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.

Kasey Kahne equals Steve Kinser for third-most championships as an owner after 2023 titleMOORESVILLE, NC (Nov. 9, 2023) – Not often are any of Steve Kinser’s accomplishments touched. The Bloomington, IN native cemented himself as the most dominant figure in Sprint Car racing, racking up 20 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car championships and nearly 700 Feature victories. But Kasey Kahne equaled Kinser in an important category last week.Brad Sweet wrapped up his fifth consecutive title with The Greatest Show on Dirt in grand fashion by winning the final race of the 2023 season. All five have come under the Kasey Kahne Racing banner. Add in the championship with Daryn Pittman in 2013 and Kahne’s total now sits at six – tying him for the third most titles as an owner with “The King.”Kinser collected 14 of his championships while driving for Karl Kinser and then added six more after starting his own team. Karl leads the list with 16 titles – 14 with Steve and an additional two with Mark Kinser driving for him. Tony Stewart owns the second most with nine.“It feels really good to be part of anything with Steve Kinser,” Kahne said. “He’s got way more championships than that, but as Steve being the owner/driver, it’s really cool to be tied with him on something. But if he adds in the rest of his we’re far from where he’s at. He’s something else in the Sprint Car world over the years. But, yeah, to be tied for third is great.”It’s been a long journey for KKR since they first fielded cars in World of Outlaws races in 2005 and took on the full-time tour in 2006 with Joey Saldana behind the wheel. Race wins came early, but it took eight years of trying before Pittman brought the first championship trophy back to the Mooresville, NC shop. Over time, Kahne has assembled an organization capable of maintaining a championship pedigree.“We started KKR to win and win as much as the team possibly could every single year and win championships,” Kahne said. “Something we were able to do was win races, but to win championships was much harder to do. It took time. It took people and time.”Kahne emphasizes the importance of having the right people in the right places, which played a key role in securing the 2023 title. The trio of Eric Prutzman, Joe Mooney, and Andrew Bowman had been the crew of the Napa Auto Parts #49 for all four of Sweet’s previous championships, but Mooney departed for another opportunity this year. Kahne selected Tye Wolfgang who smoothly filled the car chief void.“To see what the #49 has done the last five (years) is pretty incredible,” Kahne said. “I think, from the crew chief standpoint, Eric Prutzman and his preparation and his mindset, work ethic, everything that he brings to the team sets up for Tye Wolfgang and Andrew Bowman. And just how they attack every race throughout the entire season is pretty incredible with their performance and just how put together the team and cars are.”Over the last few years, Kahne has been able to enjoy his team’s work from a much closer view. Early in Kahne’s tenure as an owner, NASCAR Cup duties kept him away from the track. But as he’s transitioned to full-time Sprint Car driver, Kahne has often shared the pit area with Sweet and the #49 team as they’ve been on their run.“To start, I listened to… I would say every single Outlaw race, just Johnny Gibson announcing the races,” Kahne recalled. “Then, three or four years into it the big races were on DIRTVision. I was starting to see some video of my cars racing. And then as time went on you could watch every race. That’s how I did it for years. It was great. I was in the motorhome at the NASCAR track, and that was what I did on a Friday or Saturday night is paid attention to what was going on at the World of Outlaws race, just how my guys are doing. Over the last couple years, I’ve been able to be a big part of that in person and get to watch them firsthand and get to support them that way.“But since the start, I was always, whether it was a phone call after the race or a text the next morning, very close to my team and very supportive and just always want the best for them and to get the best out of them. Now, it’s a little different being there. It’s still the same mentality. I’m just able to watch a lot more of the success that they’ve had.”That mentality and commitment to the sport has led Kahne to cementing his place among the most impactful figures in Series history. A place that’s aligned him next to Steve Kinser with six owner championships. A place reached by unwavering dedication to Sprint Car racing.“I’m very fortunate and really happy that I’ve been able to try to give as much to the teams and to Sprint Car racing as I can,” Kahne said. “I really enjoy it and really love doing it. But at the end of the day, it’s just about the people that have been at KKR from drivers to all the crew members and team members.”The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will commence its 2024 season at Volusia Speedway Park during the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Feb. 8-10, 2024. For tickets, CLICK HERE.If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision.

PLAINVIEW, NY (November 9, 2023) — For the past two NHRA seasons Justin Ashley and the Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel team have supported and honored veterans through a partnership with the Wyakin Foundation. This weekend at the NHRA Finals Ashley, Phillips Connect and the Wyakin Foundation will be hosting three veterans on Saturday, November 11, to celebrate Veterans Day. The Wyakin Foundation’s mission is to serve as a conduit, connecting wounded and injured veterans to their successful and fulfilling civilian futures through education, development, and guidance. Each year Ashley and the Phillips Connect Top Fuel team have raised awareness and honored the commitment and success stories of veterans.

“This is one of the most powerful opportunities I have as part of my relationship with Phillips Connect,” said Ashley, an 11-time Top Fuel national event winner. “Bringing awareness to the Wyakin Foundation and getting to meet and spend time with veterans is so important. Helping in a small way to get these men and women veterans back into society and supporting their education and professional goals is truly an honor. They have sacrificed so much for our freedoms and although we can never fully repay them, I hope this serves as a small token of our gratitude.  I am looking forward to meeting with George, Brandon and Patrick this weekend.”
 
This year Ashley donated $2,500 to the Wyakin Foundation when he was on the Top Fuel team that won the Toyota Supra Showdown. The Phillips Connect Top Fuel team has also hosted contest and raffle winners at races through their fundraising efforts.
 
The three veterans who will be joining the Phillips Connect team on Saturday at the NHRA Finals include George Nickel, Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. George is one of the most well-known veterans from Idaho whose story has changed how Idaho law enforcement engages with distressed veterans. George is currently the Wyakin Foundation’s Director of Veteran Programs and has helped over 160 veterans over the last 12 years. 
 
Joining George at the races will be Brandon B., an Army combat veteran with a tour in Iraq. Brandon found a path to career and life success after he reached out to the Wyakin Foundation in 2022. He is currently in the Wyakin trades program and is on pace to get his A.A.S degree as a Machinist. The final veteran guest is Patrick S. Navy (retired), who deployed to the Gulf during Iraq and Afghanistan and is also working on his A.A.S degree as a Machinist.
 
“Being able to bring veterans and participants from the Wyakin Foundation to the NHRA races is an amazing opportunity for our organization,” said Cory Rodriguez, Wyakin Foundation Executive Director. “We have made huge strides in helping veterans across the country and our relationship with Phillips Connect and Justin Ashley has been a big part of our success. Veterans Day is a special time to honor our men and women who served, and we appreciate the support from Justin, Phillips Connect and the NHRA.”
 
