Category: Other Series Racing

Ashley, Prock, Enders and Herrera claim season-long titles in bonus race

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 31, 2024) – Justin Ashley picked up his fourth victory in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, defeating Ida Zetterstrom in the Top Fuel final of the bonus race as part of this weekend’s 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.

J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and John Hall (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the final Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge at the 14th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

In the final round against Zetterstrom, Ashley went 4.085-seconds at 260.01 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Scag Power Equipment/Toyota dragster, also clinching the overall season title in the bonus race for a second straight year. Ashley has enjoyed a stellar 10 wins in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge over the past two seasons, earning 13 bonus points for the Countdown to the Championship playoffs this year.

“We feel good. We take the Mission Foods Challenge very seriously,” Ashley said. “It’s important for a number of reasons. Obviously, we want to run well because it’s a part of qualifying and help position ourselves well for raceday, but it’s also points that are going to be added on before the Countdown starts, which is super important to us.

“Anything that we could win, we want to see win lights whether it’s the Mission Challenge or even in qualifying then of course on raceday. I’m super happy for the team, happy for the guys and everybody at Scag Power Equipment. We’ll enjoy it, but then we have to shift our focus to tomorrow.”

Funny Car’s J.R. Todd made the first step in what he hopes is a huge weekend, getting his third Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win of the year after defeating Chad Green in the final round with a run of 3.953 at 325.22 in his 11,000-horsepower DHL Toyota GR Supra. Todd is also in the Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout on Sunday, giving the former world champion a rare opportunity to win three times in one weekend.

“We have to thank Mission Foods for allowing us to have the opportunity to race for those bonus points – they’ll come in handy when the Countdown comes around,” Todd said. “We’re already spotting (Austin) Prock over a full round with all the points that he’s racked up, so it’s nice to add to our reset, whatever that may be after Monday. Hopefully, we can put ourselves in a good position to maybe finish second in the regular season going into the Countdown and see where we stack up.”

Prock was the dominant overall champion of the bonus race thanks to an incredible seven victories this year. In the two-year existence of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, it’s the most wins anyone has picked up in a single season, giving Prock a whopping 23 bonus points for the playoffs.

In Pro Stock, Dallas Glenn claimed his second Mission #2Fast2Tasty victory of the year, going 6.621 at 206.83 in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro, defeating a red-lighting Mason McGaha in the final round of the bonus race. Glenn has enjoyed a strong season in the bonus race and the points leader in the category will also take 12 bonus points into the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

“This feels good. I don’t have the greatest track record in these bonus races, so it was good to seal another #2Fast2Tasty win,” Glenn said. “I think we have good momentum going into raceday even though we have another day of qualifying ahead of us. It’s going to be pretty interesting.

“We’re figuring stuff out, we’re getting better, I’m getting the car figured out better and trying to cut better lights. I had a great light against Aaron first round, and If I was .017 on the tree I would have lost. We’re coming into a stride right at the right time.”

Erica Enders won the overall Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge championship in the category on the strength of three wins and two runner-up finishes in the bonus race. She’ll take 13 bonus points into the Countdown to the Championship.

Pro Stock Motorcycle’s John Hall earned his first-ever win in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, getting the victory when teammate Matt Smith went red in the final round of the bonus race. Hall, a former U.S. Nationals winner, has come on strong at the right time on his Denso Auto Parts Buell, making a pair of impressive runs on Saturday.

“Today was a great day. I honestly didn’t know what to expect because we didn’t get to make a run on Friday night,” Hall said. “Normally, missing the first run wouldn’t be a big deal but when you have to go right into the Mission Challenge, you don’t know what the bike will run or what kind of a light you’ll have. I did just fine in the first run with a .011 light and I’m not sure what happened in the second, but I have to thank Matt for going red because I was way off.”

Gaige Herrera claimed the overall title in the category, slipping past Matt Smith on a tiebreaker. Both standouts finished with 12 bonus points for the playoffs, but Herrera won the tiebreaker by virtue of his three overall Challenge wins to Smith’s two.

Final qualifying begins at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

INDIANAPOLIS — Saturday’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge final results from the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Top Fuel Challenge — Justin Ashley, 4.085 seconds, 260.01 mph def. Ida Zetterstrom, 4.541 seconds, 171.55 mph.

Funny Car Challenge — J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 3.953, 325.22 def. Chad Green, Ford Mustang, 4.151, 301.87.

