NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

These Notes are updated throughout the day

Q1—Pro Stock Motorcycle

The opening qualifying session at Maple Grove Raceway delivered a dramatic first look at the NHRA Countdown to the Championship contenders in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle, with seven riders posting full passes and several early surprises setting the tone for the weekend.

Early Sparks and Shakers

Leading off the round, Brandon Litten clocked a clean 5.778-second run at 192.77 mph, establishing the first full pass of the session in the right lane. It set a solid baseline, though it would be quickly eclipsed.

Moments later, Ron Tornow took the left lane and delivered a 5.746 at 198.05 mph to edge out Kelly Clontz, who posted a 5.721 at 193.16 mph but gave up the win light on a holeshot (.030 to .134).

Tight Duels in the Middle of the Pack

Marc Ingwersen (5.722/194.55 mph) narrowly defeated Ryan Oehler (5.721/194.35 mph) by just .0068 seconds thanks to a razor-sharp .009 reaction time. That margin held up as one of the closest of the session.

Brayden Davis impressed with a 5.668 at 201.49 mph — the fastest speed of the round — overcoming Steve Johnson’s 5.713 at 192.47 mph to take the round by 1.441 seconds on a holeshot (.032 to -.085).

Countdown Contenders Show Their Cards

Chris Bostick threw down a stout 5.695 at 195.25 mph, knocking out Jianna Evaristo, who struggled with a 11.542 at 16.910 mph after a .185 light and early issues on the run where the bike seemed to bog.

Angie Smith, debuting her new engine for the Countdown, looked sharp with a 5.680 at 197.39 mph to get around Chase Van Sant (5.673 at 197.13 mph) on a holeshot (.019 to -.044). It was a clean, composed first lap for the former championship runner-up and a strong sign the  work is paying off.

Team Showdown — Smith vs. Hall

One of the  anticipated matchups saw teammates square off, with Matt Smith lining up against John Hall. Hall launched first with a .049 light but had trouble downtrack, racking up a 7.159 at 94.51 mph, while Smith powered to a smooth 5.661 at 200.98 mph — the second-quickest run of the session. Smith’s controlled, data-driven approach paid off, giving him an early tuning reference for the weekend.

Fastest Pass of the Session

The honor of quickest run of Q1 went to Richard Gadson, who stormed to a 5.648 at 200.92 mph from the left lane, edging Gaige Herrera’s 5.682 at 199.91 mph in a marquee showdown. Gadson’s .021 reaction gave him the advantage, and he converted it into the lowest e.t. of the round with a .0239 marging of victory

Setting the Stage

After one session, Gadson leads the field with a 5.648, followed closely by Smith (5.661), Davis (5.668), and Bostick (5.695). Speeds climbed over 200 mph for both Davis and Smith, and with air conditions likely to improve heading into Q2, expect quicker runs to be in reach.

For the Countdown-focused Matt Smith Racing camp, Smith’s 5.661, Angie’s 5.680, and Evaristo’s data-gathering lap give tuner Matt Smith plenty to work with as they chase down Vance & Hines star Gaige Herrera, who sits at 5.682 and 199.91 mph after the first session.

The first shots have been fired — and the fight for the championship has officially begun.

Q1—Pro Stock

 The first qualifying session of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship kicked off under cool Pennsylvania skies, and the naturally aspirated NHRA Pro Stock machines came out swinging. Q1 offered an early look at which teams brought speed and which will need to regroup overnight, as several Countdown contenders planted solid laps while others struggled to get clean data down the track. 

Early Benchmark

The session began with Alan Prusiensky laying down a  7.436-second run at 124.38 mph to get on the board with his Hemi-powered Pro Stocker. It wasn’t competitive in ET but crucial for early data collection. Shortly after, Brandon Miller rolled out a sharp 6.613 at 207.18 mph, beating Shane Tucker, who shook the tires and slowed to a 7.683. Miller’s .081 reaction and composed run gave him the first competitive pass of the round. 