Throughout the weekend the NHRA will be honoring veterans, and the three Wyakin Foundation guests will join Justin Ashley’s team on the starting line on Saturday during the third qualifying session. Additionally, they will enjoy the Phillips Connect hospitality area and get an up close and personal view of the Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel team.
 

The World’s Fastest Half-Mile will be home to seven of the biggest races this coming winter

BARBERVILLE, FL (Nov. 9, 2023) – While motorsports series across the country are winding down their seasons, racing action in the Sunshine State is heating up with Volusia Speedway Park set to host several marquee events during the winter months.

On that list includes the Veteran’s Day Classic (Nov. 11), 10th anniversary of the Emil & Dale Reutimann Memorial (Nov. 16-18), second annual Battle in Barberville (Nov. 30-Dec. 2), DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Jan. 17-20), Germfree Southern Sprint Car Shootout (Jan. 25-27), Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 5-17) and the World of Outlaws Bike Week Jamboree (March 3-4).

VETERAN’S DAY CLASSIC (Nov. 11)

Volusia’s months of big events kicks off with the special Veteran’s Day Classic on Saturday, Nov. 11, featuring five local favorite divisions. Competing in the event will be DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, 604 Late Models, 602 Late Models, 3/4 Modifieds and the Pick Your Part Street Stocks. Honoring those who have served, any U.S. veteran, or current member of the United States Military carrying a valid I.D. will receive free admission.

10TH ANNIVERSARY EMIL & DALE REUTIMANN MEMORIAL (Nov. 16-18)

The following week, Volusia Speedway Park will honor one of racing’s most legendary families with the 10th annual Emil & Dale Reutimann Memorial, Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 16-18. The marquee DIRTcar UMP Modified event will see the country’s top Modified drivers compete for a $10,000 payday in the 50-lap event. Ethan Dotson earned his first Reutimann Memorial victory last year, adding his name to a prestigious list of winners, which includes Nick Hoffman, David Stremme, Tyler Nicely, Kyle Strickler, David Reutimann, Jeff Mathews and Austin Sanders.

BATTLE IN BARBERVILLE (Nov. 30-Dec. 2)

Before the calendar turns to 2024, Volusia Speedway Park will cap off the 2023 with the second annual Battle in Barberville, Nov. 30-Dec. 2. The December event brings 360 Sprint Cars, DIRTcar UMP Modifieds and 3/4 Modifieds to The World’s Fastest Half Mile for a practice night on Thursday and then Feature events on Friday and Saturday.

The winner of Saturday’s 360 Sprint Car Feature will lock into January’s Germfree Southern Sprint Car Shootout. Last year, Petersburg, Florida’s Tyler Clem won the inaugural Battle in Barberville 360 Sprint Car and then went on to win the Southern Sprint Car Shootout finale.

DIRTcar SUNSHINE NATIONALS (Jan. 17-20)

Volusia Speedway Park’s Late Model Palooza is back, Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 17-20. The premier Late Model event will feature DIRTcar Pro Late Models, 602 Late Models and the season kickoff for the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models.

The best Late Model drivers from around the country will gather in Barberville with a practice night on Wednesday, Jan. 17, and then three straight nights of Feature action, Thursday to Saturday, Jan. 18-20. Last year, Devin Moran scored back-to-back wins with the World of Outlaws, while Kyle Bronson, Jensen Ford and David Showers Jr. picked up wins in the other divisions.

GERMFREE SOUTHERN SPRINT CAR SHOOTOUT (Jan. 25-27)

The Germfree Southern Sprint Car Shootout returns after a successful debut in 2023, bringing back the United Sprint Car Series for a marquee three-day event, Jan. 25-27. Sprint Car drivers from around the country – and beyond as drivers from Australia and England participated in the first event – will compete for a more than $65,000 overall purse, paying $2,500 to win Thursday and Friday night, and then a massive $10,000 payday on Saturday – the largest purse in USCS history.

Last year, the event also saw the likes of Daytona 500 champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Anthony Macri and Ryan Timms participate in the event.

Local division, 3/4 Modifieds are set to race alongside the high-flying 360 Sprint Car series as well.

FEDERATED AUTO PARTS DIRTcar NATIONALS (Feb. 5-17)

Florida Speedweeks returns in 2024 with the running of the 53rd Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Feb. 5-17, 2024. The 12-day event will feature hundreds of drivers from the premier divisions in racing with them all vying for a Big Gator championship. The first week (Feb. 5-10) will see racing action all week with the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds and three days of The Greatest Show on Dirt with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars.

Then, the DIRTcar Late Models and USAC Non-Wing Sprint Cars will kick off the second week (Feb. 12-17) before turning it over to the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models and Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds.

WORLD OF OUTLAWS BIKE WEEK JAMBOREE (March 3-4)

Two wheels and four wheels collide once again in March, with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars returning to Volusia Speedway Park in March for the World of Outlaws

Bike Week Jamboree (Sunday-Monday, March 3-4). Adding another exciting element to Bike Week, the World of Outlaws welcomes all bikers to The World’s Fastest Half Mile for two nights of high-octane, wheel-to-wheel, action. Earlier this year, Carson Macedo and David Gravel won the inaugural World of Outlaws Bike Week Features.

For tickets to these events, CLICK HERE.

