By Adam Carabine Happy weekend everyone, it’s time for another edition of Stats Saturday. This weekend NASCAR travels to Ridgeway, Virginia for the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway.   Martinsville is a 0.526-mile oval, nicknamed “The Paperclip,” because of its shape. It’s the only track that has concrete in the turns, but asphalt on the straightaways.  Martinsville is also the oldest track that is still run on the NASCAR schedule.  It opened in 1947, and Red Byron was the first to win there in 1949.   Tomorrow’s race will be 400 laps long (for a total of 210.4 miles), with stage breaks occurring at 80 – 180 – 400.  Pit road speed is 30 mph, and the caution vehicle runs at 35 mph.  The fuel window is between 155-170 laps, though tire wear will probably come into play before fuel does.   This year, the NASCAR Cup Series has run 1,408 laps, for 2,248.96 miles so far this season.  Only 5 drivers have completed all of them – Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick and John Hunter Nemechek.   Top 5 Career Average Finishers at Martinsville: Ryan Blaney 8.33 over 18 races (2 wins) Denny Hamlin 10.05 over 38 races (5 wins) Joey Logano 10.78 over 32 races (1 win) SVG 12.00 over 1 race Chase Elliott 12.16 over 19 races (1 win)   Bottom 5 Career Average Finishers at Martinsville: Cody Ware 31.20 over 5 races Justin Haley 30.25 over 8 races JH Nemechek 29.50 over 4 races Zane Smith 28.67 over 3 races Michael McDowell 28.32 over 28 races   Martinsville is a Short Track   Top 5 Career Average Finishers at Short Tracks: Joey Logano 11.09 over 186 races (13 wins) Chase Elliott 11.26 over 99 races (4 wins) Christopher Bell 11.80 over 55 races (6 wins) Ryan Blaney 12.64 over 103 races (3 wins) William Byron 12.92 over 77 races (3 wins)   Bottom 5 Career Average Finishers at Short Tracks: Michael McDowell 26.61 over 163 races JH Nemechek 24.63 over 24 races Ty Dillon 23.70 over 75 races Noah Gragson 23.12 over 24 races Ryan Preece 22.68 over 59 races   Richard Petty is by far the winningest driver at Martinsville, with 15 victories to his name.  Darrell Waltrip has 11, followed by Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon with 9 each.  Denny Hamlin is the winningest of the current drivers, with 5.   Notable drivers who have not won at Martinsville:  Tyler Reddick (has won at 8 other tracks) Chris Buescher (has won at 8 other tracks) Ross Chastain (has won at 5 other tracks) Austin Dillon (has won at 4 other tracks) AJ Allmendinger (has won at 3 other tracks)   No current driver has scored their first ever Cup Series win at Martinsville.   Based on average finish, no drivers list Martinsville as their BEST track, but Justin Haley lists it as his WORST track.   Based on their point pace, let’s have a look at how this season is comparing to last season for drivers:   Drivers Faring Better than in 2024 Tyler Reddick +658 pts Chris Buescher +565 pts Bubba Wallace +503 pts William Byron +492 pts Ryan Preece +282 pts   Drivers Faring Worse than in 2024 Ty Gibbs -563 pts Brad Keselowski -434 pts Todd Gilliland -273 pts Joey Logano -229 pts Denny Hamlin -192 pts   Next, let’s look at who’s having their best and worst career year by Average Finish:   Best Career Year William Byron 8.67 Alex Bowman 9.50 Chris Buescher 11.83 Christopher Bell 12.50 Tyler Reddick 12.67 JH Nemechek 15.67 Chase Briscoe 15.83 Michael McDowell 16.33 Josh Berry 18.33 Ryan Preece 18.33   Worst Career Year Cole Custer 27.67 Ty Gibbs 25.67 Brad Keselowski 25.00 Carson Hocevar 24.67 Ryan Blaney 21.50 Zane Smith 19.83   Rookie of the Year Battle Riley Herbst 83 SVG 77   The Manufacturer Standings are calculated by awarding points to the highest finisher for each manufacturer according to their finishing position.  (40 for 1st, 35 for 2nd, 34 for 3rd, etc.)  No stage points or playoff points count.   Manufacturer Standings         Chevrolet 219 Toyota 214 Ford 197   Here is the same formula, but used on a team-vs-team basis:   Chartered Team Standings Hendrick 216 Joe Gibbs 211 RFK 173 23XI 166 Trackhouse 160 Penske 159 Spire 149 Legacy Motor Club 136 Kaulig 135 RCR 134 Front Row 133 Hyak 118 Wood Bros 117 Haas Factory 56 Rick Ware 37   At each stage break, the Top 10 drivers are awarded points based on their finishing positions.  Here are the leaders this year:   Stage Point Leaders Ryan Blaney 66 William Byron 62 Bubba Wallace 51 Kyle Larson 49 Joey Logano 45 Austin Cindric 43 Alex Bowman 40 Tyler Reddick 36 Chase Elliott 33 Christopher Bell 26   Milestone Watch Chase Elliott Looking for his 20th Career Win Christopher Bell Looking for his 50th Career Top 5 Josh Berry Looking for his 10th Career Top 10 Noah Gragson Looking for his 10th Career Top 10 JH Nemechek Looking for his 10th Career Top 10 Daniel Suarez Looking for his 70th Career Top 10   Here are the top 10 longest active winless streaks:   Winless Streaks Justin Haley 147 races Cole Custer 100 races Bubba Wallace 85 races Erik Jones 85 races Kyle Busch 63 races Michael McDowell 54 races Daniel Suarez 40 races Chase Elliott 33 races Denny Hamlin 31 races Brad Keselowski 29 races   The race begins Sunday, March 30th at 3:00 pm EST (12:00 pm PST) – Enjoy the race everyone!   Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter  @RacingRefresh   Is there an error? Is there a stat missing that you’d like to see? Let us know!

