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 15^th 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.
 

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)

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.

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

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

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 Bauman, Brandon Robinson, Davis 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.

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.

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

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.”

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
 
 

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)

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.

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

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

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2023) – Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California / Cornwell Tools / Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Camaro SS team ended the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season runner-up in the championship chase after a quarterfinal exit Sunday at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. John Force in the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevy Camaro SS and Austin Prock in the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist dragster had quarterfinal exits while Brittany Force in the Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac dragster had a first-round exit. Robert Hight and the Auto Club team finished the 2023 season sitting No. 2 for the second consecutive year. After picking up the No. 1 qualifier and a total of nine bonus points, Hight would take over second place in the points sitting only 12 behind eventual champion Matt Hagan and five ahead of longtime rival Bob Tasca IIII. Hight would take the first-round victory with the quickest pass of the round at 3.870 seconds and 333.41 mph bettering Jeff Diehl’s 4.035 at 304.25. In the second round, after watching Tasca lose to Cruz Pedregon and Hagan fall to Blake Alexander, Hight needed to win to take the Funny Car championship. Unfortunately, Hight’s Auto Club Camaro would spin the tires down track to go 4.216 seconds at 246.39 mph coming up short to Chad Green’s 3.971 at 322.11. “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.” Hight finishes the season with four victories and seven No. 1 qualifying positions. It is the fifth time he has finished runner-up in the championship hunt. After picking things up in qualifying to enter race day from the No. 2 spot, John Force and the PEAK Chevy Camaro managed a first-round win with a 3.948-second pass at 326.56 mph to Terry Haddock’s 5.042 at 151.83. In the second round, Force’s 4.003 pass at 324.20 wouldn’t be enough to take down Tim Wilkerson and his 3.956 at 320.81. “Well, we got knocked down in the points a few spots. 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,” Force said. “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 them get ready for next year.” Force finishes the 2023 season seventh in the points standings after two runner-up finishes and a No. 1 qualifier that extended to 32 the number of seasons he has had at least one No. 1 qualifying position. Austin Prock and the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist dragster team’s streak of consecutive final-round appearances would come to an end on Sunday. After defeating Ron August Jr. who smoked the tires in the first round with a 3.898-second pass at 245.76 mph, Prock would come up short with a 3.774 at 319.52 to Justin Ashely’s 3.735 at 330.88. “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.” Prock will finish off his third full-time season in the driver’s seat eighth in championship points after picking up John Force Racing’s only Top Fuel victory, two No. 1 qualifying positions, and lowered his career-best elapsed time to 3.636 seconds. The 2023 season came to a close all too early for Brittany Force and the Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac dragster team. Force, the No. 9 qualifier, faced Justin Ashley in the first round. The Monster Energy dragster would drive into tire smoke early for only a 5.425-second pass at 128.54 mph while Ashley would have a clean 3.715 at 333.74. “We finished our season seventh in points here at Pomona today. 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.” The 2024 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season begins March 7-10 with the NHRA Gatornationlas at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida. -30-

AUSTIN PROCK, 28, Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist dragsterQualifying:1st; 3.636-seconds; 332.92 mphBonus Qualifying Points:+8 (quickest Q1 & Q4)BRITTANY FORCE, 37, Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac dragsterQualifying:9th; 3.682-seconds; 328.14 mphBonus Qualifying Points:0JOHN FORCE, 74, PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SSQualifying:2nd; 3.862-seconds; 328.14 mphBonus Qualifying Points: +3 (2nd quickest Q4) ROBERT HIGHT, 54, AAA / Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SSQualifying:1st; 3.844-seconds; 331.61 mphBonus Qualifying Points:+9 (4th quickest Q2; quickest Q3 & Q4)

Photo Credit: Gary Nastase, Auto Imagery

Unofficial Final NHRA Camping World Championship Points  TOP FUEL – 1. Doug Kalitta, 2649; 1. Steve Torrence, 2601; 3. Leah Pruett, 2592; 4. Justin Ashley, 2513; 5. Mike Salinas, 2465; 6. Antron Brown, 2423; 7. Brittany Force, Monster Energy/FLAV-R-PAC dragster, 2352; 8. Austin Prock, Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist dragster, 2349; 9. Tony Schumacher, 2297; 11. Josh Hart, 2280; 10. Clay Millican, 2276; 12. Shawn Langdon, 2248.  FUNNY CAR – 1. Matt Hagan, 2628; 2. Robert Hight, AAA/Cornwell Tools Chevy Camaro SS, 2616; 3. Bob Tasca III, 2611; 4. Ron Capps, 2453; 5. Chad Green, 2445; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 2409; 7. John Force, PEAK Coolant and Antifreeze Chevy Camaro SS,2385; 8. J.R. Todd, 2332; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 2319; 10. Alex Laughlin, 2293; 11. Alexis DeJoria, 2264.