CHEVROLET IN NHRA2023 IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS IN-N-OUT BURGER POMONA DRAG STRIPPOMONA, CALIFORNIA TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE NOVEMBER 10-12, 2023 CHEVROLET LOOKS TO CAP OFF 2023 NHRA SEASON WITH TWO POTENTIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN POMONA Robert Hight (Funny Car), Erica Enders, and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) Will Vie for Top Countdown to the Championship Honors at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals DETROIT (November 9, 2023) – The last race of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, and the Countdown to the Championship, sees Robert Hight of John Force Racing, as well as Erica Enders of Elite Motorsports and KB Titan Racing, battling it out down to the final weekend in their respective championship hunts. For Hight, driver of the AAA/Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, and his John Force Racing team, they stand to help claim Hight’s fourth career Funny Car championship. With 17 points separating the top-three frontrunners, including Matt Hagan in first, Bob Tasca, III in second, and Hight in third, it’s anyone’s championship to earn and likely could come down to the final round in Pomona. “This is amazing and exactly what NHRA wants is for the championship to come down to the last race of the year the NHRA Finals, and for it to go clear down to the final round,” said Hight. “That’s a very real possibility of going to the final round and having to win the race to win the championship. There’s no more excitement than that. It’s points and a half in Pomona, but if it wasn’t points and a half, I think it would be more exciting this year because of how close we are. The way these three cars run, I don’t think anybody can gain a round with points and a half if we run to our potential. No one is running away with this deal. I’m just glad to be a part of it, and it’s going to be exciting. Probably a lot of sleepless nights between now and Sunday.” With a 2023 season that’s seen Hight and his team earn four wins this year, in addition to two runner-ups and six No. 1 qualifiers, they look to cap off their championship run with a fifth victory. With finishing runner-up to the championship in 2022, Hight and his team look to Pomona for redemption and a World Championship. If Hight were to achieve top honors, he would not only claim a fourth-career championship in addition to his 2009, 2017, and 2019 titles, but Chevrolet’s eighth drivers’ world championship in Funny Car as well as aiding in the 28th Manufacturers Cup claimed by the Bowtie brand since 1966. Heading into the NHRA Finals, Erica Enders, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling/SCAG Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock, has the advantage of 114 points over fellow Chevrolet competitor Greg Anderson, of KB Titan Racing. With her season picking up steam after capturing her first victory of the year in Bristol, she additionally captured Wally trophies in Topeka, Dallas, and Las Vegas 2 when it mattered during the Countdown to the Championship. Additionally becoming the winningest female in NHRA history this season, Enders stands to collect her sixth Pro Stock World Championship this weekend and further solidify herself in motorsports history. Her biggest threat, five-time Pro Stock champion, legend, and veteran racer Greg Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS machine, is also seeking to add to his 2003, 2004, 2005, 2010, and 2021 titles. Additionally a three-time winning crew chief with Warren Johnson in 1992, 1993, and 1995, Anderson enters Pomona second in the championship standings behind Enders while looking for his 104th NHRA victory. “I probably need a bit of a miracle to happen in Pomona, but it’s not over until it’s over,” said Anderson. “We are going there with all of the confidence in the world that we can win the race. You never wish bad fortune on anybody else, but if the other team happens to stumble, we will have a chance. I’m not going to Pomona acting defeated already, I’m going like I still have a chance until they tell me I don’t.” With great thanks for the hard work and dedication of Chevrolet’s Funny Car, Pro Stock, Factory Stock Showdown, Super Stock, and Stock Eliminator classes, a 28th Manufacturers Cup is on the horizon for the Bowtie brand, the seventh consecutive award as well as ninth in the past 11 seasons. The Manufacturers Cup award will be presented to Chevrolet, along with champions being crowned, at NHRA’s annual Camping World Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. The 2023 In-N-Out Burger NHRA Nationals at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip kicks off Friday, Nov. 10 in Pomona, Calif., with the weekend’s qualifying sessions airing Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will follow, airing Sunday also at 4 p.m. ET of FS1. Coverage streams live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster for John Force Racing:“I can’t believe we’re heading into the final race of the season at my home track in Pomona already. This track has a lot of memories and a lot of history for me personally and for John Force Racing. In-N-Out Burger Raceway at Pomona is a track I grew up at as a kid with my sisters watching our dad and since then I’ve won championships, won the event, gone No. 1, and set the national speed record on that property. We spent Monday testing in Vegas to really narrow in on issues we had over the weekend. We feel confident coming into Pomona that we’ll qualify top 5 and go rounds on race day. After all the history I’ve had here this Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team is really going to push to end this season on a strong note.” Austin Prock, driver of the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster for John Force Racing:“I’m excited to get back to a racetrack. I’d love to be in a racecar every day of the week, so these off weekends are rough for me. I feel like this Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist team has had a really good dragster the past two events in Dallas and Las Vegas. Hopefully, we can put it all together this weekend for the Finals and my favorite stop of the year.” John Force, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car for John Force Racing:“Pomona, the fairgrounds, that’s home. There’s a lot of history, and not just for me, for all of NHRA. I’m looking forward to getting back out there. It’s a difficult track but it’s exciting. I know we aren’t in it for the championship, but Robert and that AAA Cornwell Tools team is and maybe we can do some good to help them out. This PEAK team goes out every weekend to win, that’s no different now. End this season with a win for PEAK, Chevy and all our partners, that’s what we want to do.”  Erica Enders, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling/SCAG Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock for Elite Motorsports:“It’s hard to believe that we are back in Pomona again. I would have never guessed, after our challenging start, that we would be contending for our sixth world title. It goes to show you what is possible when you never give up. I am fortunate to work with some of the most brilliant men in motorsports and they continue to show me why they are champions. We will attempt to make this another dream weekend. Eight possible runs, one more race, to show the world that we are Elite for a reason.” Aaron Stanfield, driver of the Janac Brothers/Melling Engine Parts Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock for Elite Motorsports:“While consistency is good and it’s helped us maintain a solid position in the points, this team is bound and determined to get a win this weekend! My guys have worked tirelessly and I know we’ve got a car that can get the job done. It would be awesome to shake up the standings in a big way in a city that does everything big. Can’t wait to hit the track!” Greg Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock for KB Titan Racing:On racing for the potential of a sixth championship this weekend…“It’s awesome. Anytime you’re in the running for a championship going to Pomona, you have to consider that a good season. That’s what you ask for, that’s what you build for all year long: to make it to Pomona with a chance to win, and we have that. We have a chance to win – it may be a small one, but it’s a chance – and you have to consider that a success.” Camrie Caruso, driver of the Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock for KB Titan Racing:“This season has flown by and I am looking forward to having a great weekend with my Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro team in Pomona. Last year when we rolled into Pomona, I felt like we were in the final mile of a marathon with not much left in the tank. This year we have a whole new attitude. We have been going rounds in the Countdown and I think we can step up our performance with our KB Titan Racing power and be in the mix to win this last race.” On winning in Arizona and being the second female in the Pro Stock Winner’s Circle…“Winning in Arizona was a big deal but following it up with a No. 1 qualifier and semifinal finish in Pomona showed we had a consistent team that could compete at the highest level. This season we have improved a ton and we are just getting stronger I think. I want to come into Pomona this weekend and secure our spot in the Top Ten and move up in the standings.” On tricky track conditions, and honing race craft with each run…“We had an awesome car at Maple Grove and I was pulling away for the win when we got a little out of the groove and I had to lift. Two weeks ago in Vegas I lifted because we got a little sideways and I knew there was a chance of ruining the race car. I will always put safety first but those are two tough loses for sure. I am getting better in the car with every run and this season we have been making progress as a team. I want to finish strong at the NHRA Finals and then go after the championship again in 2024.”  On finishing the season strong…“I want to finish as high as possible in the points and show improvement year over year. I learned a ton in my rookie season and I have learned even more this year as part of KB Titan Racing. We have big plans for 2024 but first we need to get after it in Pomona this weekend.”

TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS:1,441: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time).625: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 626.381: Number of wins in Pro Stock since 1970; 262 won in the Chevrolet Camaro body.166: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for John Force (1st all-time).159: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins since 1967.83: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Robert Hight (6th all-time). Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel) is fifth with 88.79: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins with the Camaro SS body.46: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Brittany Force.27: Number of NHRA championships Chevrolet holds as a manufacturer since entering the first in 1966. No other manufacturer has won it more than Chevrolet.24: Wins by John Force in a Chevrolet-bodied Funny Car.18: Number of Pro Stock championships.20: Chevrolet career Top Fuel wins in NHRA.16: Number of Chevrolet career wins by Brittany Force.7: Number of Funny Car driver championships.2: Number of Top Fuel driver championships.

