All posts by ARP Trish

Dominic Scelzi Closing Season With Mid-Week Race at Merced Speedway

Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2023) – Dominic Scelzi wraps up the 2023 season this Wednesday at Merced Speedway.

Scelzi guided his family owned team into Victory Lane at the bullring in Merced, Calif., in April. It was the site of his first triumph of the season and it marked his first-ever win at the track.

“It’s a big, high-banked bullring,” he said. “I love the place. It’s one of my favorites anywhere. It seems like it’s always two grooves and racy. We’ve been incredibly fast there. I think I’ve run second there like six times and the last time we were there was when we won. Racing there this time of the year is perfect because the weather isn’t hot and that helps the track surface.”

Scelzi placed fifth and 20th, respectively, during a pair of races at Merced Speedway to end last season.

He is seeking to end his season with a second straight victory after capturing the finale of an ASCS Southwest Region doubleheader in Arizona earlier this month. It was Scelzi’s 13 th win of the season and the fourth different state he’s been victorious in this year.

“It’s been a great year and I’m happy with the season we’ve had,” he said. “This is the third year in a row we’ve had 10 or more wins. Over the last four seasons we’ve averaged 12.5 wins per year. It’s been a great run. We’re looking forward to finishing strong. I’d love to pick up one more win in Merced and head into the offseason with momentum.”

Scelzi is also aiming for his first time of ending a sprint car season with a triumph. His best result in a season finale has been a fourth-place outing, which occurred in 2021.

SEASON STATS –

55 races, 13 wins, 38 top fives, 44 top 10s, 49 top 15s, 53 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Wednesday at Merced Speedway in Merced, Calif.

GUESS WHO’S BACK: Hoffman Leads all 50 to Win 10th Annual Reutimann Memorial at Volusia

Troutman finishes second from 21st, Hoffman ties David Reutimann for most event wins

BARBERVILLE, FL (Nov. 18, 2023) – He hadn’t driven a DIRTcar UMP Modified in almost 14 months, but you wouldn’t have known it the way Nick Hoffman drove to Victory Lane Saturday night.

Hoffman, the three-time national DIRTcar points champion from Mooresville, NC, was sidelined from Modified action in September 2022 after suffering a serious head injury in a highway crash. After completing his first full-time season on the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series this year, he decided to wind-down the season with a trip to visit a few friends – Volusia Speedway Park for the Emil & Dale Reutimann Memorial, piloting a car he built for longtime customer, NASCAR Xfinity Series star Justin Allgaier.

With no prior practice, Hoffman jumped in the Federated Auto Parts, Elite Chassis #7 Saturday afternoon and showed he hadn’t forgotten how to get around in the Modified.

“Allgaier called me and was like, ‘Do you wanna run Volusia?’” he said. “We were gonna run Eldora, and that didn’t work out. I was like, “Yeah, if you wanna drive 16 hours so I can come play, we’ll do it.’

“I can’t thank them enough. They brought me a great racecar. They worked really hard. I was a helmet bag carrier this week.”

He’d won the prestigious event that honors the legendary Reutimann family for the first time in 2021, but this time was different. After winning his Showdown Feature earlier in the program, Hoffman redrew the pole for the main event and took off at the drop of the green, never once relinquishing the top spot as he led all 50 laps en route to collecting the $10,000 grand prize and his second career tractor trophy.

After being out of UMP Modified action for so long, what enabled him to climb back in and pick it up so quickly?

“I think the biggest thing is I know every square inch of every one of these cars,” said Hoffman, who drove Allgaier’s #7 to the 2020 DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals championship. “It makes a big difference, for sure.”

Though he led green-to-checkered, his drive to victory was anything but a cakewalk. For 50 circuits around the half-mile oval, Hoffman was chased relentlessly by several different challengers – the fiercest of which were Mitch Thomas and Drake Troutman.

Thomas, 17, of Oakland, MD, started fourth and drove to second in six laps, putting the first bit of pressure on Hoffman in the early going. He stuck a nose underneath Hoffman on a Lap 23 restart in a bid for the lead, but Hoffman denied his challenge.

By this time, Troutman had already charged up to third, and took second when Thomas slipped up coming out of Turn 2 on Lap 25. From 21st on the grid, he had charged all the way up through the field in only half of the race and was now looking at the rear bumper of only one car – leader Nick Hoffman.

“We just had a good car,” Troutman, 18, of Hyndman, PA, said. “If someone went high, we were able to pick off a few on the bottom. If someone went low, we were able to pick off a few on top.”

After Thomas dropped out after slowing suddenly under green on Lap 32, Troutman next felt the wrath of Florida Modified standout Devin Dixon, who had climbed up from 11th in the Jeff Mathews Motorsports #33x. Dixon took second from Troutman down the backstretch on a Lap 35 restart and held it until the next caution flag on Lap 44, when he slowed under yellow with an empty fuel tank and retired to the pits.

One final restart, one final shot for Troutman in the final laps. Despite his ability to keep pace with Hoffman, Troutman knew it was going to be tough to execute a pass.

“He just didn’t really mess up,” Troutman said of Hoffman. “That was really my only hope. I was like maybe if he messes up, that was the only chance I was getting by him. If not, we’ll be running second.”

Hoffman had controlled the entire race to that point, though he knew Troutman’s Jerry Foster Racing #5 was fast as well.

“I knew he was getting close, especially with two-to-go, I came by and saw him on the board not far behind me,” Hoffman said. “At that point, dad was just telling me to stay smooth. As long as I didn’t make a mistake, it was gonna be pretty tough.”

Troutman was able to chop Hoffman’s gap down from a full second down to under a half-second but was unable to get any closer by the checkered flag. Hoffman cruised to his second Reutimann Memorial victory in the last three years and tied David Reutimann for most wins in event history. Reutimann won the 2015 and 2016 editions of the event at East Bay Raceway Park, matching Hoffman’s 2021 and 2023 victories at Volusia.

ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)

DIRTcar UMP Modified Feature (50 Laps): 1. 7-Nick Hoffman[1]; 2. 5-Drake Troutman[21]; 3. 33M-Jeff Mathews[5]; 4. 88-Cody Thornhill[19]; 5. 3S-Josh Sanford[10]; 6. 07-Eric Moon[29]; 7. 2N-Ty Norder[26]; 8. 54-Zach Hawk[12]; 9. 51-Dalton Lanich[6]; 10. 3D-Makayla Tyrrell[28]; 11. 33X-Devin Dixon[11]; 12. 00B-Buzzie Reutimann[27]; 13. 99S-Austin Sanders[15]; 14. 97-Mitch Thomas[4]; 15. 09-Michael Leach[14]; 16. 54J-Jason Jack[24]; 17. D2-Nolan Dalton[20]; 18. 72-Todd Neiheiser[3]; 19. 16-Rusty Griffaw[16]; 20. 96S-Slade Parsons[25]; 21. 27G-Jason Garver[23]; 22. 43A-Mark Anderson[9]; 23. 2J-Troy Johnson[2]; 24. 24B-Dillon Buhr[22]; 25. 78-Raymond Rogers[17]; 26. J82-Treb Jacoby[8]; 27. 21-Devin McLeod[18]; 28. 8A-Austin Holcombe[7]; 29. 6B-Dave Baldwin[13]

NEW ADVENTURE: Max McLaughlin Joins World of Outlaws Late Model Full Time in 2024

The Mooresville, NC driver will battle for Rookie of the Year with the World of Outlaws; Run Part-Time Super DIRTcar Series Schedule

CONCORD, NC – November 18, 2023 – After years of driving various dirt and pavement race cars, Super DIRTcar Series star Max McLaughlin will take on a new challenge in 2024.

The Mooresville, NC driver, and son of NASCAR veteran Mike McLaughlin, will transition to a dirt Late Model, joining the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series full time in 2024.

McLaughlin will run for the Germfree Rookie of the Year title in the GR Smith-owned #22 Longhorn chassis, with backing from Al Heinke – his owner in the Super DIRTcar Series – and Mohawk Northeast Inc. as the team’s main sponsor. 

“I’m beyond excited,” McLaughlin said. “This is the opportunity that everyone dreams of as a young dirt racer. I’m very thankful for GR, the Smith family and Al Heinke for helping us put it together. I’ve prayed a lot for something like this to happen one day. And to see this day finally come is very humbling.”

While it’ll be his first time racing an entire season in a dirt Late Model, it’s not the first time he’s run with the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models. McLaughlin finished eighth at Orange County Fair Speedway in 2021 while driving a Boom Briggs-owned entry in his only Series start.

Despite the limited experience, he said he feels he can adapt quickly.

“It’s no doubt going to be a huge learning curve,” McLaughlin said. “It’s a different animal, but I’m dedicated to putting together everything I have into getting better, and I’m prepared to fight through the struggle.”

While his focus will be on his rookie season with the World of Outlaws Late Models in 2024, he’ll still run at Big Block Modified for Heinke-Baldwin Racing (owned by Al Heinke) in select races. He plans on running a part-time Super DIRTcar Series schedule in the Heinke-Baldwin Racing #8H, including Super DIRT Week 52 at Oswego Speedway on Oct. 7-13.

Heinke has been a key part in developing McLaughlin’s career, giving him a chance to test Matt Sheppard’s Big Block Modified in 2015and then putting him in a car for the World of Outlaws World Finals at 15 years old. From then on, McLaughlin, now 23, has won five races with the Super DIRTcar Series, a Supermodified race at Oswego Speedway in 2021 and a NASCAR East Series race at Watkins Glen International in 2019.

McLaughlin highlighted how meaningful his relationship with Heinke is to his racing career and how important he is to his new venture.

“I’m just blessed that I have Al Heinke, honestly,” McLaughlin said. “We are going to keep the 8H fresh and ready to go in the shop, and every break in the schedule, I’m going to come up and race.

“Not only has he been the biggest sponsor of my career, he’s like family to me. I don’t just lean on him for racing. I lean on him for advice, too. He’s been with me through every step of my career from 2015 to the present. And he’s a huge part of making this Late Model deal come to life.”

Max would also like to thank Gambler Transport, Brickhouse Tavern, Victory Circle Auto Sales, Team22INC, Dirt King Apparel, and Bell Helmets.

McLaughlin and the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models kick off the 2024 season at Volusia Speedway Park at Sunshine Nationals Jan. 17-20 as part of the Late Model Palooza.

Heavy Rainfall Shifts Volusia’s Reutimann Memorial to One-Day Program on Saturday, Nov. 18

BARBERVILLE, FL (Nov. 17, 2023) – Due to substantial rainfall throughout the week continuing into Friday morning, officials have postponed the Friday portion of the 10th annual Emil & Dale Reutimann Memorial to Saturday, Nov. 18, creating a single-day lineup of events leading up to the 50-lap, $10,000-to-win DIRTcar UMP Modified finale.

Pit gates are set to open on Saturday at 11:30am with a great weather outlook of sunshine and clear skies projected. Drivers meeting will commence at 2pm, followed by Hot Laps and Qualifying for all six divisions at 2:30. Once opening ceremonies are complete, UMP Modified Showdown Features will kick off the racing action, followed by necessary Last Chance Showdowns for 604 Late Models.

The 602 Late Models will start the Feature racing action, followed by the 3/4 Modifieds, UMP Modified Last Chance Showdowns, and the 604 Late Model Feature. The 50-lap Emil & Dale Reutimann Memorial UMP Modified Feature will then take to the track, followed by the Street Stock and Thunder Stock Features to wrap up the program.

The full order of events has been posted in the updated competitor guide, which can be viewed here.

Those who purchased Friday-only tickets in advance through VolusiaSpeedwayPark.com will be admitted for Saturday’s program. If you purchased a two-day package, you can request a refund by calling 844-DIRT-TIX or via email at tickets@dirtcar.com.

If you can’t be at the track, watch every lap live on DIRTVision.com.

