NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Pro Stock's Outlaw Jerry Tucker has his sights on a first win  

Jerry Tucker, carrying the banner for Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer, has had some great breakthrough moments in Pro Stock this season. He's on target for a big one, and that could very well happen this weekend at the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.
01 Sep 2024
Kelly Wade
Feature
Jerry Tucker
Second-year Pro Stock competitor Jerry Tucker, carrying the banner for Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer on the Chevrolet Camaro he's piloting, has had some great breakthrough moments this season. He's on target for a big one, and that could very well…
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Jianna Evaristo knows her next Pro Stock Motorcycle win won’t be by chance

Following her upset win at the end of the 2019 season, Jianna Evaristo has worked hard to get a second Pro Stock Motorcycle victory and all signs indicate that she's closer than ever.
31 Aug 2024
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
Feature
Jianna Evaristo
At the end of the 2019 season, Jianna Evaristo pulled off what some consider to be one of the biggest upsets in NHRA history when she won the season-ending event in Pomona. Evaristo was well down the qualifying order but benefited from misfortune…
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Pro Stock's Matt Hartford is looking for luck to change

Defending Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals champion Matt Hartford is in the midst of a year that looks much different than last – but he's confident that the turnaround is coming, and he believes it could well happen at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park this weekend.
31 Aug 2024
Kelly Wade
Feature
Matt Hartford
Last year, Hartford arrived at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals and took the competition by storm in his GETTRX/Rottler/Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro, sweeping the event with a Pro Stocker that clocked low e.t. every qualifying session and elimination…
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Dale Creasy Jr. is back in the Funny Car business after Dallas setback last year

Funny Car veteran Dale Creasy Jr. and team are making their first national event appearance since their nasty two-car wreck with Dave Richards last year in Dallas, but they've already hit a winning stride.
31 Aug 2024
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Dale creasy
The last time that NHRA race fans saw Dale creasy Jr. at a national event was last October at the Texas NHRA FallNationals in Dallas, where he crossed the centerline during qualifying right into the path of Dave Richards in a two-car wreck that…
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1968 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda prototype seen at the U.S. Nationals

Check out this legendary prototype that shaped drag racing history and paved the way for the Hemi Baracuda Super Stock cars that still capture the imagination of Mopar, Chevy, and Ford drag racing fans.
30 Aug 2024
Kelly Wade
Feature
12
In drag racing, few cars are as iconic as the 1968 Plymouth Barracuda. What sets this Barracuda apart is its unique role in Chrysler Corporation's research and development. This car isn't just another muscle car; it’s the actual R&D prototype…
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Jason Line back for dual cameo appearance at the Big Go

It's been a minute since we've seen three-time Pro Stock champion Jason Line in a race car at a national event, but this weekend, he's back in a big way pulling double duty in the Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge presented by the McCandless Collection. He's also racing Super Stock at the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.
30 Aug 2024
Kelly Wade
Feature
Jason Line
It's been a minute since we've seen three-time Pro Stock champion Jason Line in a race car at a national event, but this weekend, he's back in a big way pulling double duty in the Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge and Super Stock at the 70th annual…
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426 Hemi: 60 years of drag racing’s ultimate engine

In 1964, Chrysler engineers created an engine that would forever change the landscape of drag racing—and go on to become NHRA's nitro-burning Top Fuel engine.
30 Aug 2024
David Kennedy
Feature
2024 Funny Car Nitro HEMI Engine
You can always tell a Hemi when you hear one roar.  Whether it's in Stock, Super Stock, Pro Stock, Funny Car, or Top Fuel—the Hemi engine has been a feared foundation of horsepower. After six decades of racing at the U.S. Nationals, these…
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All eyes on Ida Zetterström as Top Fuel rookie makes her U.S. Nationals debut

For Ida Zetterström, it’s been a long journey to the NHRA Top Fuel ranks marked by relentless work, dedication, and an unyielding passion for the sport, all of which will be on display this weekend as she makes her U.S. Nationals debut.
30 Aug 2024
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Ida Zetterström
Making a debut in the high-powered world of NHRA Top Fuel racing is no small feat for even North American drivers, but it’s a whole other level of tough coming from across the Atlantic Ocean. For Ida Zetterström, it’s been a journey marked by…
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The heart of Pro Stock: Frank Iaconio

Cruise through the Pro Stock pits, and you're likely to walk right by a legend without realizing it. Walk slowly, though, and allow your gaze to settle on the gentleman with a thoughtful expression leaning over the engine in Cristian Cuadra's Corral Boots Chevrolet. That would be Pro Stock pioneer and 1982 Indy winner Frank Iaconio.
29 Aug 2024
Kelly Wade
Feature
Frank Iaconio
Cruise through the Pro Stock pits here at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, and you're likely to walk right by a legend without realizing it. Walk slowly, though, and allow your gaze to settle on the gentleman with a thoughtful expression leaning…
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Can Capps and 'Snake' do it again with another throwback entry in Indy?