PRO STOCK FUNNY CAR TOP FUEL

Press Release | NHRA NHRA will honor the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s heroic efforts during the recent Southern California wildfires as part of this weekend’s 65th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at historic In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. On Saturday, members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department will be recognized and paraded down the return road in front of the fans at 12:15 p.m. PT, prior to the third round of qualifying in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Firefighters who were involved in the efforts to put out the fires in Los Angeles County received free tickets to the weekend’s event, while a ticket discount through GOVX is available to any firefighter outside of LA County. During the race weekend, the Fire Department Coffee Community Hero will also be awarded, while local firefighter dignitaries will be recognized in Pomona. Additionally, in appreciation for the bravery and commitment to protecting our communities, In-N-Out Burger will be offering a complimentary meal to firefighters on Saturday at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals. In-N-Out Burger respectfully asks for firefighters to present their badge to receive their meal, which includes any burger, chips, and beverage on the menu. To purchase tickets to the 2025 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. Fans can get closer to the action with a Top Eliminator Club experience, offering the best seats in the house and a premium experience, as well as a members-only hospitality center, complimentary food and beverage, driver appearances, a premium view, and more. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | NHRA Pro Stock standout Aaron Stanfield had an exceptional season in 2024 and with the 65th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip approaching this weekend, the young standout is hoping to continue his momentum at Pomona during the third stop of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Stanfield drives the Johnson's Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Janac Brothers Racing car for Pro Stock powerhouse team Elite Motorsports. Last season, he gathered six race wins and four runner-up finishes, and with a two previous Pomona wins to credit, Stanfield hopes a return to In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip will kickstart his 2025 campaign. “I love racing in Pomona and look forward to getting back there,” Stanfield said. “We did some testing following the Phoenix race and we felt like we came away with some direction, and it was a great showcase of how hard our guys are willing to work to win.” The 2024 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals saw Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) claiming wins. This season’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including elimination coverage on Sunday March 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET. A special Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout special will air from 9:30-10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 28. Last weekend at the NHRA Arizona Nationals, Stanfield advanced to the semifinals where it met up with eventual winner and reigning world champion Greg Anderson. Heading into Pomona, Stanfield is focused on building on his momentum from Phoenix and continuing to push forward. “Heading into Pomona, I think we just need to keep our heads down and work,” Stanfield said. “During these back-to-back races, my mindset is to focus on one thing at a time. All these Elite Motorsports guys have worked hard and I just need to do my part to make sure their hard work pays off." With his semifinal finish in Phoenix, Stanfield will be entered into this weekend’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday when he’ll rematch with Anderson. The other pairing will be Gainesville winner Dallas Glenn and Cory Reed. Jeg Coughlin won the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge of the season last weekend in Phoenix. "I'm looking forward to competing in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday,” Stanfield said. “Hopefully, it’s the first of many Saturday race days for this team. I wouldn't mind following up Jeg's win with one of our won and keep it in the Elite Motorsports family." Top Fuel pilot Ashley is looking for his fourth straight Winternationals win. If he’s able to win this weekend, he’ll join Don Prudhomme as the only drivers to win four straight Winternationals titles. The rest of the Top Fuel field will be looking to put an end to that streak, including reigning champion Antron Brown. Brown claimed his fourth world title last year at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. The Top Fuel division will also hold the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout on Friday. The first-round matchups are set, as four-time world champion Steve Torrence takes on racing legend Tony Stewart, while Doug Kalitta called out Clay Millican. Shawn Langdon selected Brown as his opening-round