Pro Stock Challenge — Dallas Glenn, Chevy Camaro, 6.621, 206.83 def. Mason McGaha, Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

Pro Stock Motorcycle Challenge — John Hall, Buell, 6.846, 198.09 def. Matt Smith, Buell, Foul – Red Light.

INDIANAPOLIS — Final Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge round-by-round results from the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA TOP FUEL CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Ida Zetterstrom, 3.776, 327.51 def. Shawn Langdon, 3.849, 284.87; Justin Ashley, 3.738, 332.84 def. Josh Hart, 4.482, 174.48;

FINAL — J. Ashley, 4.085, 260.01 def. I. Zetterstrom, 4.541, 171.55.

MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA FUNNY CAR CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Chad Green, Ford Mustang, 4.090, 283.85 def. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 4.262, 212.36; J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 3.918, 323.12 def. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.918, 329.50;

FINAL — J. Todd, 3.953, 325.22 def. C. Green, 4.151, 301.87.

MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA PRO STOCK CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Mason McGaha, Chevy Camaro, 6.616, 206.39 def. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.616, 205.51; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.609, 206.92 def. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.601, 206.23;

FINAL — D. Glenn, 6.621, 206.83 def. M. McGaha, Foul – Red Light.

MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — John Hall, 6.830, 198.76 def. Hector Arana Jr, Foul – Red Light; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.836, 199.35 def. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.856, 199.29;

FINAL — J. Hall, 6.846, 198.09 def. M. Smith, Foul – Red Light.

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 31, 2024) – Funny Car’s Austin Prock moved into the No. 1 position on Saturday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, taking over the provisional top spot at the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.

Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and John Hall (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 14th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Prock made the quickest run in both qualifying sessions, including a weekend-best run of 3.855-seconds at 328.38 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS. If that holds, Prock, who is looking to win for the first time at the U.S. Nationals, would pick up his 10th No. 1 qualifier of the season in the first 14 races of the 2024 season.

“It’s been an outstanding weekend so far,” Prock said. “Everybody has just been having fun in this Cornwell Tools pit this weekend and I feel like we have a good attitude about the U.S. Nationals and going into the playoffs. It’s been an exciting weekend so far, and to lock up that Mission #2Fast2Tasty Championship says a lot about this race team and how consistent this racecar is with the job that they’re doing.

“Through life you have your ups and downs, but after (Brainerd), I feel like I have a brand new attitude and new mindset that can’t be shook. I’ve been annihilating the Christmas Tree this weekend which makes me feel really good and the hard work that I’ve been putting in is paying off. It’s a great start to the weekend. I’m just so proud of my family and this whole Cornwell Tools team and all of John Force Racing. We’ve been outstanding all weekend, all three racecars are just flying and it’s a great time to be doing it.”

Bob Tasca took over the second spot with a 3.871 at 336.23 and Jack Beckman is in third after going 3.877 at 329.10.

Selections were also made for the opening round of the Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout. Top seed Tasca selected Cruz Pedregon, while Ron Capps picked Paul Lee and Matt Hagan chose Alexis DeJoria, setting J.R. Todd and Chad Green as the final first-round matchup.

After a strong start to her weekend, Top Fuel’s Brittany Force enjoyed another standout day, improving on Friday’s time and staying as the provisional No. 1 qualifier with a run of 3.693 at 333.08 in her 11,000-horsepower Chevrolet Accessories dragster. Needing a big weekend after coming into Indy 10th in points, Force has done that so far, accumulating some much-needed qualifying bonus points in the process. She remains in prime position to pick up her second top qualifier of the season and the 48th in her career.

“There is a lot on the line this weekend, so to be able to improve and step up – our No. 1 spot was taken from us in Q2, and we knew we had to step it up. That was already David Grubnic’s plan, so to go from a .74 to a .69 was pretty awesome for this team,” Force said. “We’re very proud of that and very happy. We’re moving ahead, and we’re going to try to grasp as many points as we can get.

“The momentum is building for the entire team. We’re excited to be here, it’s the biggest race of the season. We’re sitting 10th and there is so much coming this weekend, so much pressure, but having three good runs down the racetrack really amps us up that much more. We’re excited to be here, but we’re waiting to get to Monday.”

Tony Stewart made a strong improvement as well, racing to the second spot with a pass of 3.707 at 331.04, while T.J. Zizzo is third with a 3.716 at 332.67.

