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NHRA ANNOUNCES 10 A.M. TOP FUEL START FOR SUNDAY ELIMINATIONS AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

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Sitko, Hilton, Pettit, and Williamson sweep titles at 54th Nightfire Nationals

The 54th Annual Nightfire Nationals presented by Bi-Mart, lit up western Idaho, one of the crown jewel stops in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series, where Nathan Sitko powered the Bubble Up Funny Car to a marquee win
04 Aug 2025
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Nathan Sitko

The 54th Annual Nightfire Nationals presented by Bi-Mart, lit up western Idaho, one of the crown jewel stops in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series.

Nathan Sitko powered the Bubble Up Funny Car to a marquee win, clocking a 5.70 at 250.88 mph to outrun a stacked 15-car field. Sitko and the Hodgson team ended the five-year Nightfire reign of Austin & O’Brien when Shane Westerfield lost fire after his burnout, dashing hopes for a sixth straight title in dramatic fashion.

NHRA

In AA/Fuel Dragster, it was a family feud for the ages. Tyler Hilton edged out his uncle Mike Hilton, posting a 5.79 at 246.93 to Mike’s 5.99 at 239.23 in a thrilling all-Cincinnati, Ohio final round.

Jason Pettit claimed the AA/Fuel Altered title with a strong 6.18 at 227.69, beating Mathew Leonard (6.85/216.76). In Pro Modified, Bret Williamson stormed to victory with a 3.92 at 196.13 after John Durden left too early, red-lighting in the final round.

The NHRA.tv Challenge Bracketeer Series ran over three nights and crowned six overall champions. Titles were awarded to:

Bracketeer Champ: Ryan O’Connor
Pro: Andy Schmall
Heavy: Tyler Rush
Bike/Sled: David Wood
Pro Comp: Austin Schoenfeld

O’Connor also clinched the Top Fire title, sealing a standout weekend in the sportsman ranks.

As the smoke settles over Firebird, the Nightfire once again delivered nitro, nostalgia, and next-level competition—firing up the back half of the Hot Rod Heritage season with plenty of momentum.

NHRA