Back to the Beach: Tickets on Sale for Progressive AFT’s Second-Ever Stop at Ventura Raceway

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 16, 2023) – Tickets for the Ventura Short Track, Round 6 of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, are now on sale. Progressive AFT will make its second-ever visit to scenic Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California, on Saturday, May 11. One year ago, the venue’s unique setting provided the series an opportunity to impress before a sellout crowd and it delivered. Handlebar-to-handlebar action featuring the world’s elite motorcycle dirt track motorcycle racers on a 1/5-mile dirt track just 100 meters removed from the Pacific Ocean made for an unforgettable evening. That night, emerging superstar Dallas Daniels took top honors while the legendary Jared Meesscored the second of what would eventually grow to become a 14-race podium streak en route to his record-tying ninth Grand National Championship. With seven decades of history and inch-close racing, Progressive AFT left no doubt for those in attendance why it consistently ranks among the most compelling and unpredictable brands of racing the nation has ever produced. Another barnburner is expected in ‘24, with Daniels, Mees, Briar BaumanBrandon RobinsonDavis Fisher, and the remainder of the world-class Mission SuperTwins title contenders destined to battle for supremacy. There’s an equal amount of intrigue in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKERcategory. Last season, Kody Kopp took a big step towards his ultimately successful campaign to repeat as champion by outdueling another of the sport’s brightest young talents, Chase Saathoff, in a back-and-forth affair to the checkered flag. Off-track attractions will be in abundance as well, with numerous vendors, designated motorcycle parking, and a variety of food and beverage options featured on site. General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $45 (kids 12 and under $5), while Reserved Grandstand tickets are only $10 more (All Ages).  Back this season, a Pit Pass Upgrade provides all-day access to the pit area where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/ventura-short-track-85607 to reserve your seats today.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: National, Regional Points Champions to be Recognized at 2023 DIRTcar Banquet

CONCORD, NC (Nov. 16, 2023) – The milestone 40th year of DIRTcar Racing saw one of the most competitive and lucrative seasons in weekly dirt track racing history. And with the final checkered flag having fallen, we recognize those who shined the brightest in each division.

Nine kings of their respective divisions, plus special award winners, are set to be honored for their yearlong efforts at the 2023 DIRTcar Racing Awards Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 6 at the Springfield Crowne Plaza in Springfield, IL.

Late Model and UMP Modified drivers finishing inside the top-50 of national points, plus any driver in the top-20 of all other divisions, are eligible to receive their points fund check and trophies at the banquet. The top-10 of each division’s region are also eligible for recognition during the ceremony.

Tickets for award winners and drivers receiving points fund checks will be available for purchase in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to DIRTcar Racing social media for updates and more information on how and when to purchase.

Congratulations to each of DIRTcar’s 2023 national points champions:

Late Model – Jason Feger (Bloomington, IL)

For the first time since 2009, Jason Feger is king of the DIRTcar Late Models.

Sixteen Feature victories in DIRTcar competition topped the win column in addition to a nation-high 66 starts he made this year. Eight of those wins came in MARS Late Model Championship action en route to the 2023 points title, making Feger the third driver from the State of Illinois to win the series championship.

“This is the most wins we’ve had since probably 2012 or 2013,” Feger said. “There’s a lot of races [going on]. There’s midweek shows, the Summer Nationals and now the MARS Series – there’s just so many races, so we get to race more.”

Feger topped fields at nine different DIRTcar tracks this season, including marquee victories on the DIRTcar Summer Nationals trail at Brownstown Bullring, Lincoln Speedway and Paducah International Raceway in addition to two weekly points titles. He and veteran crew chief Jason Palubicki have spent the past two seasons conforming to their current setup after multiple chassis changes over the past few seasons and have since reaped the big rewards.

“[It’s my] second year in a Longhorn [Chassis] car; it just fits me really well,” Feger said. “We’ve just had a really good balance and we’ve got a good notebook. Pretty much everywhere we unloaded, we were fast. We were just making good decisions, we know what to do, and it just comes from working hard.”

UMP Modified – Tyler Nicely (Owensboro, KY)

Two years ago, he ranked third. Last year, he came up one spot short in second. But this year, Tyler Nicely is the 2023 DIRTcar UMP Modified national champion.

A nation-high 27 Feature wins this season put the 28-year-old Kentucky racer on top of DIRTcar’s most populated division for the first time in his career. He began the year with five wins during UMP Modified Florida Speedweeks in January-February and continued his excellence throughout the summer, winning five times in 17 starts en route to his first DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals championship.

Nicely was also the early favorite to win the inaugural MARS Modified Championship, but Late Model duty called later in the summer aboard the Hatcher’s Auto Sales, Longhorn Chassis #6, shuffling his priorities and taking him out of contention for the points title. Still, he notched a total of three victories in MARS competition this year en route to a fifth-place finish in points.

“The main thing was just [me being] comfortable and having a good group behind me that kept the car going and do what we set out to this year,” Nicely said. “At the beginning of the year, we wanted to win the national title, the [Summit Modified title], and we were leading the MARS championship too when I got the Late Model ride.

“To do what we did with both series, it’s kind of hard to believe.”

Pro Late Model – Jose Parga (New Berlin, IL)

Twenty Feature wins in 22 starts. A 19-race win streak. A fourth national points championship. Jose Parga has had quite the 2023 season.

The 26-year-old racer dominated the Pro Late Model division like none before him have, winning over 90 percent of the races he started.

“I thought three years ago was the best year I would’ve ever had,” Parga said. “And then to sit back and really look at everything we’ve done this year, it’s like, wow. Now we definitely don’t think we’ll be able to do what we’ve done this year again.”

Read More – ‘UNBELIEVABLE’: Jose Parga Headlines DIRTcar Fall Nationals After Near-Perfect, 19-Win Season

Parga made the switch to a BMF Race Car for 2023 and made the most of it, going a perfect seven-for-seven at Farmer City Raceway and six-for-six at Lincoln Speedway in weekly competition. Near perfection at this level requires immense talent and attention-to-detail, and Parga devotes a lot of the credit for keeping up with those details to his crew who worked throughout the season to keep him on top.

“I firmly believe races are won in the race shop, not at the racetrack,” Parga said. “Me and my crew chief, Alex [Zuniga]… he’s picked up on a lot of things. I wouldn’t necessarily say I do all the work; he does a lot of it. It’s just a deal where I’ve got to teach him the right and wrong way that we do things.

“I could trust him to go, ‘Hey, do this,’ and it gets done. It just makes life a lot easier as a driver, not having to worry about other things on the race car. All I have to do is worry about driving.”

Pro Modified – Deece Schwartz (Ashmore, IL)

Twenty-year-old Deece Schwartz had big shoes to fill when he began his career a short time ago. His grandfather – 2006 DIRTcar UMP Modified national champion Denny Schwartz – and father – famed Illinois veteran racer Danny Schwartz – watched him as he began racing in the Pro Modified ranks around DIRTcar’s staple Illinois tracks with aspirations of success.

They’ve since watched Deece transform as a driver in the Crate-engine-powered Modified division, winning his first national championship last year and now a second in 2023.

“It’s great because I’ve always wanted to do something my dad and grandpa have never done,” Schwartz said. “My grandpa’s won a [UMP] Modified national championship, so that’s kinda hard to beat. But it’s something he hasn’t done, dad hasn’t been able to do, and it’s something I’ve wanted to do and I could only dream of doing my whole career.”

Schwartz also notched both the Kankakee County Speedway and Charleston Speedway track championships with a total of 25 Feature wins in DIRTcar-sanctioned action.

UMP Sportsman – Josh Litton (Paragon, IN)

Deep in the heart of Indiana dirt track racing country lies a hotbed for DIRTcar UMP Sportsman racing and the home tracks of 2023 national champion, Josh Litton.

Litton, 28, of Paragon, IN, collected his first career DIRTcar national points title on the back of eight Feature wins, spread between two Indiana dirt staples – Lincoln Park Speedway and his home track, Paragon Speedway.

He defeated nearest rival Larry Raines by only 22 points in the final standings. Raines was one of several tough competitors Litton raced on a weekly basis this year and credited him for the challenge throughout the season.

“There were nights we had all of the top-10 from Indiana at the track,” Litton said. “Larry Raines – he’s one of the best there is – it was just great competition over there.”

Stock Car – Jerrad Krick (Earl Park, IN)

After winning a three-peat of national DIRTcar championships in 2006, 2007 and 2008, Jerrad Krick endured a dry spell of championship gold.

“We’ve been second so many times, I didn’t know if I was ever going to get back to the top again or not before my career was over,” Krick said.

But 2023 was the 46-year-old veteran’s year, as he cashed in for a nation-high 13 Feature wins in 31 starts en route to his first national championship in 15 years. Krick joined forces with Stock Car dynasty owner Mike Alsop for 2023 and closed out the championship in the final weekend of the season at Charleston Speedway, where he also won the track championship with nine Feature wins in local competition.

“Mike Alsop Racing put me in good equipment, Cody Roberts at Bullet Chassis built me a hell of a racecar, and HP Machine had some awesome power to go with it,” Krick said.

Factory Stock – Trevor Isaak (Highland, IL)

The last four seasons of DIRTcar Factory Stock racing have been dominated by one man who continued his rule over the division in 2023 – Trevor Isaak.

Isaak, 33, of Highland, IL, collected his fourth-straight national championship – fifth of his career – this season on the back of 18 Feature wins in 25 recorded races. Boasting a win percentage of 72, Isaak has established a longstanding reputation of winning with the fans and in the pit area.

“I try not to get a big ego or a big head over it,” Isaak said. “I want to go out there and do the best I can at any given second and put on a show for the fans.”

The fans show up every week at his home track of Highland Speedway, where he’s now won the last six division track championships. Isaak greatly values the success he has at the 1/4-mile oval and knows the role it’s played in his quest for the national title each year.

“Highland’s always been one of those tracks when you talk to people like if you run well at Highland, you can run pretty decent at most tracks,” Isaak said. “That’s my backyard track, I’ve got thousands of laps around there, so that definitely comes into play.”

Sport Compact – Jimmy Dutlinger (Peoria, IL)

Another first-time national champion in DIRTcar’s 40th weekly racing season, Jimmy Dutlinger topped the Sport Compact division with a perfect, 20-win season in 53 recorded races.

Dutlinger captured both the Kankakee County Speedway and Charleston Speedway track championships en route to the national title, notching a combined 16 Feature wins between the two tracks.

Dutlinger becomes the sixth different driver in the last six years to win the Sport Compact national title.

Mod Lite – Jimmy Smith (Toboso, OH)

For the second-straight year, Jimmy Smith has captured the DIRTcar Mod Lite national championship.

The 38-year-old Ohio racer has raced Modifieds and Late Models before but has since found a home racing in the Mod Lite division. He dominated his competition this season with 18 wins in 31 recorded races; no other driver has more than nine Feature wins.

Thirteen of those wins in 2023 came at Hilltop Speedway, where he captured the track championship again, thanks in part to a chassis change from his 2022 setup.

“We switched chassis brands earlier in the year and it all just fell together,” Smith said. “I just feel more comfortable in the new car, and the people that are behind me – they treat me like family.”

Drag Race Bracket Bonanza Wraps up with Winners Around the World

Drag Race Bracket Bonanza Wraps up 2023 
with Winners Around the World

DALLAS (November 16, 2023) — The 2023 professional drag racing season ended on a high note at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip and Drag Race Bracket Bonanza (DRBB) players were right in the middle of the championship action. The six-race playoffs, on and off the track, came down to the final day and two DRBB players rose to the top with Nitrostalgic (Terry I.) and AlkeyAlex (Alex Owens) taking the top spots in the DRBB Overall Series, earning the most points over the six playoff races. The Overall Series winners each received a championship belt signed by the 2023 NHRA world champions Doug Kalitta, Matt Hagan, Erica Enders and Gaige Herrera. Five winners also won for their World Finals picks including the first Canadian and European winners.


DRBB creator Elon Werner and Overall Series runner-up Alex Owens pose with signed DRBB runner-up belt in In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip pressroom, photo courtesy of Werner Communications.

