NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Del Worsham is used to making the most of big moments throughout his standout NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series career.

He grabbed the spotlight last year during the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, winning four races and claiming his first Funny Car world championship. Now in the midst of trying to defend his title in a loaded class, Worsham’s next big chance to shine comes at the most unique race on the NHRA circuit, the 7th annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals presented by Lowes Foods, April 22-24, at zMAX Dragway.

The one-of-a-kind spectacle features four 10,000-horsepower nitro machines powering down the track at one time, a scene that has become a hit with fans. Fresh off his second final-round appearance of 2016, Worsham hopes to claim his first NHRA Four-Wide Nationals win in Funny Car in his Kalitta Motorsports-owned DHL Toyota Camry.

With a victory, he would become the first driver to win the distinctive event in both nitro categories.

"It seems to be one of the ones that the fans enjoy, especially our TV audience," said Worsham, who won the Four-Wide Nationals in Top Fuel in 2011. “We just [want] to continue to grow. Again, I am fortunate to have the same DHL team as last season, and every one of these guys knows their roles and how we got to the championship last season. We are going to continue to learn and race hard to be ready to run for the title once the Countdown hits."

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Larry Morgan (Pro Stock), and Andrew Hines (PSM) were last year’s Four-Wide Nationals winners. The race will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), with qualifying highlights April 23 at 10 p.m. and finals coverage April 24 at 4:30 p.m. It is also the fifth of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, and Worsham’s title defense has started strong.

After becoming just the third driver in NHRA history to win a world championship in Top Fuel and Funny Car, Worsham and his Kalitta Motorsports team haven’t slowed down. He advanced to the final round at Pomona’s Winternationals to start the season and posted another final showing at the most recent event, in Las Vegas, moving to third in points. All of this comes after the team properly celebrated the Funny Car world championship, as Worsham remains impressed with the drive of his team in 2016.

"The DHL team definitely has resolve,” said Worsham, who has 38 victories. “We definitely celebrated the championship win like we should have, but when it was time to be focused, my team was focused and ready for the new season. It has been several seasons since anyone has repeated, and we are aiming on doing just that."

The Las Vegas race was particularly meaningful for Worsham, even in defeat. He lost to teammate Alexis DeJoria in what was the first final-round matchup between the two Kalitta Motorsports drivers. It was also the first time in NHRA history that two Kalitta Motorsports Funny Cars reached a final round together.

It was a special moment, and DeJoria said as much following the race, noting the tremendous impact Worsham has had on her career as a mentor and teammate. Hearing that meant just as much for veteran Worsham, who was thrilled to deliver an all-Kalitta final round for team owner Connie Kalitta.

"Since 2013, when I got back in the seat, that is the goal that Alexis and I have been trying to reach,” Worsham said. “It was an incredible honor to hear those words from Alexis and be able to deliver something for the first time to Connie Kalitta. The man is a legend in the sport, and there are not a lot of firsts still to reach, so I am glad I could be a part of that one.

“Team Kalitta has worked tirelessly in the offseason to not rest on our laurels but continue to grow and get better. All four cars have run well and are solid to start the season. Anyone can win each weekend, and that is what we are trying to do."

To get a second NHRA Four-Wide Nationals victory, Worsham must again master the intricacies of four-lane racing. It can be a challenging endeavor for even the most experienced drivers, but Worsham also has to deal with the star-studded lineup in the Funny Car class.