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Keeping NHRA Fans Up to Date

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Funny Car school continues as Bobby Bode readies for first four-wide outing

Funny Car rookie Bobby Bode has made hundreds of passes in a long and successful NHRA Jr. Dragster career and even has 25 laps under his safety belts in three events in his newest ride, dad’s Funny Car, but he'll be looking at a four-wide Christmas Tree for the first time this weekend.
16 Apr 2021
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Bobby Bode
Bobby Bode has made hundreds of passes in a long and successful NHRA Jr. Dragster career, has licensed in Super Comp, wheeled an Alcohol Funny Car at the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School, and even has 25 laps under his safety belts in three events in…
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MSI National, GaragePipe, Dirtcom partner with Millican team for Las Vegas race

Mainline Sales Inc., has partnered with the Clay Millican-driven Stringer Performance Top Fuel team to showcase a new MSI National product line , GaragePipe, at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals.
16 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Clay Millican
Mainline Sales Inc., has partnered with the Clay Millican-driven Stringer Performance Top Fuel team to showcase a new MSI National product line from their manufacturer portfolio with GaragePipe, a division of the Phoenix, Ariz.-based AIRpipe USA.…
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NHRA in 30: The Women of Top Fuel airs tonight at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on FS1

Tonight at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, FS1 will air a special NHRA in 30 show, the Women of Top Fuel, tracking the rich history of female racers in NHRA’s quickest and fastest class.
16 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Women of Top Fuel
 
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A second straight Vegas win would be extra meaningful for Angie Smith

Angie Smith has a new bike, but she’s hoping for the same result from her last appearance at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this time at her sponsor’s race, the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals.
16 Apr 2021
Josh Hachat
Feature
Angie Smith
Angie Smith has a new bike, but she’s hoping for the same result from her last appearance at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Smith closed out her 2020 Pro Stock Motorcycle with a victory in Vegas last fall and she’s back this weekend…
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Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals Friday preview

When the first NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series kicks off later today at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, it will have been nearly two years since NHRA’s Pro stars have competed four-wide.
16 Apr 2021
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
Las Vegas
When the first NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series kicks off later today at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, it will have been nearly two years since NHRA’s Pro stars have competed four-wide. Due to the pandemic, both 2020 four-wide…
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Ron Capps talks Don Prudhomme, Jay Leno, Vegas four-wide, and more on WFO Radio

Ron Capps, one of NHRA Drag Racing’s winningest drivers, joined Joe Castello of WFO Radio for a deep dive into the 2021 NHRA season.
15 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Ron Capps
Ron Capps, one of NHRA Drag Racing’s winningest drivers, joined Joe Castello of WFO Radio for a deep dive into the 2021 NHRA season. Capps discusses the many changes on his team at Don Schumacher Racing, Don Prudhomme's recent 80th birthday…
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Vance & Hines to offer V-Twin engine for Pro Stock Motorcycle customers

The Vance & Hines team will begin offering their VH160VT V-Twin engine to Pro Stock Motorcycle customers beginning June 1.
15 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
vance and hines
Last month at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, the Vance & Hines team debuted their four-valve Suzuki engine, which carried Angelle Sampey to her first 200-mph runs and also powered the Suzuki entries of Joey Gladstone, Cory Reed, and…
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Tricky Tipster: It's time to go four-wide racing in Las Vegas

With just one event in the books, we’ve seen just a random sampling from NHRA’s Pro racers. To that end, here are Tricky Tipster’s best bets for this weekend's Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals.
15 Apr 2021
NHRA National Dragster staff
Tricky Tipster®
Steve Torrence
Racing in the thin desert air of Las Vegas presents its own set of unique challenges to NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pros, but when combined with the unpredictable nature of the four-wide format, the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-…
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Capital City Motorsports Park signs on as NHRA member track

Capital City Motorsports Park has signed on as the newest NHRA member track in the NHRA Southeast Division. Located in Montgomery, Ala., Capital City Motorsports Park is overseen by owner Ben Willis.
14 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Capital City Motorsports Park
Capital City Motorsports Park has signed on as the newest NHRA member track in the NHRA Southeast Division.   Located in Montgomery, Ala., Capital City Motorsports Park is overseen by owner Ben Willis. Willis and his team coordinate racing…
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Second-ranked Troy Coughlin Jr. interested in more firsts in Las Vegas

Twelve years after winning his first event at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, second-ranked Pro Stock driver Troy Coughlin Jr. returns for this weekend's Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals looking for some firsts.
14 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Troy Coughlin Jr.
After a runner-up finish at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals one month ago in Florida, second-ranked Pro Stock driver Troy Coughlin Jr. arrives at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for this weekend's Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide…
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NHRA stars ready to put on show at Denso Spark Plugs Four-Wide Nationals