opponent, and Ashley and Brittany Force will face off. Funny Car driver Paul Lee earned his first nitro win last week in Phoenix over reigning champion Austin Prock. If he wants to earn a second this weekend, he’ll need to get past some of the best drivers in the division, including Prock and his teammate Jack Beckman. Also in the mix will be former champions Ron Capps, Matt Hagan and J.R. Todd, along with Gainesville winner Chad Green. Fans can also see the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Legends Nitro Funny Cars and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, while the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department will hold a special racing exhibition. The Nitro Alley Stage is a huge attraction all weekend and is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, NHRA Insider Live, meet and greets, and much more. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers. Race fans at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip can also enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features qualifying at 1 p.m. and 3:30 PT on Friday and the final two rounds on Saturday at 12:30 and 3 p.m. The finals of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge take place at the end of final qualifying in each category. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET. A special Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout special will air from 9:30-10:30 p.m. ET on Friday. To purchase tickets to the 2025 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. Fans can get closer to the action with a Top Eliminator Club experience, offering the best seats in the house and a premium experience, as well as a members-only hospitality center, complimentary food and beverage, driver appearances, a premium view and more. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | JIM DUNN RACING Two iconic brands have been fixtures in the drag racing universe for nearly a century. Jim Dunn Racing and Mooneyes are celebrating 75 years of success heading into the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals this weekend at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. A host of special events will take place through the weekend, but the underlying theme for both entities will be their passion for the sport and the unwavering love the fans have for each organization. A special Mooneyes Funny Car will be piloted by Jim Dunn Racing driver Buddy Hull, and the team’s pit will be in a unique area showing off their race weekend efforts for fans from around the world. “We have been so fortunate to have a company like Mooneyes support Jim Dunn Racing for decades,” said Jon Dunn. “The Winternationals is a magical event in drag racing, and Pomona is our home track. My dad loves drag racing and seeing the Mooneyes Funny Car turn on win lights. Some of the biggest moments over the past 75 years have come from seeing the success of the Mooneyes Funny Car.” During the 2024 season-ending NHRA championship banquet, Jim Dunn received the NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award. In his speech, he spoke fondly of a variety of drivers who have driven the Mooneyes Funny Car and the joy he has experienced with current driver Buddy Hull. During the race this weekend, the team will be pitted adjacent to the NHRA Top Eliminator Club with a literal red carpet, providing fans unprecedented viewing access to the Mooneyes Funny Car operation. Hull will lead Q&A sessions, describe the teardown process, and sign autographs while the team is servicing the race car. The Jim Dunn Racing 50th anniversary Funny Car will also be on display for fans to pose beside for photos. It will be an extraordinary presentation of the Mooneyes and Jim Dunn Racing operation. “It is an honor to drive for Jim Dunn Racing and especially the Mooneyes brand,” said Hull. “Everyone in drag racing around the world recognizes the iconic Moooneyes logo. It will be cool to spend even more time with the fans talking about Jim Dunn Racing and our 75th anniversary. I can’t wait to get to the track.” Jim Dunn Racing will campaign the Mooneyes Funny Car at five events this season. The Mooneyes merchandise trailer will also follow the team to all five events, providing fans across the country the chance to buy one-of-a-kind T-shirts, hats, and Mooneyes souvenirs. It is a special program built to celebrate the 75th anniversary and thank the drag racing fans across the country for the decades of support. (Photo Courtesy Jim Dunn Racing)