If you’re Ron Capps, still soaking in the glory of one of the greatest moments in Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals history, what do you do for an encore? You up the game with a throwback tribute entry of one of Funny Car's most famous cars.
29 Aug 2024
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Ron Capps
If you’re Ron Capps, still soaking in the glory of one of the greatest moments in Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals history, what do you do for an encore? Last year, Capps honored his former car owner, drag racing legend Don “the Snake” Prudhomme, by…
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Sportsman Racer Appreciation Dinner at the 2024 U.S. Nationals

To kick off The Big Go!, the NHRA was honored to host the second annual Sportsman Racer Appreciation Dinner at the 2024 Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.
28 Aug 2024
David Kennedy
Feature
Nearly 1,000 racers enjoyed dinner int he NHRA Top Eliminator Club 8
The Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals is where drag racing greatness is put on display once a year for the world to see, and where the National Hot Rod Association gets to serve its racers. This spirit of service and greatness is at the heart of why the…
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Antron Brown seeking his third straight Top Fuel win at the Big Go

Antron Brown has rolled to back-to-back Top Fuel wins at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, and a third straight victory would continue to build an already impressive legacy at the prestigious event.
27 Aug 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Antron Brown
Five wins at the world’s biggest drag race have put Antron Brown on the path to becoming a Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals legend. He’s rolled to back-to-back wins at the Big Go, and a third straight victory would continue to build an already impressive…
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Geoff Turk is all about breaking barriers in Factory X

Geoff Turk likes to be a step ahead. He's a thinker, a planner, and – most importantly – a doer when it comes to breaking barriers. Turk is determined to be the first and fastest, and he's making history in the Holley EFI NHRA Factory X class, aligning his program with those goals.
26 Aug 2024
Kelly Wade
Feature
Alex Laughlin
Geoff Turk likes to be a step ahead. He's a thinker, a planner, and – most importantly – a doer when it comes to breaking barriers. Turk is determined to be the first and fastest, and he's making history in the Holley EFI NHRA Factory X class,…
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Behind the Scenes with the winners of the 2024 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

Go behind the scenes with the winners of the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals as they celebrate with their teams and accept congratulations from their defeated final-round opponents.
21 Aug 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Behind the Scenes
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5 things we learned in Brainerd

At this point in the season, when adrenaline is at peak flow as the Countdown to the Championship approaches, crazy moments abound. It's an "anything can happen" time of year, and the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway fit the bill. Here are five things you should know.
19 Aug 2024
Kelly Wade
Feature
Five things Brainerd
IDA ZETTERSTRÖM FITS RIGHT IN We've been hearing about reigning European FIA Top Fuel champion Ida Zetterström for a minute now, and she finally made her highly anticipated debut this weekend at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals driving the JCM…
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Weekend Rewind: 2024 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

The 2024 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, the penultimate event of the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series regular season, was packed with upsets, close racing, and wild action. Take a video look back at the weekend from Brainerd, Minn.
19 Aug 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Weekend Rewind: 2024 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals
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Jack Beckman takes on the toughest job in racing—Filling in for John Force

In the world of motorsports, few challenges are as daunting as stepping into the shoes of a legend. Jack Beckman, a name synonymous with skill, grit, and determination, has taken on one of the most challenging roles in NHRA: filling in for the 16x champ.
19 Aug 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Jack Beckman takes on the toughest job in racing—Filling in for John Force
John Force, a 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion, has set the bar sky-high with his incredible achievements over decades. His larger-than-life persona and unmatched prowess on the track have made him a legend, admired by fans and feared by competitors…
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Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson returns to home state for Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

As the most winning Pro Stock driver in NHRA history, Greg Anderson is no stranger to the winner’s circle, including at Brainerd International Raceway, which serves as the host of this weekend’s 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.
16 Aug 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Greg Anderson
As the most winning Pro Stock driver in NHRA history, Greg Anderson is no stranger to the winner’s circle, including at Brainerd International Raceway, which serves as the host of this weekend’s 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. Anderson,…
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Stepping in for John Force, Jack Beckman eager for his return in Brainerd

After nearly four years away, Jack Beckman will return to Funny Car competition at this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals as the fill-in driver and earning points for 16-time Funny Car champion John Force following Force’s crash in late June.
15 Aug 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Jack Beckman
After nearly four years away, Jack Beckman is thrilled to return to Funny Car racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, and he is even more excited with the opportunity in front of him, which begins with this weekend’s 42nd annual Lucas…
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Top Fuel points leader Doug Kalitta set for 600th career race in Brainerd