 
“I couldn’t have asked for a better end to the first Drag Race Bracket Bonanza season,” said Elon Werner, Drag Race Bracket Bonanza creator. “Over the course of the seven races we grew every race. We saw great momentum over the final three races with record signups and completed brackets race over race. The interest and participants exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to get started in 2024 and we will for sure be back better than ever.”
 
The World Finals overall winner Kevin F. from Pershore, Worcestershire in the United Kingdom was a consistent player all season and from Canada Jason M. took the Pro Stock win at the World Finals. In Top Fuel Tracy L. grabbed first place with Adam L., from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, winning Funny Car. Clay D. finished first in Pro Stock Motorcycle. The winning World Finals plaques were signed by the respective race winners Doug Kalitta, Chad Green, Aaron Stanfield and Gaige Herrera.


 2023 Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan signs DRBB championship belts at the conclusion of World Finals,
photo credit Kelly Wade

“Winding down from another full NHRA season on the road. Between the friendships created and championship title chases ending in Pomona, it’s been a fun season. To top it off I placed second in the inaugural Drag Race Bracket Bonanza,” said Alex Owens, who is a photographer for Auto Imagery in a social media post. “Every Sunday, during the countdown races, I viewed the pro ladders, researched, and picked who I thought was going to win each round. I entered Pomona 15th and was just hoping for a Top 10 finish. Somehow, I lucked my way into the runner-up spot out of nearly 2,000 participants. I’ve now got some really cool hardware to add to my collection. Thanks to Elon Werner for the hard work and dedication to the sport we all love. I’ll be back next year trying to secure an event winner plate which eluded me this season!”
 
Throughout the DRBB campaign fans from across the country and around the world made their picks when qualifying concluded. Moving into next season the DRBB design team is working towards creating the option for people to create their own groups. The functionality of making picks is being streamlined and redesigned and DRBB will be available for the four-wide national events, a first in drag racing bracket games. The marketing team is looking at additional mini-series inside the season to create some immediate winners throughout the 21-race season.
 
The goals for DRBB will continue to be creating a fun game for drag racing fans and to drive fan interest online through social media posts and to encourage fans to watch the NHRA broadcasts on FOX and FS1. Feel free to share your favorite DRBB memories or upset stories on DRBB Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Fans can follow Drag Race Bracket Bonanza social media for stats, updates and info on Twitter/X at @dragracebb or Instagram and Facebook, @DragRaceBracketBonanza.
 

World of Outlaws Late Models Increase Points Fund, Bonus Program; $1.3 Million Now Available To Teams

The largest payout in Series history is up for grabs with $205,000 at stake for 2024 champion between points fund and Winner Circle Bonus

CONCORD, NC – November 16, 2023 – The turn of the calendar to 2024 will see the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models present the largest points fund and bonus program in Series history.

More than $1.3 million will now be available between the overall championship purse and Winner Circle Bonus Program – a 13.6% percent increase from 2023.“It’s our mission to see Late Model drivers thrive so they can give fans an exciting show every race night, and the best way to do that is by helping them be as financially healthy as we can,” said Brian Carter, World of Outlaws CEO. “That’s why it’s exciting to be able to increase their points fund and add to the Winner Circle Bonus program yet again.”


The Series added more than $140,000 to the 2024 points fund, seeing the champion now walk away with a Series-high $175,000. The points fund was also expanded to now pay out the top 13 full-time drivers with the goal to expand that further in the future.

And that’s not the only check they’ll be walking away with at the end of the year. With the Winner Circle bonus – awarded monthly – the top 13 full-time drivers can earn an extra $30,000 in total by the end of year with perfect attendance – $5,000 more per driver than 2023. So now, the 2024 champion could end the year with $205,000, and even the driver that finishes 13th could walk away with $55,000.

The way the Winner Circle program works is full-time drivers will earn an extra $3,000 each month they follow the tour throughout the 10-month season stretch – adding up to the extra $30,000 at the end of the year.

As an incentive for all current teams that return next season, the first Winner Circle payment in March will be distributed to the top 13 teams based on the 2023 standings. New teams that join, who were not on tour in 2023, will start receiving the bonus money the following month.

“Not everybody is going to win every night. We have to try and make sure we’re keeping the sport healthy,” said Steve Francis, World of Outlaws CASE Late Model Series Director. “We heard what everybody said, and we’re trying to help in every way we can.”

The World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series will commence its 2024 season at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, Jan. 17-20, for an annual Late Model Paloozaevent.

TICKETS: http://bit.ly/3tT75tN

If you can’t make it to the track, watch all our events live on DIRTVision – available either online or through the DIRTVision App.

FULL 2024 Championship Purse (With Potential Winner Circle Money Added)

  1. $175,000 ($205,000)
  2. $125,000 ($155,000)
  3. $110,000 ($140,000)
  4. $100,000 ($130,000)
  5. $80,000 ($110,000)
  6. $60,000 ($90,000)
  7. $50,000 ($80,000)
  8. $47,000 ($77,000)
  9. $43,000 ($73,000)
  10. $40,000 ($70,000)
  11. $37,000 ($67,000)
  12. $33,000 ($63,000)
  13. $25,000 ($55,000)

PART OF THE PLAN: Brock Zearfoss Ready to Take Team to Next Step With World of Outlaws in 2024

The Jonestown, PA native hopes to make more progress with family-owned team next seasonBrock Zearfoss’ road map to elevating he and his team on the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series continues in 2024 with his fourth season on tour.After three straight years competing with The Greatest Show on Dirt with his family-owned operation, Zearfoss is already preparing for another run behind the wheel of the #3Z with the nation’s top Sprint Car talent.“You’re racing with the best of the best,” Zearfoss said of the World of Outlaws tour. “Being a family team, we have to look at spending a little more wisely to make it up and down the road. It takes a lot of great people to get up and down the road running the World of Outlaws tour. It’s such a grueling schedule. We have great sponsors that help us do that.”“The Jonestown Jet” is fresh off wrapping up a ninth-place finish (worth $96,250) in the 2023 World of Outlaws standings – matching his personal best mark. He showed speed early on, passing a combined 50 cars over the first six Features of the season. A top-five run at US 36 Raceway in April highlighted his campaign. In total, Zearfoss collected eight top 10s, qualified for eight Dashes, and earned four KSE Hard Charger Awards.Despite notching some solid numbers, Zearfoss had higher hopes for 2023. However, he’s pleased with the state of his team and optimistic they’re heading in the right direction for 2024.“I’m always hard on myself, so I think it was a subpar season,” Zearfoss said of this year. “But we had some good speed throughout the year and struggled in some areas. Being our third season, we’re taking it one year at a time, kind of molding our team into where we think we need to be, working on one thing at a time and focusing on those areas. I feel like we’ve got a solid crew, solid equipment. Now, we’re going to work on our engine program and try to get that dialed in for next year. We’re looking forward to next season. I feel like we left some on the table this year, but there’s always room for improvement.”Zearfoss plans to have Todd Berkheimer back leading the team and Ron Helmick on the crew. Together, he said they already started working on 2024 during the 2023 season, identifying areas of concern they want to prioritize in the off season.“We just take a look at where we struggled, what we thought we needed to improve on this season and evaluate that during the off-season and work on that,” Zearfoss explained. “It’s such a short amount of time to work on stuff, but as the season progresses you kind of see where you’re lacking and what you need to improve on. So, we’ve been doing that all year and kind of working towards that, so that’s what we’re going to do this off-season is work really hard at getting that stuff dialed in.”Heading into 2024 Zearfoss’ career numbers with the World of Outlaws are 252 Feature starts, two victories, three podiums, nine top fives, 60 top 10s, 81 laps led, one Quick Time, and 14 Heat Race wins.He knew rising through the ranks of the World of Outlaws was never going to be an overtime achievement. He already considered it a five-year road map in his head, especially with having to build up a small family team. But with the knowledge of where improvement is needed, a plan to execute and a great team behind him, Zearfoss has his program in place to take another step forward in his fourth season with the World of Outlaws.“It’s like a five-year process, I feel like, if you take your time at it,” Zearfoss said. “Obviously, you want to do everything right away and get a jump start on it. But being a smaller, family team we have to spend money a little more wisely. That’s why we’re taking it one step at a time here. We improved on two different spots, and now we’re on to the next phase. I’m excited to get the season started.”Brock Zearfoss Racing is supported by Moose’s LZ Bar & Grill, Heavy Equipment Loaders and Parts, C&D Rigging, Milton Hershey School, Adamsky Trucking, Klick Lewis Cars, Berkebile Oil Company, CSI Shocks, High Performance Lubricants, AL Driveline, Walker Performance Filtration, Allstar Performance, and FK Rod Ends.Zearfoss will get his 2024 campaign started when it begins at Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville, FL) for the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Feb. 7-10. For tickets, CLICK HERE.If you can’t make it to the track, catch all of the action live on DIRTVision.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: 10th Reutimann Memorial to Host Past Winners, Late Model Talent in Marquee UMP Modified Event at Volusia

Hoffman returns, Dotson back in Longhorn house car, Winger and Zeigler represent Super Late Model invaders

BARBERVILLE, FL (Nov. 14, 2023) – Every November, the Reutimann family and its historic motorsports legacy are honored in one of the most prestigious DIRTcar UMP Modified events of the year. The 10th edition of the Emil & Dale Reutimann Memorial writes another chapter this Friday-Saturday, Nov. 17-18, at Volusia Speedway Park.

A $10,000 grand prize and the signature toy tractor trophy awaits the winner of the 50-lap main event Saturday night – held in memory of Emil Reutimann Jr, Dale Reutimann and family friend Gordon Stone, who were victims of a drunk driving crash while traveling to a race in September 1973.

With the recent cancelation of Thursday’s practice session, the UMP Modified program will now begin Friday, Nov. 17, with Hot Lap/Qualifying and $500-to-win Showdown Features alongside a complete show for local 602 Late Models, Street Stocks and Thunder Stocks. UMP Modified redraw, Last Chance Showdowns and the 50-lap Feature are on-tap for Saturday, while DIRTcar Pro (604) Late Models and 3/4-Modifieds support the show.

Tickets for Friday and Saturday will be on sale at the gate or in advance at VolusiaSpeedwayPark.com. If you can’t be at the track, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

Here are the drivers to watch and storylines to follow this weekend:

GUESS WHO’S BACK – For the first time in over a year, 2021 Reutimann Memorial winner Nick Hoffman will return to the seat of a UMP Modified this weekend in pursuit of the $10,000 grand prize and his second career tractor trophy.

Hoffman, the three-time DIRTcar national points champion from Mooresville, NC, is set to pilot the Federated Auto Parts, Elite Chassis #7 – owned by longtime customer and NASCAR Xfinity Series veteran Justin Allgaier. Hoffman has made several starts in Allgaier’s Modified in the past, piloting the car for an entire summer en route to the 2020 DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals championship in which he won 12 of the 27 contested races.

Since 2016, no other driver has shined in Volusia’s biggest UMP Modified events like Hoffman. Twenty-three career DIRTcar Nationals Feature wins and an unprecedented seven-straight Big Gator points championships in the event have set him far apart from his competition at the half-mile oval – several of which he’ll race against this weekend.

KING AND HIS CROWN – One year ago, Ethan Dotson made his first trip to Volusia to compete in the Reutimann Memorial and left with the big check and tractor trophy. He and the Longhorn Chassis house team are set for a return to VSP this weekend in defense of their crown.

Dotson, the 24-year-old Dirt Modified standout from Bakersfield, CA, dominated last year’s event, taking the lead five laps into the main event and leading the rest of the way unchallenged. His prowess at the half mile continued into 2023 as well, winning three of the five Features he contested at DIRTcar Nationals in February.

For most of the 2023 regular season, Dotson has been cutting his teeth in the Super Late Model ranks, piloting cars for Chris Bragg Racing and Coltman Farms Racing. However, he has made intermittent appearances in a UMP Modified this year, winning a total of seven DIRTcar-sanctioned Features, including the marquee Plowboy Nationals at Spoon River Speedway in September.

