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Westerfield, Hilton, Seraphine & Williamson sweep titles at 55th Nightfire Nationals

The 55th Annual Nightfire Nationals presented by Bi-Mart, lit up western Idaho, one of the crown jewel stops in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series.
19 Aug 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Nightfire

The 55th Annual Nightfire Nationals presented by Bi-Mart, lit up western Idaho, one of the crown jewel stops in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series.

Shane Westerfield qualified No. 1 in AA/Funny Car at 5.59, and went on to score his second Nightfire title running 5.77, 252.85. Nathan Sitko was runner-up, finishing at 6.01, 226.89.

In AA/Fuel Dragster, Tyler Hilton earned his fourth straight Nightfire victory at 5.78-256.80 to upend Pete Kaiser, who smoked the tires, slowing to a 11.89-69.55.

Attending his first Firebird event, Brandon Seraphine recorded a winning 6.16, 233.20 in the AA/Fuel Altered class. Vince Karstetter claimed runner-up with a -.072 red-light and running 6.05-217.28. In Pro Modified, Bret Williamson carded a 3.90, 197.74 to stop Rich Fiechter’s 4.47, 166.15.

The Bracketeer Series offered a points series over three nights and crowned six overall champions. Titles were awarded to:

Bracketeer Champ: Ryan O’Connor
Pro: Brandon Umberger
Heavy: Frank Veloz
Bike/Sled: Chad Hofert
Pro Comp: Roger Turley

Rayce Kidd collected the CPI Motorsports Top Fire title over Henry Roberson in the Open Wheel vs. Door Car runoff.

As the smoke settles over Firebird, the Nightfire once again delivered nitro, nostalgia, and next-level competition—firing up the back half of the Hot Rod Heritage season with plenty of momentum.