Winningest Woman In Motorsports Wins Second Consecutive Title For Elite Motorsports

POMONA, Calif. (November 12, 2023) – There’s a reason why they call her the quEEn. Elite Motorsports Pro Stock dynamo Erica Enders clinched her sixth NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Stock world championship in the opening round of the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at famed In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Enders, the Winningest Woman in Motorsports, secured her championship when she defeated her Elite Motorsports teammate Fernando Cuadra Sr. with a pass of 6.502 seconds at 210.80 mph.  Enders qualified No. 3 with a pass of 6.500 at 210.01. All eyes were on her gorgeous Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage / Melling Performance / SCAG Power Equipment Chevrolet Camaro as the pair lined up on the track, knowing that if she won this single round, the championship would be hers. The crowd erupted in applause as the Pro Stock star turned on the win light to secure her second consecutive championship.  Coming off of the best-performing season of her career, Enders had a shaky start in 2023. At one point in the season, she was No. 15 in the points standings. But Enders, who is known for her tenacity and ability to perform under pressure, dug deep to find new resolve as the competition in Pro Stock continued to heat up.  “I’ve got to give God all the glory,” said Enders. “He took a mess and turned it into a message. The message this year is tenacity and consistency, and digging through all of it to prevail when it matters. This championship hits differently because of the fashion in which we got it done. Rallying is what we do. It makes me so proud to be associated with such a great team. They have a never-quit attitude and that’s why they’re world champions. I’m lucky to be their driver.” Entering the Countdown to the Championship, Enders had worked her way up to third in the points standings. She powered her way to three consecutive No. 1 qualifiers in the first three events of the Countdown. In Dallas, Enders picked up her third win of the season where she became the Winningest Woman in Motorsports. She followed that up with a win in Las Vegas to take a considerable lead in the points race.  “Things started to change direction in St. Louis,” said Enders. “After we won Dallas, I thought maybe we could actually pull this off. It’s just a perfect lesson about why you never quit, and why you never give up. All the chips can be down and you can still come out on top. I’ve got to thank my sponsors – JHG, Melling Performance, SCAG Power Equipment, Gallagher, High Performance Lubricants, CHE, Peoplease, Stockseth Racing, CTech Manufacturing, Mac Tools, Comp Cams, TMS Titanium. I give them the credit. It’s through God that I can do all things but it takes a team of people. I couldn’t do it without them.” “I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Erica Enders is the baddest b*tch on the planet,” said Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman. “She is a warrior and she does not give up. I’m so proud of this team. But it isn’t over yet. We’ve got more racing to do.” The day isn’t done for Enders and the rest of the Elite Motorsports team as they continue to compete in the final event of the season. ***