HOME GAME – A host of weekly Volusia racers are set to defend home turf against an army of invaders this weekend, including newly crowned UMP Modified track champion Dalton Lanich and the Reutimann family legend himself, Buzzie Reutimann.

Lanich, 33, of Bunnell, FL, won two of the four UMP Modified races contested during the regular season and clinched the track points title for the first time in his career. He transferred into the Reutimann main event last year by way of a third-place finish in his Showdown Feature on Friday, and started 10th on Saturday’s Feature grid, but retired before the first lap was complete after being involved in a multi-car incident on the first lap.

Reutimann, the 82-year-old motorsports legend from Zephyrhills, FL, won the first Last Chance Showdown before driving from 21st on the starting grid up to finish 12th in last year’s main event. He previously clinched the 2022 Volusia track championship by way of one Feature win last year.

JUST WING IT – Ashton Winger, of Senoia, GA, made his UMP Modified debut in last year’s Reutimann Memorial and impressed, starting on the outside pole and holding strong up front to finish second in the Mathews Motorsports #33.

The 23-year-old Super Late Model regular is slated to be back in the seat of a UMP Modified for Florida team owner Jeff Mathews this weekend, alongside Mathews himself. Mathews is a past winner of the Reutimann Memorial, taking the checkered flag in 2017 when the race was held at Bubba Motorsports Park in Ocala, FL.

Since teaming up with Mathews at the end of the 2022 season, Winger has been strong in the team’s flagship Super Late Model, capturing the 2023 DIRTcar Summer Nationals championship with six Feature wins in addition to multiple Crate-engine Late Model wins and his first national Super Late Model win at East Bay Raceway Park in February.

SUPER INVADERS – The trend of Super Late Model talent invading the Modified ranks continues with Mason Zeigler making his Volusia UMP Modified debut this weekend in the Elite Chassis #5z for car owner Glenn Elliott.

Zeigler, of Chalk Hill, PA, was a regular of the national Super Late Model circuit for several years but has since scaled back to favor a more regional schedule over the past few seasons. He recently joined forces with Elliot, his car owner, to pursue a small handful of UMP Modified races this fall for a bit of fun and testing.

In his first race out for Elliott, and only his second career start in a UMP Modified, Zeigler took the checkered flag in one of Pennsylvania’s newest marquee Modified races – the DJ Troutman Memorial at Bedford Speedway – besting a large field loaded with talent to bag the $4,000 grand prize. Most recently, Zeigler impressed in the World Short Track Championship at The Dirt Track at Charlotte three weeks ago, running second in the main event before tangling with a lapped car.

PAST WINNERS:
• 2014 – Austin Sanders
• 2015 – David Reutimann
• 2016 – David Reutimann
• 2017 – Jeff Mathews
• 2018 – Kyle Strickler
• 2019 – David Stremme
• 2020 – Tyler Nicely
• 2021 – Nick Hoffman
• 2022 – Ethan Dotson

Dominic Scelzi Earns ASCS Southwest Region Triumph in Arizona

Inside Line Promotions – CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Nov. 14, 2023) – Dominic Scelzi added another track to his win’s list last Saturday when he captured the finale of the Keith Bryan Memorial doubleheader at Central Arizona Raceway.

It was his 13 th victory of the season and second career with the ASCS Southwest Region.

The weekend began on Friday when Scelzi advanced from sixth to fourth place in a heat race. That ranked him ninth in overall points, which was only one spot shy of making the feature redraw.

“We went down and were the fastest car both nights,” he said. “The track was incredibly wet on Friday night. It was everything we could do to make sure we didn’t get into any trouble in the heat race. We went sixth to fourth and that was about as good as we could do.”

Scelzi lined up on the inside of the fifth row in the A Main.

“We stayed out of trouble and ended up finishing second behind Terry (McCarl),” he said. “The track had grease for the bottom five feet and then a patch of grip. The top of the track was rough and choppy. I tried to stay patient. It was better to start on the bottom than the top. Guys would hit the grease and slide across and I could cut underneath them. And guys up top would bike up. I just ran a line to stay out of trouble. We were right there with Terry, but he didn’t make any mistakes.”

The run from ninth to second place was tied for the second-most positions gained.

Scelzi wrapped up his weekend at the dirt oval on Saturday. He maneuvered from sixth to third place in a heat race to garner enough points to make the feature redraw. Scelzi grabbed the No. 1 during the random draw to score the pole position for the main event.

“We drew the No. 1, started on the pole and led all 30 laps,” he said. “We had a decent amount of yellows early. When we got to traffic it was kind of wild, but once we could put a couple of cars a lap down we were unchallenged. I ran the top on both ends. As it slicked off more and more in (turns) three and four we got better.”

The triumph snapped a string of three straight runner-up results at the track.

Scelzi will take this weekend off before tackling his final race of the year on Nov. 22 at Merced Speedway in Merced, Calif., where he was victorious in April.

QUICK RESULTS –

Nov. 10 – Central Arizona Raceway in Casa Grande, Ariz. – Heat race: 4 (6); Feature: 2 (9).

Nov. 11 – Central Arizona Raceway in Casa Grande, Ariz. – Heat race: 3 (6); Feature: 1 (1).

SEASON STATS –

55 races, 13 wins, 38 top fives, 44 top 10s, 49 top 15s, 53 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Nov. 22 at Merced Speedway in Merced, Calif.

MEDIA LINKS –

Website: http://www.GaryScelziMotorsports.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DominicScelzi41

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scelzi41

Tickets Now on Sale for Progressive American Flat Track’s Return to Senoia Raceway

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 14, 2023) – Tickets for the Senoia Short Track, Round 3 of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, are now available for purchase.  Progressive AFT is the world’s elite dirt track motorcycle series and one of the most historic and consistently exciting brands of racing the nation has ever produced. With the competitors routinely separated by mere inches or less, the action is both furious and unpredictable. These world-class athletes are set to make just their second-ever appearance at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia, on Saturday, March 23. Last year’s inaugural edition was a stunning success that set the tone for an historic Mission SuperTwins championship fight. The high-banked, 3/8-clay oval proved itself an ideal battlefield for America’s Original Extreme Sport. Described in the immediate aftermath by winner Jared Mees as “a fistfight in a phone booth,” Mees edged rival Dallas Daniels by 0.174 seconds to conclude a breathtaking dogfight for victory. The win helped settle the score after Daniels made his championship ambitions clear with a double win two weeks earlier in the season-opening DAYTONA Short Track I & II and laid the groundwork for the intense championship battle to come. This season’s schedule mirrors that of a year ago, while also allowing the likes of Briar BaumanBrandon RobinsonDavis Fisher, and company to properly announce their arrivals as serious contenders in ‘24. The off-track action only adds to show, including numerous vendors, designated motorcycle parking, a variety of food and beverage options, and a fireworks display to conclude what’s certain to be a memorable evening. Founded in 1969 and recently updated after being acquired by its original owners, the famed Pollard family, Senoia Raceway is a cornerstone of the Georgia dirt track scene. Located just south of Atlanta, the track retains its small-town charms despite its modernization initiatives. “We are excited for the AFT to be heading back to Senoia Raceway in March 2024,” said Andrea Pollard, owner of Senoia Raceway. “The 2023 race brought great excitement and an amazing turnout, and we know that 2024 will be even bigger and better. We look forward to continuing our partnership with this outstanding organization.” General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under $5), and Reserved Grandstand tickets start at $50 (All Ages) with an option to add Pit Access.  New for 2024, a Pit Pass grants access to the General Admission areas and the Pit area for $60. Reserved Trackside Parking and Multi-Day Camping Passes are also available to purchase. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/senoia-short-track-85605 to reserve your seats today. For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

Chevrolet Wins NHRA Manufacturers Cup for the 28th Time

With Success Seen in Multiple Categories During the 2023 NHRA Season, Team Chevy Drivers in Nitro, Pro Stock, and FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown Contribute to Season Triumph
DETROIT (November 14, 2023) – For the record-extending 28th time, Chevrolet has been awarded the National Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) Manufacturers Cup and is recognized as the top manufacturer of the series in 2023. With success contributed by Team Chevy drivers and teams in multiple classes including but not limited to Funny Car, Pro Stock, FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown, the Bowtie brand was awarded the honor during the Monday, Nov. 13th NHRA Awards Ceremony in at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.
For the seventh consecutive year, and the ninth time in the past 11 seasons, Chevrolet has been presented the award for being the automobile manufacturer whose current-year models earn the most points for qualifying and category victories in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series regional and divisional events.
Points are awarded to entries in Funny Car, Pro Stock, Super Stock, and Stock Eliminator classes, as well as the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown category.
Chevrolet first earned the award in 1966, and no other manufacturer has won the award more times than the Bowtie brand. General Motors brands Oldsmobile and Pontiac combined to win 24 titles between 1971 and 2006.
“Thanks to our Chevrolet teams who delivered valuable points towards capturing the 2023 Manufacturers Cup,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. Vice President, Performance and Motorsports. “These drivers, team members and owners in the professional and Sportsman classes were critical to Chevrolet winning the Manufacturers Cup for the 28th time.”
With numerous victories and noteworthy moments across Funny Car, and Pro Stock, FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown, Super Stock, and Stock Eliminator categories, Chevrolet showed prowess at notable times like a tripe-up victory at zMAX Dragway by John Force Racing’s Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Austin Prock (Top Fuel), and KB Titan Racing’s Deric Kramer (Pro Stock), as well as Erica Enders capturing her 47th victory, all with Team Chevy, at the Texas Motorplex’s NHRA Texas FallNationals to become the winningest female in NHRA history.
Racing to the nitro winners’ circle five times in 2023, Chevrolet also captured their 19th Pro Stock driver championship with Erica Enders and Elite Motorsports, while now holding 282 event victories in the category since 1970, 263 in the Camaro nameplate.
Despite the Top Fuel class not counting toward Manufacturers Cup points in NHRA, John Force Racing’s Brittany Force and Austin Prock, as well as their teams, both made notable performances and contributions to the Bowtie brand this season, with Force making memorable passes to qualify No. 1 six times during the season, and Prock getting his fourth career win at Charlotte’s four-wide event.
The 2024 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series begins March 8-10, 2023, with the NHRA Gatornationals from Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla. A broadcast schedule for the 2024 season with NHRA on FOX will be released in the near future.