Press Release | NHRA Justin Ashley has a chance to do something special this weekend at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, as the Top Fuel star enters the historic 65th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals with three straight wins at the legendary race. A handful of drivers have won the Winternationals three consecutive times, but only one driver in NHRA history – Don Prudhomme in Funny Car in 1975-1978 – has won the race four years in a row. That gives Ashley a historic opportunity to become the first Top Fuel driver to accomplish the impressive feat and just the second overall in NHRA history to win four straight years at one of the most historic races on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour. He's actually made four straight Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals finals and finished it off the last three seasons, including last year when Ashley beat Tony Schumacher in the championship round on a holeshot in his 11,000-horsepower SCAG Power Equipment dragster. To make the weekend even bigger, Ashley is also racing in the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout, which was postponed from Gainesville to Friday in Pomona. He’ll take on two-time world champ Brittany Force in the opening round of the big-money bonus race on Friday, as Ashley is fully aware of what’s in front of him. “We have the opportunity to do something very special in Pomona,” Ashley said. “The NHRA Winternationals are always prestigious, but this one certainly has more juice to it given the circumstances. I am incredibly proud of our SCAG Racing team for earning the right to be in this position. They deserve it. “Our strategy heading into the weekend remains the same. The focus is being the very best versions of ourselves that we can be both on and off the track. We’ll let the rest take care of itself. We know what needs to be done (and) now it’s go time.” Last season, Ashley (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) claimed Winternationals victories. This season’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including elimination coverage on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. A special Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout special will air from 9:30-10:30 p.m. ET on Friday. The big-money Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout pits eight marquee Top Fuel drivers against each other on Friday. The first-round matchups are set, as four-time world champion Steve Torrence takes on racing legend Tony Stewart, while Doug Kalitta called out Clay Millican. Shawn Langdon selected Antron Brown as his opening-round opponent, and Ashley and Force will face off. The quickest winning driver of the first round gets to select their semifinal opponent, setting the other matchup as well. It all goes down on Friday, with the first round taking place at 2 p.m. PT. The semifinals follow at 3:20 p.m. and the finals will close out an action-packed day at 4:55 p.m. It’s another marquee opportunity to celebrate something big for Ashley, who is still looking for his first victory of the season against a loaded Top Fuel field. But the former NHRA Rookie of the Year knows his team will be ready. “It was nice to pick up our first round win of the year (on Sunday in Phoenix),” said Ashley, who has 15 career Top Fuel wins. “Seeing that win light on Sundays always brings a big smile to all of our faces. Of course, we would have loved to go further, but we learned a lot from the race and (Monday’s) test session. I am super proud of our team.” Force, a 16-time Funny Car champion and the winningest driver in NHRA history, picked up his 17th Pomona win last season. After a mid-season crash, Jack Beckman stepped in for Force, winning twice. Beckman is back in 2025 for Force, forming a potent John Force Racing duo with Funny Car champ Austin Prock. They face off against a that includes five-time Pomona winner Ron Capps, Bob Tasca III, Daniel Wilkerson, Matt Hagan, Gainesville winner Chad Green and Phoenix winner Paul Lee. Pro Stock standout Glenn earned his second consecutive Winternationals title when he defeated six-time champion Erica Enders in the final round. Glenn has made back-to-back finals in 2025, as has KB Titan Racing teammate and reigning world champ Greg Anderson. Other top names include Aaron Stanfield, Matt Hartford and Jeg Coughlin Jr. Fans can also see the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Legends Nitro Funny Cars and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, while the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department will hold a special racing exhibition. The Nitro Alley Stage is a huge attraction all weekend and is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, NHRA Insider Live, meet and greets, and much more. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers. Race fans at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip can also enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features qualifying at 1 p.m. and 3:30 PT on Friday and the final two rounds on Saturday at 12:30 and 3 p.m. The finals of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge take place at the end of final qualifying in each category. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET. A special Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout special will air from 9:30-10:30 p.m. ET on Friday. To purchase tickets to the 2025 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. Fans can get closer to the action with a Top Eliminator Club experience, offering the best seats in the house and a premium experience, as well as a members-only hospitality center, complimentary food and beverage, driver appearances, a premium view and more. