NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Alex Laughlin, who enjoyed a successful 2016 with his first win in Pro Stock and his debut in the Top Alcohol Dragster class, figures to be a busy individual in 2017 with a distinct possibility that he will drive as many as four different race cars.

Laughlin’s current plan calls for him to return to the seat of Anthony Dicero’s Nitro University A/Fuel dragster for approximately 15 races, which will be enough to allow him to pursue the Lucas Oil Series Top Alcohol Dragster title. Laughlin also plans to compete in his Gas Monkey Energy Pro Stock Camaro, at a yet-to-be determined number of NHRA Mello Yello series events. As if that wasn’t enough, Laughlin is also exploring driving opportunities that would have him in the seat of a Pro Mod car and/or a Top Fuel dragster this season.

“We definitely have a lot going on right now,” said Laughlin, the winner of last season’s AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis. “A lot of what we do depends on sponsorship and that’s still a work in progress. I still have Gas Monkey and some other great sponsors, and that is going to allow us to chase the Top Alcohol Dragster championship with a really good shot at winning it. We will still race Pro Stock, but at this point, we just don’t know how many race or which ones in particular. We're not racing in Pomona, but if the right deal came together we could be back on track in the next week or two.”

Laughlin is particularly excited about the opportunity to race in the Top Alcohol Dragster category since he will receive assistance from Morgan Lucas Racing. Dicero’s nitro-burning dragster will be based in the Lucas Racing headquarters in Brownsburg, Ind., and Laughlin will have a chance to lean on Lucas driver Richie Crampton for advice. Lucas disbanded his Top Fuel team at least temporarily, after the 2016 season.

“Morgan has agreed to help us out with just about anything we might need from trucks and trailers to the use of his machine shop and fab shop. He wants to stay involved, and he has guys like Richie that are still working in the shop. Between Morgan, Richie, and Anthony, I’d like to think I have access to the best advice possible.  As far as talent, we’re basically going to have a Top Fuel team in the A/Fuel class. I’m certainly looking forward to having Richie help me with the driving aspect of this. I think that will be huge. If I can figure out how to step on the gas on time I think we’ll be on to something.”

Laughlin, who has spent much of the offseason working in the Gas Monkey Garage near his hometown of Granbury, Texas, is expected to make his first start of the season in Top Alcohol Dragster in Gainesville. He also hopes to follow through on his plans to earn a Top Fuel license this season, and he is also part of ongoing discussions that would allow him to compete in the J&A Services Pro Mod Series at some point.

“I’m hoping that this will be a stepping stone to Top Fuel because that’s my ultimate goal at this point,” said Laughlin. “I have a lot of options right now, and I have some great sponsors like Gas Monkey, Lucas Oil Products, Bonifante Friction, CP, Carillo, TBM Brakes, Simpson, and Mahle.”