Cadillac enters ’24 IMSA season with stout lineup

After sweeping championships, repeat is goal in second year of GTP racecar 
DETROIT (Nov. 13, 2023) — Cadillac Racing will seek to successfully defend its IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship titles in 2024 with a successful and savvy driver lineup.
The hybrid No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R and No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R start their second season of Grand Touring Prototype competition at the 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona in late January. The nine-race schedule includes five endurance rounds and a return to Detroit.
Cadillac swept top honors for the 2023 IMSA season, earning its fourth Manufacturer Championship and fifth IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup title in the prototype classification since 2017.
“Rolex 24 in 2023 for Cadillac Racing was an incredible event,” said Laura Wontrop Klauser, GM sports car racing program manager. “It proved the reliability of our vehicles and how strong they could be. Since then, we’ve been figuring out how to take that solid package and get the most possible performance out of it. 
“We are excited to come back to Daytona in January 2024 and see how much of a leap we’ve made over a year in improving the vehicle.”
Continuity and experience highlight the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R entry, with Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande returning for their third season as teammates. Six-time INDYCAR champion Scott Dixon returns for the Rolex 24 and additional endurance races.
The trio drove to third place in the 2023 season-opening Rolex 24 and closed with a runner-up finish in the Petit Le Mans. Combined, the three drivers have eight overall or class Rolex 24 victories. They also teamed up for a fourth-place overall finish in the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
We are excited to come back to Daytona in January 2024 and see how much of a leap we’ve made over a year in improving the vehicle.— Laura Wontrop Klauser
Bourdais and van der Zande co-drove the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R to victory at Laguna Seca, raising their win total to four over the past two seasons. Van der Zande has 19 IMSA victories, including nine with Cadillac Racing, and Bourdais has 11 IMSA wins.
“We had some success racing the Cadillac V-Series.R across the 2023 IMSA season but we are expecting even more in 2024. We are happy that Sebastien, Renger and Scott will again be in the 01 next year and that we can build on our learnings together,” said Mike O’Gara, director of operations for Chip Ganassi Racing which fields the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R in IMSA and the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R in the FIA World Endurance Championship.“We have proven that the car has reliability, as both of our Cadillacs finished every lap of the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona. We led a lot of laps in many races last year, but not always the ones that counted. We are using the off-season to regroup and hit the reset button, so we can attack 2024 together.”
The IMSA GTP championship-winning No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R enters 2024 with Pipo Derani and Jack Aitken as its full-season drivers and bolstered by 2022 IMSA DPi champion Tom Blomqvist joining for endurance races.
Blomqvist drove to the Rolex 24 overall victory in 2023 and ’22. Derani, the 2023 and 2021 IMSA prototype champion, teamed with Aitken and Alexander Sims to win at Sebring International Raceway en route to securing the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Driver and Team Championship and the IMSA GTP Driver/Team Championship.
“We are expecting the 2024 Rolex 24 to be the most competitive 24-hour race ever run in Daytona,” said Gary Nelson, team manager for Action Express Racing which fields the car. “After a steep learning curve in 2023, all teams now have a year under their belts with the hybrid GTP class. We know everybody is working hard to find small gains. We celebrated our 2023 championship for about one day, then it was back to work for Action Express.
“When they wave the checkered flag after 24 hours of racing in Daytona, we will get our report card. We believe the ‘homework’ we are doing during this off-season will get us a great chance to end up at the head of the class.”
For more than a century, racing has provided a testbed for GM and Cadillac to transfer knowledge and technology between race cars and production vehicles. Cadillac’s V-Series performance portfolio, celebrating its 20th anniversary, seamlessly incorporates learnings from the track to the road.
The Cadillac LMDh platform, featuring the purpose-built 5.5-liter DOHC V8 engine developed by GM’s Performance and Racing propulsion team based in Michigan paired with the LMDh spec hybrid system, made its initial on-track appearance in July 2022.Cadillac Racing by the numbers
IMSA victories since 2017: 29Cadillac Manufacturer Championships in all series: 9   IMSA GTP (2023)   IMSA DPi (2021, 2018, 2017)   Pirelli World Challenge GT (2014, 2013, 2012)   SPEED World Challenge GT (2007, 2005)IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer Champion: 2023, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017IMSA GTP/DPi Driver Champion: 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017IMSA GTP/DPi Team Champion: 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Driver Champion: 2023, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Team Champion: 2023, 2018, 2017

Corvette Racing Expands Factory Driver Lineup for 2024

Key additions to bolster first year of Corvette Z06 GT3.R program DETROIT (November 13, 2023) – Ahead of its first season of worldwide GT3 competition, Corvette Racing is expanding its roster of factory drivers that will compete in championships and events around the globe with the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R.
Daniel Juncadella, Earl Bamber, Charlie Eastwood and Nico Varrone will be part of the group that will race Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs in either the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship – or in some cases both.
They join existing Corvette factory drivers Antonio Garcia, Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg and Alexander Sims, all of whom will contest the full WeatherTech Championship season. The eight collectively will compete as factory drivers for Corvette Racing – the brand that encompasses all factory-supported and customer Z06 GT3.R efforts going forward.
Juncadella and Bamber each will be part of Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports’ two-car effort in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GT Daytona (GTD) PRO class. Both drivers will race with the factory-backed program in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans. Juncadella will drive with Garcia and Sims while Bamber joins Milner and Catsburg.
In addition, Juncadella will have the distinction of driving the Z06 GT3.R in two championships as he joins TF Sport for its full-season effort in the LM GT3 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship – including the 24 Hours of Le Mans – his first year in the global series.
Bamber will contest IMSA’s endurance rounds in the Z06 GT3.R. Previously a long-time rival to the Corvette Racing program, Bamber already has tested the Z06 GT3.R, adding to a long list of GT3 cars he has driven throughout his career. He also remains under contract for Cadillac Racing’s WEC program in 2024.
In FIA WEC, Eastwood joins the Corvette factory lineup alongside Juncadella as TF Sport’s two professional drivers. It’s a familiar relationship for Eastwood, who has driven for TF Sport in the championship from 2018-20 and the current season. 
Varrone, Corvette Racing’s rising star in this year’s FIA WEC, will transition to full-time IMSA duties in his first year as a factory driver. He rejoins AWA – a team with which he won this year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona in the LMP3 class – and will partner with Anthony Mantella in the GTD category.
“As we move into GT3 and customer racing, it is important that we add to our roster of drivers that are available to teams,” said Christie Bagne, Corvette Z06 GT3.R program manager. “We are excited about the wealth of experience in our Corvette factory lineup. Both GM and our teams will benefit from the learnings from each driver.”
Career Highlights· Daniel Juncadella: 2023 Rolex 24 At Daytona and Petit Le Mans GTD PRO winner; 2022 Spa 24 Hours and Indianapolis Eight Hours winner; 2022 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup champion; 2012 European F3 champion; 2011 Macau Grand Prix winner· Earl Bamber: 2023 Nürburgring 24 Hours winner; 2022, 2020 Sebring 12 Hours winner; 2020 Spa 24 Hours winner; 2019 IMSA GTLM champion; 2015 and 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours overall winner; 2017 World Endurance Championship LMP1 champion; 2014 and 2016 Bathurst 12 Hours class winner· Charlie Eastwood: 2023 Asian Le Mans Series LMP2 champion; 2022 European Le Mans Series LMP2 Pro-Am champion; 2020 Le Mans 24 Hours GTE Am winner; 2019 Spa 24 Hours winner; 2019 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup Pro-Am champion· Nico Varrone: 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship GTE Am champion; 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours GTE Am winner; 2023 Sebring 1,000 Miles GTE Am winner; 2023 Rolex 24 At Daytona LMP3 winner
Corvette Racing Driver QuotesDANIEL JUNCADELLA, CORVETTE RACING BY PRATT MILLER MOTORSPORTS (IMSA ENDUROS) / TF SPORT (FIA WEC FULL-TIME): “I’ve been a witness to what it means to be a Corvette driver in the U.S. That’s means a really big fanbase. That’s pretty exciting, to be honest. At every autograph session in IMSA that I’ve been sitting next to the Corvette tent, there is a queue of 100 people waiting to get an autograph from their drivers, and we were just sitting around! That’s very exciting, I have to say, to see the legacy that Corvette Racing has created in the U.S. and to see the amount of awareness about the brand is very exciting. It makes me proud and it feels quite unique to be a Corvette factory driver.”On the FIA WEC: “I have not been to Le Mans. I did watch a lot of this year’s race. I was already in talks with Corvette so I knew it might be one of my possibilities for next year, and that made me be more interested in the race. This year obviously was a big year for Hypercar and all the brands coming together with the new regulations. It was an interesting year with a lot of stuff – the Centenary, the last year of GTE… I have to say I was a bit worried that Corvette was winning again because I was like, ‘They are winning so much this year that it’s going to make it difficult for me next year being so successful.’ But it did make me realize how good of a brand they are, how good of a team they are and how they turned things around. It was very exciting.”
EARL BAMBER, CORVETTE RACING BY PRATT MILLER MOTORSPORTS: “It’s really exciting to be joining Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports for the long races. I’ve been a part of some big rivalries for many years in IMSA racing. But this organization has won so many races and championships… it’s really impressive. When I did my first test at Road America, you could see why they’ve been so successful. I’ve driven the Z06 GT3.R and I think the package is really good. These guys have built fantastic GTLM cars over the years, and I don’t see why the Corvette GT3 should be any different. It’s a well-balanced car already just in its infancy, so I think they will be a formidable force not just in IMSA but also as this program seeks out to go all around the world. I think it will be one of the benchmark cars into the future.”
CHARLIE EASTWOOD, TF SPORT: “This certainly ranks up there for me, joining such a brand like Corvette and an organization like GM. It’s what so many drivers wish for their whole career. It seems to be an amazing place to be, and you can see that because so many drivers stay for so long. I’m really looking forward to that opportunity to learn from the best in the business and push on together to achieve great things for many years to come.”(Being back with TF Sport): “It’s really beneficial. Obviously, this is a brand-new car with new regulations going to GT3 from GTE, so knowing all the team and the engineers already I feel like it can give us the upper hand in how quickly we can develop a brand-new car. It’s a short timeframe between receiving the car and only a few days testing before we get to Qatar. We need to make sure that we’re making the most out of the time that we have together. Knowing all the personnel and the engineers, I hope that will put us in a really good place going into the first round at Qatar.”
NICO VARRONE, AWA: “First of all, it’s a big honor to be a factory driver for Corvette. It’s also nice to be back in IMSA next season with everyone at AWA. These are people that I know from this year and doing the endurance races in LMP3. It was a good year. We won Daytona and had great performances throughout the season. It will be a big challenge with the new car, not only for our team but everyone in the entire Corvette program. But this is also a completely new class for AWA. It will be a challenge but we will be prepared to make the most of it and get some wins with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R and have a great season.”

CARUSO WRAPS UP SECOND SEASON IN POMONA

POMONA, CA (November 12, 2023) —- Completing her second season battling the toughest door-slammer competition in the country Camrie Caruso exited in the first round with her Powerbuilt Tools Tequila Comimsario Pro Stock Chevrolet Camaro at the In-N-Out NHRA Finals today. Through two days of qualifying Caruso steadily improved through four rounds of qualifying entering race day as the No. 9 qualifier. Twenty-two Pro Stock drivers were vying for 16 spots in the field. Caruso opened qualifying as the No. 14 driver after the first round and ended Saturday night sitting No. 9 with a solid 6.517 second pass after her previous two runs lit up the scoreboard in 6.518 seconds. The consistency of her Powerbuilt Tools Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro had the third generation drag racer confident going into race day.

 
Camrie Caruso and Powerbuilt Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro, photo credit NHRA/National Dragster


“We switched motors after Las Vegas and we saw immediate improvement,” said Caruso, who races with KB Titan Racing power under the hood. “I knew we had a race car that could compete with anyone. The conditions were pretty good and the track was fast. It was great to have the support of the KB Titan Racing team behind me this weekend and all year.”
 
Going into the opening round today Caruso drew No. 8 qualifier veteran driver Bob Butner, who she had a 5-0 career head-to-head record against coming into race day. She beat Butner earlier this year in Arizona at the Arizona Nationals on the way to her first Pro Stock victory and she also defeated him at the Thunder Valley Nationals, Mile High Nationals and Menard Nationals this season. Butner, knowing he needed a Herculean effort to get around Caruso, cut a nearly psychic .006 second reaction giving him just enough of an edge to get his first win over the 2022 NHRA Rookie of the Year. At the finish line Caruso’s 6.541 second pass at 210.11 mph wasn’t enough to get the win over Butner’s 6.549 second run at 210.31 mph.
 
“Bo was definitely ready for us and you aren’t going to beat tough competitors every run,” said Caruso. “We will keep working in the off season and we will be ready for Bo and all the competitors next year. I got a lot better this season, but I am still learning. This Powerbuilt Tools Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro as a lot more wins in the future.”
 
At the end of the season Caruso made huge strides becoming just the second female to win a Pro Stock race and winning the first NHRA Pro Stock Allstar Callout race. Those two wins couple with the No. 1 qualifier effort at the historic Winternationals showed that Caruso was worthy of the Rookie of the year honors and future consideration for the Pro Stock world championship. Caruso picked up multiple round wins in the Countdown and showed that she will be a force to be reckoned with in future seasons.
 
“We made big strides this season and race day just didn’t go our way today,” said Caruso. “We won rounds in the Countdown which is not easy to do and we held our own against the competition. I hate that we didn’t win more rounds today, but I am going to learn from every race and get better in 2024. I want to thank all my sponsors from Powerbuilt Tools, Tequila Comisario, Big Jeff Audio, DENSO and VP Racing Lubricants for all their support.
 