UPCOMING NHRA MILESTONES:950: Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) is second all-time with 937 elimination round wins. He could reach 950 round wins with a decent run in 2024. 626: Robert Hight achieved 625 Funny Car elimination wins at Las Vegas 2 to rank 13th on the all-time NHRA list; Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car) sits 12th with 626. 453: By qualifying for his next race, Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) will extend his NHRA record from 452 to 453 consecutive race day appearances. His first appearance came in 2002 at Pomona 2, and he holds the longest career qualifying streak in NHRA. 138: Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) ranks third on the NHRA all-time list with 122 No. 1 qualifiers. He will tie Warren Johnson (Pro Stock, 138) for second to John Force (Funny Car, 166) on the list. 279: By qualifying for his next race, Robert Hight will extend his NHRA record to 279 consecutive race day appearances. His first appearance came in 2010 at Pomona 2, and he currently sits seventh in career qualifying streaks in NHRA (Doug Kalitta is sixth at 287). 65: Robert Hight moved into the top-10 in 10th on the all-time NHRA victory list with his win in Reading with 64. Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock, retired) is next ninth on list with 65. 50: Erica Enders has 48 career NHRA victories (47 Pro Stock, one Super Gas; all with Chevrolet). Her first win in Pro Stock came at Chicago, 2012, and her last win at Topeka, 2023 in Pro Stock. With her win in Dallas this season, Enders surpassed Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle, Top Alcohol Dragster) to become the all-time NHRA female leader with 47. 18: Brittany Force (16 Top Fuel career wins) will move past Shirley Muldowney (18 wins) into third on the NHRA all-time victory list for females. Erica Enders (Pro Stock, 46) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle, 46) are ahead. 6: Erica Enders (Pro Stock) could tie Warren Johnson (6 Pro Stock championships) for second on the class list. The same holds for Greg Anderson. Bob Glidden is the leader with 10. Enders currently holds five Pro Stock championships, the most of any female in NHRA. 3: Brittany Force (Top Fuel, two championships) would tie Shirley Muldowney (Top Fuel) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) for second on the NHRA all-time championship list by females with another title in 2023. Erica Enders (Pro Stock, five) is the leader.

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 08, 2023) – Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California / Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS team are just 17 points out of the lead for their fourth Camping World NHRA Funny Car Championship as they head into this weekend’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Coming off a weekend in which the Auto Club team claimed the maximum available points on the way to winning the NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Hight sits third in the points standings as he attempts to join John Force, Don Prudhomme, and Kenny Bernstein as the only Funny Car drivers with at least four series championships. En route to his fourth win of the season, Hight and the Auto Club team had a track record-setting first-round time of 3.816 seconds, the quickest in the Funny Car division in six years and the ninth quickest in history. “This is amazing and exactly what NHRA wants is for the championship to come down to the last race of the year the NHRA Finals, and for it to go clear down to the final round. That’s a very real possibility of going to the final round and having to win the race to win the championship. There’s no more excitement than that,” Hight said. “It’s points and a half in Pomona, but if it wasn’t points and a half, I think it would be more exciting this year because of how close we are. The way these three cars run, I don’t think anybody can gain a round with points and a half if we run to our potential. No one is running away with this deal. I’m just glad to be a part of it, and it’s going to be exciting. Probably a lot of sleepless nights between now and Sunday.” Hight has won six times at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip but only once in the Finals in 2007. He has advanced to the final round three times in 2011, 2017 and 2019. Last year, after qualifying fourth, he had a quarterfinal exit, falling short of the championship title by three points. Competition at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip begins with four qualifying runs Friday and 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.

Scrappers Racing Competitors:

            Mike Salinas, Top Fuel

            Jianna Evaristo, Pro Stock Motorcycle

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2023) – The Scrappers Racing team has had a season that both the Top Fuel team as well as the Pro Stock Motorcycle team can be proud of as well as making some history along the way. For the Top Fuel dragster team and driver/owner, Mike Salinas, the season boasts two national event wins as the series heads to the season finale in Southern California this weekend. One of those wins came just two weeks ago at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway where the Scrappers Racing team won in dominating fashion after securing the number one qualifier position. That win propelled Salinas to the fourth position in series points giving them a mathematical chance at the championship this weekend.

But the Top Fuel team has also achieved some impressive milestones in 2023 highlighted by becoming the first driver to go 300 mph to the 1/8^th mile mark just a month ago at zMax Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina. This came on the heels of a 338 mph pass in Brainerd, Minnesota giving Salinas the fourth-fastest pass in Top Fuel history – a mark he and the team want to break before the 2023 season comes to a close.

“We have high hopes to finish the season with a strong performance in Pomona this weekend,” said Salinas. “Our team and our race car have really come to life in the past few race weekends and I think we really got to showcase that at Las Vegas. I’m so proud of what our whole team did that weekend from earning the number one qualifier position to running consistently with passes of 3.6 seconds on Sunday to get the win. The conditions at Pomona look like they’re going to be perfect for a record-setting run and we would love to be the team to finish off the 2023 season with another pass for the history books.”

Jianna Evaristo competing in the Pro Stock Motorcycle ranks has also had an impressive season with semi-final appearances during the season and a true achievement in the class when she broke the 200 mph barrier at Maple Grove Raceway in September. With regular round wins for Evaristo, she is tapped to be one to watch as the 2024 season kicks off. 

“This season has definitely been a great learning year for me as a rider,” said Evaristo. “We’ve made some great strides and I really feel like I’m riding as good as I have week after week. Hitting the 200 mph mark at Maple Grove was definitely a highlight for me personally and my goal for 2024 is to keep learning and focus on even more round wins leading to final round appearances and of course wins!”

The 2024 season will see Scrappers Racing field a second Top Fuel dragster as another Salinas moves up the NHRA ladder. Jasmine Salinas will pilot a second car for the team next season and plans to spend much of her off-season testing and continuing to work with the team principals to secure partnerships for her race car.

The NHRA Finals at Pomona Dragstrip will kick off on Friday with the first round of pro stock qualifying at 12:00 PM PT followed by the first round of nitro qualifying at 1:00 PM PT.