Doug Kalitta’s storied career began in 1998, and race No. 600 will come at this weekend’s 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in his points-leading Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel dragster.
14 Aug 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Doug Kalitta
After winning his long-awaited first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series world championship, there’s been no slowing down Top Fuel fan-favorite Doug Kalitta during the 2024 season.   The longtime standout is the points leader with a…
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Top 5 Wild Moments from the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

Take a video look back at five wild and crazy runs from one of NHRA's wildest and craziest events, the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. Fires, wheelstands, crashes, and more.
13 Aug 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Top 5 Wild Moments from the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals
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Ever wonder what causes a nitro Hemi to fail catastrophically?

NHRA on FOX's Tony Pedregon delves into the mechanics of nitromethane-fueled Hemi engines and the potential disasters of losing 1,400-hp from misfiring cylinders.
12 Aug 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Nitro Hemi NHRA
In this NHRA on FOX segment, Tony Pedregon dives into the intricacies of the four-stroke combustion cycle of a nitromethane-burning Hemi engine. He explains the process in which air and fuel mix, compress, ignite, and exhaust through each of the…
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John Hall: In the thick of the Pro Stock Motorcycle fight once again

Leaving the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals, John Hall had plenty to smile about. He reached the fourth final round of his career and second of the season on a quick and fast Denso-backed Matt Smith Racing Buell, and he was No. 3 in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings with just one race remaining before the Countdown to the Championship.
05 Aug 2024
Kelly Wade
Feature
John Hall
Leaving the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider John Hall had plenty to smile about. The Hamden, Conn., racer reached the fourth final round of his career and second of the season on a quick and fast Denso-backed Matt Smith…
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Behind the Scenes with the winners of the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals

Go behind the scenes with the winners of the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals as they celebrate with their teams and accept congratulations from their defeated final-round opponents.
01 Aug 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Behind the Scenes
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Weekend Rewind: 2024 Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals

The Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals played out before a large crowd at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California who witnessed a wild event with resounding performances and a lot of drama. Here's a look back at some of those moments.
30 Jul 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Weekend Rewind: 2024 Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals
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Jasmine Salinas: Taking her family's Top Fuel passion into the future

Top Fuel rookie Jasmine Salinas shared her motivations and aspirations, offering a glimpse into the legacy she aims to uphold in this interview with NHRA on FOX’s Amanda Busick.
29 Jul 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Jasmine Salinas: Taking her family's Top Fuel passion into the future
  Top Fuel rookie Jasmine Salinas comes from a family deeply rooted in the drag racing community. Her father, Mike Salinas, is a well-known figure in the NHRA circuit, and her mother and sisters have also made their marks in the NHRA.…
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J.R. Todd aims to replicate past success at Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals

A year ago, a win at Sonoma Raceway came at a much-needed time for NHRA Funny Car driver J.R. Todd. He's in a much better place heading into this weekend’s Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals, but a win would be just as rewarding.
25 Jul 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
J.R. Todd
A year ago, a win at Sonoma Raceway came at a much-needed time for NHRA Funny Car driver J.R. Todd. The former champion had gone 52 races without a victory, ending a drought at a track that has been very good to him over the years. Todd and his…
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Behind the Scenes with the winners of the 2024 NHRA Northwest Nationals

Go behind the scenes with the winners of the NHRA Northwest Nationals as they celebrate with their teams and accept congratulations from their defeated final-round opponents.
24 Jul 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Behind the Scenes with the winners of the 2024 NHRA Northwest Nationals
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Top Fuel’s Steve Torrence looks to keep rolling in Wine Country

Steve Torrence received as good of a sign as any last weekend in Seattle that things are coming together at a perfect time, racing to his first Top Fuel victory of the year. Now, the goal is to keep that momentum rolling at this weekend’s Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals.
24 Jul 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Steve Torrence
Steve Torrence received as good of a sign as any last weekend in Seattle that things are coming together at a perfect time, racing to his first Top Fuel victory of the year. Now, the goal is to keep that momentum rolling at this weekend’s 36th…
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Tony Pedregon explains the combustion cycle of a 12,000-hp nitro Hemi

NHRA on FOX's Tony Pedregon delves into the mechanics of nitromethane-fueled Hemi engines and the potential disasters of losing 1,400-hp from misfiring cylinders.
23 Jul 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Nitro Hemi NHRA
In this NHRA on FOX segment, Tony Pedregon dives into the intricacies of the four-stroke combustion cycle of a nitromethane-burning Hemi engine. He explains the process in which air and fuel mix, compress, ignite, and exhaust through each of the…
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