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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.

Comp champ Craig Bourgeois beat COVID-19, persistent rivals for second title

2015 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Comp champ Craig Bourgeois won his second title in 2020, but he had to not only beat reigning champ Frank Aragona Jr. and hard-charging Doug Engels, but also defeat COVID, too.
23 Dec 2020
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
2020 world champion profile
Craig Bourgeois
The spring of 2020 was not kind to Craig Bourgeois. After finishing second behind Frank Aragona Jr. in 2019, falling just short of winning what would have been his second NHRA Comp world championship, the Louisiana veteran opened his 2020…
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Catching up with Top Fuel's Clay Millican during a hectic offseason

Clay Millican has been plenty busy since the end of the 2020 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, and in our latest Skype interview, he sat down with Brian Lohnes to bring NHRA fans up to speed.
23 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
millican
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NHRA Shop Talk: Everything you need to know about centrifugal superchargers

This week on NHRA Shop Talk, Brian Lohnes and Alan Reinhart were joined by Lance Keck of Vortech Superchargers to talk about centrifugal superchargers.
22 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Shop Talk
This week on NHRA Shop Talk, Brian Lohnes and Alan Reinhart were joined by Lance Keck of Vortech Superchargers to talk about centrifugal superchargers. They talked about how they work, why they are now so popular in NHRA Drag Racing,…
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Racing Technology: Donnie Bender explains the inner workings of a nitro fuel system

In the first of a two-part Racing Technology series, crew chief Donnie Bender explains how a modern nitro engine can burn 18 gallons of fuel on a single pass down the dragstrip.
22 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Racing Technology
bender
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NASCAR hero Tony Stewart a star student at Frank Hawley Drag Racing School

Motorsports standout Tony Stewart has been a success at every level and in every form of racing that he’s tried, so it’s probably no surprise that the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion had no problem in his recent introduction to drag racing at the Frank Hawley School of Drag Racing.
21 Dec 2020
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
News
Tony Stewart
Motorsports standout Tony Stewart has been a success at every level and in every form of racing that he’s tried, so it’s probably no surprise that the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion had no problem in his recent introduction to drag racing at…
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Tickets now on sale for 2021 NHRA Midwest Nationals, Sept. 24-26

Tickets now are on sale for World Wide Technology Raceway’s 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series' NHRA Midwest Nationals.
21 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Madison
Tickets now are on sale for World Wide Technology Raceway’s 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series' NHRA Midwest Nationals. The annual national event, scheduled for Sept. 24-26, features the world’s biggest names in professional drag racing,…
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Craig Bourgeois' front engine dragster is a new twist on a historic design

Louisiana's Craig Bourgeois has now won two NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Comp championships driving a front-engine dragster. In our latest Skype interview with NHRA's Brian Lohnes, he explains his choice of vehicles and his drive to a second title.
21 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
bourgeois
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NHRA announces eight-race 2021 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series schedule

NHRA has announced the eight-race schedule for the 2021 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series, featuring the NHRA Motorsports Museum’s Hot Rod Reunions.
21 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Heritage
NHRA has announced the eight-race schedule for the 2021 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series, featuring the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum's Hot Rod Reunions. The series will feature thrilling racing action, highlighted by the crowd-pleasing,…
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Super Gas champ Brian Preszler: "You have to be good on both ends of the track"

Newly crowned NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Super Gas champion Brian Preszler joined NHRA's Brian Lohnes via Skype discuss his show-quality Corvette roadster and the keys to his successful 2020 season.
21 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
preszler
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Bryan Worner tops twin brother Byron in historic 1-2 finish in Super Stock

Bryan Worner won his first Lucas Oil Series Super Stock championship in 2020, holding off his twin brother, Byron, who finished second.
21 Dec 2020
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
2020 world champion profile
bryan worner
Bryan and Byron Worner are twin brothers who were born moments apart, and they both work as firefighters near their home in Eastern Pennsylvania. Now, the Worner brothers have something else in common: They are both NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing…
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There is no such thing as an offseason for J.R. Todd and the DHL Funny Car team