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 08, 2023) – Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California / Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS team are just 17 points out of the lead for their fourth Camping World NHRA Funny Car Championship as they head into this weekend’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Coming off a weekend in which the Auto Club team claimed the maximum available points on the way to winning the NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Hight sits third in the points standings as he attempts to join John Force, Don Prudhomme, and Kenny Bernstein as the only Funny Car drivers with at least four series championships. En route to his fourth win of the season, Hight and the Auto Club team had a track record-setting first-round time of 3.816 seconds, the quickest in the Funny Car division in six years and the ninth quickest in history. “This is amazing and exactly what NHRA wants is for the championship to come down to the last race of the year the NHRA Finals, and for it to go clear down to the final round. That’s a very real possibility of going to the final round and having to win the race to win the championship. There’s no more excitement than that,” Hight said. “It’s points and a half in Pomona, but if it wasn’t points and a half, I think it would be more exciting this year because of how close we are. The way these three cars run, I don’t think anybody can gain a round with points and a half if we run to our potential. No one is running away with this deal. I’m just glad to be a part of it, and it’s going to be exciting. Probably a lot of sleepless nights between now and Sunday.” Hight has won six times at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip but only once in the Finals in 2007. He has advanced to the final round three times in 2011, 2017 and 2019. Last year, after qualifying fourth, he had a quarterfinal exit, falling short of the championship title by three points. Competition at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip begins with four qualifying runs Friday and 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.

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 08, 2023) – John Force and the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS team will look to extend to 34 the number of years Force has won at least one event on tour when they close out the season at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Drag strip for the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. Come Sunday, Force will be making his 82nd race day start at the historic drag strip located on the Pomona Fairgrounds, his 40th at the season finale. Force has won 16 times in three different events at his hometown racetrack, he is one of only two drivers to have won three different events at the Southern California location, the other is Jeg Coughlin Jr. in Pro Stock. In 2001, they both held Wally’s at the end of the 50th Anniversary NHRA Nationals which was held in addition to the regularly scheduled Winternationals and Finals. Force’s eight wins at the Finals came in even-numbered years dating back to 1988, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and most recently in 2010. Force last appeared in a final round in 2016 and was also runner-up in 2013 and 2014. Last year, Force started race day from the No. 7 position and picked up a first-round win before making a quarterfinal exit. “Pomona, the fairgrounds, that’s home. There’s a lot of history, and not just for me, for all of NHRA. I’m looking forward to getting back out there. It’s a difficult track but it’s exciting,” Force said. “I know we aren’t in it for the championship, but Robert and that AAA Cornwell Tools team is and maybe we can do some good to help them out. This PEAK team goes out every weekend to win, that’s no different now. End this season with a win for PEAK, Chevy and all our partners, that’s what we want to do.”   Competition at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip begins with four qualifying runs Friday and 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.

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 08, 2023) – Austin Prock and the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster team return to the 2019 Rookie of the Years’ favorite racetrack, In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, for the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. Led this year by the crew chief tandem of Chris Cunningham and Joe Barlam, the Montana Brand team enters the weekend as the defending event champions. He won last year’s Finals from the No. 5 qualifying spot. Earlier this year, Prock raced to his third consecutive runner-up finish at the Winternationals held at the same location. “I’m excited to get back to a racetrack. I’d love to be in a racecar every day of the week, so these off weekends are rough for me,” Prock said. “I feel like this Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team has had a really good dragster the past two events in Dallas and Las Vegas. Hopefully, we can put it all together this weekend for the Finals and my favorite stop of the year.” Starting from eighth in the championship points standings, Prock and the Montana Brand team have one win this season from the Charlotte Four-Wide event when they doubled up with teammate Robert Hight. Prock has also earned a No. 1 qualifying position at the Sonoma Nationals in Northern California in addition to his runner-up finish at the Winternationals. Competition at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip begins with four qualifying runs Friday and 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.

DALLAS (November 8, 2023) — Heading into the finale of the NHRA season there are world championships on the line as well as serious bragging rights for NHRA fans. At the conclusion of the race, Drag Race Bracket Bonanza(DRBB), the first dynamic free bracket competition for drag racing fans, will crown its inaugural overall playoff champion and recognize the overall runner-up with one-of-a-kind DRBB championship belts signed by the newly crowned NHRA world champions. To add to the growing excitement DRBB will award double points during the World Finals. The final race of the season is slated for this weekend at In-N-Out Burger Dragstrip in Pomona, November 10-12, and based on the continued growth of the DRBB, thousands of fans are enjoying the free and fun bracket-style online game experience.

 
Currently the top five in the overall standings include Flusher (393.862), J (389.575), Payto (387.785), DENSY (386.333) and Nitrostalgic (383.702). Payto was the overall winner and DENSY was the Pro Stock winner at the Reading Nationals. The remaining top five players have held their positions through consistent top five finishes throughout the playoff races. The final race of the season will be a nail-biter with players picking all four categories with world championship implications and bracket busters looming.
 
“The race for the DRBB championship is coming down to the final race of the season just like the World Finals will be the deciding race for the NHRA world championships,” said Elon Werner, Drag Race Bracket Bonanza creator. “I can’t wait to see how it turns out and I know all the players will be glued to their brackets and FS1 as the race unfolds on Sunday. Fans can still sign-up for free at www.dragracebracketbonanza.com and we are expecting record participation.”
 
After the Nevada Nationals five winners rose to the top including the first repeat winner in DRBB history. Jerry C. from Austin, Indiana, won the Nevada Nationals Funny Car title to add to his U.S. Nationals Funny Car win. Lisa K. from Bluffton, South Carolina won the Nevada Nationals overall title with Shawn K., picking up the Top Fuel title. In Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle it was Jeff E., and Drew P. taking the wins respectively.
 
“The Nevada Nationals threw up a curve ball on Saturday night when the Funny car final qualifying order was adjusted, but the DRBB technical team stepped up and we got everything straightened out,” said Werner. “Thankfully our social media team got the word out quickly and we were able to adjust on the fly. All the brackets were updated, and we moved into race day without any major issues. It was a record setting weekend for participation, and we are looking forward to another record-breaking event in Pomona.”
 
During the NHRA Nevada Nationals DRBB had PA announcements and social media support from the NHRA including a marketing email blast to tens of thousands of NHRA fans. This weekend we will again promote DRBB over the PA and on NHRA.TV with additional social media support on Twitter and Facebook.
 

Inside Line Promotions – STOCKTON, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2023) – Dominic Scelzi wrapped up the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series season with a top-five run last Saturday during the 40 ^th annual Tribute to Gary Patterson.

The performance at the Stockton Dirt Track secured a third-place finish in the championship standings, giving Scelzi a podium in the final standings for the fourth time in the last five years.

“It’s a good season whenever you can be in contention for a championship,” he said. “While we didn’t win our third straight championship, we were in the top three all season. It was frustrating in the sense we were better than third and for whatever reason whenever we had something go wrong it only happened at NARC events. From running out of fuel, being taken out by lappers, you name it and we had it happen. You can’t be a champion with five DNFs. I was thrilled with the speed and maneuverability with our car all season, but sometimes you have those years when things don’t go your way.”

