NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

If anyone wondered whether Thunder Valley would live up to its name, Friday provided the answer.

The hills thundered. The race cars thundered. And when the dust settled on an unforgettable opening day of the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, two long-awaited stories had reached their conclusion.

One year after the pedal-fest frustration that defined his 2025 New England Nationals victory, Funny Car's Jack Beckman returned to the Epping Winner's circle in Bristol in emphatic fashion, completing the rain-delayed Epping final with the kind of dominance that leaves no questions unanswered. What was once a conversation about surviving became a statement about thriving—and the number one qualifier for this weekend. 

In Top Fuel, Leah Pruett reminded the drag racing world why champions are never truly gone. Her victory marked her first national event win since 2023, but more importantly it served as proof that talent, preparation, and persistence are eternal. Through every challenge, every adjustment, and every expectation, Pruett and her team stayed the course. On Friday in Bristol, they were rewarded with an Epping Wally and a powerful reminder that greatness has a way of returning.

Now the attention turns fully to the Thunder Valley Nationals.

In Pro Stock, Greg Anderson continues to look less like a racer searching for speed and more like a craftsman perfecting a masterpiece. His HendrickCars.com Chevrolet is refined to an extraordinary level. The veteran has created so many pathways to success that it almost seems as though failure has been engineered out of the equation. Every qualifying run is efficient. Every round is dangerous. If Anderson continues this pace, the rest of the Pro Stock field faces a daunting challenge.

Pro Stock Motorcycle may offer the most compelling battle of the weekend. Angie Smith arrives carrying the confidence of a recent winner and the momentum that has made her one of the toughest riders in the category. Across the midway, Gaige Herrera continues to show flashes of the dominance that made him a champion. Both riders looked sharp Friday, and both have the potential to control the ladder as qualifying continues today. If you're looking for a storyline to follow, start there.

Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Adds Saturday Stakes

As if Thunder Valley needed any more horsepower, Saturday's qualifying sessions will also feature the latest installment of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, where semifinalists from the previous event square off for bonus money, bonus points, and bragging rights.

In Top Fuel, Friday's New England Nationals winner Leah Pruett will face Billy Torrence in one semifinal pairing, while points leader Shawn Langdon takes on Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta in the other. With Pruett carrying fresh momentum from her Epping victory and Torrence showing flashes of 300-mph performance on the new surface, either matchup could easily feel like a Sunday final.

Funny Car offers an equally compelling lineup. Jordan Vandergriff continues his impressive rookie campaign against veteran J.R. Todd, while newly crowned New England Nationals winner Jack Beckman squares off against Ron Capps in a matchup featuring two of the category's most accomplished drivers. If Friday was Beckman's celebration, Saturday will test whether the PEAK Chevrolet team can keep the momentum rolling.

The Pro Stock Challenge may be the most difficult ticket in the house. Dallas Glenn and Greg Anderson, the two dominant forces in the category, meet in a heavyweight showdown that could easily preview Sunday's final round. In the opposite lane pairing, Matt Hartford faces Greg Stanfield, two racers capable of stealing the spotlight whenever conditions get favorable.

Pro Stock Motorcycle features a pair of intriguing matchups led by recent race winner Angie Smith, who will take on Richard Gadson. Gadson steps into the Challenge as an alternate for Clayton Howey, who is not entered in Bristol. The other semifinal features Ryan Oehler against Jianna Evaristo, giving fans another opportunity to watch one of the sport's most competitive categories battle for bonus cash and momentum heading into eliminations.

The first round of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge will be contested during the opening professional qualifying session, with the winners returning during the final qualifying session to determine Saturday's Challenge champions.

The weather forecast calls for heat. The new racing surface continues to improve with every pass. Crew chiefs are gaining confidence. Drivers are finding rhythm. The result should be exactly what Thunder Valley is famous for: fast race cars, dramatic moments, and grandstands echoing with horsepower.

Saturday at a Glance – Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

• 8:30 a.m. – Parking lots open
  9:00 a.m. – Spectator gates open
  9:30 a.m. – Sportsman eliminations begin
  10:30 a.m. – Midway opens

  11:15 a.m. – Factory Stock Showdown qualifying
  11:30 a.m. – Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series qualifying

  12:30 p.m. – Top Fuel qualifying and Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Round 1
  1:05 p.m. – Funny Car qualifying and Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Round 1
  1:45 p.m. – Pro Stock qualifying and Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Round 1
  2:15 p.m. – Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying and Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Round 1
  2:35 p.m. – Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series qualifying

  3:00 p.m. – Top Fuel qualifying and Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge finals
  3:35 p.m. – Funny Car qualifying and Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge finals
  4:15 p.m. – Pro Stock qualifying and Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge finals
  4:45 p.m. – Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying and Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge finals

  5:10 p.m. – Factory Stock Showdown eliminations, Round 1
  5:25 p.m. – Sportsman eliminations continue

Track Records
 

Top Fuel — E.T.: Steve Torrence, 3.667 seconds (October 2021); Speed: Justin Ashley, 336.49 mph (June 2023)
Funny Car — E.T.: Ron Capps, 3.884 seconds (June 2016); Speed: Matt Hagan, 330.31 mph (October 2021)
Pro Stock — E.T.: Greg Anderson, 6.613 seconds (June 2022); Speed: Bo Butner, 209.26 mph (June 2016)
Pro Stock Motorcycle — E.T.: Matt Smith, 6.759 seconds (June 2024); Speed: Matt Smith, 200.05 mph (June 2024)

Stream Every Run

Fans can watch live qualifying and exclusive event coverage on NHRA.TV.

NHRA.TV

Watch on NHRA on FOX

Fans can watch qualifying coverage Friday evening on FS1, while eliminations from the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals air Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on FS1 as NHRA's 75th Anniversary season continues. 

Be There

Nothing compares to experiencing Thunder Valley in person.

The sound. The mountains. The nitro. The pressure.

This is one of drag racing's most iconic venues and one of the most atmospheric stops on the NHRA schedule. Tickets remain available for qualifying and eliminations throughout the weekend. Fans can purchase tickets and view the complete event schedule through the NHRA event page and Bristol Dragway ticket office. (Bristol Motor Speedway)