| INDIANAPOLIS (September 1, 2025) — Funny Car and Top Alcohol Dragster driver Joe Morrison wasn’t behind the wheel of either of his high horsepower race cars this week at the 71st Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals but he was still turning on symbolic win lights for fans and his Right2Breathe Project. Morrison had a packed schedule, beginning with fan appearances on Thursday and racing all the way to today’s race day activities. The driver from New Jersey has competed at the prestigious drag race before but this year he put his focus on spending time with the fans and sponsors. On Thursday night Morrison was one of the featured drivers at the Cruz Pedregon Racing Open House participating in a driver autograph session and fan meet and greet. The event has become the kick-off fanfest for the U.S. Nationals as thousands of fans enjoyed a classic car show and the chance to talk with drivers like Morrison and get autographs and photos. The event also raises money for the Indianapolis-based Riley’s Children’s Hospital. Joe Morrison enjoyed his time at the Cruz Pedregon Racing Open House on Thursday night, photo credit Werner Communications“I was excited to get the race started with the Cruz Pedregon Racing Open House,” said Morrison. “They had a great crowd, and they were raising money for an amazing cause. I saw a lot of the people from Thursday night at the races this weekend too.” Throughout the race Morrison was active with the Kroger Health display and promoting the Right2Breathe Project. The Right2Breathe® Project is a dynamic, grassroots initiative focused on lung health education, awareness and screening. This campaign is hosted at various public venues, including automotive and sporting events across the United States. The U.S. Nationals screening event was Right2Breathe’s third venture of 2025 and will continue into the Countdown at multiple events later this season. “The mission of Right2Breathe is very personal for me so being able to partner with Kroger Health at an event like the NHRA U.S. Nationals gives us a great platform,” said Morrison. “We were able to talk with hundreds of fans about their lung health. Having drivers come over for autographs and talking with fans was a big hit too. We do these events all over the country and being at NHRA national events is a great platform to talk about all our lung health efforts.” Morrison thrilled the fans in the Top Eliminator Club on Saturday of the U.S. Nationals, photo credit Werner CommunicationsOn Sunday Morrison hosted fellow NHRA competitors TJ Zizzo, Spencer Hyde and Chris King in the Kroger Health booth for an autograph session. The quartet of drivers signed autographs for fans and Morrison talked about the importance of early detection for COPD and asthma issues. The display featured several race cars as well as interactive displays for fans to better understand lung health issues. On race day Morrison was on the American Rebel Light stage talking with fans about the Right2Breathe Project as well as giving fans insight into the racing action on track. Morrison will be driving the Paul Smith owned and tuned Funny Car with marketing support from long-time sponsors PennGrade1 and Glockner Oil at the NHRA Reading Nationals. At that event he will be doing double duty also racing in the Top Alcohol Dragster category. “Race day is a magical day and while we weren’t on track today for the U.S. Nationals,” said Morrison. “Getting to talk to the Monday crowd from the American Rebel Light stage with NHRA announcer Hannah Rickards was another great opportunity to talk about Right2Breathe as well as who fans should keep their eye on once the race gets started.” The NHRA Reading Nationals is the first of six playoff races for the NHRA Countdown. The event will begin for Morrison and the PennGrade1 Funny Car with two qualifying sessions on Friday September 12 at historic Maple Grove Raceway. |