Throughout the season Caruso received support from Powerbuilt Tools and Tequila Comisario as well as Right Trailers, Gallegos Family Racing, Popa Pools, SFG Promotions, True Brands, SACO Professionals and Genevieve Aesthetics in addition to Big Jeff Audio and DENSO. The marketing relationships were highlighted by at track hospitality as well as charity endeavors with the National Breast Cancer Foundation during the month of October. Caruso cultivated these relationships beginning in her rookie season and continued to grow then in 2023.
 
“We wouldn’t be able to be out here race after race without all our support team,” said Caruso. “My family are my biggest supporters but these companies big and small have helped us turn on win lights across the country. The biggest thing we have offered them is a solid return on their investment as well as a very positive fan and customer experience throughout the season. We are looking forward to expanding our role and also introducing more people to the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series in 2024.”
 
Caruso will start her 2024 season at the PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park, February 8-10 and she will start her third season on the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series at the historic Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, March 7-10.
 
 
Qualifying Results
Q1: 6.546 sec, 211.00 mph; Qual. 14
Q2: 6.518 sec, 210.54 mph; Qual. 8
Q3: 6.518 sec, 211.16 mph; Qual. 8
Q4: 6.517 sec, 211.33 mph; Qual. 9
Bonus Points: 0
 
Race Results
 
First Round
Bo Butner, Johnson Horsepower Garage Chevrolet Camaro, (.006), 6.549, 210.31 mph def. Camrie Caruso, Powerbuilt Tools/Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro, (.053), 6.541, 210.11 mph 
 
Pro Stock Camping World Top Ten
1. Erica Enders             2695
2. Greg Anderson       2591
3. Matt Hartford         2564/2594
4. Aaron Stanfield      2509/2539
5. Troy Coughlin Jr      2450
6. Dallas Glenn           2446
7. Kyle Koretsky          2375
8. Deric Kramer           2332
9. Bo Butner               2301
10. Cristian Cuadra     2293
11. Camrie Caruso      2286
 
 

STANFIELD BRINGS HOME FINAL NHRA PRO STOCK VICTORY OF THE SEASON

Elite Motorsports Leaves Pomona With Pro Stock World Championship And NHRA Finals Win
POMONA, Calif. (November 12, 2023) – Elite Motorsports standout Aaron Stanfield raced to victory today at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at the iconic In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. The skilled Pro Stock pilot powered his Janac Brothers / Melling Engine Parts Camaro to the winners circle by defeating Matt Hartford in the finals.
“This is really incredible,” said Stanfield. “Thank you to my wife. She’s ready to pop at home and it’s very special to get this done at the last race. I’ve got to thank all my guys who work on my hot rod. They give me the best thing they can give me. To Janac Brothers, JC3 Energy, Elite Motorsports, and Melling, I couldn’t do it without these guys. I’m just very thankful.”
After earning their sixth NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Stock world championship thanks to Erica Enders, Elite Motorsports, the largest professional team in drag racing went on to make a phenomenal showing at the final event of the season. The Pro Stock field was packed with 23 cars on the property. All nine of the Elite Motorsports Pro Stock machines made it onto the ladder to face off in eliminations. 
The first round of eliminations began with Bo Butner’s powerful Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Camaro defeating Camrie Caruso on a holeshot thanks to Butner’s outstanding reaction time of .006 seconds. Stanfield got the win over Deric Kramer by taking his starting line advantage to the stripe behind the wheel of his Janac Brothers / Melling Engine Parts Camaro. In the first of three all-Elite first-round matchups, Jerry Tucker hit the gas just a tick too early giving his teammate Jeg Coughlin Jr. an easy win. Troy Coughlin Jr. beat his teammate Fernando Cuadra Jr. and Enders took down Fernando Cuadra Sr. Cristian Cuadra had a fantastic reaction time of .006 seconds against Kyle Koretsky but he squared the tires after the hit and ceded the round win.
In the quarterfinals, Stanfield lined up across from his Elite Motorsports teammate Troy Jr. They had similar reaction times but Coughlin experienced tire shake upon launch and gave the win to Stanfield. In the next pair, Jeg Jr. got the starting line advantage over Enders but it was not enough to stop the newly crowned six-time world champion as Enders powered her way into the semifinals. Butner’s day ended in the second session when Greg Anderson outpaced him despite Butner getting a solid starting line advantage.
Enders shook the tires in the semifinals against Matt Hartford, ending the race day earlier than she wanted. However, her teammate Stanfield kept the competition alive for Elite Motorsports when he advanced to the finals after Anderson went red beside him. He went on to defeat Hartford on a holeshot to earn the eighth Pro Stock win of his career.
In his NHRA Top Fuel debut, Spencer Hyde’s goal was to go more than 300 mph and make a pass in the 3.70s. He demonstrated that he has what it takes to accomplish his goals when he qualified No. 15 in the field with a pass of 3.778 at 323.27 in his Elite Motorsports dragster.
The Elite Motorsports team will immediately begin preparing for the 2024 season right away as they continue to pursue excellence.
***
Photos
Erica Enders earned her fourth win of the season aboard her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage / Melling Performance / SCAG Power Equipment Camaro. aron Stanfield takes to the track in his Janac Brothers / JC3 Energy / Melling Engine Parts Camaro at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway(Photo credit: Auto Imagery)
Erica Enders earned her sixth Pro Stock world championship today at the NHRA Finals. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)
Erica Enders earned her sixth Pro Stock world championship today at the NHRA Finals. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)Troy Coughlin Jr. launches his JEGS.com Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)
Bo Butner powers onto the track in his Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)Fernando Cuadra Jr. in his Corral Boots Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)
Jerry Tucker launches his Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)Cristian Cuadra in his Corral Boots / Cuadra Mustang. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)
Fernando Cuadra Sr. in his Corral Boots / Cuadra Mustang. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)Spencer Hyde made his Top Fuel debut in his Elite Motorsports dragster. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

