NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

 

 

 

Gatornationals Wildest Rides

From fiery Funny Cars to flipping fuelers and pirouetting Pro Stockers, the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals has seen its share of wild rides over the years. Here’s a look back at some of the most spectacular.
27 Feb 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Wild Rides
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Tony Stewart is serious about his new NHRA driving career, and winning a title

Following the announcement that he will compete for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series world championship with a full season in Top Alcohol Dragster, Tony Stewart took part recently in a media roundtable to discuss his plans and goals.
27 Feb 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Tony Stewart
Motorsports legend Tony Stewart made a big splash in the NHRA waters last year with the creation of a two-car race team in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series with his wife, Top Fuel driver Leah Pruett, and three-time Funny Car world…
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J.R. Todd talks preseason testing, title hopes, and his new steering wheel

Past Funny Car world champion J.R. Todd joined Brian Lohnes via Skype to talk about preseason testing and the new steering wheel in his DHL GR Supra.
22 Feb 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
J.R. Todd
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Capps, Antonelli discuss pivotal Pomona pass that helped win the championship

Ron Capps’ 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Funny Car championship might not have happened were it not for a crucial pass in qualifying at the season finale. Capps and crew chief Dean Antonelli broke it all down for NHRA’s Brian Lohnes.
21 Feb 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Ron Capps
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Robert Hight's challenge for 2023: Improve on the exceptional

Robert Hight won more Funny Car races than anyone last year and never lost in the first round, but he still didn't win the championship. "It'll be hard to be better than we were, but that's what it's going to take," he predicts.
21 Feb 2023
Kelly Wade
Feature
Robert Hight
Robert Hight's 2022 season in NHRA's Camping World Drag Racing Series was stunningly impressive, and although the championship did not come to fruition for the longtime John Force Racing Funny Car driver, winning eight races in 12 final rounds in a…
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Top 5 list: The most unexpected winners in NHRA Gatornationals history

From Jimmy King to Frank Hawley, from Darrell Alderman and Don Campanello to Tripp Tatum, here’s a look at five of the most unexpected inners in Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals history.
20 Feb 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Gatornationals
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Erica Enders looks back at 2022 season championship and ahead to 2023 battle

Five-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders joined Joe Castello on WFO Radio to discuss her 2022 campaign. Enders talked about her 10-win 2022 season and looked ahead to NHRA's 2023 schedule, testing, and previewed the 2023 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. 
14 Feb 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Erica Enders
  Five-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders joined Joe Castello on WFO Radio to discuss her 2022 campaign. Enders talked about her 10-win 2022 season, which included two runner-up finishes, including a gutsy smoke show in…
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100 Days Out: A look at major Chicago moments with return approaching

With 100 days remaining before the NHRA stars return to Chicago, here’s a look at some of the record-breaking runs and memorable moments that have taken place at Route 66 Raceway since the track opened in 1998.
10 Feb 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Chicago
For the first time since 2019, the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series will be racing at Route 66 Raceway, with the 23rd annual Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance set to take place May 19-21. With 100 days remaining before…
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Annual DRAW benefit golf tournament helps kick off the 2023 season

The Drag Racing Association of Women will once again be presenting its Annual Tracy Winters Memorial Golf Tournament on March 8, the Wednesday before the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville.
07 Feb 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
DRAW benefit golf tournament
The Drag Racing Association of Women will once again be presenting its Annual Tracy Winters Memorial Golf Tournament on March 8, 2023. This is the Wednesday before the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville. This year…
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Phil Unruh found speed, momentum, and a shot at a title with an unusual approach

Phil Unruh is a guy that likes to think outside of the box, and in last season's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championship competition, his willingness to veer off the beaten path brought him close to the big trophy in Super Gas.
02 Feb 2023
Kelly Wade
Feature
Phil Unruh
Diverse drag racer Phil Unruh is a guy that likes to think outside of the box, and in last season's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championship competition, his willingness to veer off the beaten path brought him quite close to the big trophy in…
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The bar is high, but J.R. Todd aims to reach it in the DHL Funny Car

After a 2022 season that didn't pan out as anyone expected, J.R. Todd, fueled by an atypical and unsatisfying season, is leading the charge for the Kalitta Motorsports team's Funny Car sector with the drive of a man who knows how to win.
01 Feb 2023
Kelly Wade
Feature
J.R. Todd
Kalitta Motorsports is an iconic house of triumph, and although last season didn't pan out as anyone within the hallowed halls of the legendary race shop expected, the group is fixed on generating improved results in the months ahead. J.R. Todd,…
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Who’s next? A look at possible first-time Pro winners for the 2023 season

