proud to be a 3rd-generation, family-owned company, situated in New London, N.C. We produce 150 million board feet of pine lumber each year. This lumber is shipped mainly to northern markets into New England and west to the Mississippi River. Our family has spent many years watching drag racing at Charlotte and even though we come from a tractor pulling background, NHRA Pro Mod is also our passion!”

Pro Mod didn’t compete at the fall race in Charlotte last year, with this weekend’s race at zMAX Dragway marking the first Pro Mod race at the state-of-the-art facility since the 4-Wide event in 2023, which was won by Justin Bond.

He is currently fifth in points, while Billy Banaka is in fourth, trailing Quartuccio by 71 points. With a massive 27-car field, just qualifying will be difficult this weekend, but others to watch in Charlotte include former world champion Kris Torne, Mason Wright, Indy runner-up Michael Stavrinos, Jason Lazic, J.R. Gray and reigning world champion Mike Castellana.

Featuring the world’s fastest doorslammer race cars, the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ offers something unique and exciting for every drag racing fan. The class continues to grow in popularity and is highlighted by historic muscle cars and a variety of late-model American muscle cars, as well as a number of different power adders.

The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ will kick off with two qualifying rounds on Friday at 12:30 PM and 3 PM ET, with the final two qualifying rounds set for 11 a.m. and 5:10 PM on Saturday. The first round of eliminations is slated for 1:40 PM ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, please visit www.zmaxdragway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267). For more information about NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

---

About Culp Lumber

Culp Lumber Company is a family owned and operated state of the art sawmill located in New London North Carolina. Established in the 1920’s by Henry Culp Sr. This original portable sawmill was established for nearby lake expansion but continued to grow and stay on the cutting edge of wood manufacturing in the Southeast. Today its workforce has grown to over 100 employees. Manufacturing southern yellow pine timber into building material is the primary focus of this facility that produces on average seven hundred thousand board feet per day. Bi-products such as Pine-Mulch, Wood Chips, and Sawdust are all captured and delivered to various landscape and processing facilities to manufacture other products for the public. Culp Lumber Company…… sawing its way into the future. Visit www.culplumber.com for more!

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.