DHL Funny Car driver J.R. Todd joins NHRA's Brian Lohnes for a Skype interview and discusses his 2020 campaign, his plans for the upcoming season, and his desire not to race in the Chili Bowl.
20 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
todd
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Brian Preszler's Super Gas championship; a national title, won at the divisional level

First-time champ hit the road with two cars and couldn’t be stopped
20 Dec 2020
David Kennedy
2020 world champion profile
Brian Preszler Super Gas championship 2020 NHRA
The first thing everybody notices is the car. Brian Preszler’s ’57 Corvette roadster is so striking it would’ve made Zora Arkus-Duntov a drag racing fan. In its second year of competition with Preszler at the wheel, the car gleamed, beamed, and took…
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Dom Lagana: 'I'm feeling great and getting stronger every day'

After suffering life-threatening injuries in a highway accident, Dom Lagana is on the road to recovery and returning to the sport he loves so much.
19 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Dom Lagana
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Jody Lang's first Stock championship is a long time coming but well worth the wait

After a number of near misses and close calls, Jody Lang finally broke through for his first Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Stock world championship this season.
18 Dec 2020
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
2020 world champion profile
jody lang
How many remember the 2011 season when Jody Lang finished with a staggering 699 points, but lost the Stock world championship to Joe Santangelo, who scored 701? And how about 2005, when Lang posted another monster score of 672 points, but…
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2021 NHRA Rulebooks now available online

The 2021 NHRA Rulebook and 2021 Summit Jr, Drag Racing League Rulebook are now online and viewable by all who wish to compete in the NHRA arenas.
18 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
NHRA Rulebook
The 2021 NHRA Rulebook and 2021 Summit Jr. Drag Racing League Rulebook are now online and viewable by all who wish to compete in the NHRA arenas. The main NHRA Rulebook is packed with all the information you need to go racing with NHRA…
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Young and quick an unbeatable combination for Top Sportsman champ Darian Boesch

Driving one of the quickest cars in the class, 21-year old Darian Boesch earned three wins on his way to the championship in Top Sportsman presented by Vortech Superchargers.
18 Dec 2020
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
2020 world champion profile
Darian Boesch
Bracket racing what is essentially a Pro Mod car might be the ultimate test of man and machine, and Darian Boesch passed with flying colors in 2020, winning the world championship in the Top Sportsman presented by Vortech Superchargers class.…
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50 years, 10 manufacturers, 84 body styles: A guide to Pro Stock diversity

Although it’s pretty clear that the Chevrolet Camaro has become the body style of choice in Pro Stock over the last decade, it certainly wasn’t always the case. Here's a look back at the variety that has made the class a fan favorite for 50 years.
18 Dec 2020
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
DRAGSTER Insider
Pro Stock
The 2020 season was supposed to be a yearlong salute to the Pro Stock class, which was celebrating its 50th year of competition. All sorts of special promotions for fans were planned, as were television, web, and print features across NHRA…
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2021 Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet presented by Lucas Oil postponed

Auto Club Famoso Raceway officials have decided to postpone the 2021 Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet, presented by Lucas Oil. in Bakersfield, Calif. The new date is set for May 27-30.
17 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
March Meet
Auto Club Famoso Raceway officials have decided to postpone the 2021 Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet, presented by Lucas Oil. in Bakersfield, Calif. The new date is set for May 27-30. The pandemic is causing a new wave of issues with…
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Tickets now on sale for Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor

Tickets are on sale for the 32nd annual Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor. This event marks the 15th stop on the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season tour.
17 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Topeka
Tickets are on sale for the 32nd annual Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor. This event marks the 15th stop on the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season tour. Tickets may be purchased now for the event scheduled Aug. 13-15,…
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Rookie Troy Coughlin Jr. on driving a Pro Stock car: "It feels kind of normal"

Troy Coughlin Jr. showed flashes of brilliance during his Pro Stock debut in 2020. Now, he's ready to take the next step in his first full season with the Elite team.
16 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
TJ Coughlin
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Christopher Dodd tunes his way through troubles to become the Super Comp champion