Scelzi kicked off the event last Saturday by qualifying fourth quickest. He then placed second in a heat race to narrowly miss making the dash, starting Scelzi seventh in the feature.

“We were really good, but when you have a one-lane track it’s impossible to compete,” he said. “In the heat race it had grease on the bottom for five feet, grip for five feet and then grease above that. It gave an advantage to the cars on the outside. We spun the tires on the start and ran second. In the main event it was rough. We rode around and got what we could whenever someone in front of us would hit a hole or get tight.”

Scelzi gained a trio of positions, which was tied for the third most.

Next up is a trip to Central Arizona Raceway in Casa Grande, Ariz., this Friday and Saturday for an ASCS Southwest Region doubleheader.

“We ran there earlier in the year and both races got cut short,” he said. “We went fourth to second and were right there for the win during the opener. The next night we started 10 ^th and we ran up to second. We really enjoyed the track. It was an awesome surface. Both nights raced really, really good so we’re looking forward to returning this weekend.”

QUICK RESULTS –

Nov. 4 – Stockton Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif. – Qualifying: 4; Heat race: 2 (1); Feature: 4 (7).

SEASON STATS –

53 races, 12 wins, 36 top fives, 42 top 10s, 47 top 15s, 51 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Friday and Saturday at Central Arizona Raceway in Casa Grande, Ariz., with the ASCS Southwest Region

Huset’s Speedway Adds $100,000-to-Win Huset’s High Bank Hustle to $250,000-to-Win BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals; Track Hosts Six World of Outlaws Races in 2024BRANDON, SD (Nov. 8, 2023) – A pair of six-figure World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series events will highlight the four-day BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals, June 19-22, 2024.In addition, The Greatest Show on Dirt will return Labor Day Weekend for a new two-day Huset’s Shootout, with the finale paying $40,000 to win, marking six Feature races for the World of Outlaws this year at Huset’s Speedway.The marquee event in June kicks off with a new two-day $100,000-to-win Huset’s High Bank Hustle (June 19-20), followed by the even bigger two-day $250,000-to-win, $5,000-to-start BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals (June 21-22). The $250,000 check equals the largest payout in World of Outlaws history, established last season with this event. Each of the opening night races (June 19 and June 21) will pay $20,000 to the winner.A complete format for each event during the BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals week will be released closer to the crown jewel event.Four-day ticket packages are currently on sale at http://www.HusetsSpeedway.com.The new two-day Huset’s Shootout on Labor Day Weekend will run Saturday, Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 1, with the winner of the event finale receiving $40,000.The event is part of a tripleheader with action beginning on Friday, Aug. 30, when the Cressman Sanitation 410 Outlaw Sprint Cars kick off the weekend with the Bull Haulers Brawl Season Championship presented by Folkens Bros. Trucking.Three-day ticket packages and camping for the Huset’s Shootout go on sale Thursday, Nov. 9, at http://www.HusetsSpeedway.com.If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every lap of each event live on DIRTVision.HUSET’S SPEEDWAY – Huset’s Speedway is a dirt oval located in Brandon, S.D. The track opened in 1954 and has undergone a large renovation within the last few years, making it a premier destination for both marquee racing events and weekly programs.

POMONA, Calif. (November 8, 2023) – The 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Stock season will not soon be forgotten by drag racing fans. The competition has been ferocious all year long. We’ve seen seven different winners over the course of the season with no single driver earning more than four event victories. Elite Motorsports, the largest team in professional drag racing, has experienced a dramatic season full of highs and lows. But through it all, the Elite Fleet has remained steadfast in its pursuit of excellence. As the season wraps up this weekend at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at famed In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, Elite Motorsports standout Erica Enders is once again at the top of the points standings. After experiencing a rocky start to the season, the five-time Pro Stock world champion has worked her way back from No. 15 in the standings to her current position demonstrating that she has not only the skill but also the persistence required to go the distance in NHRA drag racing. In fact, persistence has been the key to the success of the Elite Motorsports team this season among all of its talented drivers.  Enders, who recently became the Winningest Woman In Motorsports, earned her fourth win of the season two weeks ago in Las Vegas. While she currently holds the lead, all points this weekend count for points-and-a-half, meaning Enders will have a target on her back as she enters the final race of the season. Fortunately, the driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage / Melling Performance / SCAG Power Equipment Camaro thrives best when the pressure is on. While Enders has the full support of her Elite Motorsports teammates, she knows that they want to win the final event of the season just as badly as she does. It’s going to be an exciting weekend full of crazy drag racing action where anything could happen. Under the watchful eyes of Mark Ingersoll, Tim Freeman, Chase Freeman and the rest of the group, the Elite Motorsports Pro Stock teams will work together to engineer and launch nine finely tuned automobiles in Pomona. Jeg Coughlin Jr. ties Enders in Pro Stock world championships but has one more in the sportsman ranks. Jeg Jr. came out of retirement to race with the Elite Fleet during the final two events of the season in order to break in a new RJ Race Cars-built Camaro under the SCAG Power Equipment banner. The skilled Pro Stock veteran hasn’t missed a beat since returning to the field. He landed a semifinal finish in Las Vegas and he’s eager to add to that success this weekend.  Troy Coughlin Jr. has one thing on his mind going into this event – turning on as many win lights as possible behind the wheel of his JEGS.com Camaro. The talented driver has two wins to his season but has yet to win a Pro Stock victory at the iconic Pomona Dragstrip. His teammate Aaron Stanfield recently won his third FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown world championship and he has his sights set on landing his Janac Brothers / Melling Engine Parts Pro Stock Camaro in the winners circle. 2017 Pro Stock world champion Bo Butner would like nothing more than to earn an NHRA Finals victory in his Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Camaro. JHG has been a phenomenal supporter of the drag racing community as a whole. Elite Motorsports newcomer Jerry Tucker is looking back on his rookie season behind the wheel of his Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer Camaro and enjoying every minute of his professional journey. He’s been improving consistently and wants to put on a great show for the fans this weekend. The Cuadra Boys, featuring patriarch Fernando Cuadra Sr. and his sons, Fernando Jr. and Cristian, are ready to apply all of the skills they’ve developed throughout the season to earn their first Pro Stock victory. David Cuadra will be competing in Top Sportsman where he already has one national event win this year.  In its first foray into the Top Fuel ranks, Elite Motorsports is sponsoring Spencer Hyde in his Top Fuel debut behind the wheel of the Elite Motorsports dragster operated by the Paton Racing Team. All of the racing action for the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals kicks off with sportsman competition tomorrow, November 9. Professional competition will commence on Friday, November 10 with two qualifying rounds at 12 and 3 p.m. PT, followed by two more qualifying passes on Saturday at 12 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday.  ***

Driver Quotes

Erica Enders“It’s hard to believe that we are back in Pomona again. I would have never guessed, after our challenging start, that we would be contending for our 6th World Title. It goes to show you what is possible when you never give up. I am fortunate to work with some of the most brilliant men in motorsports and they continue to show me why they are champions. We will attempt to make this another dream weekend. Eight possible runs, one more race, to show the world that we are Elite for a reason.”