Tight Duels in the Mid-Pack 

Matt Hartford, Eric Latino, and Deric Kramer each staged clean, quick runs to collect valuable early data. Kramer’s 6.532 at 210.37 mph nipped Troy Coughlin Jr. (6.547/209.75) by just .0104 seconds, one of the closest matchups of the round. Matt Latino ran a 6.546 at 209.98 mph to take the win light over Kenny Delco (6.585/208.46) by .1162. Meanwhile, Hartford clocked a 6.532 at 209.33 mph despite a late leave (-.145), but his strong back-half showed promise for Saturday. 

Countdown Heavyweights

2025 Indy winner Erica Enders fired a warning shot with a 6.528 at 211.30 mph to outrun Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.530/210.24) by .0247. Both cars were glued to the track, and their side-by-side 6.52s set the tone for the class. Dallas Glenn closed the round with a 6.518 at 210.83 mph — the quickest run of Q1 — turning on the win light against reigning champ Greg Anderson (6.555/205.32). Glenn’s .027 reaction and top-end charge sent a clear signal he’s here to contend. 

Trouble for Some, Triumph for Others 

Cody Coughlin had the wildest ride of the round, clocking a 10.702 at just 71.56 mph after early shake, while Greg Stanfield shut off early as well. Aaron Stanfield, however, looked sharp with a 6.505 at 211.59 mph to outrun Latino’s 6.981. That placed him just behind Glenn and Enders on the early ladder. 

Early Q1 Standings Snapshot

Fastest ET: Dallas Glenn — 6.518 @ 210.83 

Top Speed: Erica Enders — 211.30 mph 

Conditions are expected to improve for Q2, setting the stage for potential 6.40s as teams refine their tune-ups and chase the all-important points that come with top qualifying positions.

Q1—Funny Car

 The opening session of Funny Car qualifying at Maple Grove Raceway delivered a mix of fireworks, tire smoke, and early-season statements as teams launched into the NHRA Countdown to the Championship. While not everyone made it down clean, several teams threw down strong baseline laps that will shape the ladder heading into Sunday. 

Early Clean Hits

Joe Morrison fired the first shot of the session with a clean 4.065-second run at 310.41 mph, outpacing Terry Haddock’s 4.138/300.73. Morrison’s .176 reaction helped him get the early edge, and the solid 3.28 to the eighth-mile showed good traction on the newly prepped surface. Moments later, Blake Alexander lit up the scoreboards with the quickest run of the round — a 3.924 at 328.38 mph — blasting past Phil Burkart (4.074/308.35). Alexander’s 279.85 mph half-track speed confirmed his car is loaded with power for the Countdown push. 

Shaking Off the Rust

Alex Laughlin got the win light with a 4.793 at 169.85 mph after clicking it off early, while Dave Richards slowed to a 5.180. Chad Green and Cruz Pedregon both struggled, with Green limping to a 6.698/95.23 and Pedregon to a 7.081/96.58 as neither got past the 660-foot mark under power. Both teams will look to regroup overnight to stay in the hunt for the top half of the ladder. 

Tasca and DeJoria Make Noise

 Bob Tasca III roared to the second-quickest run of Q1 with a 3.962 at 327.82 mph, showing clean early numbers (2.268 to 330 feet) and strong back-half charge. He defeated Spencer Hyde, who shut off to a 5.821/116.86. Tasca’s combination of ET and speed makes him one of the early front-runners for the No. 1 spot. 

DeJoria Opens with a Statement 

Alexis DeJoria wasted no time proving her readiness for the Countdown, powering to a 4.007 at 289.57 mph to outrun Daniel Wilkerson’s 4.379/205.51. DeJoria’s clean .122 light and strong 276.63 mph at half-track showed her car was glued to the track and loaded with power from start to finish. 