Greg Anderson believed there was more in his car and that proved to be true on Saturday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, making a major improvement with a run of 6.588 at 206.20 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. He stays in the No. 1 spot for a second straight day and there was plenty for the five-time champion to like. Anderson, who has won the U.S. Nationals seven times, made the quickest run during both sessions on Saturday, putting him on a strong path to collect his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the season.

“I knew if we didn’t do something like that, we wouldn’t be No. 1,” Anderson said. “The guys did a fantastic job. My car was No. 1 to 60-foot, I didn’t quite expect that, and that’s what got us the provisional pole. Everything has to go perfect for you to get a No. 1 spot and win rounds anymore. We did a great job but we’re only halfway through the weekend, still have another whole day of qualifying left and it looks like tomorrow is going to be a tick better again.

“The pole is not safe. You’ll have to find a way to do a better job again. They’re all nipping at my heels, without a doubt, and anybody can get that pole. There are a lot of people capable of taking it, so we’ll have to give it all we’ve got and try to be perfect. We’re three for three so far, it’ll be quite a feather in the cap if we can go five for five in qualifying and bring momentum into Monday.”

Erica Enders remained in second, improving to a 6.592 at 207.11, while Jerry Tucker nearly dipped into the 6.50s as well, moving to third with a 6.600 at 207.59.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Matt Smith Racing continued to have a strong weekend at Indy, with John Hall making a big move to the No. 1 position with a run of 6.830 at 198.76 on his Denso Auto Parts Buell. Hall made the best run of both sessions on Saturday, putting him in a great position to earn his first career No. 1 qualifier. Hall is a previous U.S. Nationals winner and knows full well what success at this race means.

“In this weather, I think a 6.83 is pretty good,” Hall said. “Normally, the Friday run would have been the best, but it was hot yesterday, so we had an opportunity to pick up today. I was in a similar spot in 2013 but this time I have more confidence than ever and that’s the No. 1 thing you can have. This is the biggest race of the year and the one you really want. We want to win all of them, but this is the one that sticks with you for life. I was fortunate to win once but I’d love to have two.”

Matt Smith is currently second after going 6.836 at 199.35, while points leader Gaige Herrera moved up to third thanks to a 6.850 at 196.64.

Final qualifying begins at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

INDIANAPOLIS — Saturday’s results after the first three of five rounds of qualifying for the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 14th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Sunday for Monday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.693 seconds, 333.08 mph; 2. Tony Stewart, 3.707, 331.04; 3. T.J. Zizzo, 3.716, 332.67; 4. Antron Brown, 3.723, 331.94; 5. Tripp Tatum, 3.729, 328.54; 6. Steve Torrence, 3.736, 332.84; 7. Justin Ashley, 3.738, 332.84; 8. Tony Schumacher, 3.739, 326.32; 9. Shawn Reed, 3.755, 325.53; 10. Dan Mercier, 3.763, 319.75; 11. Billy Torrence, 3.764, 332.34; 12. Josh Hart, 3.772, 326.63; 13. Clay Millican, 3.774, 331.12; 14. Ida Zetterstrom, 3.776, 327.51; 15. Doug Foley, 3.776, 313.80; 16. Jasmine Salinas, 3.814, 317.64. Not Qualified: 17. Doug Kalitta, 3.823, 317.34; 18. Shawn Langdon, 3.849, 284.87; 19. Krista Baldwin, 3.863, 285.29; 20. Lex Joon, 3.927, 313.95.

Funny Car — 1. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.855, 328.38; 2. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.871, 336.23; 3. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.877, 329.10; 4. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.890, 327.82; 5. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.901, 325.53; 6. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.901, 313.37; 7. Alexis DeJoria, GR Supra, 3.911, 323.50; 8. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.918, 329.50; 9. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.918, 323.12; 10. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.931, 315.49; 11. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.986, 292.58; 12. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.987, 324.75; 13. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.025, 300.00; 14. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.055, 315.27; 15. Chris King, Charger, 4.079, 302.21; 16. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.093, 313.51. Not Qualified: 17. Dave Richards, 4.105, 297.94; 18. Justin Schriefer, 6.801, 99.59.

Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.588, 206.20; 2. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.592, 207.11; 3. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.600, 207.59; 4. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.601, 206.23; 5. David Cuadra, Camaro, 6.607, 207.24; 6. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.609, 206.92; 7. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.616, 206.39; 8. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.616, 205.51; 9. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.619, 207.56; 10. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.623, 205.94; 11. Sienna Wildgust, Camaro, 6.625, 205.88; 12. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.627, 205.91; 13. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.628, 205.72; 14. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.630, 205.76; 15. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.639, 207.40; 16. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.640, 205.13. Not Qualified: 17. Eric Latino, 6.652, 206.04; 18. Derrick Reese, 6.668, 206.54; 19. Larry Morgan, 6.670, 206.67; 20. Chris McGaha, 6.671, 206.32; 21. Kenny Delco, 6.705, 205.76.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. John Hall, Beull, 6.830, 198.76; 2. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.836, 199.35; 3. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.850, 196.64; 4. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.856, 199.29; 5. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.859, 197.94; 6. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.878, 196.62; 7. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.887, 195.45; 8. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.912, 195.90; 9. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.935, 194.60; 10. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.944, 195.34; 11. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.963, 192.36; 12. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.998, 193.54; 13. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 7.008, 191.59; 14. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 7.012, 191.73; 15. Ron Tornow, Victory, 7.058, 190.46; 16. Wesley Wells, Suzuki, 7.479, 178.90.

18 standouts competing for world title as “Road to the Championship” playoffs begin in Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 31, 2024) – For competitors in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, the world’s biggest drag race has a little extra meaning. It’s also the first event in four-race the “Road to the Championship” playoffs, putting even more on the line for the standout competitors as part of this weekend’s Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.

The playoffs for the thrilling Pro Mod category couldn’t come on a bigger stage and it’s already been a stellar show through two qualifying rounds at The Big Go. It’s the seventh of 10 races during the 2024 season and this weekend’s event is powered by Shaneda Machine, which is owned by Pro Mod competitor Mason Wright.

Wright is one of 18 drivers in the mix for the championship in Pro Mod and is currently sitting fifth in points. He won his first career race in the category in Epping and is thrilled to showcase his business at the world’s biggest drag race.

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Through two qualifying rounds at Indy, Justin Bond is leading the field with a run of 5.773-seconds at 247.93 mph. The first round of eliminations is slated for 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. Thorne is the defending winner in Indy.

Heading into the opening race in the “Road to the Championship,” here’s a look at the 18 standouts in the category competing for a title.

Points leader Kris Thorne

Thorne is a former world champ, who just missed out on back-to-back title last year. Thorne is out for redemption in 2024, winning in Bristol and taking runner-up finishes in Gainesville and Richmond.

2. Jose Gonzalez

Gonzalez is another former world champion, winning in 2021. He’s currently second in points, picking up victories in both Gainesville and Chicago, as Eric Dillard picked up the win at Route 66 Raceway as his replacement driver.

3. Ken Quartuccio

Quartuccio has become a strong threat in the class, taking a pair of No. 1 qualifiers this year and also advancing to the finals in Phoenix.

4. Kevin Rivenbark

A veteran in Pro Mod racing, Rivenbark is fourth in point, winning the race in Phoenix, which was the first time the NHRA Pro Mod category raced at the standout facility.

5. Mason Wright

Wright has enjoyed a strong season in his second year in the category, winning in Epping.

6. J.R. Gray

In his fourth season in NHRA Pro Mod, Gray has qualified for every race, including a season-best second in Bristol.

7. Justin Bond

Bond just missed out on a championship a year ago, as Mike Castellana claimed the championship. Bond also qualified No. 1 in Phoenix.

8. Mike Thielen

Thielen has qualified for every race this year, switching to a nitrous combination with legendary driver Rickie Smith making the tuning calls.

9. Billy Banaka

In his second season in NHRA Pro Mod, Banaka has had a promising 2024 campaign, qualifying third in Chicago.

10. Jordan Lazic

Lazic won his debut race in the category in 2023 at St. Louis and is currently 10th in points this season.

11. Lyle Barnett

Barnett is a fan-favorite, qualifying for every race this season. Barnett is also a former U.S. Nationals winner.

12. Khalid Al Balooshi

A former world champion, Al Balooshi is currently 12th in points, looking to make a late charge this season.

13. Dmitry Samorukov

In his second season, the Russia native has qualified for every race this season, picking up a pair of round wins.

14. Mike Castellana

Castellana is a veteran in the category, claiming the world championship in dramatic fashion a year ago.

15. Tony Wilson

Wilson is taking part in his debut season in the NHRA Pro Mod category.

16. Stan Shelton

Shelton is in his second season in the class, qualifying for the first three races of the year.