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | SCAG RACING Dave Richards and his BlueBird Turf / Versatran Funny Car team are set to make a statement at the 65th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. The Winternationals, the third race of the 20-event 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, offers Richards a prime opportunity to build on a productive test session following a first-round exit at the NHRA Arizona Nationals. With technical kinks ironed out and a cohesive crew clicking, Richards is poised to turn on winlights at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. “Testing went great for this BlueBird / Versatran team. We simulated a race day for timing, going all the way to the finals. It was good to make four laps in one day, I’ve never done that before. We definitely learned a lot,” Richards said. “We made full pulls in the hot and slimy conditions. We know we’ll have it different this weekend but most importantly we 100% have the parachute gremlin figured out. We have a couple new guys this year and they all did a great job assembling the car all four runs. It really has us feeling confident heading into the weekend. We’re excited to turn the corner and show what we’re made of.”  In 2024, Richards first full-time season, the BlueBird / Versatran team qualified 14th for the Winternationals race day but came up short to Bobby Bode in the first round. They’ll look to make definitive progress as they head into this weekend’s competition. Racing action at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip begins Friday with two rounds of qualifying at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. PT, followed by two more on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. PT. Eliminations kickoff Sunday at 11:00 a.m. PT. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with qualifying shows Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET and Sunday at Noon ET and eliminations Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. (Photo Courtesy SCAG Racing)

Press Release | SHUMAKE RACING Top Fuel newcomer Travis Shumake delivered another standout performance last weekend at the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park, clocking a blistering 330.88 mph pass during the opening round of Sunday’s NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series eliminations. The run—Shumake’s new personal best—earned him the top speed of the meet in front of a soldout hometown crowd. Facing off against former Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta, Shumake held his own down to the stripe. Though Kalitta turned on the win light, both lanes erupted in celebration as the team recognized the significance of Shumake’s speed and performance. “It’s hard to justify being so excited when you lose,” said Shumake. “But I came up there focused on my race—my routine, my lane. I didn’t notice Doug until he turned on the top bulb. I wanted an average light, to stay in the groove, and not lift. We checked all the boxes. To leave with top speed of the day for our friends at Fry’s Food Stores? That’s a win in my book.” The run puts Shumake in the 330+ mph club, a milestone that demonstrates the potential of his Scrappers Racing-tuned dragster and his evolution as both a driver and team owner. “This car needs to be on the circuit more,” Shumake said. “We’re starting to give off TJ Zizzo / Tripp Tatum vibes—those high-performing part-time teams that keep the sport exciting. We’re one sponsorship check away from ruffling some serious feathers this season.” Shumake and his team battled through qualifying challenges while testing a new clutch component—an expensive risk without the luxury of private test sessions. But by Sunday, they had the car dialed in. “Every time I pull into the water box, it’s valuable seat time for me—and a chance to prove we’re worth a sponsor’s investment,” he said. “I can’t afford to test like the full-time teams, so those qualifying passes were our test runs. By race day, we had her on lock.” He credits much of his progress to the support of the Scrappers Racing team who have championed his Top Fuel journey. “Mike and Monica Salinas have really put their necks out for me. Adem [Cave] and Troy [Fasching] keep proving that Scrappers is ready to run two competitive cars when we have the funding. I’m doing everything I can to stay out there with Jasmine [Salinas]. Racing with your best friend? There’s nothing cooler.” Off the track, Shumake continues to grow his brand and fanbase, bringing new exposure and opportunities to the sport. From his annual first pitch at a Diamondbacks game to autograph sessions at Fry’s Food Stores and campy local TV interviews, his Phoenix appearances are a hit with the sponsors —and a chance to showcase his unmistakable swagger. For Shumake, the feather in his Phoenix cap was a shoutout from sixteen-time NHRA champion and racing legend John Force.  “Boy, Travis is quite a guy. Like his dad he wants to do this really bad and won’t give up. Reminds me of me in the early days,” said Force, from the announcers' booth Saturday.  Due to a lack of funding, Shumake has withdrawn from this weekend’s Lucas Oil Winternationals in Pomona and isn’t scheduled to compete again until late June in Norwalk, Ohio. He continues to actively seek sponsors to join longtime partners Red Line Oil, the Napp Brothers, CAS, and FCP Euro to return to the track sooner. (Photo Courtesy Shumake Racing)