Todd Blazes to Quickest of the Round

 JR Todd followed with the quickest and fastest run of the session — a 3.981 at 327.74 mph — easily getting past Paul Lee, who struggled to a 5.887 at 120.55 mph. Todd’s .087 reaction and sharp 2.294 sixty-foot gave him a strong launch, and the DHL Toyota never wavered downtrack. 

Hagan Muscles Past Capps 

In a heavyweight matchup, reigning champ Matt Hagan flexed his Countdown form with a 4.017 at 321.04 mph to drive around Ron Capps, who slowed to a 5.062/151.44 after early traction issues. Hagan’s .075 light and smooth 3.26 to the eighth-mile showed his team came prepared to throw down this weekend. 

Prock Closes with a Bang

Austin Prock closed out the session with a 5.194 at 186.90 mph over Jack Beckman’s 5.867/147.37. Though well off the pace of Todd and Hagan, the run gave Prock’s crew a full data set to build on heading into Saturday’s cooler sessions.

Q1—Top Fuel 

The opening qualifying session of Top Fuel at Maple Grove kicked off the NHRA Countdown to the Championship with several strong early passes, a few tire-smoking shakeouts, and the first look at which teams came loaded for the fall playoff fight. Cool air and tight track prep rewarded aggressive tune-ups, and multiple drivers dipped well into the 3.7s. 

Early Marker from Satenstein 

Kyle Satenstein set the first clean number of the day, posting a 3.917 at 281.25 mph with a crisp .052 reaction and solid 276.63 mph at half-track. It gave the team a valuable baseline as conditions evolve through the weekend. 

Schumacher and Mercier Step Up 

Veteran Tony Schumacher showed why he’s a perennial Countdown threat, ripping off a 3.779 at 334.24 mph to defeat Scott Farley (4.136/233.76). Schumacher’s 290.63 mph at half-track and clean .082 launch showed his team has power and control early. Dan Mercier also impressed with a 3.796 at 316.67 mph to outpace Doug Foley, who hazed the tires to a 4.831. Mercier’s smooth 2.169 sixty-foot and 287.29 mph at half-track made him one of the strongest privateers of the round. 

Torrence, Hart, and Force Join the 3.7–3.8 Club

Steve Torrence threw down the quickest run of the session with a 3.778 at 332.34 mph to defeat Shawn Reed (3.860/325.30). Torrence’s 2.158 330-foot and 287.66 mph at half-track showed his Capco machine is on point. Josh Hart followed with a strong 3.820 at 330.31 mph over Clay Millican, who struck the tires early and slowed to 5.881. 

Reigning champ Brittany Force

She returned to form with a sharp 3.816 at 334.32 mph, beating Antron Brown (5.010/145.80) and proving she’s a threat in the Countdown chase. 

Kalitta Closes with a Statement 

Doug Kalitta closed the round with a blistering 3.756 at 335.40 mph — the fastest pass of Q1 — driving around Justin Ashley, who hazed the tires and coasted to a 6.099/103.02. Kalitta’s 2.151 330-foot and 290.63 mph at half-track showed why he’s a perennial title contender.

 Q2 —Pro Stock Motorcycle

The second qualifying session at Maple Grove Raceway saw the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle field tighten up, with several riders improving their positions and a few big names reinforcing their spots at the top of the sheet. The air was cool (77°F, 49% humidity), and the track was primed to deliver, but not everyone could capitalize.

Herrera Rockets to No. 1

Gaige Herrera showed why he’s the benchmark of the class, ripping off a 6.745 at 200.20 mph to move into the No. 1 position. His reaction time was a perfect .000, and his incremental numbers were sharp (1.046 60-ft, 2.816 330-ft, 4.317/163.18 660-ft). Ryan Oehler gave chase but fell short with a 6.881/195.76.

Smith to No. 2, Gadson Just Behind

Matt Smith stormed to the No. 2 spot with a 6.753 at 200.95 mph after a clean .009 reaction and a 1.062 60-foot. His run was straight and smooth, showing that the fresh combination under his bike is coming together at just the right time.