Aaron Stanfield“While consistency is good and it’s helped us maintain a solid position in the points, this team is bound and determined to get a win this weekend! My guys have worked tirelessly and I know we’ve got a car that can get the job done. It would be awesome to shake up the standings in a big way in a city that does everything big. Can’t wait to hit the track!”

Troy Coughlin Jr.“Pomona is a majestic place for drag racing! Myself and the men on Team Yellow would be honored to leave with a gold man! My goal is to stay focused on the process of making nice smooth laps and try and turn four win lights on!”

Bo Butner“Heading into this last race of the year, we’re excited. We see it as one last opportunity to put the JHG Chevy in the winners circle in 2023. To end this season like that would really mean a lot to us, and it would give us a little momentum going into the off-season.”

Jerry Tucker“I can’t believe my rookie year in Pro Stock is coming to a close. I’m ready to give it my all this weekend in Pomona. The positive progress we’ve seen over the past few races is great motivation to finish the season strong and put on a great performance for the fans. Keep a close eye on the Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer Camaro this weekend. I think it’s time we give everyone a classic long smokey burnout!”

Jeg Coughlin Jr.“This will be my first time back at Pomona since February of 2020 and I couldn’t be more excited. Our performance with this new car in Vegas was spectacular and we look forward to fine-tuning at “sea level” conditions in Pomona. It felt great to work with the entire team and represent SCAG Power Equipment, JHG and our Elite partners.”

Fernando Cuadra Sr.“We are going to finish out the season putting our best foot forward. I’m so proud of my family and all that they’ve accomplished this year. We are having fun and always learning.”

Fernando Cuadra Jr.“I’m excited to return to Pomona, but it’s hard to believe the season is already coming to an end. It’s been a crazy year full of ups and downs. This crew is incredible and I’ve gained a lot of confidence as a driver. Hopefully, we can put it all together and finish the season with a great performance.”

Cristian Cuadra“I’m thrilled to be in the Top Ten coming into the Finals. Because we are competing for points and a half, anything can happen this weekend. We’ve got to be on our game in order to keep our position. The pressure is going to be intense but we are just going to focus on what we can control.”

Spencer Hyde“I’m super excited to make my NHRA Top Fuel debut in Pomona this weekend. Especially to do it with help from Elite Motorsports, the largest professional team in drag racing. I’m a bit nervous, but I also have all the confidence in the world in the Paton Racing team. I know they will give me a car that will go from A to B and I hope we can surprise a few people this weekend by making some solid runs in the 3.70’s.”

Photos

The Elite Motorsports team is ready to compete in the final event of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Erica Enders is on the brink of earning her sixth world championship in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage / Melling Performance / SCAG Power Equipment Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Troy Coughlin Jr. lays down a smokey burnout behind the wheel of the JEGS.com Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Aaron Stanfield powers onto the track in the Janac Bros. / Melling Engine Parts Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Cristian Cuadra pilots the Corral Boots Mustang. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Bo Butner does a crowd-pleasing burnout in the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Fernando Cuadra Jr. races onto the track in his Corral Boots Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Jerry Tucker is about to complete his rookie season behind the wheel of the Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Fernando Cuadra Sr. pilots the Corral Boots Mustang. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Jeg Coughlin Jr. came out of retirement to compete in the new RJ Race Cars-built Pro Stock machine under the SCAG Power Equipment banner. (Photo credit: Elite Motorsports)

