NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

NHRA Midwest Nationals Sunday Photo Gallery

There's nothing like raceday, and the NHRA National Dragster photographers captured it all. See Sunday at the NHRA Midwest Nationals through the lens with this photo gallery.
01 Oct 2023
NHRA National Dragster staff
Gallery
Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan 55
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A huge day for points as Hagan, Millican, Anderson, and Herrera claim trophies at the NHRA Midwest Nationals

The third race of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship was a statement for some and a decider for others, and with just three races to go before the big trophies are awarded, the intensity is higher than ever before. Clay Millican, Matt Hagan, Greg Anderson, and Gaige Herrera each claimed important wins.
01 Oct 2023
Kelly Wade
Race coverage
NHRA Midwest Nationals winners
The third race of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship was a statement for some and a decider for others, and with just three races to go before the big trophies are awarded, the intensity is higher than ever before. Clay Millican, Matt Hagan,…
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Sunday News and Notes from the NHRA Midwest Nationals

News, notes, quotes, and photos from final eliminations at the NHRA Midwest Nationals. Updated throughout the day.
01 Oct 2023
Kelly Wade
Race coverage
Leah Pruett
After a morning packed with mid- to late-round Sportsman action, the first two Top Fuel dragsters to take to the track belong to Leah Pruett, No. 4 in the points, and Shawn Langdon, No. 2. Langdon leaves first in his Kalitta Air dragster, but Pruett…
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NHRA Midwest Nationals Sunday Preview

Qualifying was a rambunctious affair at the NHRA Midwest Nationals, and it set the tone for an appropriately intense Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway. What happens in St. Louis will likely have great impact on the final outcome of the season, and all eyes are on the facility that sits in the shadow of the St. Louis Gateway Arch.
01 Oct 2023
Kelly Wade
Race coverage
World Wide Technology Raceway
Qualifying was a rambunctious affair at the NHRA Midwest Nationals, the third of six the 2023 NHRA Countdown to the Championship, and it set the tone for an appropriately intense Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway. What happens in St. Louis…
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St. Louis low qualifier Tasca eyes points lead for the first time; Kalitta, Enders, and Herrera also No. 1  

He's starting from the top spot, and Bob Tasca III has an extraordinary opportunity at the NHRA Midwest Nationals to slide into the Funny Car points lead for the first time during the Countdown to the Championship. Incoming points leaders Doug Kalitta and Gaige Herrera also qualified No. 1, as did Erica Enders, who is a handful of points out of the lead.
30 Sep 2023
Kelly Wade
Race coverage
Bob Tasca III
He's starting from the top spot again, and now Bob Tasca III has an extraordinary opportunity on Sunday at the NHRA Midwest Nationals to slide into the Funny Car points lead for the first time during the NHRA Countdown to the Championship. Incoming…
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NHRA Midwest Nationals Saturday Gallery

Saturday at World Wide Technology Raceway offered sights and sounds to tempt all the senses. The NHRA National Dragster photographers were on site to capture the visual impact of day two at the NHRA Midwest Nationals.
30 Sep 2023
NHRA National Dragster staff
Gallery
Paul Candies II 56
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NHRA, officials at World Wide Technology Raceway announce sellout crowd Saturday at the NHRA Midwest Nationals

For the third straight year and the seventh time in the past eight seasons, the NHRA and officials at World Wide Technology Raceway announced a sellout crowd for Saturday’s qualifying action at the NHRA Midwest Nationals.
30 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
World Wide Technology Raceway
For the third straight year and the seventh time in the past eight seasons, the NHRA and officials at World Wide Technology Raceway announced a sellout crowd for Saturday’s qualifying action at the NHRA Midwest Nationals. The standout fanbase…
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Pro Stock Motorcycle championship contender Angie Smith involved in on-track incident

During the second round of Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying at the NHRA Midwest Nationals on Saturday at World Wide Technology Raceway, Angie Smith was separated from the bike after crossing the finish line before coming to a rest. Smith was alert and conscious, and was examined onsite by the NHRA medical team before being transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation.
30 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Angie Smith
During the second round of Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying at the NHRA Midwest Nationals on Saturday at World Wide Technology Raceway, Angie Smith was separated from the bike after crossing the finish line before coming to a rest. Smith was alert…
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NHRA Midwest Nationals Saturday Preview

Friday night qualifying at the NHRA Midwest Nationals was fiery and fast, with header flames high and adrenaline even higher for drivers competing in the third of six NHRA Countdown to the Championship events. On Saturday at World Wide Technology Raceway, the four quickest drivers are the target. 
30 Sep 2023
Kelly Wade
Race coverage
World Wide Technology Raceway
Friday night qualifying at the NHRA Midwest Nationals was fiery and fast, with header flames high and adrenaline soaring even higher for drivers competing in the third of six NHRA Countdown to the Championship events. Provisional low qualifiers were…
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Cummings, Bellemeur, Eckel lead Division 1 winners at Virginia Motorsports Park

Matt Cummings, Sean Bellemeur, and Don Eckel led the ist of winners as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Northeast Division was in action at Virginia Motorsports Park.
29 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Division 1
The following are Sunday's final results for TAD and TAFC and final qualifying results for Saturday's competition from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Northeast Division event at Virginia Motorsports Park: TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER…
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Kalitta, Tasca, Enders, and Herrera continue powerful runs, take top spots on Friday in St. Louis

