NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

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THANK YOU RACERS AND FANS FOR AN AMAZING 2024 SEASON OF SUPPORT AND PASSION

 

 

 

 

Behind the Scenes with the winners of the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals

Go behind the scenes with the winners of the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals as they celebrate their victories with their teams and one another and accept congratulations from their vanquished final-round foes.
27 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Greg Anderson
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Tasca team sits second in points, eyeing first place as Countdown intensity grows

With his victory at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, his third score of the season, Bob Tasca III jumped to second in Funny Car points. Crew chief Aaron Brooks talks about what it's taken to get this far and what they'll need in the future.
27 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Bob Tasca III
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Steve Johnson reflects on his 35 years and nearly 500 races in Pro Stock Motorcycle

No rider has ridden in more NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle races than Steve Johnson, who has competed in 488 of the 500 events. The sometimes comical, always lyrical, mostly serious veteran talks about how the class has changed and evolved over the years.
27 Sep 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Steve Johnson
There’s not a lot that’s the same in the 500 races that have passed since the Pro Stock Motorcycle became an NHRA championship class…
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Tricky Tipster: NHRA Midwest Nationals

The Countdown to the Championship reaches the halfway point this weekend at the NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, and Tricky Tipster has given the nod to Doug Kalitta, Robert Hight, Erica Enders, and Gaige Herrera as the pre-race favorites.
27 Sep 2023
NHRA National Dragster staff
Tricky Tipster®
Tricky Tipster
Tricky Tipster had a tough outing in Charlotte as many of the favorites went out early, so what’s going to happen as the tour heads to St. Louis for the NHRA Midwest Nationals? In Top Fuel, Doug Kalitta has now won back-to-back Top Fuel races in…
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Three In A Row Makes 'Em Go: Countdown Review and look ahead at St Louis

Host Brian Lohnes is joined by NHRA on FOX analyst Tony Pedregon to talk about the first two races of the 2023 NHRA Countdown to the Championship and preview the upcoming third race, the NHRA Midwest Nationals.
27 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
NHRA Insider podcast
NHRA Insider
  On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, host Brian Lohnes is joined by NHRA on FOX analyst Tony Pedregon to talk about the first two races of the 2023 NHRA Countdown to the Championship and preview the upcoming third race at…
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What went into Mike Salinas' 300-mph eighth-mile Top Fuel blast in Charlotte

At the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, Top Fuel’s Mike Salinas became the first driver to power a car to 300 mph at the eighth-mile, winning a $30,000 bounty from Phillips Connect. Crew chiefs Rob Flynn and Aaron Cave talk about what it took.
26 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Mike Salinas
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Weekend Rewind: 2023 Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals

The Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, the second race of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship, was a wild affair with upsets abounding yet some familiar names returning to the winner's circle.
26 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Weekend Rewind: 2023 Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals
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Top Fuel points leader Doug Kalitta looks to stay red-hot this weekend in St. Louis

Before the NHRA Countdown to the Championship started, Doug Kalitta’s last Top Fuel victory came in 2020 at World Wide Technology Raceway, the site of this weekend’s NHRA Midwest Nationals. Since then, he has won a pair of playoff races as he competes for that elusive first world championship.
26 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Doug Kalitta
Before the NHRA Countdown to the Championship started, Doug Kalitta’s last Top Fuel victory came in 2020 at World Wide Technology Raceway, the site of this weekend’s 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals.   Since then, the fan-favorite driver…
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Nataas' domination, Esz's first win highlight Carolina Nationals Sportsman

Nine Sportsman drivers claimed huge victories in NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series action at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, led by Julie Nataas' dominating win in Top Alcohol Dragster and Phil Esz's first win in Top Alcohol Funny Car.
26 Sep 2023
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
Julie Nataas
Nine Sportsman drivers claimed huge victories in NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series action at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, led by Jule Nataas' dominating win in Top Alcohol Dragster. Julie Nataas scored an impressive victory in Top…
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Stanfield tops Factory X field again at Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals

26 Sep 2023
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
46:04
Greg Stanfield remained unbeaten in two races in the new Factory X presented by Holley series. After winning in Indy, Stanfield drove his Camaro to a 7.100 to beat Allen Johnson.
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2023 Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals Mountain Motor Pro Stock champion John DeFlorian

