NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Fan-favorite Top Fuel racer Cory McClenathan has withdrawn from competition at the Texas NHRA FallNationals, where he had planned to drive good friend Dexter Tuttle’s dragster, due to health reasons.

McClenathan had to withdraw from last weekend’s Funny Car Chaos event at Texas Motorplex due to severe dehydration that caused some stomach issues and left him unable to pilot Rick Akers’ Nostalgia Funny Car and briefly hospitalized at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. After returning home to California still intent on competing at the FallNationals, McClenathan ultimately opted to withdraw. It is expected that Kebin Kinsley will drive the car this weekend.

“I know this is the right decision when I don’t feel 100% and would never ignore this fact and possibly endanger my fellow competitors,” said McClenathan. “I would like to thank Josh Peterson and NHRA for working with me as I attempted to race this weekend."

McClenathan also expressed heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Tuttle for this weekend and was looking forward to working with tuner Aaron Brooks for the first time in all the years they have known each other and wished him and Tony Shortall luck and success.

McClenathan’s longtime sponsors Nordic Boats and RevChem will still be on the dragster along with Lucas Oil, FatHeadz Eyewear, and SignPros.

McClenathan is still planning to run Akers’ Nostalgia Funny Car coming at the California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield and in the exhibition at the NHRA Nevada Nationals.