Photos

Erica Enders holds her sixth Pro Stock world championship trophy. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Erica Enders raced her way to her sixth Pro Stock world championship at the NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2023) – In contention for his fourth championship, Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California / Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS team had a perfect day to take the No. 1 qualifying spot in Funny Car while defending event champion Austin Prock and the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster team blasted their way to No. 1 in Top Fuel Saturday evening at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. John Force and the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevy Camaro SS team will start race day from the No. 2 spot while daughter Brittany Force and the Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team will start from No. 9. Robert Hight and the Auto Club team laid down the lowest elapsed times of both qualifying sessions on Saturday to earn eight valuable bonus points. Their performance moved Hight around Bob Tasca III from No. 3 to No. 2 in the points and within 12 of leader Matt Hagan heading into race day. In the first session, Hight would handle the Auto Club Chevy to q 3.880-second pass at 324.36 mph after it dropped a cylinder. Running with all eight candles lit, Hight managed to hold on for an impressive 3.844 pass at 332.61 to establish his No. 1 qualifier status in the fourth session. It is his seventh No. 1 of the season, 78th of his career and second at the NHRA Finals. “Going around Tasca in the points, that’s big. This whole day was big for us. We knew what we had to do, but you have to execute too, and this is a tricky place to race. When it’s good, it’s really good and you have to be aggressive and get after it. I’m really proud of the whole Auto Club Chevy team for getting eight points today – low E.T. in both sessions – that’s exactly what we needed to do. It might give us a little momentum going into Sunday. We’re running good. We’ve got to race smart tomorrow. Probably not going to sleep much tonight, but at least we’re qualified,” said Hight who takes on Jeff Diehl first round. “If you would’ve told me that a 3.84 would be low E.T., I would’ve said it’s going to take more than that. Honestly, that was probably one of the hairiest runs I’ve made in a while. There’s a pretty good bump at three to 400 feet. I was perfectly centered, everything was going well, and I hit that bump and I couldn’t drive it. It carried the front end and started drifting to the left, I was thinking ‘Please hold on.’ It set it down, and I actually lifted a little early. It was running good down there, but I did not want to cross the center line.” Prock, who picked up the win at last year’s Finals from the No. 5 qualifying spot, didn’t open day two of qualifying quite as planned as they smoked the tires early for only 6.820 seconds at 134.52 mph. The Chris Cunningham and Joe Barlam-led team turned things around in a big way for their final attempt down Pomona Dragstrip rocketing to a career-best elapsed time of 3.636 pass at 332.92 to take over the top spot for the second time this season, the third time in Prock’s career and first time at the historic facility. “I love Pomona, as a kid here growing up, ditching school and flying out here and watching my dad race for wins and championships, it was always a treat to me. I still feel the same way. It’s got a special place in my heart. It just seems like this Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team has a little mojo going here. If we go to the final round tomorrow, that’s five consecutive final rounds for me here in Pomona, so I hope I can make that a fact.” said Prock who will race against Ron August in the first round. “Our focus every weekend is to go for a Wally. I finally feel like we have a race car that can do it. We’ve been picking at it slowly throughout the year. The last two or three races, it’s really come around. The first run today was the first time we smoked the tires in, I think, eight runs. It ran between 3.68 and 3.72. We just lowered the boom a little bit there, and hopefully, we can keep that up tomorrow.” To open day two, John Force and the PEAK Chevy had tire spin mid-track for only a 4.251-second pass at 215.75 mph shifting them into the No. 10 spot. The PEAK team wouldn’t stay down for long. In the final session, Force handled the Chevy Camaro to a 3.862 pass at 328.14 that would only be bettered by teammate Hight. Force earned three bonus points for the PEAK team’s performance. “Pretty good run there for this PEAK Chevy. It’s funny, sometimes these cars are like beautiful women, they do what they want, and I can’t figure them out,” said Force who takes on Terry Haddock in the first round. “We’re here with Auto Club, Chevy, PEAK, Cornwell Tools, Monster, Flav-R-Pac, Montana Brand. Man, Prock the way he ran and now Robert going around me. He’s here to win the championship, hopefully, we can help him do that tomorrow. It’s going to be an exciting day.” Brittany Force and the Monster Energy dragster had to shut off early in the third qualifying session on Saturday. They would cross the line at 4.298 seconds and 190.11 mph. They’d turn things around on the final session laying down a 3.684-second pass at 317.49 mph that will put her No. 9 with a match-up against Justin Ashley in the first round. “Our team is looking forward to race day tomorrow. It’s the last race of the season and this Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team wants to end on a good note,” Force said. “Sitting No. 9, we’ve got our work cut out for us but this team is always up for the challenge. We aren’t chasing a championship down this year but we are looking to go after a win and make things a little interesting for those still in contention.” Competition at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip continues with eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will air Sunday on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with a qualifying show at 2 p.m. ET and eliminations at 4 p.m. ET. -30-

AUSTIN PROCK, 28, Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist dragsterQualifying:1st; 3.636-seconds; 332.92 mphBonus Qualifying Points:+8 (quickest Q1 & Q4)BRITTANY FORCE, 37, Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac dragsterQualifying:9th; 3.682-seconds; 328.14 mphBonus Qualifying Points:0JOHN FORCE, 74, PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SSQualifying:2nd; 3.862-seconds; 328.14 mphBonus Qualifying Points: +3 (2nd quickest Q4) ROBERT HIGHT, 54, AAA / Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SSQualifying:1st; 3.844-seconds; 331.61 mphBonus Qualifying Points:+9 (4th quickest Q2; quickest Q3 & Q4)

Cruz Pedregon with a new three-year contract 

KENOSHA, WI – Nov. 11, 2023 – To add to the excitement of the NHRA Finals, longtime motorsports supporter Snap-on Incorporated announced a contract extension with two-time National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Funny Car World Champion Cruz Pedregon through the 2026 season. Snap-on’s partnership with Cruz Pedregon launched in 1992 coinciding with his first win as a Funny Car pilot. 

