NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series powers back to one of the preeminent facilities in the country for the 11th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, June 22-25. Fans will once again be able to enjoy the thrilling sights and sounds of 10,000-horsepower nitro-burning machines at an event that is both a fan and driver-favorite on the NHRA tour. 

It is the 12th of 24 events as the 2017 season hits the halfway point and also finishes off a grueling stretch of four consecutive race weekends. The fan-friendly event comes at an important time with the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship approaching, as teams in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will battle for victories and crucial world championship points in hopes of building momentum for the second half of the season. 

Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1, including final eliminations coverage starting at 6:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, June 25.

Shawn Langdon

Langdon’s Norwalk win in Top Fuel capped off two straight victories for the 2013 world champion, and now driving for Kalitta Motorsports he is looking to break into the top 10 in points with an impressive performance. There are a number of major threats trying to keep him from a second victory at the facility, including previous event winners Antron Brown, the back-to-back world champ, and eight-time world champ Tony Schumacher. Other top talents in the class include three-time 2017 winner Leah Pritchett, points leader Steve Torrence, Doug Kalitta, Brittany Force. the Top Fuel’s newest winner, Bristol champ Clay Millican.

Ron Capps

Capps’ Funny Car victory a season ago in Norwalk was his first at the track and the longtime veteran used that momentum to help claim his first world championship. Capps has been equally impressive in 2017, reeling off five season victories to take a commanding points lead. But competition remains stiff in the star-studded class and will include the likes of two-time Norwalk winner Jack Beckman, 16-time world champion John Force, three-time season winner Matt Hagan, Robert Hight, J.R. Todd, Courtney Force and Tim Wilkerson.

Jason Line

In Pro Stock, Line’s second career victory at his sponsor’s race in Norwalk helped secure his third world championship. His Summit Racing Equipment teammate Greg Anderson has a class-best three wins at the facility, and both have victories in 2017. But they currently trail points leader Bo Butner, who has posted two victories this season. Rookie Tanner Gray has matched him in the wins department this year after winning the most recent race in Topeka, while other class stars expected to compete for the Norwalk victory include Ohio native Jeg Coughlin Jr., Erica Enders, Drew Skillman, Allen Johnson and Vincent Nobile, a two-time winner at the race.

Eddie Krawiec

Krawiec’s victory in Pro Stock Motorcycle capped off a dominating weekend that also saw the three-time world championship qualify in the top spot. Krawiec won the season-opening race in the class, which has its fifth of 16 races in 2017 in Norwalk, and is the current points leader, though L.E. Tonglet has closed that gap after back-to-back victories. Others standouts to watch include four-time Norwalk winner Andrew Hines, two-time world champ and two-time event winner Matt Smith, reigning world champion Jerry Savoie and three-time champion Angelle Sampey.

The NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series makes its eighth of 12 stops in the 2017 season in Norwalk, Mike Castellana is the current points leader in the talent-heavy class. The event also features thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, showcasing the future stars of the sport. After Nitro qualifying, fans can watch the spectacular Douthit Motorsports eye lighting Black Pearl Jet Funny Car vs. Pro Jet Motorsports Al Z's Hot Blade Jet Dragster. Jet cars are thrust driven propelled by jet engines with exciting pre-run flame shows.

Along with the exciting on-track action, the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals will honor first responders with NHRA’s “Salute to First Responders” celebration.  

As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5:15 and 7:45 p.m. on Friday, June 23 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 24, at 12:45 and 3:15 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 25.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park at (419) 668-5555. Tickets also are available online at www.summitmotorsportspark.com. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult.