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Keeping NHRA Fans Up to Date

Follow our coverage through our newly designed news and videos sections. Don't forget to follow our social media posts.

From spectator to Top Fuel driver, Jake Opatrny excited for Chicago 'home game'

Top Fuel rookie Jake Opatrny and the Leverich Racing team have chosen a “home game” for their next assault on the field, competing at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals with Chicago Federation of Labor/Proud Union Home as primary sponsor.
17 May 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
News
Jake Opatrny
Top Fuel rookie Jake Opatrny and the Leverich Racing team have chosen a “home game” for their next assault on the field, competing at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by Peak Performance.  Opatrny, of…
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Eight standouts geared up for NHRA Pro Stock All-Star Callout at Route 66 Raceway

The NHRA Pro Stock All-Star Callout will grab a marquee spotlight on Saturday, May 20 as part of the NHRA’s return to Chicago at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak Performance at Route 66 Raceway.
17 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
NHRA Pro Stock All-Star Callout
The eight spots in the NHRA Pro Stock All-Star Callout are in place, but the real fun is only just beginning in the first callout specialty race for the class. It will grab a marquee spotlight on Saturday, May 20 as part of the NHRA’s return to…
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Check out these five memorable moments from Route 66 Raceway's history

As NHRA prepares to return to Route 66 Raceway this weekend for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak Performance, let's take a look back at the history of the event and relive five great moments.
17 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Route 66 Raceway
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Mountain Motor Pro Stock class set to make 2023 season debut in Chicago

The Mountain Motor Pro Stock class will make its 2023 debut at Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak Performance. The competition will be presented by Menards home improvement stores.
16 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Mountain Motor Pro Stock
The classic Ford versus Chevy rivalry will come to life in the form of 800-plus-cubic-inch Mountain Motor Pro Stock cars at this weekend’s Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak Performance in the Chicago market.…
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Tricky Tipster: Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals

NHRA makes a long-awaited return to Route 66 Raceway for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 Nationals this weekend and we've tabbed Brittany Force, Matt Hagan, Matt Hartford, and Gaige Herrera as our pre-race favorites.
16 May 2023
NHRA National Dragster staff
Tricky Tipster®
Tipster
With both of the four wide events behind us, it’s now time to greet an old friend, Route 66 Raceway. The last time NHRA raced in Joliet was 2019 and for anyone who doesn’t remember, Steve Torrence, Tommy Johnson Jr., Deric Kramer, and Matt Smith won…
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Don Garlits, screenwriter: 'Big Daddy' working on autobiographical film project

Just as he has been doing throughout his Hall of Fame drag racing career, Top Fuel legend Don Garlits is taking matters into his own hands, writing a screenplay for a motion picture about his life and racing career, tentatively titled Don Garlits, The Story of an American Legend.
16 May 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
News
Don Garlits
Just as he has been doing throughout his Hall of Fame drag racing career, Don Garlits is taking matters into his own hands to make sure the job is done right. The quarter-mile legend is in the midst of writing a screenplay for an autobiographical…
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Electrolit joins Jim Dunn Racing beginning at NHRA Route 66 Nationals event

Electrolit premium hydration products has joined Jim Dunn Racing in a promotion with Menards stores this summer, beginning this weekend at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak Performance, where Electrolit will join the team for a driver autograph session and Funny Car display at the Menards store in Joliet, Ill.
16 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Jim Dunn Racing
Electrolit premium hydration products has joined Jim Dunn Racing in a promotion with Menards stores this summer. With temperatures starting to warm up at racetracks, Jim Dunn Racing has aligned itself with Electrolit to keep its team hydrated and…
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Autodesk takes spotlight with Langdon primary partnership at Route 66 Raceway

Shawn Langdon will fly the Autodesk colors when Team Kalitta lands at Route 66 Raceway May 19-21 for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill.
15 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Autodesk
Past NHRA Top Fuel champion Shawn Langdon will fly the Autodesk colors when Team Kalitta lands at Route 66 Raceway next week. The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season resumes May 19-21 at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA…
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Wally Parks NHRA Nostalgia Nationals prepares for kickoff at Beech Bend Raceway

Celebrating its 20th year in 2023, the Wally Parks NHRA Nostalgia Nationals presented by Holley returns to historic Beech Bend Raceway on June 15-17 for an unforgettable weekend filled with nostalgia racing, incredible hot rods, and much more.
15 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Wally Parks NHRA Nostalgia Nationals
Celebrating its 20th year in 2023, the Wally Parks NHRA Nostalgia Nationals presented by Holley returns to historic Beech Bend Raceway on June 15-17 for an unforgettable weekend filled with nostalgia racing, incredible hot rods, and much more.…
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Brandon Miller is learning the ropes as a Pro and winning as a Sportsman racer