Richard Gadson was close behind at 6.786/201.46, making another clean run that keeps him firmly in the top half despite not improving on his earlier pace.

Mid-Pack Shakeup: Hall, Ingwersen, and Tornow Climb

John Hall moved up into the top eight with a 5.744 at 199.17 mph, outrunning Brandon Litten (5.764/193.24).

Marc Ingwersen clicked off a 5.736/194.41 to defeat Chris Bostick (5.767/194.35) in one of the closest pairings of the round (.0006 MOV).

Ron Tornow also improved, laying down a 5.714/198.58 to jump to the No. 7 spot after defeating Kelly Clontz (5.733/198.26).

Evaristo and Davis Struggle

Jianna Evaristo again had trouble getting her bike cleanly through the gears, clocking a 10.440/52.09 despite a .035 light.

Brayden Davis shut off early and slowed to 8.458/109.12, while Chase Van Sant also had issues but salvaged an 8.004/116.76.

Countdown Contender Angie Smith Shows Muscle

Angie Smith made a solid step forward with a 5.669 at 198.41 mph, defeating Steve Johnson (5.683/194.10). Angie’s 1.083 60-foot and 2.858 330-foot showed her new engine package is settling in well under Countdown pressure.

Q2 Highlights

Quickest ET: Gaige Herrera — 6.745 @ 200.20 mph

Top Speeds: Richard Gadson — 201.46 mph; John Hall — 199.17 mph

Big Movers: Matt Smith to No. 2, John Hall into the top eight, Ron Tornow into the top seven

Notables: Angie Smith 5.669/198.41 shows promising progress

With Herrera and Smith leading the charge, the PSM field is shaping up for an intense battle on Saturday. Expect even quicker times in Q3 as teams chase the bonus points and the critical No. 1 qualifier heading into eliminations. 

Q2—Top Fuel

As the sun dipped behind the Pennsylvania hills, the second qualifying session for Top Fuel at Maple Grove Raceway turned up the intensity. Cooler evening air and a tight track gave teams an ideal window to unleash more horsepower—and several Countdown contenders delivered with 3.7-second blasts that reshuffled the qualifying sheet.

Millican Lights the Fuse
Clay Millican set the tone for Q2 with the quickest run of the session, storming to a 3.704 at 336.32 mph to edge Shawn Langdon (3.762/333.49). Millican’s crisp .112 reaction and strong 2.984 330-foot launched him to the top of the order heading into Saturday.

Ashley, Torrence, and Hart Bring the Heat
Justin Ashley delivered a smooth 3.738 at 331.69 mph, making his best lap of the weekend so far.
Steve Torrence shook the tires and slowed to a 6.548, while Josh Hart capitalized with a solid 3.811 at 332.26 mph, jumping into the top half of the field with a .110 light and strong 288.09 mph at half-track.

Stewart Scores, Force Steady
Tony Stewart got down the track clean at 5.147/137.25 mph to beat a struggling Antron Brown (5.938/111.06), while Brittany Force kept her consistency rolling with a 4.795/152.93 against Doug Foley (5.669/114.13). Force’s early numbers—.096 RT, .840 60-foot—show she’s poised for a big move in Q3.

Reed and Kalitta Close Strong
Shawn Reed impressed with a 3.758 at 328.46 mph to easily outrun Dan Mercier (6.874/94.51).
Doug Kalitta capped the session with a clean 4.520 at 175.91 mph to defeat Tony Schumacher (5.402/127.41), though Kalitta slowed from his earlier 3.75 pace as the car drifted downtrack.

Q2 Highlights
•    Quickest ET: Clay Millican — 3.704 @ 336.32 mph
•    Top Speeds: Shawn Langdon — 333.49 mph; Josh Hart — 332.26 mph
•    Notables: Ashley 3.738/331.69, Reed 3.758/328.46, Hart 3.811/332.26

With Millican, Ashley, and Reed showing serious pace, the field is tightening at the top. Saturday’s final qualifying sessions could see a run into the 3.6s as teams chase the No. 1 spot and vital Countdown bonus points.
 