Pre-Race Notes

Elite Motorsports: Pre-race notesIN-N-OUT Burger NHRA FinalsIn-N-Out Pomona DragstripPomona, Calif. (November 9-12) The Elite Motorsports team, the largest team in professional drag racing, has expanded again and will field a total of nine Pro Stock entries for this weekend’s In-N-Out NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif. At this event, the Elite Pro Stock team will feature the following Pro Stock drivers: reigning and five-time world champion Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield, Troy Coughlin Jr., Jeg Coughlin Jr., Bo Butner, Jerry Tucker, Fernando Cuadra Sr. and his sons, Fernando Jr. and Cristian. Elite Motorsports is also sponsoring Top Fuel driver Spencer Hyde in his Top Fuel debut. In the 19 Pro Stock events contested last season, Team Elite won 15 times and appeared in 26 out of 38 possible rounds. In addition to Enders’ 10 wins, Stanfield collected three victories while Troy Jr. earned his first two professional victories. In 2022, Enders had the most dominant season of her career with ten wins in 13 final round appearances and an astounding 55-9 record in elimination rounds. This season, Enders’ impressive roster of supporters includes Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, Melling Performance, SCAG Power Equipment, Peoplease and Mark Stockseth. At the most recent NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series event in Las Vegas, Enders won her fourth event of the season and the 48th of her career to extend her lead in the Pro Stock standings. Enders heads to Pomona with a 114-point lead over Greg Anderson which puts her on the verge of a sixth NHRA Pro Stock world championship. Earlier this season, Enders made history with her 47th career victory, making her the winningest female driver in NHRA history. She had previously been tied with three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Angelle Sampey. During her professional career, Enders has accumulated 47 wins in 78 final rounds and has a round-win record of 469-253 for a .649 win percentage. Enders also has a win in Super Gas (2004 Houston) bringing her career total to 48 national event victories. Enders has won four events this season in Bristol, Topeka, Dallas and Las Vegas. She defeated Deric Kramer in the Bristol final, Dallas Glenn in Dallas, and topped Greg Anderson in Topeka and Las Vegas. She currently has a 30-13 record in elimination rounds this season. Enders has won at least one Pro Stock event at 17 different NHRA venues including In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Enders won the final event in 2014 to clinch her first world title and also won the 2022 season opener held in Pomona. Enders currently holds both the elapsed time and speed records for the NHRA Pro Stock class with bests of 6.450-seconds and 215.55 mph. The elapsed time record was set at the 2022 Gatornationals. Recently, the Elite team announced the return of five-time Pro Stock (and six-time overall) world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. for the final two events of the 2023 season. Jeg Jr. is driving an RJ Race Cars-built Camaro branded with the colors of SCAG Power Equipment. During his return in Las Vegas, Coughlin went to the semifinal round. Jeg Jr. is easily one of the sport’s all-time greats with 84 career wins including 65 in Pro Stock. He elected to take a break from the sport following the shortened 2020 season. He has competed in 458 Pro Stock events with 65 wins in 115 final rounds. He has also been the low qualifier 34 times and has a round-win record of 691-377 (.647 average). Jeg Jr. has also been successful in Pomona with eight wins at the historic facility, the most recent of which came at the 2020 season-opener. Following an impressive fourth-place finish in 2022, Troy Coughlin Jr. is enjoying similar success in his fourth full season behind the wheel of the familiar yellow and black JEGS.com Camaro. Troy Jr. enjoyed a breakout season last year with back-to-back victories in Seattle and Topeka. He also went to final rounds in Phoenix, Reading and Las Vegas. The third-generation racer heads to Pomona as the No. 6 ranked driver in the championship points standings after posting wins at the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals in Denver to go with a runner-up at the Four-Wide event in Las Vegas. Troy Jr., a quarterfinalist in Las Vegas, has a 21-15 record in elimination rounds this season. Earlier this season at the NHRA Arizona Nationals near Phoenix, Troy Jr. became the first winner of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. He defeated Greg Anderson in the final with an elapsed time of 6.57, compared to Anderson’s 6.60, to capture the inaugural event victory. In addition to his four career Pro Stock victories, the multi-faceted Troy Coughlin Jr. has additional wins in Top Alcohol Dragster, Super Comp and Super Gas. Troy Jr.’s father, Troy Sr., is a 15-time national event winner in Pro Stock, Pro Mod and Super Gas. Including his uncles, John, Mike, and Jeg Jr., the Coughlin family has combined to win 133 national event titles. Troy Jr.’s career bests in Pro Stock are 6.476-seconds and 212.56 mph, set at the recent event in Dallas. Aaron Stanfield has also returned to the Elite team for another season behind the wheel of the Janac Bros / Melling Engine Parts Camaro. Stanfield, the son of five-time Super Stock world champ Greg Stanfield, is coming off a season where he was the third-ranked driver in Pro Stock. Last season, Stanfield collected victories in Phoenix, Bristol, and the fall event in Charlotte to go with four runner-up finishes in Pomona, Epping, Norwalk and Denver. Stanfield finished the season with a 38-16 record in elimination rounds. Stanfield went to the final round at the recent race in St. Louis and he has five semifinal finishes to his credit this year. He’s currently the No. 5 ranked driver in the class. Stanfield has also qualified a season-best of No. 2 at the race in Bristol. Stanfield was recently named the overall season Pro Stock winner of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty challenge, a specialty event that featured a rematch between the semifinalists from the previous event. Stanfield recently clinched his third championship in the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown class. In addition to back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021, he collected his third title this season. All told Stanfield has 23 career wins in Pro Stock, Factory Stock, Super Stock, and Top Dragster. Stanfield’s career bests in Pro Stock are 6.457-seconds and 213.47 mph, both set in Gainesville 2022. Bo Butner is a two-time NHRA world champion in Pro Stock (2017) and Comp Eliminator (2006). He joined the Elite team last season as the driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Camaro. Last season, Butner drove to a ninth-place finish in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series standings. He enters the Pomona race as the No. 11 ranked driver. Earlier this season in Phoenix, Butner drove to a runner-up finish in Pro Stock, reaching the final for the first time since the 2019 Richmond event. Butner defeated Erica Enders, Fernando Cuadra Jr. and Kyle Koretsky to reach his 26th career Pro Stock final. Butner won his 30th national event title earlier this season when he claimed the Super Gas victory at the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals. Butner also won the Super Gas title at Indy in 2022. Butner has 30 career national event victories including 11 in Pro Stock. He also has wins in Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Gas, and Super Street. Additionally, Butner has enjoyed success as a big-money bracket racer with a victory at the K&N Spring Fling Million in Las Vegas in 2021. Butner has won at least one national event title at 14 different venues including In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, where he has five wins. Butner won Pro Stock titles in Pomona in 2017, 2018 and 2019. He also has wins in Super Stock (1999) and Stock (2013). Butner’s career bests in Pro Stock are 6.475-seconds and 214.28 mph, set in Dallas (2015) and Gainesville (2017), respectively. The Cuadra family includes Fernando Sr., and his sons Fernando Jr. and Cristian. The Cuadra family is backed by Corral Handcrafted Boots and Cuadra brands. Fernando Sr. and Cristian will continue to race Ford Mustangs under the Elite banner while Fernando Jr. recently made the switch to a Chevy Camaro. Fernando Jr. is driving an Elite entry previously raced by five-time world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. Fernando Sr. is a two-time national event runner-up with final-round appearances at the 2019 races in Reading and Pomona. Fernando Jr. raced to the final round of the prestigious U.S. Nationals earlier this season and is currently the sport’s No. 12 ranked Pro Stock driver. Cristian Cuadra was also the runner-up to Enders in the final round of the 2022 four-wide event in Las Vegas and he was a semifinalist earlier this year at the Bristol race. He comes into this weekend as the No. 9 ranked driver in Pro Stock. Earlier this season in Phoenix, Cristian Cuadra became the first Mexican-born NHRA racer to qualify No. 1 in a pro category when he drove his Elite-powered Corral Handcrafted Boots Mustang to a 6.552 pass. C. Cuadra is one of just 11 non-U.S.-born drivers to qualify No. 1 in a professional NHRA class and the only one to accomplish the feat in Pro Stock. The third Cuadra brother, David, recently claimed the first win for the family when he won the Right Trailers Top Sportsman title at the betway NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte. He will once again be competing in the Top Sportsman class this weekend. The Cuadra family has career-best elapsed times of 6.500 (Fernando Jr.), 6.524 (Fernando Sr.), 6.500 (Cristian) and 6.578 (David). Their career-best speeds are 212.13 (Fernando Sr.), 211.43 (Cristian), 210.73 (Fernando Jr.) and 209.39 (David). New to the Elite Pro Stock team this year is Jerry Tucker, who enjoyed a memorable debut in Gainesville. Tucker qualified his Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer / Elite Motorsports Camaro in the No. 15 spot with a 6.573 and won the first round after teammate Enders encountered a mechanical issue. Tucker has a semifinal finish from Chicago and is No. 13 in the standings. At a recent event in Dallas, Tucker qualified a season-high No. 4 and also set career bests with an elapsed time of 6.486 seconds and a speed of 213.09 mph. Tucker, of Lindsay, Okla., has spent the last 30 years racing everything from Sprint cars to Midgets and has also enjoyed success in drag racing. Tucker previously raced in the Top Sportsman class. Tucker was recently named one of the five finalists for the 2023 NHRA Rookie of the Year award. Collectively, the team Elite drivers racing in Las Vegas have combined to win 113 NHRA national event titles across all classes including 69 in the Pro Stock class. Adding the return of Jeg Jr., those numbers swell to 197 wins including 134 in Pro Stock.

Media Contacts:Jessica Hatcher – Imagination 9 jessica@imagination9.com Scott Woodruff – Elite Motorsportswoody@elitemotorsportsllc.com Courtney Enders – Elite Motorsportscourtneyenders@icloud.com