At just 19 years of age, Brandon Miller has already earned two division championships, a JEGS Allstars title, and two national event wins. Miller is making good use of his time, and most recently, he claimed the Top Sportsman trophy in Charlotte — where he was also competing in the second Pro Stock race of his young career.
15 May 2023
Kelly Wade
Feature
Brandon Miller
Not that he's in a hurry, but Brandon Miller is a guy who sure doesn't seem to waste any time. At just 19 years of age, the Canterbury, Conn., resident has already earned two NHRA Northeast Division championships, the JEGS Allstars Top Dragster…
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Alex Taylor discusses upcoming "Drag and Drive" event at Route 66 Nationals

Alex Taylor, the "Drag and Drive" maven, joins WFO Radio to preview her appearance at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by Peak Performance in Joliet, Ill. 
15 May 2023
News
Alex Taylor
  Alex Taylor, the "Drag and Drive" maven, joins WFO Radio to preview her appearance at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by Peak Performance in Joliet, Ill.  In this discussion, co-hosted by WFO’…
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Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge matchups set for NHRA’s return to Chicago

The Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge is back, bringing an added measure of excitement as the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series makes its first Chicago appearance in four years at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway on May 19-21.
12 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge
The Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge is back, bringing an added measure of excitement as the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series makes its first Chicago appearance in four years at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals at…
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From Half Day to Route 66, from 'the Greek' to 'Wilk,' an Illinois drag racing primer

Next weekend, the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series will take its official return to Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., to continue the state’s 70-year love affair with drag racing.
12 May 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
DRAGSTER Insider
Route 66 Raceway
Next weekend, the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series will take its official return to Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., to continue the state’s 70-year love affair with drag racing. According to Mel Bayshore’s encyclopedic…
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Camrie Caruso makes switch to Tequila Comisario beginning in Chicago

Beginning with the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals, May 19-21, Camrie Caruso will campaign a new look Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro in the Pro Stock category. 
11 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Camrie Caruso
Beginning with the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals, May 19-21, Camrie Caruso will campaign a new look Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro in the Pro Stock category.  Caruso, the reigning NHRA Rookie of the Year, will race…
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Tony Stewart, TJ Zizzo, and Chris King talk winning, Chicago, and more

11 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
NHRA Insider podcast
NHRA Insider podcast
  On this three-guest episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, racers Tony Stewart, T.J. Zizzo, and Chris King join host Brian Lohnes to talk about winning races, new cars, and working relentlessly to make it in the sport of NHRA drag racing…
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Prock brothers, Austin and Thomas, both taste victory at Charlotte Four-Wide

The Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals provided a big moment for the Prock family with AustIn Prock winning in Top Fuel and his brother, Thomas, assisting their dad, Jimmy, in tuning Robert Hight to the Funny Car victory.
10 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Prock brothers
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Renegade Fuels will take center stage with Top Fuel's Buddy Hull in Chicago

Top Fuel racer Buddy Hull will wear the colors of Renegade Fuels on his Methanol Moonshine dragster during the upcoming Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak Performance in Joliet, Ill.
10 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Buddy Hull
Top Fuel driver Buddy Hull continues to make a positive impression and impact on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. During the upcoming Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak Performance, May 19-21, the Dallas…
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Cleetus and Cars, NHRA alcohol racers rock Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park

The combination of the Cleetus and Cars event and the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes last week proved to be a huge hit with the massive crowd that packed Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Highlighted by wins from Tony Stewart and Brian Hough, the event also included a burnout contest, fun runs, and the Indy 800 Crown Vic race on the famed IRP oval. Out talented photographers capture all the action.
09 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Huge crowd packs Indy 57
PHOTOS BY: Heidi Elzas (America's Meanest Street Cars) and Kevin Pepera In front of a near-capacity crowd on Saturday and Sunday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, NHRA Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars put on…
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Why has John Force excelled at four-wide racing?