26 Sep 2023
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
109:03
After winning a pair of NHRA events in 2019 and racing to the final in Charlotte, last season, John DeFlorian  scored again in the Mountain Motor Pro Stock class. DeFlorian drove his Amsoil Camaro past Chris Powers in the final, 6.326 to 6.348…
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500 races and counting: A short history of NHRA's Pro Stock Motorcycle class

The Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals marked the 500th Pro Stock Motorcycle race of the modern era, which began in 1987 with the crowning of the first world champion, Dave Schultz. Here's a quick history of the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class from 1987 to present.
26 Sep 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
DRAGSTER Insider
Pro Stock Motorcycle
The Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals marked the 500th Pro Stock Motorcycle race of the modern era, which began in 1987 with the crowning of the first world champion, Dave Schultz.  (Prior to 1986, the class was contested only sporadically,…
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Sponsors in place, Cody Krohn is ready for NHRA Top Fuel debut in St. Louis

Newly licensed 19-year-old Top Fuel driver Cody Krohn will make his debut at the NHRA Midwest Nationals with the support of Rio Energy and JBS Equipment.
26 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Cody Krohn
As he prepares for his debut in Top Fuel competition at the 2023 NHRA Midwest Nationals, 19-year-old Cody Krohn of CK Racing is making the momentous occasion even more impressive as he’s already signed two sponsors to support his sporting endeavor,…
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Five things we learned at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals

The Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, stop two of the 2023 Countdown to the Championship, further embued the reputation of zMAX Raceway as a place where cool things happen. Here's our five takeaways from this year's event.
25 Sep 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Five things we learned at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals
The Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, stop two of the 2023 Countdown to the Championship, further embued the reputation of zMAX Raceway as a place where cool things happen. Here's our five takeaways from this year's event. DOUG KALITTA’S READING…
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It's Kalitta again for the lead; Tasca, Anderson, Herrera also shine in Charlotte

Doug Kalitta won his second straight Top Fuel title to take the points lead with a victory at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Kalitta was joined in the winner’s circle by Bob Tasca III, Greg Anderson, and Gaige Herrera.
24 Sep 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
Winners
After a three-year drought, Doug Kalitta won his second straight Top Fuel title to take the points lead with a victory at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, the second event of the six-race NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the…
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Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals Sunday photo gallery

The NHRA National Dragster photographers were all over zMAX Dragway on the final day of the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, capturing all of the action on and off the racetrack.
24 Sep 2023
NHRA National Dragster staff
Gallery
Pre-rsce ceremony 69
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Sunday News and Notes from the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals

News, notes, quotes, photos, and video from final eliminations day at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals. Updated throughout the day.
24 Sep 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
Sunday News and Notes
  UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY Shawn Langdon added another $3,000 donation to Kalitta Racing’s Feeding America program when he took down resurgent Tony Schumacher, who had lane choice, to kick off eliminations. It’s…
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Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals Sunday preview

When the day is done at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, the 2023 Countdown to the Championship will be one-third complete and we’ll all have a better idea of who will be a contender and who might be fading from the title picture.
24 Sep 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals
When the day is done at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, the 2023 Countdown to the Championship will be one-third complete and we’ll all have a better idea of who will be a contender and who might be fading from the title picture. Conditions…
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Mike Salinas becomes first member of Phillips Connect 300 At The 1/8 Club

With a track-record run on Saturday at zMAX Dragway, Top Fuel’s Mike Salinas became the first member of the “Phillips Connect 300 at the 1/8” club, going 300.80-mph in the 1/8-mile during the final round of qualifying at the 15th betway NHRA Carolina Nationals.
23 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Race coverage
Mike Salinas
With a track-record run on Saturday at zMAX Dragway, Top Fuel’s Mike Salinas became the first member of the “Phillips Connect 300 at the 1/8” club, going 300.80-mph in the 1/8-mile during the final round of qualifying at the 15th betway NHRA…
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Salinas and Hight star on a fast final day of qualifying in Charlotte

Mike Salinas made a historic monster run to steal the pole in Top Fuel and Robert Hight did the same in Funny Car while Friday leaders Erica Enders and Gaige Herrera held onto their No. 1 spots as qualifying for the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals completed at zMAX Dragway.
23 Sep 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
Mike Salinas
Mike Salinas made a historic monster run to steal the pole in Top Fuel and Robert Hight did the same in Funny Car while Friday leaders Erica Enders and Gaige Herrera held onto their No. 1 spots as qualifying for the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals…
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Top Alcohol Dragster points leader Tony Stewart disqualified in Charlotte

