NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Longtime Division 5 Comp racer Will Hatcher will make his Pro Stock debut at the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties in the American Ethanol 2017 Dodge Dart that Deric Kramer drove last season.

Hatcher, a second-generation NHRA drag racer from Satanta, Kan., got his start in NHRA’s Jr. Drag Racing League at age 10 and has been competing in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series since 2003. Last year, he was the 2017 Division 5 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series champion in Comp eliminator.

Hatcher has been prepared for an opportunity to run Pro Stock. He received his Pro Stock license in 2012, so when he received a call from the Kramer family earlier this year asking if he would be interested in running their Dodge Pro Stock machine at a few events, he was more than ready to take on the challenge.

“I’ve dreamed of driving a Pro Stock car as far back as I can remember,” said Hatcher. “It feels a little surreal. I can’t wait to get out there and give it my all. There are so many people supporting me and making this opportunity possible. I’m beyond grateful and blessed by God. Hopefully we can make them proud and have a lot of fun out there. It’s especially cool that I’ll get to work on the car side-by-side with my dad. Racing has always been a family sport for us.” 

Heartland Motorsports Park holds special significance for Hatcher as the setting for his first victory in Jr. Dragster as well as his first event win in Comp Eliminator. It feels almost serendipitous that his first competitive pass in Pro Stock should take place at this historic track.

“To be a Kansan, racing in the state capitol at an iconic Kansas track and sponsored by Kansas businesses, is truly an honor,” said Hatcher. “Fry Eye Associates, Billy’s Blue Duck BBQ and Conestoga Energy have been so generous in their support of this endeavor. We have such an incredible community in southwest Kansas. I’m excited to represent them this weekend.”