Call him John "Four-Wide" Force. Hear Force explain to Joe Castello how he's studied the tree and the learned to navigate the chaos of the starting line as well as anyone can.
08 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Why has John Force excelled at four-wide racing?
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Drew Austin and Jim Maroney earn final-round berths at Firebird Ignitor

Rain halted the completion of the 52nd Ignitor presented by The Blower Shop at Firebird Raceway, part of the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series. When action resumes Aug. 5 at Firebird, Drew Austin and Jim Maroney will face off in the Funny Car final.
08 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Firebird Ignitor
The weather looked daunting and ominous heading into the 52nd Ignitor presented by The Blower Shop at Firebird Raceway. The Nitro Opener in western Idaho hosted the second stop in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series for the Funny Car division. After…
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Track masters: A day in the life of the NHRA Safety Safari

The NHRA Safety Safari has been perfecting the dragstrip experience for decades. Yet just as for the competitors they serve, some races are tougher than others. At the 2023 Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals this team earned the respect of everyone in attendance.
08 May 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Track masters: A day in the life of the NHRA Safety Safari
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TJ Zizzo brings new car, same attitude for long-awaited Joliet return

TJ Zizzo plans to debut a new Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster at his home event, the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Ill.
08 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
TJ Zizzo
When fan-favorite TJ Zizzo made his final pass at the 2021 NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis, the second-generation Top Fuel driver knew he needed to make a change if he was going to seriously chase his dream. Zizzo has passionately worked and…
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Brittany Force's crew chief David Grubnic explains their 2023 Top Fuel strategy

NHRA on FOX's Bruno Massel talks with Grubnic about the strategy behind the team's incredible qualifying, and what's coming for the competition on a future race day.
08 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Brittany Force's crew chief David Grubnic explains their 2023 Top Fuel strategy
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Nitro Time Machine: Kenny Bernstein takes on Gary Scelzi in epic Chicago final

The inaugural NHRA race at Route 66 Nationals in 1998 featured an epic Top Fuel final round between world champions Kenny Bernstein and Gary Scelzi.
08 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Nitro Time Machine
1998 Chicago
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Stewart, Hough score wins at Indy North Central Region/Cleetus and Cars event

Tony Stewart and Brian Hough scored Top Alcohol victories at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series North Central Region event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, which was held in conjunction with a Cleetus and Cars show.
07 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Division 3
Tony Stewart and Brian Hough scored Top Alcohol victories at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series North Central Region event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, which was held in conjunction with a Cleetus and Cars show. Stewart, at the…
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Austin Prock breaks down Charlotte four-wide Top Fuel win, previews Chicago

Austin Prock joined Joe Castello on the WFO podcast to break down his Top Fuel win at the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals and to take a look ahead to the upcoming Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by Peak Performance.
06 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Austin Prock
  Austin Prock joined Joe Castello on the WFO podcast to break down his four-wide Top Fuel win at zMax Dragway.  Prock discusses his latest "wing-walk" after his John Force Racing Top Fuel dragster bested the competition at the…
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Brown, Capps, Coler represent National Motorsports Coalition in return to D.C.

NHRA drivers Ron Capps and Antron Brown and NHRA Vice President Kasey Coler visited Washington, D.C., April 26 as representatives for the National Motorsports Coalition to share the contributions and impacts of the motorsports industry with members of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus and other lawmakers in Congress.
05 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
NMC
NHRA championship-winning drivers Ron Capps and Antron Brown, along with NHRA Vice President of Track Management and Operations Kasey Coler, visited Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, April 26 as representatives for the National Motorsports Coalition (…
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From Sweden with love: An artistic salute to Funny Cars of the 1970s and '80s

Swedish artist Lars “Loors” Svensson has created a very cool 1970s Funny Car poster that faithfully shows the flanks and noses of 24 recognizable floppers. It's his tribute to those colorful and memorable cars of the era.
05 May 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
DRAGSTER Insider
FC poster
A few years ago, I wrote a Dragster Insider column about drag racing fans who collected shards of shattered Funny Car body parts to adorn their man caves. Funny Cars were much more…
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Josh Hart and Del Worsham talk Charlotte, performance, and the long haul

Josh Hart and Del Worsham join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, and both of them have plenty to talk about. 
04 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
NHRA Insider podcast
NHRA Insider
  Josh Hart and Del Worsham join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, and both of them have plenty to talk about.  In the case of Hart, the conversation centers around his growth not as only a driver but…
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Chris King ready to fire up Chicago with 2023 Funny Car debut

NHRA Funny Car team owner and driver Chris King is eager to reintroduce himself to the ever-growing NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series fandom with his 2023 debut at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by Peak Performance, May 19-21.
04 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Chris King
NHRA Funny Car team owner and driver Chris King is eager to reintroduce himself to the ever-growing NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series fandom with his 2023 debut at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by Peak…
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