It isn’t a stretch to say not many people are looking forward to the return of this weekend’s Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway more than former Funny Car world champ J.R. Todd.
14 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
J.R. Todd
It isn’t a stretch to say not many people are looking forward to the return of this weekend’s Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway more than former Funny Car world champ J.R. Todd.   The NHRA…
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Antron Brown previews upcoming Denso Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas

Matco Tools Top Fuel driver Antron Brown, who ended a long victory drought last year in Las Vegas and kicked off the 2021 season with a semifinal finish in Gainesville, says he's energized for this weekend's Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals.
13 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Antron Brown
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Joey Gladstone injured in testing accident; Barron and Bostick also crash

Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Joey Gladstone is currently at his home in Virginia recuperating from multiple injuries suffered in a testing accident last weekend in South Carolina. Gladstone was riding a 208-mph nitrous-equipped Suzuki when the incident occurred.
13 Apr 2021
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
News
Joey Gladstone
Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Joey Gladstone is currently at his home in Virginia recuperating from multiple injuries suffered in a testing accident last weekend in South Carolina. Gladstone was riding a 208-mph nitrous-equipped Suzuki when the…
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Julie Nataas shows she’s willing to go the distance to pursue a full-time drag racing career

From Norway to California to Indiana, Julie Nataas has taken the long road to pursue her dreams of winning a Top Alcohol Dragster title and ultimately racing as an NHRA pro. So far, she's right on schedule.
13 Apr 2021
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
Feature
Julie Nataas
How far are you willing to go to pursue your dreams? For Julie Nataas, there's almost no sacrifice too great when it comes to achieving her goals, which in the short term includes a Top Alcohol Dragster championship, followed by what she hopes is…
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Steven Densham will run Vegas four-wides; father Gary closes on 500 career events

Funny Car veteran Gary Densham is just two races away from reaching 500 career Funny Car starts, but he'll have to wait until later this year to reach the milestone as son Steven saddles up, beginning next week in Las Vegas.
13 Apr 2021
Josh Hachat
Feature
Gary Densham
Funny Car’s longest-tenured driver still has one more major milestone to reach in his terrific career, and Gary Densham has his hopes set on it happening in 2021. With five decades of racing under his belt, Densham is just two races away from…
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Nitro Time Machine: The action packed (and expensive) 2014 Southern Nationals

From Antron Brown's Top Fuel crash to the explosions suffered by Funny Car racer Jack Beckman, Tim Wilkerson, and Pro Mod's Mike Castellana, the 2014 version of the NHRA Southern Nationals had a bit too much action. Here's a full report in our latest edition of Nitro Time Machine.
12 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Nitro Time Machine
Antron Brown
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Richard Hartman talks about his history-making four-second Fuel Altered run

In our latest NHRA.com Skype interview, Brian Lohnes talks with nitro crew chief and driver Richard Hartman to discuss his history-making Fuel Altered run at the recent Funny Car Chaos event in Texas.
12 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Richard Hartman
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Jonnie Lindberg to drive new Rupert Motorsports Funny Car in Las Vegas

The Rupert Motorsports Funny Car team will debut at this weekend’s Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals with Jonnie Lindberg behind the wheel. Three-time NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series Nostalgia Funny Car champ Jason Rupert plans to complete his license upgrade procedures during test runs after the event.
12 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Jonnie Lindberg
The Rupert Motorsports Funny Car team is set to debut at this weekend’s Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas with Jonnie Lindberg behind the wheel of the '17 Mustang. Three-time NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series Nostalgia…
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Jeff Diehl ready to return and spice up Funny Car action with new sponsor

After sitting out most of 2020 due to the pandemic, Jeff Diehl Racing is returning to the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series for the 2021 race season with a new sponsor: “The Real Deal Pepper Sauce.”
12 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Jeff Diehl
After taking a hiatus in 2020, Jeff Diehl Racing is returning to the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series for the 2021 race season.  Owner/driver Jeff Diehl and his team have not competed since last year’s Phoenix event, but they did get…
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Kindness General Contractors joins Jim Dunn Racing at the Las Vegas race

Kindness General Contractors (KGC) will continue its tradition as the annual sponsor for the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car team during the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas.
12 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Jim Dunn Racing
Kindness General Contractors (KGC) will continue its tradition as the annual sponsor for the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car team during the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas.  Headquartered in Southern California, KGC has job…
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Ford named presenting sponsor of NHRA YES Program

NHRA has announced Ford as a presenting sponsor of the NHRA Youth and Education Services (YES) Program. The Ford Motor Company has been a part of the NHRA YES Program for four years.
12 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Ford named presenting sponsor of NHRA YES Program
NHRA has announced Ford as a presenting sponsor of the NHRA Youth and Education Services (YES) Program.   The Ford Motor Company has been a part of the NHRA YES Program for four years. Ford’s commitment to innovation and excellence aligns…
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Joe Morrison, Leverichs working hard behind the scenes to establish themselves

Not every aspiring nitro racer has the deep pockets or deep connections that can pave their way to a full-time ride in a top-tier car. For those without, the course of success takes equal parts ingenuity, determination, and the willingness to build from scratch.Just ask Joe Morrison
11 Apr 2021
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Joe Morrison
Not every aspiring nitro racer has the deep pockets or deep connections that can pave their way to a full-time ride in a top-tier car. For those without that built-in launch pad, the course of success takes equal parts ingenuity, determination, and…
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Watch the Division 4 Lucas Oil Series event from Houston live on NHRA.tv

NHRA fans can watch this weekend’s Division 4 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event from Houston Raceway Park free on NHRA.tv powered by National Dragster. Presenting sponsors of NHRA.tv Sportsman coverage include Strange Engineering, RoofTec, Summit, and Total Seal.
10 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Houston
NHRA fans can watch this weekend’s Division 4 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event from Houston Raceway Park free on NHRA.tv powered by National Dragster…
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Kimbrough, Stanfield, Emmons lead winners at Texas Sportsman Challenge

Jim Kimbrough, Greg Stanfield, and Jerry Emmons led the list of winners as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series South Central Division was action with the Texas Sportsman Challenge at Houston Raceway Park.
09 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Division 4
The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, South Central Division Texas Sportsman Challenge: COMP Jim Kimbrough, Pace, Fla., dragster, C/ED, 7.329, 176.63  def. Rodger Brogdon,…
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 4/09: It’s 409 day—The engine that inspired a song, and a legion of drag racers

“My four-speed dual-quad, positraction 409…” The 409-cid big-block Chevrolet V-8 is the engine made famous on drag strips across the country and celebrated by the Beach Boys’ 1962 song, "409."
09 Apr 2021
David Kennedy
70th Anniversary of NHRA
 4/09: It’s 409 day—The engine that inspired a song, and a legion of drag racers
It began life as the Turbo-Thrust 348-cid engine that debuted for the ’58 model year. It was referred to as the big-block V-8 when marketed alongside the 265-cid and 283-cid small-blocks or the inline-six 265-cid engines. Born in an age when…
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Making a Splash: Andrew Hines, Elon Werner join NHRA Insider podcast

Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Andrew Hines and public-relations specialist Elon Werner joined host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. 
09 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
NHRA Insider
Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Andrew Hines and public-relations specialist Elon Werner joined host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast.  Werner, the vice president of Sports Publicity for the Tony Fay Agency of…
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Division 6 Mission Raceway Lucas Oil Series event postponed

NHRA officials have announced that the 2021 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event contested at Mission Raceway Park, scheduled for June 24– 27, has been postponed due to local restrictions and border closure as a result of the pandemic.
09 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Division 6
NHRA officials have announced that the 2021 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event contested at Mission Raceway Park, scheduled for June 24– 27, has been postponed due to local restrictions and border closure as a result of the pandemic. NHRA…
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Snap-on Tools Funny Car team ready to take on all challengers in Las Vegas

Hot off of a semifinal finish at the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Cruz Pedregon’s Snap-on Tools Funny Car team is ready for the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas, according to crew chief John Collins.
09 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Cruz Pedregon
 
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The story of Swamp Rat 17: Don Garlits' most misunderstood Top Fueler

Don Garlits’ Swamp Rat 17, the Wynn’s Liner, had a very short life in 1973 and is roundly considered to be among the few disappointments of the more than 40 Swamp Rats he campaigned. Here's the story behind this most misunderstood car.
09 Apr 2021
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
DRAGSTER Insider
Don Garlits
Earlier this year, I wrote a column about racecar experiments that didn’t come to fruition and cited, chief among them, Don Garlits’ Swamp Rat 17, the Wynn’s Liner, which had a…
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Double your success in 2021; NHRA Be a Winner, Be a Member program

Want to win monthly prizes? Want to turn wins into racecar parts? Join the NHRA and you can do both! You Join. You Race. You Win!
08 Apr 2021
Posted by NHRA.com staff
NHRA Member Track Spotlight
NHRA Be A Winner Be A Member Program
Now more than ever, we could all use some extra checkmarks in our win columns. NHRA National Dragster’s Be A Winner, Be A Member program is back for 2021 and ready to motivate another season of…
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