Chasing gremlins and a Super Comp championship during drag racing's most challenging year
16 Dec 2020
David Kennedy
2020 world champion profile
Super Comp champion Christopher Dodd
Like many 2020 NHRA champions, Christopher Dodd’s season got off to a very late start. He’d planned on making the Division 4 stop in Belle Rose, La., his season opener, but his father was waiting on an engine for his Comp car, so they chose to skip…
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Wabash Valley Dragway signs on as NHRA member track

Wabash Valley Dragway has signed on as the newest NHRA member track in the NHRA North Central Division. Located in Terre Haute, Ind., the track was first built in 1971.
16 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Wabash Valley Dragway
Wabash Valley Dragway has signed on as the newest NHRA member track in the NHRA North Central Division. Located in Terre Haute, Ind., Wabash Valley Dragway is overseen by Troy Mann. Mann and his team coordinate racing and facility operations at…
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Anthony Bertozzi fends off all challengers in Top Dragster to lock up second world title

Nearly two decades after winning the Super Stock championship, Anthony Bertozzi returned for an encore performance in the Vortech Superchargers Top Dragster class.
16 Dec 2020
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
2020 world champion profile
bertozzi
By the time he arrived in Las Vegas for the final events of the 2020 season, Anthony Bertozzi almost certainly felt like a marked man. Entering the homestretch as the points leader in Top Dragster presented by Vortech Superchargers, Bertozzi was…
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Dickie Venables sounds off on championship season, plans for 2021

After winning his third championship with Matt Hagan, crew chief Dickie Venables is now focused on 2021. Venables shared his thoughts in an exclusive NHRA.com Skype interview with Brian Lohnes.
16 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
dickie venables
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NHRA Shop Talk: Turbochargers

NHRA's Brian Lohnes and Alan Reinhart were joined by Roger Conley to talk turbochargers: How they work and what's on the cutting edge of turbo tech.
15 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Shop Talk
On this episode of Shop Talk, Brian Lohnes and Alan Reinhart were joined by Roger Conley to talk turbochargers. While turbos have existed for more than 100 years, they are relatively new to NHRA Drag Racing as compared to other power adders. The…
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Rickie Smith, Alex Laughlin, and Lyle Barnett form triple threat for Elite Pro Mod team

The Elite Motorsports team has announced plans to field three full-season entries in the 2021 NHRA E3 Spark Plugs Pro Mod Series with drivers Alex Laughlin, Rickie Smith, and Lyle Barnett.
15 Dec 2020
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
News
elite1
The Elite Motorsports team has announced plans to field three full-season entries in the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series in 2021. Alex Laughlin, who ran two events for the Elite team in 2020, will return and will be joined by three-…
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Wild Horse Pass Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event moved to October

NHRA officials announced the 2021 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event contested at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park scheduled for May 14-16 has been moved to Oct. 14-17 and will expand to a double event.  
15 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Division 7
NHRA officials announced the 2021 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event contested at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park scheduled for May 14-16 has been moved to Oct. 14-17 and will expand to a double event.   Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol…
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How the supercharger lubrication system helps nitro teams save parts

Donnie Bender, crew chief on Paul Lee's Global Electronic Technologies Funny Car, explains how the blower lubrication system saves teams parts and money.
14 Dec 2020
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Racing Technology
bender
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Jeg Coughlin Jr: The Natural Driver

A brilliant pilot at the wheel of any racecar, we get insight on Jeg Coughlin Jr.’s origin story as he celebrates decades of success in Pro Stock.
14 Dec 2020
David Kennedy
Feature
Jeg Coughlin Jr: The Natural
This is not the first time Jeg Coughlin Jr. has retired from Pro Stock racing. Technically, Team Jegs has differentiated this period from his retirement in 2010 by saying he is, “retiring from full-time racing after the 2020 season.” So rest assured…
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Jason Line: Pro Stock’s Engine Man

Part of KB Racing’s horsepower machine, Jason Line reflects on his Pro Stock career as he works on his next chapter in drag racing
13 Dec 2020
David Kennedy
Feature
Jason Line: Pro Stock’s Engine Man
In 2020, Pro Stock racing turned 50 and Jason Line turned 51. That pairing of class and racer has meant faster speeds created through horsepower and driving skill that has captured the imaginations of so many. In all cases, Line favors the path of…
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