17. Mike Stavrinos

Stavrinos is making his debut in the category, qualifying a season-best 11th in Phoenix.

18. Nick Januik

As the only clutch car in the class, Januik is seeking his first victory of the year.

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.

To purchase tickets to the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

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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.

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 30, 2024) – Looking to stay in the top 10, Top Fuel’s Brittany Force made the quickest run of Friday at the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, powering to the provisional No. 1 position at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Blake Alexander (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Angie Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 14th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Force, who is currently an uncharacteristic 10th in points, went 3.740-seconds at 334.32 mph in her 11,000-horsepower Chevrolet Accessories dragster to kick off the race weekend. If it holds, the two-time world champion would pick up her second No. 1 this season and the 48th in her career. More importantly, Force needs to stay in the top 10 to secure a spot in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. A win at the world’s biggest drag race would clinch that for Force, who is after her first win since her 2022 championship season.

“I haven’t been in a position like this for a long time, especially coming from this David Grubnic-led championship team,” said Force, a two-time U.S. Nationals runner-up. “We never thought we’d be here, but we had a hard season last year, same as this season. We’re really going to fight all weekend long. That 3.74 run down the dragstrip on the first qualifying run, four bonus points, currently No. 1, that’s everything we could have asked for. Our first goal of the weekend is accomplished.

“This is such a special event and an historic race. It’s a big event, but that means a lot of pressure and a lot on the line. This is the race you want to win and our motivation hasn’t gone away.”

Antron Brown is right behind in second thanks to a 3.759 at 330.63. Brown has won the U.S. Nationals in back-to-back years. Billy Torrence sits in the third spot after a run of 3.792 at 331.45.

Coming off an impressive performance in Brainerd, Funny Car’s Blake Alexander continued his strong performance in Indy, racing to the No. 1 spot with a run of 3.890 at 327.82 in his 11,000-horsepower Pronto Auto Service Center Ford Mustang. Alexander won in Brainerd with a string of standout performances and now has a chance to earn his first career No. 1 qualifier. That was the case in Brainerd, too, when Alexander was the provisional top qualifier. He didn’t end up in the top spot there, but Alexander has another great opportunity in Indy, feeling confident about what the Head Racing team continues to deliver.

“We feel good about this,” Alexander said. “I think we thought it was going to be a little slower out there at first, and then we got up there and quite frankly I think we saw Cruz run 3.90 and then we opened it up a little bit. Every race team out here needed to do well today and the ones who excelled like we did will be in a much better position Monday morning, which is ultimately what we come here for.

“If you want to win Indy, you need to put yourself in a good position. This isn’t an easy drag race to win, it never has been and never will be. We’re in a good spot right now, that really doesn’t mean much because there are a lot of good race cars out here and people can eclipse you.”

Cruz Pedregon performed well on Friday, going to second with a 3.901 at 325.53 and Jack Beckman is right behind in third after a run of 3.903 at 322.81.

Greg Anderson is used to plenty success at The Big Go and he’s off to a good start at the 70th annual race, taking over the No. 1 spot after going 6.621 at 206.23 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. No current driver in Pro Stock has won in Indy as much as Anderson, with his seventh victory coming in 2022. It also happened to be his 100th career win and the five-time world champion continues to go strong, with Friday’s run putting him in line for a fifth No. 1 this season and the 129th in his career. Anderson, though, is well aware a lot can change between now and Monday.

“Normally when we come here, the Friday night run sets the field,” Anderson said. ‘You get your Friday night shot under the lights, the track cools down, everybody goes out there and throws down. Nine times out of 10 it ends up holding up throughout the weekend, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to be the case. It’s going to cool down quite a bit the next couple of days, but we wanted to come here tonight and just get some data. This was a bonus. There’s a lot of room left, it wasn’t really a clean run, so I was shocked when they told me I got the No. 1 spot.

“I can’t wait to get here every year. I have a lot of favorite tracks, a lot of tracks I love to race at and feel good at, but this is still the one that means the most to me.”

Enders took second with a 6.621 at 206.13 and Aaron Stanfield is currently third on the strength of his 6.630 at 204.88.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Angie Smith made the biggest move to kick off qualifying at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, going 6.883 at 197.10 on her Denso Auto Parts Buell to grab the provisional No. 1 spot. Should that hold, Smith would pick up her first No. 1 qualifier of the season and third in her career and it would certainly come at the perfect time. Entering Indy sixth in points, Smith lost in the first round in back-to-back races leading into Indy. But after a strong test session, Smith feels good about where the bike is now at heading into a crucial part of the season – and at the world’s biggest drag race.