During a post-run inspection at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, the McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster driven by Tony Stewart was found to have unapproved ignition parts. Due to the items found, he has been disqualified from the event and zero points will be awarded, per the NHRA rulebook.
23 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Tony Stewart
During a post-run inspection at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, the McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster driven by Tony Stewart was found to have unapproved ignition parts. Due to the items found, he has been disqualified from the event and…
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Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals Saturday photo gallery

The NHRA National Dragster was all over zMAX Dragway on the second day of the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, capturing all of the action on and off the racetrack.
23 Sep 2023
NHRA National Dragster staff
Gallery
Shawn Langdon 48
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What, me worry? Herrera unfazed by fall from lead as hunted becomes hunter

After a dominating regular season in which he rode his Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki to six wins in nine starts and gained a huge points lead, people wondered how Gaige Herrera would handle his first adversity. Very well, it turns out.
23 Sep 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Gaige Herrera
After a dominating regular season in which he rode his Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki to six wins in nine starts, won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge championship, and gained a huge points lead, people wondered how Gaige Herrera…
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NHRA Insider podcast live from zMAX!

Brian Lohnes and Tony Pedregon sit down with some of the drivers who made big headlines at the Countdown to the Championship opener last weekend in Reading, Matt Hartford and Doug Kalitta, who will be the featured guests along with plenty of news and analysis to go along with the interviews. 
23 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
NHRA Insider podcast
Podcast
  The NHRA is at zMax Dragway for the second race of the Countdown to the Championship and that means hosts Brian Lohnes and Tony Pedregon are sitting down with some of the drivers who made big headlines at Maple Grove where the playoff…
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Canopy or not, Doug Kalitta is open to anything in pursuit of first championship

After switching from a cockpit canopy car back to an open cockpit, Doug Kalitta broke the second-longest dry spell of his career, and the team is sticking with the same car. Coincidence or not, superstition or not, Kalitta's ready to roll in either configuration.
23 Sep 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Doug Kalitta
For the first 566 races of his NHRA career, Top Fuel veteran Doug Kalitta rode to 49 victories in an open-cockpit dragster before switching to a canopy-style configuration at the start of the 2023 season. So, when Kalitta broke a 65-race winless…
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Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals Saturday preview

Day two of the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals dawned with a morning rainshower that cleansed the track and the palate of race fans in anticipation of another very quick day of qualifying and racing at zMAX Dragway.
23 Sep 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals
Light morning rain delayed the start of Saturday’s action at zMAX Dragway by three hours, but it’s a much better scenario than the overnight forecasts that had predicted that the second day of the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals might be delayed…
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Kalitta, Hagan, Enders, Herrera top fields on a fast opening day at Charlotte

Doug Kalitta, Matt Hagan, Erica Enders, and Gaige Herrera are the No. 1 qualifiers after the opening day of the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
22 Sep 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
Matt Hagan
Doug Kalitta, Matt Hagan, Erica Enders, and Gaige Herrera are the No. 1 qualifiers after the opening day of the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Kalitta continued the momentum of his milestone 50th career win last weakened in…
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Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals Friday photo gallery

The NHRA National Dragster was all over zMAX Dragway on the opening day of the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, capturing all of the action on and off the racetrack.
22 Sep 2023
NHRA National Dragster staff
Gallery
Racers to the lanes! 52
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Johnson's Horsepowered Garage expands partnership with Tony Stewart Racing

Matt Hagan’s Tony Stewart Racing Dodge Funny Car will again wear the colors of Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage (JHG) at this weekend’s Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals and highlights the announcement of an extended partnership between Tony Stewart Racing and JHG.
22 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Johnson's Horsepowered Garage
Matt Hagan’s Tony Stewart Racing Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car will again wear the colors of Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage (JHG) at this weekend’s Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals and highlights the announcement of an extended partnership…
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Matt Smith looks for win at Pro Stock Motorcycle’s 500th race in Charlotte

Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Matt Smith wasn’t at the first race in the class, but the six-time champ will be at the 500th official race for the category, which takes place at this weekend’s Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
22 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Matt Smith
Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Matt Smith wasn’t at the first race in the class, but the six-time champ will be at the 500th official race for the category, which takes place at this weekend’s 15th annual Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals…
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