NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

NHRA Countdown to the Championship contender Josh Hart is looking forward to heading to zMax Dragway for the second Countdown playoff race, Sept.19-21. His racing history at the track includes winning a national event, his rookie season during the NHRA Carolina Nationals, and success in the four-wide format at the track located just north of Charlotte. For the fifth consecutive season, Hart will be racing pink in support of the Brakes for Breasts charity campaign aligned with his primary sponsor TechNet Professional, an elite network of automotive repair shops across North America.

“I am very proud to be associated with TechNet and the Brakes for Breasts program,” said Hart, a two-time Top Fuel national event winner. “This program does an amazing job of raising donations for breast cancer research and engaging the thousands of TechNet shops and their customers. I can’t wait to get this pink TechNet Brakes for Breasts Top Fuel dragster on the track and into the winner’s circle.”

Part of the Advance Auto Parts portfolio of brands, TechNet Professional Automotive Service features a network of more than 15,000 repair shops across the U.S. and Canada. TechNet shops are locally owned and focused on delivering exceptional customer care and service. Shops that are part of TechNet Nation employ highly skilled and trained staff while also using quality parts from Carquest, DieHard batteries and other leading brands. Shops also participate in important charitable initiatives in the communities they serve, such as Brakes for Breasts.

While Hart will be looking to make an impact to stop breast cancer, he will also be looking to jump-start his Top Fuel world championship pursuit. Fans can show their support for Brakes for Breast and Hart’s involvement by donating here. His success in Charlotte, combined with his unstoppable optimism, will be critical to qualifying and race-day improvement.

“I won the Carolina Nationals in my rookie season, and that really gave my whole program a major boost. I am looking forward to repping TechNet as well as R+L Carriers,” said Hart. “The next season I decided to race full time, and the past four seasons have been full of ups and downs. Charlotte is a great facility and will always be special. I have also done well in the four-wide races there, so hopefully that will work in my favor this weekend.”

His success at the four-wide format includes multiple final quad appearances. In 2021, he raced to the final quad from the No. 4 qualified position. In 2022 and 2023, he returned to the final quad racing to the final round from the No. 6 and No. 5 qualified spots, respectively. Earlier this season, he advanced from the first quad before being ousted by Shawn Langdon and Justin Ashley in the second round.

“I feel really comfortable racing four-wide in Charlotte, and we have had success in Las Vegas too,” said Hart. “You just have to pay attention and run your own race. I like the fact that if you get to the finish line first or second you can keep racing. Having a four-wide race in the Countdown will be interesting.”

Last weekend at the NHRA Reading Nationals presented by Nitro Fish, Hart qualified No. 10 and lost in the first round to Steve Torrence. There were several early exits from higher seeded drivers, and the reshuffled points have kept Hart in the championship chase with five races left. He will need a solid weekend to seriously pursue his goal of a Top Fuel world championship.

“We battled tough track conditions in Reading, but so did a lot of teams,” said Hart, a multitime national event winner. “There were some upsets throughout the day, and we just need to make our own luck in Charlotte. There is still a very real opportunity to jump up in the points. Cruz Pedregon and the Snap-on Funny Car jumped from 11th to sixth with one race win.”

Leading up to the NHRA Reading Nationals, the sale of Hart’s Top Fuel operation to Richard Freeman and Elite Motorsports was announced. The transaction will be official at the conclusion of the season, with Hart exploring his driving options for the future.

“I am blessed to be able to chase my dream of winning a Top Fuel world championship, and this season has opened my eyes to what is important,” said Hart. “We will have some more announcements coming up. I am keeping my options open. I could be racing for someone else in a dream scenario or I could rebuild my operation. I am not going anywhere, that’s for sure.”

Leading up to the Countdown race, Hart will be the featured driver in a free autograph session and driver appearance at Super Eagle Auto (6521 Orr Rd Charlotte, NC 28213) from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and fans are encouraged to come by for autographs and photos.