“Racing fans know Cruz as a fierce competitor whose name is synonymous with drag racing. As his team’s primary sponsor, we at Snap-on recognize him for being a champion of our brand since 1992,” says Randy Stewart, Snap-on motorsports. “When a partnership like ours spans three decades, we’re fortunate to celebrate so many highlights together from Cruz’s first win in a Nitro Funny Car through today, where he is the returning champ of last year’s finals.

“Snap-on appreciates the work Cruz puts into building a solid, single-car team that consistently finishes each season strong. We’re looking forward to our continued, valued partnership and are proud to support Cruz and NHRA drag racing.” 

“I appreciate the long-standing partnership with Snap-on, and I say it as often as I can…its sponsorship makes us stronger every year,” said Pedregon. “Having a name like Snap-on on our car bodies and haulers gains immediate attention and respect. We take seriously the role we play in representing Snap-on at NHRA tracks, through events across the country, and in the pit and shops where the real work gets done. Our goal, always, is to win, and re-signing with Snap-on today already feels like a win.”

Cruz has 36 career Funny Car wins with a career best ET of 3.839 and career best speed of 335.65 mph. His 2023 primary Funny Car paint scheme pays tribute to the Makers and Fixers of the world. To learn more, go to www.makersandfixers.com.

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2023) – Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California / Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS currently sit No. 4 after one day of qualifying at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Nationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Brittany Force in the Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac dragster is sitting No. 6 while Austin Prock in the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist dragster is No. 8 and John Force in the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevy Camaro SS is No. 9 Battling for his fourth championship, Hight and the Auto Club Chevy had a rough start to qualifying. Hight would pedal his way to a 4.566-second pass at 323.66 mph in the first session before picking things back up and collecting one bonus point for being fourth quickest with a 3.898-second pass at 332.02 mph to close out the first day of the NHRA Finals. “This is a tough place to race. We’re going to sleep better tonight. I know Jimmy Prock and the whole Auto Club team wanted to run better than that 3.89 because it’s out there, you saw it, there were some real good runs, but we needed to get qualified after messing up that first run,” Hight said. “Good job to the team, we’ll sleep knowing we’re qualified but I’m not so sure we’ll sleep very well tomorrow night though.” Brittany Force and the Monster Energy team drove into tire smoke in the first session of qualifying at the NRHA Finals. They’d cross the finish line at 4.864 seconds and 147.92 mph, but they rallied back to a 3.682 pass at 328.14 in the second session ending the evening in the No. 6 spot. Feeling confident after two weekends with improvement, Prock and the Montana Brand team came out of the box with a 3.721-second pass at 328.86 mph to pick up four bonus points as the quickest dragster of the session. Running at the end of the night, Prock would be shifted down to the No. 10 spot during the second session. The Montana Brand team would improve to a 3.696 at 329.34 to move into the No. 8 spot.  John Force and the PEAK Chevy team opened qualifying with a solid 3.967-second pass at 323.66 mph that put him fifth heading into the second session. The PEAK team would run into trouble early on their second attempt down Pomona Dragstrip. After not being able to do a burnout, the PEAK Chevy would have tire smoke at the hit and coast to 15.764 and 73.66. Competition at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip continues with qualifying Saturday at 1 and 4 p.m. Eliminations will begin Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will air Sunday on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with a qualifying show at 2 p.m. ET and eliminations at 4 p.m. ET. -30-

AUSTIN PROCK, 28, Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist dragsterQualifying:8th; 3.696-seconds; 329.34 mphBonus Qualifying Points:+4 (quickest Q1)BRITTANY FORCE, 37, Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac dragsterQualifying:6th; 3.682-seconds; 328.14 mphBonus Qualifying Points:0JOHN FORCE, 74, PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SSQualifying:9th; 3.967-seconds; 323.66 mphBonus Qualifying Points: 0 ROBERT HIGHT, 54, AAA / Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SSQualifying:4th; 3.898-seconds; 332.01 mphBonus Qualifying Points:+1 (4th quickest Q2)

The Oakwood, IL driver secured his first Series championship at World Finals

CONCORD, NC – November 9, 2023 – When Bobby Pierce decided to join the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series in 2023, he wasn’t sure what to expect.

But 38 races later, those expectations didn’t matter as The Oakwood, IL driver etched his name in Series history by winning his first championship.

Despite 14 wins, 25 top fives, and 32 top 10s, it wasn’t easy for the “Smooth Operator.” After the season’s first weekend at Volusia Speedway Park, he wasn’t sure winning a title was possible. However, he proved that theory wrong as fortune went in his favor by Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.