Last year was a good year as far as first-time Pro winners goes with Tripp Tatum, Troy Coughlin Jr., and Joey Gladstone each getting their first wins in Top Fuel, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle, respectively. Now, who else is ready to join them?
23 Jan 2023
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
Feature
Bobby Bode
Last year was a good year as far as first-time Pro winners goes with Tripp Tatum, Troy Coughlin Jr., and Joey Gladstone each getting their first wins in Top Fuel, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle, respectively. Now, who else is ready to join them…
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On Wally Parks Birthday, we share his wisdom with the world

Wally Parks, born January 23, 1913: Land speed racer, the first editor of Hot Rod Magazine, and the founder of the National Hot Rod Association.
23 Jan 2023
David Kennedy
Feature
Carroll Shelby and Wally Parks
More than 110 years after his birth, Wally Parks' influence and insight still inspire.  His words provide a foundation that connects us to our past, comfort to endure the present, and strength to forge a better future.  Drag racing’s most…
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Meet Tom Buckingham, new assistant crew chief for Capps' NAPA Funny Car team

Tom Buckingham has some big shoes to fill as he replaces the recently retired legend John Medlen as the assistant crew chief of the NAPA Auto Parts Funny Car team of reigning world champ Ron Capps.
20 Jan 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Tom Buckingham
 
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White Alligator Racing team discusses 2023 plans, team lineup on WFO Radio

The White Alligator Racing Pro Stock Motorcycle team previewed its NHRA season and announced its 2023 rider lineup on WFO Radio Live! 
19 Jan 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
WFO radio
  The White Alligator Racing Pro Stock Motorcycle team previewed it NHRA season and announced its 2023 rider lineup on WFO Radio Live!  Team owner Jerry Savoie, crew chief Tim Kulungian, and previously announced rider Chase Van…
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Why Top Fuel will be even more competitive in 2023

If you think the competition in Top Fuel was tough last season, buckle up. You ain’t seen nothing yet. NHRA’s Brian Lohnes examines why this season will be even more robust.
17 Jan 2023
Brian Lohnes, NHRA on FOX announcer
Feature
Josh Hart
The competition during the 2022 Camping World NHRA Drag Racing Series was truly next level, especially in the Top Fuel division. The nine different winners, the upsets, the wild tossing about of the points lead among a large group of drivers through…
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Flawless: The Eight Most Impressive Victories of 2022 (Part 4, Top Fuel)

We have reached the fourth and final installment of this series documenting what were (in our estimation) the eight most flawless Top Fuel victories of the 2022 Camping World NHRA Drag Racing season.
16 Jan 2023
Brian Lohnes, NHRA on FOX announcer
Feature
Justin Ashley
We have reached the fourth and final installment of this series documenting what were (in our estimation) the eight (okay, nine because Funny Car was impossible to choose two) most flawless victories of the 2022 Camping World NHRA Drag Racing season…
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John Force's Wildest Rides

The legendary career of 16-time NHRA Funny Car world champion John Force has literally been forged in fire. Here's a look back at seven of his wildest fires, crashes, and blowups over his Hall of Fame career.
12 Jan 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
John Force
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Hector Arana Jr. plans to remain a threat in Pro Stock Motorcycle after powerful finish

Not long ago, Hector Arana Jr. was a championship contender in the Pro Stock Motorcycle ranks, and after winning two events during last year's abbreviated season, it is apparent that the second-generation rider has not lost his edge.
12 Jan 2023
Kelly Wade
Feature
Hector Arana Jr.
Not long ago, Hector Arana Jr. was a championship contender in the Pro Stock Motorcycle ranks, and after winning two events during last year's abbreviated season, it is apparent that the second-generation rider has not lost his edge. Running less…
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Back in (yellow and) black, Troy Coughlin Jr. wants the big trophy in 2023

Last year, Troy Coughlin Jr. got his first – and second – taste of victory in the Pro Stock class, and as the 2023 season inches closer, the third-generation drag racer has a pencil poised to record a few more W's in the scorebook.
11 Jan 2023
Kelly Wade
Feature
Troy Coughlin Jr.
Last year, Troy Coughlin Jr. got his first — and second — taste of victory in the intensely competitive Pro Stock class, and as the 2023 season of NHRA's Camping World Drag Racing Series inches closer, the third-generation drag racer has a pencil…
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Flawless: The Eight Most Impressive Victories of 2022 (Part 3, Funny Car)