Q2 — Funny Car

The second Funny Car qualifying session under Friday evening skies at Maple Grove Raceway delivered power, drama, and plenty of movement on the ladder. Cooler air and prime track conditions allowed several Countdown heavy-hitters to flex their muscle and make major improvements as they chase valuable bonus points.

Early Movers

Paul Lee opened the session strong with a 3.895 at 290.57 mph to defeat Jack Beckman (3.901/330.72). Lee’s sharp .076 light and clean 2.205 to 330 feet showed their tuneup is trending in the right direction.

Spencer Hyde followed with a stout 3.860 at 330.07 mph, knocking off Ron Capps, who slowed to a 5.863/74.06 after early traction issues.

Big Names Turn Up the Heat

Austin Prock unleashed his best run of the weekend with a 3.882 at 333.74 mph to edge Alex Laughlin (4.255/292.90). Prock’s .053 light and 2.242 330-foot split showed his machine was hooked up from start to stripe.

Phil Burkart was another standout, blasting to a 4.082 at 309.63 mph to defeat Dave Richards (9.639/87.56) after Richards lost traction early.

Wilkerson, DeJoria, and Hagan Impress

Daniel Wilkerson carded a 3.912 at 329.34 mph to outpace Joe Morrison (9.124/103.05), while Alexis DeJoria stepped up with a 3.948 at 329.26 mph to get by Terry Haddock (4.176/300.33).

Matt Hagan continued to build momentum, posting a clean 3.932 at 330.80 mph to outrun JR Todd, who made it close with a 3.911/334.24 in the tightest race of the round (.0061 MOV).

Alexander Closes Strong

Blake Alexander finished the session with a statement run—3.547 at 143.44 mph early numbers, clocking a 3.932 at 330.80 mph overall—to defeat Bob Tasca III (4.053/143.44). Alexander’s 2.496 330-foot and 3.465 660-foot showed his team has found their rhythm heading into Saturday.

Q2 Highlights

Quickest ET: Austin Prock — 3.882 @ 333.74 mph

Top Speed: JR Todd — 334.24 mph

Other 3.8s: Spencer Hyde (3.860), Matt Hagan (3.932), Daniel Wilkerson (3.912), Alexis DeJoria (3.948)

With the top half of the ladder tightening, Funny Car is shaping up for a Saturday showdown. Expect the battle for the No. 1 spot to come down to the wire as teams push for the cool evening conditions to dip into the 3.7s.
 

Q2—Pro Stock Q2 

As the second qualifying session wrapped up under prime Friday evening conditions, the NHRA Pro Stock field at Maple Grove reshuffled dramatically, with sharp runs from title contenders setting the tone for the weekend.

Dallas Glenn blasted to the provisional No. 1 spot with a stellar 6.502 at 210.50 mph, showing the consistency and finesse that’s made him a championship threat all season. Glenn was quick on the tree with a .041 light and kept it hooked up from start to finish, outrunning Cory Reed (6.519). Just behind Glenn, Erica Enders delivered her second strong run of the day, laying down a 6.506 at 211.36 to slot into the No. 3 position and get past Aaron Stanfield (6.512).

Earlier pairs saw Greg Anderson post a 6.525 at 208.17 to climb to No. 4, while Cody Coughlin impressed with a 6.520 at 209.33 to move up the sheet. Matt Hartford (6.602), Brandon Miller (6.618), and Eric Latino (6.594) also put down competitive runs, with Hartford staying clean and Latino rebounding from an earlier sensor issue.

With track temperatures falling and the points battle tightening, the Friday night bump spot tightened as well. Saturday’s final two sessions will determine if Glenn’s 6.50 can withstand the pressure from a fiercely packed Pro Stock field at the Reading Nationals.