Friday's qualifying session at the NHRA Midwest Nationals kicked off as the sun was setting over The Gateway Arch, and with flames high, Doug Kalitta and Bob Tasca III stood as best. Erica Enders and Gaige Herrera also nabbed the provisional pole in their respective classes to initiate race three of six in the Countdown to the Championship.
29 Sep 2023
Kelly Wade
Race coverage
Doug Kalitta
Friday's lone qualifying session at the NHRA Midwest Nationals kicked off as the sun was setting over the St. Louis Gateway Arch, and with flames high and drivers eager to make the most of a positive shift in conditions, four stood out amongst their…
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NHRA Midwest Nationals Friday Gallery

Friday at World Wide Technology Raceway brought brilliant blue skies throughout the day and then a pleasing evening of racing under the lights. See what the NHRA National Dragster photographers captured on the first day of the NHRA Midwest Nationals.
29 Sep 2023
NHRA National Dragster staff
Gallery
Nick Januik 58
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Unable to quickly replace devastated engines, Matt Smith is back on championship bike for one race

Matt Smith, currently No. 2 in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings, knows the relevance of winning a Countdown to the Championship race such as St. Louis, and he's done so five times before in his career – but that isn't why the Matt Smith Racing (MSR) camp is in the midst of a shake-up.
29 Sep 2023
Kelly Wade
News
Matt Smith
Matt Smith, currently No. 2 in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings, knows the relevance of winning a Countdown to the Championship race such as St. Louis, and he's done so five times before in his career – but that isn't why the Matt Smith Racing (…
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FuelTech Pro Mod Series Road to the Championship hits key point in St. Louis

With huge championship implications on the line, the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports heads to World Wide Technology Raceway as part of this weekend’s NHRA Midwest Nationals, also marking the penultimate race in the Road to the Championship.
29 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Justin Bond
With huge championship implications on the line, the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports heads to World Wide Technology Raceway as part of this weekend’s NHRA Midwest Nationals, also marking the penultimate race…
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FuelTech Pro Mod Series Road to the Championship hits key point in St. Louis

With huge championship implications on the line, the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports heads to World Wide Technology Raceway as part of this weekend’s NHRA Midwest Nationals, also marking the penultimate race in the Road to the Championship.
29 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Kris Thorne
With huge championship implications on the line, the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports heads to World Wide Technology Raceway as part of this weekend’s NHRA Midwest Nationals, also marking the penultimate race…
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NHRA Midwest Nationals Friday preview

The 2023 NHRA Countdown to the Championship continues this weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway, just across the bridge from the St. Louis arch. The energy is palpable at the NHRA Midwest Nationals, the third of six races in the Countdown, and everybody is after that increasingly important trophy.
29 Sep 2023
Kelly Wade
Race coverage
World Wide Technology Raceway
St. Louis marks the mid-point of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, and what happens this weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway could very well prove pivotal to the final outcome of the season.  Looking back, Steve Torrence…
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Greg Anderson aims to continue playoff surge against loaded Pro Stock field

With as quickly as things change in Pro Stock, Greg Anderson knows he can’t get too comfortable with last week’s win in Charlotte, especially with another huge NHRA Countdown to the Championship race taking place at this weekend’s NHRA Midwest Nationals.
28 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Greg Anderson
With as quickly as things change in Pro Stock, Greg Anderson knows he can’t get too comfortable with last week’s win in Charlotte, especially with another huge NHRA Countdown to the Championship race taking place at this weekend’s 12th annual NHRA…
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Five memorable moments from the history of the NHRA Midwest Nationals

The drama is always there at the NHRA Midwest Nationals, from record-quick and fast runs to domination and wild on-track moments. Here's a look at five of the more memorable moments in the history of the event.
28 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Five memorable moments from the history of the NHRA Midwest Nationals
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Watch this weekend's Division 1 Lucas Oil Series event for free on NHRA.tv

NHRA fans can watch the final Division 1 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event from Virginia Motorsports Park for free starting Friday on NHRA.tv.
28 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Virginia
NHRA fans can watch the final Division 1 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event from Virginia Motorsports Park for free starting Friday on NHRA.tv. Presenting sponsors of NHRA.tv Sportsman coverage from Virginia are Moser, Competition Products,…
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NHRA legend Prudhomme to be honored with “Carroll Shelby Spirit” award

NHRA legend Don "the Snake" Prudhomme will be named the recipient of the 2023 “Carroll Shelby Spirit” award at the annual Las Vegas Team Shelby Bash this weekend in Las Vegas, the premier official celebration of the Carroll Shelby Centennial.
27 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Don Prudhomme
NHRA legend Don "The Snake" Prudhomme will be named the recipient of the 2023 “Carroll Shelby Spirit” award at the annual Las Vegas Team Shelby Bash this weekend in Las Vegas, the premier official celebration of the Carroll Shelby Centennial…
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Bob Tasca III in thick of Funny Car title hunt heading to NHRA Midwest Nationals

Funny Car’s Bob Tasca III has made a strong impression over the first two races of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs and looks to close out the first half of the Countdown in style this weekend in St. Louis.
27 Sep 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Bob Tasca III
The opening stretch of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship features three straight weeks of racing, capped off by this weekend’s 12th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway.   It’s an intense span of races and can…
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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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