In this third editions of a four-part series, NHRA's Brian Lohnes takes a look at the most impressive Funny Car wins of 2022. It was hard to nail down just two, so he opted to go with three standout performances.
10 Jan 2023
Brian Lohnes, NHRA on FOX announcer
Feature
Robert Hight
It seems counter to accepted logic that the nitro Funny Car category would be the one class which had three wins that were so good, so well executed, and so thunderous that it forced us to break our “two per class rule” for this series. After all,…
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Scott Palmer is ready to get back to the business of being Scott Palmer in 2023

After two seasons with Alex Laughlin in his dragster and Laughlin accepting a full-time ride in Funny Car for 2023, Scott Palmer can get back to the business of being Scott Palmer, which means driving Top Fuel and nitro-fueled Pro Mods.
06 Jan 2023
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Scott Palmer
  Scott Palmer never planned to be the guy who rents his Top Fuel dragster out for someone else to drive. The Midwest fan favorite has too many other fun irons in the fire — including his popular Top Fuel-engined Studebaker or Corvette…
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Flawless: The eight most impressive victories of 2022 (Part 2, Pro Stock)

In part two of our look back the the best final-round performances of 2022, NHRA's Brian Lohnes takes a look at the Pro Stock class and two dynamic performances that helped define the season.
06 Jan 2023
Brian Lohnes, NHRA on FOX announcer
Feature
Greg Anderson
In part one of this series, we took a look at the two most flawless Pro Stock Motorcycle victories of the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Naturally, we now turn our attention to Pro Stock and look at the two wins which best represented…
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Flawless: The eight most impressive victories of 2022 (Part 1, Pro Stock Motorcycle)

For a final look back at the 2022 season, NHRA's Brian Lohnes takes a look at the eight most impressive victories of the season, beginning with the Pro Stock Motorcycle class.
04 Jan 2023
Brian Lohnes, NHRA on FOX announcer
Feature
Karen Stoffer
Any drag racer worth their salt will often tell you that there’s no such thing as a perfect run and there’s no such thing as a bad victory. While both of those statements are absolutely true outside of the number of points accrued for doing the job…
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The wildest rides of 2022

From wheelstands to blower explosions, fires, and wrecks, take a look back at some of the wildest moments of the 2022 NHRA season.
01 Jan 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
wild rides
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NHRA enjoyed excitement and fanfare in wildly successful 2022 season

With heavy anticipation and excitement, along with a bevy of new and returning faces and sponsors, the 2022 season in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series had big expectations.
31 Dec 2022
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Year in Review
With heavy anticipation and excitement, along with a bevy of new and returning faces and sponsors, the 2022 season in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series had big expectations. In almost every way possible, the year lived up to its billing,…
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Cool facts and curious figures from Matt Smith’s sixth championship

Two bikes, or not two bikes. That is the question and Matt Smith had an answer as he took a unique approach to the Pro Stock Motorcycle class to win his sixth Camping World NHRA championship.
27 Dec 2022
Brian Lohnes, NHRA on FOX announcer
Feature
Matt Smith
As we continue to traipse into the ever more frigid depths of the off-season it’s high time that we look behind the curtain in retrospect at the season of Matt Smith, who won his sixth Pro Stock Motorcycle title. This time Smith straddled two…
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At 18, Dylan Winefsky is taking a nostalgic approach to racing

25 Dec 2022
Kelly Wade
Feature
Dylan Winefsky
Nostalgia drag racing is an experience like none other. Attending an NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series event at Firebird Raceway in Boise or meandering through orange groves to suddenly stumble upon Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif., is like jumping…
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Backstory: What drives Top Fuel's Josh Hart?

Josh Hart wasn't treading lightly when he made his NHRA Top Fuel debut two years ago, and his intensity certainly didn't wane over his sophomore season. When the events of Hart's pre-nitro life are brought into perspective, his assertive stance makes a lot of sense. 
23 Dec 2022
Kelly Wade
Feature
Josh Hart
Josh Hart wasn't treading lightly when he made his NHRA Top Fuel debut two years ago, and his intensity certainly didn't wane over his sophomore season. In 2022 — his first full schedule as a nitro pilot and team owner — Hart finished in the top 10…
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A method to the madness: looking back at John Force’s 2022 season

John Force enjoyed another successful season in 2022 with a win in Charlotte and runner-up finishes in Sonoma and Topeka on his way to a No. 5 finish. Courtesy of Brian Lohnes, here's a closer look at how he did it.
22 Dec 2022
Brian Lohnes, NHRA on FOX announcer
Feature
John Force
One of the most fascinating things about the sport of drag racing is that the cars are so powerful, the acceleration so off the charts, that wily racers with experience can sometimes kind of make the numbers lie in their favor. John Force had a…
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