“We got rid of my other bike, that’s what happened,” Smith said. “I got a brand-new bike. Every single part of that motorcycle is brand new except for me. I was glad to get a new bike. Coming to Indy without a full run on a brand-new motorcycle is kind of nerve-wracking but it all worked out.

“My mindset coming into this race, I just wanted to do well and make good laps to prepare me for the Countdown. The middle of the season has not been a stellar performance for me and I have expected a lot better performance for myself and from the bike and we weren’t getting it. The boys have been working extremely hard back in the shop, and for me to get a No. 1, I feel like it kind of repays them a little bit for all the hard work.”

Her husband, Matt, who has won the last two races at The Big Go – and the most recent race in Sonoma – is currently second after going 6.895 at 197.74 and Gaige Herrera grabbed the third position on Friday thanks to a run of 6.929 at 195.90.

Qualifying continues at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

INDIANAPOLIS — Friday’s results after the first one of five rounds of qualifying for the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 14th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Monday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.740 seconds, 334.32 mph; 2. Antron Brown, 3.759, 330.63; 3. Billy Torrence, 3.792, 331.45; 4. Shawn Reed, 3.795, 326.63; 5. Ida Zetterstrom, 3.801, 326.00; 6. Jasmine Salinas, 3.814, 317.64; 7. Clay Millican, 3.816, 293.54; 8. Tony Stewart, 3.839, 319.52; 9. Dan Mercier, 3.847, 309.27; 10. Krista Baldwin, 3.863, 285.29; 11. T.J. Zizzo, 3.902, 266.32; 12. Lex Joon, 4.026, 259.96; 13. Tripp Tatum, 4.473, 174.21; 14. Doug Kalitta, 4.609, 165.84; 15. Shawn Langdon, 4.773, 152.11; 16. Tony Schumacher, 4.896, 146.77. Not Qualified: 17. Josh Hart, 5.502, 120.20; 18. Doug Foley, 5.863, 108.32; 19. Steve Torrence, 5.984, 107.15; 20. Justin Ashley, 6.016, 103.77.

Funny Car — 1. Blake Alexander, Ford Mustang, 3.890, 327.82; 2. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.901, 325.53; 3. Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 3.903, 322.81; 4. Austin Prock, Camaro, 3.926, 320.36; 5. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 3.969, 320.28; 6. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.986, 292.58; 7. Alexis DeJoria, GR Supra, 3.987, 324.05; 8. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 3.997, 300.73; 9. Paul Lee, Charger, 4.004, 293.28; 10. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.025, 300.00; 11. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.026, 313.58; 12. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.055, 315.27; 13. Chris King, Charger, 4.079, 302.21; 14. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.140, 306.05; 15. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.171, 230.96; 16. Dave Richards, Toyota Camry, 4.502, 205.72. Not Qualified: 17. Matt Hagan, 4.837, 164.59; 18. Justin Schriefer, 6.801, 99.59.

Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.621, 206.23; 2. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.621, 206.13; 3. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.630, 204.88; 4. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.639, 205.98; 5. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.647, 206.83; 6. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.654, 206.64; 7. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.657, 206.64; 8. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.657, 205.88; 9. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.663, 205.91; 10. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.665, 205.54; 11. Sienna Wildgust, Camaro, 6.678, 207.37; 12. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.685, 206.04; 13. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.685, 205.26; 14. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.689, 205.66; 15. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.710, 206.13; 16. David Cuadra, Camaro, 6.710, 204.88. Not Qualified: 17. Kenny Delco, 6.724, 205.41; 18. Larry Morgan, 6.733, 205.85; 19. Derrick Reese, 6.738, 200.17; 20. Chris McGaha, 7.109, 168.62; 21. Matt Hartford, 7.342, 140.14.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.883, 197.10; 2. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.895, 197.74; 3. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.929, 195.90; 4. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.939, 198.15; 5. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.964, 194.88; 6. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.970, 193.54; 7. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.001, 192.82; 8. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 7.032, 197.22; 9. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 7.055, 186.82; 10. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 7.097, 188.28; 11. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.123, 191.51; 12. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.134, 192.14; 13. Ron Tornow, Victory, 7.141, 188.33; 14. Wesley Wells, Suzuki, 7.479, 178.90; 15. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 16.315, 40.68.