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Keeping NHRA Fans Up to Date

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Sampey anxious to deliver results for Vance & Hines team

Six races into her first season with the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team, Angelle Sampey believes she's ready to get her first win
31 May 2019
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
Feature
angelle
The NHRA Route 66 Nationals will mark the 244th race for three-time world champion Angelle Sampey but just her sixth with the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team. From the first time she first rode the team’s Street Rod V-twin during pre-season…
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Distractions? Not for Pro Stock leader Bo Butner

Even a fire in his Nitro Fish merchandise trailer can't dampen Bo Butner's enthusiasm after a hot start to the 2019 season.
31 May 2019
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
Feature
butner
Right now, it’s good to be Bo Butner. After winning four of the first five races in Pro Stock, and earning a runner-up finish at the most recent SAM Tech.edu Factory Stock Showdown race in Richmond, he’s off to the best start of his career so even a…
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Funny Car veteran Tim Wilkerson knows when to swing

Tim Wilkerson picks his spots as he chases his first Funny Car win of 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season.
31 May 2019
Jacob Sundstrom, NHRA National Dragster Associate Editor
Feature
Tim Wilkerson
Tim Wilkerson’s dash for the biggest trophy in NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing in 2018 captured imaginations because it came out of nowhere. That was the conventional wisdom, anyway. As is often the case, conventional wisdom leaned more on…
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Route 66 NHRA Nationals Friday Preview

The ninth event of 24 on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series tour kicks off with the Route 66 NHRA Nationals outside of Chicago.
31 May 2019
NHRA National Dragster staff
Race coverage
Chicago
The Route 66 NHRA Nationals get under way outside of Chicago with a pair of qualifying sessions in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Route 66 Nats also features competition in the thrilling Jegs…
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Defending Funny Car world champ J.R. Todd ahead of last year’s title pace

As the defending Funny Car world champion, J.R. Todd has experienced a bigger spotlight than any other time in his standout drag racing career. But through eight races in the 2019 season, Todd seems to be relishing the opportunity.
30 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
J.R. Todd
As the defending Funny Car world champion, J.R. Todd has experienced a bigger spotlight than any other time in his standout drag racing career. But through eight races in the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, Todd seems to be…
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Latest issue of NHRA National Dragster now online (Vol. 60 No. 10)

NHRA National Dragster magazine's 10th issue of 2019, featuring coverage of the Virginia NHRA Nationals, is online for NHRA members and in the mail to homes and shops around the world.
30 May 2019
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
ND cover
NHRA National Dragster magazine's 10th issue of 2019, featuring  coverage of the Virginia NHRA Nationals, is online for NHRA members and in the mail to homes and shops around the world. In addition to complete coverage of the Richmond event…
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After strong start, Clay Millican confident a win is coming soon

After winning on the 20th anniversary of his first career Top Fuel start a year ago, things continue to come full circle for NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series star Clay Millican at Route 66 Raceway, the site of this weekend’s Route 66 NHRA Nationals.
30 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Clay Millican
After winning on the 20th anniversary of his first career Top Fuel start a year ago, things continue to come full circle for NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series star Clay Millican at Route 66 Raceway, the site of this weekend’s 22nd annual Route 66…
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WFO Radio Virginia NHRA Nationals Nitro Winners Edition

29 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
WFO
Virginia NHRA Nationals Nitro Winners Edition featuring Ron Capps and Bo Butner. NHRA’s Alan Reinhart and Joe Castello wrap up Virginia and get ready for the Route 66 Nationals. Scott Palmer joins Joe for “My Time.”  …
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Tricky Tipster: Which NHRA Pros will find a sweet home in Chicago?

In NHRA’s annual stop in the Windy City, Tricky Tipster has labeled Steve Torrence, Ron Capps, Bo Butner, and Andrew Hines as the favorites for the Route 66 NHRA Nationals.
29 May 2019
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
Tricky Tipster
His chest swelling with pride, NHRA’s own Tricky Tipster can’t help but remind his faithful followers about the nearly-perfect scorecard he posted for the recent Virginia NHRA Nationals in Richmond where pre-race favorites Steve Torrence, Bo Butner…
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Tommy Johnson Jr. hopes to keep consistent pace at Route 66 NHRA Nationals

Make-A-Wish Funny Car racer Tommy Johnson Jr. hunting first win of 2019 at Route 66 NHRA Nationals.
29 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Tommy Johnson Jr.
If Tommy Johnson Jr. keeps the consistent pace he’s put together for more than a year, he knows that will bode well for the outcome of his 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. But the Funny Car standout is more than ready to add a few…
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Drag racing and softball to collide at inaugural Burnout on the Bases

Route 66 Raceway will partner with the NHRA, the Joliet Slammers, and the City of Joliet to host the first-ever “Burnout on the Bases” Softball game May 30 at 6 p.m. at Route 66 Stadium Joliet to kick off the Route 66 NHRA Nationals.
28 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Chicago
Route 66 Raceway will partner with the NHRA, the Joliet Slammers, and the City of Joliet to host the first-ever “Burnout on the Bases” Softball game May 30 at 6 p.m. at Route 66 Stadium Joliet to kick off the Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66…
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NHRA Route 66 Nationals boasts field of 40 Top Fuelers and Funny Cars

Fans of NHRA Championship Drag Racing are in for a treat this weekend at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals where 40 11,000-hp nitro-powered cars will be competing with 21 Top Fuel cars and 19 Funny Cars competing for 16 qualifying spots in their respective categories.
28 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Chicago
//hide image on specific article jQuery(document).ready(function ($) { }); Fans of NHRA Championship Drag Racing are in for a treat this weekend at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals where 40 11,000-hp nitro-powered cars will be competing with…
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Jonnie Lindberg to miss Chicago; Jeff Arend will sub in Head Contractors entry

Veteran Jeff Arend will drive Jim Head’s Mustang at this weekend’s NHRA Route 66 Nationals while Jonnie Lindberg takes another step towards U.S. citizenship.
28 May 2019
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
News
arend
Jonnie Lindberg will not be driving Jim Head’s nitro Funny Car at this weekend’s NHRA Route 66 Nationals in Chicago. In his place, veteran driver and former Chicago winner Jeff Arend will drive the Head Contractors Mustang. Lindberg, a two-time…
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Tickets now on sale for season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona

Tickets for the season-ending 55th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona, Calif., are on sale now for the national event taking place Nov. 14-17. 
28 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Pomona
Purchase tickets now Tickets for the season-ending…
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Chicago White Sox, Clay Millican team up for NHRA Route 66 Nationals

The Chicago White Sox will team up with the Straightline Strategy Group-owned, Clay Millican-driven Parts Plus Top Fuel dragster as a major sponsor at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, May 30 – June 2 in Joliet, Ill. 
28 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Clay Millican
The Chicago White Sox will team up with the Straightline Strategy Group-owned, Clay Millican-driven Parts Plus Top Fuel dragster as a major sponsor at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, May 30 – June 2 in Joliet, Ill.  “Any time we can cross-…
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The Skillmans' commitment to NHRA Drag Racing has only increased through the years

When the Skillman family took their Cobra Jet Mustangs out for a test drive, they had no idea what would happen next.
26 May 2019
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
Feature
Skillmans
Bill Skillman and son Drew still recall in vivid detail the peculiar chain of events that triggered their now decade-long investment in NHRA Drag Racing. It began, innocently enough, the day they took delivery of a pair of Cobra Jet Mustangs at…
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35th annual JEGS Allstars competition set for NHRA Route 66 Nationals

26 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
JEGS Allstars
JEGS.com, one of the largest high-performance automotive equipment retailers in the United States, once again sets the stage for one of the most intense Sportsman competitions of the year. For 35 years, the JEGS Allstars has assembled the top…
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Aragona, Stalba families enjoy big weekend at Maple Grove Raceway Lucas Oil race

Frank Aragona Jr. won Comp and was joined in the winner's circle by son Frank III, a winner in the Jr. dragster class, while Super Comp winner Tom Stalba and his Jr. Dragster-driving daughter Emily also doubled up at Maple Grove Raceway.
25 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Comp
The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Northeast Division event at Maple Grove Raceway: TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER Duane Shields, 5.205, 279.32  def. Troy Coughlin Jr., 5.…
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Behind the Numbers: How does Austin Prock’s new crew chief shake up Countdown chase?