chevy racing–nhra–pomona–post race

CHEVROLET IN NHRA2023 IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALSIN-N-OUT BURGER POMONA DRAGSTRIP POMONA, CALIFORNIA TEAM CHEVY RACE RECAP NOVEMBER 12, 2023 ERICA ENDERS AND ELITE MOTORSPORTS RACE TO THEIR SIXTH NHRA CHAMPIONSHIP WITH CHEVROLET IN POMONA
Erica Enders secured her sixth NHRA Pro Stock championship after defeating Fernando Cuadra in Round 1 at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.Enders captured the 19th Pro Stock driver title for Chevrolet.After a successful season in NHRA, Chevrolet secured their 28th Manufacturers Cup since 1966, the seventh consecutive award and ninth in 11 seasons for Team Chevy.Robert Hight was eliminated in Round 2 by Chad Green in a close race, forcing Hight to settle for runner-up once again in the Funny Car championship standings for a second year in a row.Aaron Stanfield captured the 282nd Pro Stock win in NHRA for Chevrolet since 1970 and the 263rd in a Camaro after defeating Matt Hartford in the final round with a winning run of 6.534 ET at 208.91 MPH.Stanfield also earned the 16th Pro Stock Wally trophy this year in 17 races for the Bowtie brand.Chevrolet captured three No. 1 qualifier honors Saturday ahead of Sunday’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, including Greg Anderson with KB Titan Racing in Pro Stock, Austin Prock in Top Fuel with John Force Racing, and Robert Hight in Funny Car with John Force Racing.Prock rocketed to his second No. 1 qualifier of the 2023 season, his third of his Top Fuel career, with his monster Q4 pass, running 3.636 ET at 332.92 MPH Saturday evening at Pomona.Hight captured his seventh No. 1 qualifier this season, the 84th of his Funny Car career, on his drive for a fourth NHRA world title, making a strong Q4 3.844 ET at 331.61 MPH pass at Pomona Saturday.In racing to the No. 1 qualifier, Hight surpassed Bob Tasca, III in points to enter race day second in the championship standings, 12 points behind leader Matt Hagan.Anderson raced his way to his 124th career No. 1 Pro Stock qualifying position, his third of 2023, with his Q2 pass of 6.495 ET at 211.30 MPH.Erica Enders, who led Pro Stock Championship points heading into Sunday, qualified No. 3 with her Q2 pass Friday night of 6.500 ET at 210.47 MPH.  
POMONA, California (November 12, 2023) – Racing her way further into the record books, Erica Enders, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling/SCAG Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock machine, secured her sixth NHRA world championship after defeating Fernando Cuadra in Round 1 of final eliminations at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. While Enders’ season may have kicked off at a slow start, her and her Elite Motorsports team picked up pace after capturing her first of four victories this year in Bristol. Going on to win at Topeka, Dallas, and Las Vegas 2, Enders additionally cemented herself in racing’s history books at the Texas Motorplex by becoming the winningest female in NHRA history and all of motorsports with her 47th win. Now holding 48 total victories in NHRA, 47 in Pro Stock and one in Super Gas, all of Enders’ championships and wins have come from behind the wheel of a Chevrolet. “On the heels of a career-best season last year, anything is going to be challenging,” reflected Enders. “It took us seven races to figure out our issue and I owe my guys all my credit in the world. The message this year is tenacity and consistency, and digging through all of it prevailing when it matters. I have to thank my guys for that. Richard Freeman is a tremendous leader that gave us all such a great opportunity starting at Elite Motorsports in 2014. The two boys on my car are new to drag racing, and I have Conner and Declan and I’m really proud of them – to give them their first championship at Elite Motorsports. For Chase Freeman, Jake Harrison, Anthony Lum, Tim Freeman, and all the guys in the crew chief lounge, I don’t want to miss anybody. I give them the credit. It’s through God I can do all things, but it takes a team of people that are here, I couldn’t do it without them. As a little girl in a junior dragster, this was my dream, and I’ve not only been able to accomplish it once, but we’ve been able to accomplish it six times. It’s against the world, and today us won.” “I vividly remember Erica’s first win at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet in 2012,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. Vice President, Performance and Motorsports. “It’s so exciting to see her capture the sixth championship of her career today. She’s a great racer and a record-breaker. Her wins and championships are a result of her skill, hard work, dedication, preparation and teamwork. Congratulations to Erica, Richard Freeman, Elite Motorsports and the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Melling Chevrolet team.” While Enders’ day was ended early in the semifinals after losing traction early on her run facing Matt Hartford, his run of 6.529 ET at 210.64 took his GETTRX Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock to the NHRA Finals to face Aaron Stanfield in his Janac Brothers Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock. Getting the jump at the start, Stanfield cruised to victory over Hartford with his run of 6.534 ET at 208.91 MPH to Hartford’s 6.519 ET at 210.14 MPH. “This is a pretty nice gift,” said Stanfield. “Thank you to my wife, she’s ready to pop at home (in reference to his wife about to give birth). It’s very special to get this done at the last race. I’ve got to thank all my guys who work on my hot rod, they give me the best thing they can give me. Janac Brothers, JC3 Energy, Elite Motorsports, Melling – I just can’t do it without these guys. Thank you.” Qualifying No. 3 heading into Sunday’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, Enders only needed to win the first round to lock in her sixth title, whereas second place sitting Greg Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock, was in a must-win situation in second if Enders was unable to complete Round 1. Anderson captured his third No. 1 qualifier of the 2023 season Saturday and 124th of his illustrious career, and advanced to the semifinals on Sunday after defeating Mason McGaha in Round 1 and Bo Butner, III in Round 2. Unfortunately for Anderson, his race day was also cut short after red-lighting on the starting line and falling to Aaron Stanfield. Searching for redemption after finishing runner-up in the championship standings, Robert Hight, driver of the Automobile Club of Southern California/Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car for John Force Racing, was forced to settle for second again this year after being eliminated in stunning fashion by Chad Green in Round 2. Surpassing Bob Tasca, III and entering race day 12 points behind leader Matt Hagan after qualifying No. 1, Hight and his team did the best they could to try and capture a fourth world title. “I thought I was far enough down the track that we had it made,” Hight said. “Usually, this Auto Club Chevy doesn’t spin the tires that far down. Congratulations to Matt Hagan. Those guys, they’ve won the most races this year. They’ve been on it all year. We’ve kind of been here just at the end. Proud of my Auto Club guys. We’re not going to give up; we’re going to keep digging heading into next year. You always hope that you’re here on Sunday, battling for the championship. That oil down (by Blake Alexander just after Tasca and Hagan lost), man that was the longest 15 minutes I have ever spent in a race car with all the thoughts that go through your head about ‘Can we get this done?’ I’m still proud of my team.” For teammates Hight and Austin Prock, driver of the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, they kicked off raced day heading in with both No. 1 qualifiers, with Hight capturing his on a 3.844 ET, 331.61 MPH pass and low-ET of the four qualifying sessions. Prock gained his second No. 1 of the season, his third of his career, after setting pace with his 3.636 ET, 332.92 MPH pass. For team owner and 16-time champion John Force, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, he faced an early exit to his NHRA Finals race day after falling to Tim Wilkerson in a close race to the finish line running 4.003 ET at 324.20 MPH to Wilkerson’s 3.956 ET at 320.81 MPH. “Well, we got knocked down in the points a few spots,” said Force. “We did the best we could with this PEAK Chevrolet. Robert Hight did the best he could with the AAA Chevy, we thought we were there, and we didn’t make it. That’s the nature of the beast. If you let that get you down, well then you aren’t ever going to make it. So, just positive thinking. We take a little break here and then get ready for next year.” For Prock’s teammate Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, she and her team looked to cap off the season at a track she grew up at with a win that could set momentum for the offseason and 2024 year. Unfortunately, her day was cut short after she was eliminated in Round 1 after smoking the tires mid-track and competitor Justin Ashley took the win light. “We finished our season seventh in points here at Pomona today,” said B. Force. “I always try to take away something, learn something from the tough years and looking at this season compared to last season, I realized it is really easy to stay positive and motivated when you’re winning and you’re leading the points like we did all last year. We didn’t do that this year, we struggled all season long. Yet, this Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac team, we carried it start to finish, there was positivity in our pits, we were motivated, and we pushed all the way to the end. We got beat first round today, but we pack up, head home for winter break and we’ll come back stronger next year.” Enders captured Chevrolet’s second championship this season in NHRA for the Bowtie brand. Aaron Stanfield, driver of the Stanfield Racing Engines Chevrolet COPO Camaro, clinched his third FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown title in Las Vegas two weeks ago during the season finale event at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Finally, through the hard work and dedication of all who represent Chevrolet in Funny Car, Pro Stock, Super Stock, and Stock Eliminator classes, as well as the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown category this season, the Bowtie brand captured their 28th Manufacturers Cup in NHRA since 1966. The award will be presented at NHRA’s annual banquet Monday, Nov. 13 at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif. The 2024 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series begins March 8-10, 2023, with the NHRA Gatornationals from Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla. A broadcast schedule for the 2024 season with NHRA on FOX will be released soon.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: Austin Prock, driver of the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Top Fuel dragster for John Force Racing:“Definitely not the outcome we wanted for the las race of the season but so proud to be a part of this Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team and what we accomplished this year,” Prock said. “I’m already looking forward to next year. We will come back stronger and smarter to make a run at a championship.”
ERICA ENDERS, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling/SCAG Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock – NHRA Championship Press Conference Transcript: YOU’RE A SIX-TIME WORLD CHAMPION, TAKING THE POINTS LEAD IN ST. LOUIS, WINNING IN DALLAS AND VEGAS, AND WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP HERE IN POMONA. FIRST ROUND IN CHICAGO, YOU WERE 14TH IN THE POINTS. THEN YOU STORMED TO YOUR SIXTH TITLE. DOES THIS FEEL REAL?“No. It doesn’t. I mean, obviously, I dreamt it my entire life, even before drag racing, and of course my entire career. The season started really poorly, and it took until Chicago to figure our problem out, and then the next race was Bristol. We put our JHG/Melling Performance Chevrolet in the winner’s circle there. So that’s kind of where our season turned. It was still a dog fight, obviously. I’m four on the season on the heels of a career-best season. I’m just really thankful for the position we were in, and I talk about my guys all the time. When our backs are against the wall, we perform, we execute, and it makes me so proud to be their driver. It was a crazy year, we ended up on top, we took the long way, but we’re here.” “It’s all about teamwork, and it makes the dream work. I know that’s not a phrase I coined, but I believe in it. I’m thankful for my guys. They never give up. They don’t complain when we get our teeth kicked in like others do, they put their heads down and get to work. We turned the beacons on by doing it the right way.” IT SEEMED LIKE BRISTOL WAS THE TURNING POINT, BUT WAS THERE EVER A POINT THIS YEAR WHERE IT’S A LONG SEASON, BUT THAT WE’VE DONE A LOT, WE DOMINATED AND WON OUR FIFTH, THINKING MAYBE THIS YEAR ISN’T YOUR YEAR?“Well, yeah. I question myself too. It’s easy to get down on yourself and to doubt yourself. I’m thankful I have my sister there and my dad. They believe in me when I don’t, and my team as well. Brittany Force said it in Las Vegas that it’s easy to be positive when you’re winning, and she’s so spot on. It’s when you’re going through the really troublesome times, that you have to dig deep and you have to fight with all of the heart you have. Yeah, I questioned it. I questioned do I still have it. Am I too old? Am I this, am I that? Greg (Anderson) and I joke old guys still hunt. Look at the end of the season again this year. We do still have it, it turns out. As long as the fire is lit underneath me, I’ll dig deep to have it. I promise.” HOW HARD WAS IT FOR YOU TO GO THROUGH THE PINNACLE OF PRO STOCK, THEN FALL INTO THESE TOUGH TIMES. WAS IT TOUGHER WHEN YOU HADN’T EXPERIENCED IT?“I think going through those times make you stronger, and they make you a little bit smarter. And a lot tougher. Thick skin wasn’t something I’d had naturally, that’s something I had to acquire. But for seven years, we went winless, and for seven final rounds, we lost before we finally won one in Chicago in 2012. Going through those valleys are what made me better. I never had a car that was going to be parked in the winner’s circle. I had to rise to the occasion. It taught me to be a better driver. When we didn’t qualify, and when we lost round, I’d park it right up on the guardrail while Pro Stock was running, and I’d watch my competitors. I’d see if I could learn something from them. It’s those moments that make you better. On the heels of a career-best season last year, and coming out, we qualified No. 2 in Gainesville and then my car wouldn’t start first round. We got control-alt-deleted and then it wouldn’t even start. From that point, it was like a tailspin for seven or eight races. I mentioned it a minute ago digging deep and finding the issue. It’s definitely a gut check, and it’s not easy to go through.”   EACH OF YOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS SEEMS TO BE HIGHLIGHTED BY ONE DEFINING MOMENT. WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE YOUR MOMENT THIS YEAR?“I think the words that describe this season are tenacity and going out and executing the best we can, and not giving up. Like you mentioned, every championship has a story just like Doug (Kalitta) and Leah (Pruett) had to go through – final round, winner take all. That is what Jason Line and I did in 2014. (Matt) Hagan and I were talking about it. People don’t understand the internal pressure, and what is happening to your body. You eat an 80-gallon bucket of tums. You’re just trying not to die or throw-up. You don’t know what is going to happen. You are just living on the edge of everything. It goes to show you how much this means to each of us. It’s just another reminder that you don’t give up. I know I keep saying that, but so many times my sister says to me that I am exhausting to be around. You know you can do it. Everybody knows you can do it. Then you say, ‘oh, I can’t cut a light’ then you go up there and post a .007 or whatever. It’s digging yourself out of that ditch, and coming back and knowing that you can get it done and execute. That is what this season was about – tenacity.”
HOW QUICKLY DO YOU AND THE TEAM RESET AND FOCUS ON NEXT SEASON?“I think as soon as those rigs push the clutch in and roll out of the gate. We know what we have got to do, and we know what our competitors are going to do. We will go back to work. As soon as we get back to the shop on Tuesday, we will be at the shop working. As soon as the rigs get home, I’ve got a new car that Jeg (Coughlin, Jr.) has been driving that I have to figure out. It will be all hands on deck as soon as we get back. Unfortunately, there are no umbrella drinks beach, sand or lawn chairs in my immediate future. But that’s what makes it so fun and so great is these moments that make all of that hard work worth it.”
“I am honored to be a champion alongside the other champions, but Doug Kalitta – what an example of never-give-up. He’s been the people’s champion for years. We have joked about it at the after-parties and stuff, but he is the world champ today. To stand next to him is pretty significant when you gauge the season he had. And (Matt) Hagan, it is pretty incredible. As a kid I dreamed of these moments – I only wished and hoped I could stand next to people. I used to wait and get autographs from them, and they are heroes of mine. It’s pretty significant. I am humbled. I am very grateful, and I thank the good Lord for the many blessings because everybody wishes to live their dream. As a little girl in third grade who told the class I wanted to be a professional race car driver or a fighter pilot which I am sure they rolled their eyes. But here we are some 30 years later and I get to live it. I’m grateful.”
AARON STANFIELD, driver of the Janac Bros. Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock for Elite Motorsports – In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals Winner Press Conference:
PICKING UP YOUR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON AND EIGHTH OF YOUR CAREER AND FINISHING IN THE TOP-FIVE IN POINTS, WALK US THROUGH YOUR RACE DAY TO GET YOUR FIRST WIN HERE AT POMONA…“(My wife) told me if you’re going to go, you better win. We’ve struggled a bit this year. We’ve been waiting for that win to come, so to get it here at this last race, it’s awesome. Given everything else that’s going on in my life, it’s perfect timing.” FOLKS ALWAYS SAY AT POMONA IT MEANS SO MUCH MORE BECAUSE YOU GET TO BASK IN THIS WIN A LOT LONGER. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO ENJOY THIS WIN?“I’ll be changing diapers, for sure. Just to go into the offseason knowing you and your team did a really good job to win the last race, it definitely makes you hungry to get going again and start racing. We’ll be itching to get back in the driver’s seat and looking forward to Gainesville.” IS IT HARD FOR YOU TO BALANCE WITH SUCCESS OF FACTORY STOCK, AND THEN THE LOWS OF PRO STOCK – HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?“I’d just assume I’d want to win every time I come to the races. Unfortunately, that’s not always what happens. We had a lot of success in the Factory Stock Car, and not as much in the Pro Stock car this year, but we’ve just got to keep digging, keep pushing, and do our best. That’s what we did, and got it done today.” YOU’VE GOT A HISTORY WITH MATT HARTFORD AND WITH EDDIE, HIS CREW CHIEF. IT LOOKS LIKE YOU GOT A LITTLE TRICKY IN THAT FINAL. CAN YOU ELABORATE?“I asked him if he had it gassed up and cooled down really good. Matt (Hartford) and I, we definitely go at each other. He’s a great competitor and he’s a good friend. We do a lot of business with Total Seal, so yes, as well as Eddie (Matt’s crew chief), I remember him racing with my dad as a little guy. It’s cool to race against him and it’s always a good time beating Matt. It’s not very fun when he beats you.” YOU’VE BEEN CONSISTENT THIS SEASON, BUT THE ONLY THING MISSING WAS A WIN. WHAT DOES THIS DO MOMENTUM-WISE INTO NEXT YEAR?“I’m personally, my team and myself, were as focused as ever here to compete for championships at Elite Motorsports. Congratulations to Erica (Enders). Our team had a great day. I think we’re going to come out swinging in Gainesville. We’re looking forward to it already.” WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE 2024 SEASON?“Our plans aren’t quite sealed up just yet, but I can say they are building a Factory X car for me to race, so you’ll probably see me out there in a Factory X car next year and possibly Pro Stock, as long as everything goes good. Drag racing is an ever-changing world, and I plan on being here in Pro Stock and Factory X if everything goes right.”
Round 1 Recap:Top Fuel:No. 1 Austin Prock defeated No. 16 Ron August, Jr. with his pass of 3.898 ET at 245.76 MPH to August, Jr. facing issues on his run.No. 9 Brittany Force fell to No. 8 Justin Ashley after smoking the tires mid-track to Ashley’s 3.715 ET at 333.74 MPH. Funny Car:No. 1 Robert Hight defeated No. 16 Jeff Diehl with a run of 3.870 ET at 333.41 MPH to Diehl’s 4.035 ET at 304.25 MPH.No. 2 John Force defeated No. 15 Terry Haddock with his pass of 3.948 ET at 326.56 MPH to Haddock smoking the tires mid-track. Pro Stock:No. 1 Greg Anderson defeated No. 16 Mason McGaha with his pass of 6.501 ET at 210.77 MPH to McGaha’s 6.570 ET at 209.88 MPH.No. 8 Bo Butner, III defeated No. 9 Camrie Caruso with his run of 6.549 ET at 210.31 MPH to Caruso’s 6.541 ET at 210.11 MPH.No. 4 Troy Coughlin, Jr. defeated No. 13 Fernando Cuadra, Jr. with his run of 5.466 ET at 210.97 MPH to Cuadra Jr.’s 6.546 ET at 210.21 MPH.No. 5 Aaron Stanfield defeated No. 12 Deric Kramer with his run of 6.514 ET at 210.31 MPH to Kramer’s 6.547 ET at 210.90 MPH.No. 2 Kyle Koretsky defeated No. 15 Christian Cuadra with is run of 6.530 ET at 210.77 MPH to Cuadra’s 11.337 ET at 76.52 MPH.No. 7 Matt Hartford defeated No. 10 Dallas Glenn 6.532 ET at 210.90 MPH to Glenn’s 6.549 ET at 209.75 MPH.No. 3 Erica Enders defeated No. 14 Fernando Cuadra to claim her sixth championship with her pass of 6.502 ET at 210.80 ET to Cuadra facing issues on the run after the start.No. 6 Jeg Coughlin, Jr. defeated No. 11 Jerry Tucker after Tucker red lights to Coughlin, Jr.’s 6.522 ET at 209.56 MPH. Round 2:Top Fuel:Prock fell to Ashley on his run of 3.774 ET at 319.52 MPH to Ashley’s 3.735 ET at 330.88 MPH pass. Funny Car:Hight fell to Chad Green after facing issues on the run to Green’s pass of 3.971 ET at 322.11 MPH.Force fell to Tim Wilkerson in a close race after his lap of 4.003 ET at 324.20 MPH wasn’t enough for Wilkerson’s 3.956 ET at 320.81 MPH. Pro Stock:Hartford defeated Koretsky after Hartford ran a 6.545 ET at 211.30 MPH lap to Koretsky’s 6.550 ET at 209.85 MPH.Stanfield defeated T. Coughlin, Jr. after making his pass at 6.546 ET at 210.41 MPH to Coughlin, Jr.’s run facing issues on the track.Enders defeated J. Coughlin, Jr. after running 6.533 ET at 210.14 MPH to J. Coughlin, Jr.’s 6.557 ET at 209.92 MPH.Anderson defeated Butner, III on his run of 6.521 ET at 210.73 MPH to Butner, III’s 211.00 MPH. Semifinals:Pro Stock:Enders fell to Hartford after smoking the tires early on her run to Hartford’s 6.549 ET at 210.64 MPH.Anderson fell to Stanfield after Stanfield ran a 6.560 ET at 209.82 MPH pass to Anderson’s 6.506 ET at 210.44 MPH. Finals:Pro Stock:Stanfield defeated Hartford with his lap of 6.534 ET at 208.91 MPH to Hartford’s 6.519 ET at 210.14 MPH.