“It’s been a long year,” Pierce said.  “It started a little rocky. We came off the first two races with DNFs, and we were like, man, it’s going to be tough to come back. But we came back, won the first race out, and from then on, we got off going pretty well.”

His first win of 2023 came at the perfect time, passing Brandon Overton on the final lap to kickstart his run toward a championship. From there, he chipped away at Chris Madden’s points lead until he reached the top during World of Outlaws Heartland Speedweek at Off-Road Speedway in June. 

That’s when Pierce’s dominant stretch began. Twelve of his 14 Feature wins came during a 20-race stretch from Off-Road to Fairbury in October. It’s a stretch where he only finished outside the top 10 once—an 11th at River Cities Speedway.

Pierce said a crucial part of his success was the will to get better, racing against stout competition every night with the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models.

“I can’t thank all the competitors enough,” Pierce said. “Especially the ones that kept the energy going all year. They make me better. Every time I get to go up against these guys like Sheppard and Madden, they make me race better. They make us work for it.”

However, the stout competition wasn’t the only factor leading to a championship. Pierce’s ability to adapt to tracks he’s never been to also played a key role. One race that comes to mind was the Alabama Gang 100 at Talladega Short Track—a race he was leading before a broken wheel and brake failure sidelined him with 18 laps to go.

He saw those opportunities as a learning curve and another way to improve.

“You try to prepare the best you can and watch some videos, but at the end of the day, before you get out there you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Pierce said. “Every day is a new task. You’ve got to Qualify, start your day there, and see what happens. We were up in New York and North Dakota, places I’d never been. It’s very fun to get out and about because it makes you better as a driver and team. You learn a lot of things.

“I think the more we get out and race these racetracks, the bigger my little sandbox gets.”

As consistent as Pierce was behind the wheel of his Longhorn Chassis, he knows he can’t do it alone. After raising the trophy at Charlotte, he quickly dedicated the 2023 season to his dad Bob.

“He’s 71 years old, going on 72, and he gets up and down the road working on the car like a young guy,” Pierce said. “He keeps going, and we keep each other going, so that’s awesome. He’s been there my whole life, supporting me every step of the way.

“My mom as well. They’ve been to every single race. They drive the t-shirt trailer to every track, and I couldn’t be where I am without their awesome help. And he’s made me who I am today.”

Bob received the 2023 Crew Chief of the Year award, an accolade he can add to his trophy case to accompany his Hall of Fame driving career. He was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2003 and has won several marquee events nationwide, including five Prairie Dirt Classic’s and the North-South 100. 

Now, he’s traveling to every World of Outlaws race with Bobby. And while he’s thankful to be there helping Bobby, he quickly gives his son credit for many of the decisions made throughout the season.

“My son made me look good a lot of times,” Bob Pierce said. “Being on the World of Outlaws for the first year is pretty cool. Going up and down the road with a lot of miles has been pretty fun for an old guy like me. I keep this thing going because I love racing.”

Bobby and his dad also credited crew members Zach Huston and Austin Hemmen, who battled through the team’s adversity.

“It’s pretty crazy,” Pierce said. “We changed an engine during Hot Laps at Sharon, and that took like 30 minutes and was like the quickest engine change we’ve ever done. Our crew was fixing stuff when we broke down on the road. All the hard work. All the late nights. They don’t get the credit they deserve, for sure. 

“Flat tires. This and that. You have to fight through it, and you can’t have DNFs. You have to be consistent, and I felt like we were very consistent, but we were also winning races, so that was phenomenal.”

“Zach and Austin should be the Crew Chief on this deal,” Bob Pierce said. They work hard, and I bitch and raise hell and start all kinds of trouble. I’m just a grumpy old man. But we keep this thing rolling.”

As the championship starts to sink in for Pierce, he understands how successful his year has been and how hard it is to get to that point. He’ll look back on it with a smile while using it as fuel for the future.

“It was a monumental year,” Pierce said. “Thirty-four wins, you’re not going to have that every year, so you soak it in. There’s a lot of effort in the shop. We don’t get a lot of turnaround time. You try your best with the time you’ve got, and we’ll just keep trying to do our best.”

Despite a year of unknowns and adversity, Pierce exceeded expectations in his first year with the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models.  However, he knows he’s raised the bar higher for himself in 2024 and hopes to be in the same spot this time next year.”

“Hopefully next year we’ll end up here again. I know next year they’re going to be gunning for me. Hopefully, we’ll get off to a better start at Volusia.”

The World of Outlaws CASE Late Models kick off the 2024 season during Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park Jan. 17-20. For Tickets, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, watch all the action live on DIRTVision, either online or with the DIRTVision app.