Mike Green joined John Force Racing ahead of the Virginia NHRA Nationals. How does that change Austin Prock’s chances of making the Countdown?
25 May 2019
Jacob Sundstrom, NHRA National Dragster Associate Editor
Behind the Numbers
Austin Prock / Mike green
Steve Torrence won his third-straight Top Fuel race at the Virginia NHRA Nationals. The defending Top Fuel world champion did not lock up the top seed in the Countdown to the Championship, but boy howdy do I like his odds.  There are eight…
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Fast start for David Grubnic and Brittany Force has team excited for rest of season

Dave Grubnic has locked up a win, two runner-ups and three pole positions since joining John Force Racing as Brittany Force racing. As John Kernan reports, the veteran crew chief thinks the best is yet to come.
24 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
NHRA Today™
Dave Grubnic
//hide image on specific article jQuery(document).ready(function ($) { }); Dave Grubnic made the best run of anyone at stopping Steve Torrence from winning his first Top Fuel world championship in 2018. That was with Clay Millican, while…
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The Sands of (Elapsed) Time

The early 1980s was an interesting time in drag racing when sand racers defected in huge numbers to the asphalt and introduced us to future world champions like Alan Johnson and Gary Scelzi and a slew of other talented racers.
24 May 2019
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
DRAGSTER Insider
Alan Johnson
Spurred by my last column's tribute to Jim DePasse, who came to NHRA drag racing via the sand drag route, crystalized in my memory an interesting time in drag racing when sand…
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Virginia NHRA Nationals Sportsman Highlights

The second year of NHRA’s return to Virginia Motorsports Part was a boon for first-time winners with new champions crowned in Stock, Super Comp, and Top Dragster presented by Racing RVs.com.
23 May 2019
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
News
Richmond
The second year of NHRA’s return to Virginia Motorsports Part was a boon for first-time winners with new champions crowned in Stock, Super Comp, and Top Dragster presented by Racing RVs.com. Wallace Dent Jr. (Stock), Chris Garrettson (Super Comp),…
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2019 Virginia NHRA Nationals Top Dragster winner Chad Traylor

23 May 2019
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
Richmond
//hide image on specific article jQuery(document).ready(function ($) { }); There was another first-time champion crowned in Top Dragster presented by Racing RVs.com after Chad Traylor turned on the win light in the final against Junior…
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2019 Virginia NHRA Nationals Super Gas winner Tom Goldman

23 May 2019
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
Richmond
//hide image on specific article jQuery(document).ready(function ($) { }); Super Gas champ Tom Goldman’s second-career victory evoked memories of Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J., where he won his first national…
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2019 Virginia NHRA Nationals Super Comp winner Chris Garrettson

23 May 2019
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
Richmond
//hide image on specific article jQuery(document).ready(function ($) { }); Following a season where he finished No. 6 in the national standings in Super Comp, Chris Garrettson achieved another milestone in his career by winning his first…
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2019 Virginia NHRA Nationals Stock winner Wallace Dent Jr.

23 May 2019
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
Richmond
//hide image on specific article jQuery(document).ready(function ($) { }); A first-time winner was crowned in Stock when Wallace Dent Jr. crossed the finish line ahead of Joe Lisa in the final round. Dent, wheeling his C/SA Camaro, began…
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2019 Virginia NHRA Nationals Super Stock winner Joe Santangelo

23 May 2019
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
Richmond
//hide image on specific article jQuery(document).ready(function ($) { }); Coming off a runner-up finish in Charlotte last month, Joe Santangelo finally claimed national event No. 15 when he defeated Steve Comella’s Hemi Dart in the…
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Grand Marshal Walls leads list of honorees for Holley National Hot Rod Reunion

The 17th annual Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance, June 13 - 15, will feature legendary guests and machines from drag racing’s past for a three-day celebration of American hot rods, racing, and more led by Grand Marshal Randy Walls.
23 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Hot Rod Reunion
The 17th annual Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance will feature legendary guests and machines from drag racing’s past for a three-day celebration of American hot rods, racing, and more June 13 - 15 at historic Beech Bend…
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Jack Beckman describes the thrilling sensation of pedaling a nitro Funny Car

The driver of the Infinite Hero Funny Car beat teammate Matt Hagan in a great race at the Virginia NHRA Nationals – but it wasn’t easy. 
23 May 2019
Jacob Sundstrom, NHRA National Dragster Associate Editor
Feature
Matt Hagan and Jack Beckman
The term “pedalfest” is standard NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series jargon. It isn’t pretty, makes absolutely no sense outside of the confines of this sport and comes up as a spelling error on Microsoft Word. It also comes with a boatload of…
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Top Fuel veteran Terry McMillen believes he’s a win waiting to happen

Terry McMillen sees his recent struggles at the past two NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races as a minor roadblock for what he believes will be another productive season and thinks his team is due for its first win of the 2019 season.
22 May 2019
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Terry McMillen
Terry McMillen sees his recent struggles at the past two NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races as a minor roadblock for what he believes will be another productive season. He also thinks his team is due for its first win of the 2019 season and…
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