JOSH HART CLOSES 2023 WITH QUARTERFINAL FINISH

 POMONA, CA (November 12, 2023) — Josh Hart wrapped up the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season on a high note racing into the Top Ten and leaving his tire marks on the 2023 NHRA Top Fuel championship. Racing the familiar green and black R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster Hart took advantage of the first day of qualifying to make two test runs before dialing on a race day set up on Saturday. Yesterday Hart’s final two passes moved him solidly in the field and set him up with a first round match-up against champion contender Mike Salinas.
 Josh Hart and R+L Carriers Top Fuel, photo credit Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery
“We tried some things on Friday and they didn’t bear fruit so on Saturday we got our game face on,” said Hart, a two-time Top Fuel national event winner. “On Saturday we made some good runs and I felt good about our chances on Sunday. I went into race day with the attitude winning rounds would be our championship.”
 
Two weeks ago, Hart took out Doug Kalitta and Leah Pruett in the first two rounds stopping their championship charges and turning the Top Fuel title race into a five-driver affair coming into the In-N-Out Finals. Today pulling up beside Salinas Hart knew he could make a move towards his first win of the season and show his team is still competing at the highest level. Hart was first off the line with a strong reaction time. Salinas overpowered the track and Hart’s smooth pass at 3.848 seconds and 328.54 mph advanced him to a rematch with Kalitta.
 
“You can’t take a driver and team like Mike Salinas lightly and we made a great run,” said Hart. “When I saw that win light it felt pretty good because at the last race of the year you want to go as many rounds as possible. I knew we would have another tough competitor in the quarterfinals and I just knew my team would be up for the challenge.”
 
In the quarterfinals it was Hart and the four remaining championship contenders racing for the coveted NHRA Wally for the final race of the season. Hart was giving up lane choice to Kalitta who made one of the quickest passes of the first round. In an epic move off the starting line Hart’s reaction time of .027 had him in the lead until just past half-track when Kalitta drove around him for the win.
 
“We took out Doug in Las Vegas so I knew we were going to sneak up on him,” said Hart. “I have been working on my lights and we got a great start it just wasn’t enough. When you get down the final eight drivers on the last day of the season and half of those teams are racing for a championship you know you have done some things right.”
 
The first round win moved Hart into the Top Ten and showed that the team from Ocala, Florida would continue to be a team to keep an eye on. Hart and the R+L Carrier team opened the season with a win at the Pep Boys Allstar Callout and ended the season with a semifinal and quarterfinal finish at the final two races in the most pressure packed environment.
 
“This season was not what we wanted or expected but I learned a lot and we will be better next year,” said Hart. “I wish the season started next week but some time off will be good. I’ll have some announcements over the off season, and we will be back in action in Florida before we know it.”
 
Hart and the R+L Carriers Top Fuel team will start her 2024 season at the PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park, February 8-10 and he will begin his pursuit of his first NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series Top Fuel title at the historic Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, March 7-10.
 
Qualifying Results
Q1: 4.873 sec, 150.58 mph; Qual. 12
Q2: 5.079 sec, 141.34 mph; Qual. 16
Q3: 3.742 sec, 329.50 mph; Qual. 13
Q4: 3.837 sec, 319.75 mph; Qual. 13
Bonus Points: +1 (4th quickest of Q3)
 
Race Results  
First RoundJosh Hart, R+L Carriers dragster, (.047), 3.848, 328.54 mph def. Mike Salinas, Valley Services dragster, (.069), 7.819, 83.79 mph Second RoundDoug Kalitta, Mac Tools dragster, (.069), 3.733, 333.09 mph def. Josh Hart, R+L Carriers dragster, (.027), 3.823, 328.22 mph Top Fuel Top Ten1. Doug Kalitta             2619/2649
2. Steve Torrence       2601
3. Leah Pruett             2592/2622
4. Justin Ashley           2513
5. Mike Salinas           2465
6. Antron Brown         2423
7. Brittany Force         2352
8. Austin Prock            2349
9. Tony Schumacher   2297
10. Josh Hart              2280

ASHLEY FINISHES CAREER BEST SEASON IN POMONA

POMONA, CA (November 12, 2023) — Justin Ashley and the Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster capped one of the most dominant seasons in recent Top Fuel memory with a semifinal finish at the season-ending In-N-Out NHRA Finals. As a six-time national event winner this season Ashley was one of five drivers in contention for the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Top Fuel world champions coming into race day today at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip. Ashley entered eliminations Sunday as the No. 8 qualifier with his eye on his first Top Fuel championship. Ashley needed to win the race and for the drivers he was chasing to exit early.


Justin Ashley and the Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster race to semifinals at NHRA Finals,
photo credit Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery
 

In the opening round facing the reigning 2022 Top Fuel champion Brittany Force Ashley knew his path to victory was not going to be an easy one. Ashley and Force were the first two Top Fuel dragsters to hit the track and it was Ashley turning on the first win light of the day. He was first off the line and never trailed in the drag race. His winning time of 3.715 seconds at 333.74 mph gave him lane choice over No. 1 qualifier Austin Prock in the quarterfinals.
 
“I always try and do my best to stay even keel,” said Ashley. “Our team does the same and I think that’s what helps to give us the best chance to win. We could certainly feel the intensity because it’s the final day and you never know when it’s going to be your last lap of that season. Seeing that win light turn on being the first pair out of first round was really relief more so than anything else.”
 
In the second round Ashley’s fate was out of his hands as points leader Steve Torrence was racing his father and teammate Billy Torrence in the first pair of the session. With a win Steve Torrence would mathematically eliminate Ashley from championship contention. Fate did not smile on Ashley and even though he won his second round race against Prock he would have to settle for a fourth place finish in the Top Fuel standings. His winning time of 3.735 seconds against Prock’s 3.774 second run advanced him to his eleventh semifinal of the season.
 
The final four drivers standing at the In-N-Out Finals included Ashley and the three drivers racing for the Top Fuel championship, Doug Kalitta, Torrence and Leah Pruett. Ashley drew Kalitta on his side of the ladder. Ashley took a starting line advantage over his Toyota teammate but Kalitta posted a quicker elapsed time to advance to the final and pave the way to his first Top Fuel world title.
 
“We feel really good about the season even though we didn’t finish the way that we want it to or the way that we expected it to,” said Ashley. “We put ourselves in a position to win with three rounds left on the final day of racing. That’s really all you can ask for. I am just proud of the effort that this Phillips Connect group put in all year long. It was an impressive effort all year with tight turnaround times, different weather conditions and so many variables but they came through each and every time. I am so grateful for the group led by Mike Green, Tommy DeLago, Dustin Davis and all the Phillips Connect Toyota guys. Having the support of KATO Fastening Systems, Mac Tools, Impact Lucas Oil and all the companies that make this thing go it just adds more motivation for 2024.”
 
Ashley and the Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel team will start her 2024 season at the PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park, February 8-10 and he will start NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series at the historic Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, March 7-10.
 
“The more you win, the more you want to win,” said Ashley. “We won a lot of races this year, a lot of Mission Foods Challenges, but not coming out with the championship trophy is certainly motivating. I have a lot to learn and we can continue to get better as a team. I know we’ll be in good shape next year.”
 
Qualifying Results
Q1: 3.724 sec, 332.02 mph; Qual. 3
Q2: 3.682 sec; 334.73 mph Qual. 5
Q3: 6.991 sec, 82.78 mph; Qual. 5
Q4: 7.973 sec, 75.91 mph; Qual. 8
Bonus Points: 0
 
Race Results
First Round

Justin Ashley, Phillips Connect Toyota dragster, (.064), 3.715, 333.74 mph def. Brittany Force, Monster Energy dragster, (.063), 5.425, 128.54 mph

Second Round

Justin Ashley, Phillips Connect Toyota dragster, (.051), 3.735, 330.88 mph def. Austin Prock, Montana Brand Rocky Mountain Twist dragster, (.065), 3.774, 319.52 mph

Semifinals

Doug Kalitta, Mac Tools Toyota dragster, (.055), 3.723, 322.18 mph def. Justin Ashley, Phillips Connect Toyota dragster, (.043), 3.801, 315.56 mph
Top Fuel Top Ten

1. Doug Kalitta             2619/2649
2. Steve Torrence       2601
3. Leah Pruett             2592/2622
4. Justin Ashley          2513
5. Mike Salinas           2465
6. Antron Brown         2423
7. Brittany Force         2352
8. Austin Prock            2349
9. Tony Schumacher   2297
10. Josh Hart               2280