Press Release | NHRA After earning his first career NHRA Funny Car win on Sunday in Phoenix, Funny Car driver Paul Lee heads to the 65th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip for the third race of the 2025 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Lee and his McLeod/FTI Performance Dodge Charger SRT team scored the win last weekend at the NHRA Arizona Nationals over reigning Funny Car champ Austin Prock. After two career runner-up finishes, Lee was thrilled to earn his first victory in his 11,000-horsepower Funny Car. “A lot of people don't realize that it takes a lifetime a work to win a Wally (trophy) and it's not just an overnight thing. I've been working towards this since I was 13 years old,” said Lee. “It's been every day and all I've ever thought about is not just driving a nitro Funny Car, but also winning. I'm not happy just being out here. I want to win and winning this Wally, after 50 years of hard work is you know what? It's worth it.” Last season, Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) claimed Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals victories. This season’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including elimination coverage on Sunday March 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET. A special Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout special will air from 9:30-10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 28. The victory continued the team’s strong momentum that included a pair of final-round appearances and a win in the Funny Car All-Star Callout last year. Now, the goal is even higher after taking over the points lead for the first time in his career heading into Pomona. “Yes, we won in Phoenix but of course, the ultimate goal is to compete for a championship, whether we get there or not, that's out of my hands. We can control what we can control and we just we want to be able to compete for a championship and that's our goal.” With his win from Phoenix, Lee will be locked into this weekend’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge where he’ll rematch with semifinals Bob Tasca III. Prock will take on his John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman. To secure his second Funny Car race win at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals this weekend, he’ll need to get past some of the best drivers in the division including Prock and Beckman. Also in the mix will be former champions Ron Capps, Matt Hagan and J.R. Todd, along with Gainesville winner Chad Green. Top Fuel pilot Ashley is looking for his fourth straight Winternationals win. If he’s able to win this weekend, he’ll join Don Prudhomme as the only drivers to win four straight Winternationals titles. The rest of the Top Fuel field will be looking to put an end to that streak, including reigning champion Antron Brown. Brown claimed his fourth world title last year at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. The Top Fuel division will also hold the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout this weekend, which pits eight marquee Top Fuel drivers against each other on Friday. The first-round matchups are set, as four-time world champion Steve Torrence takes on racing legend Tony Stewart, while Doug Kalitta called out Clay Millican. Shawn Langdon selected Brown as his opening-round opponent, and Ashley and Brittany Force will face off. Pro Stock standout Glenn earned his second consecutive Winternationals title when he defeated six-time champion Erica Enders in the final round. Glenn has made back-to-back finals in 2025, as has KB Titan Racing teammate and reigning world champ Greg Anderson. Other top names include Aaron Stanfield, Matt Hartford and Jeg Coughlin Jr. Fans can also see the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Legends Nitro Funny Cars and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, while the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department will hold a special racing exhibition. The Nitro Alley Stage is a huge attraction all weekend and is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, NHRA Insider Live, meet and greets, and much more. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers. Race fans at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip can also enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features qualifying at 1 p.m. and 3:30 PT on Friday and the final two rounds on Saturday at 12:30 and 3 p.m. The finals of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge take place at the end of final qualifying in each category. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET. A special Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout special will air from 9:30-10:30 p.m. ET on Friday. To purchase tickets to the 2025 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. Fans can get closer to the action with a Top Eliminator Club experience, offering the best seats in the house and a premium experience, as well as a members-only hospitality center, complimentary food and beverage, driver appearances, a premium view and more. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | KALITTA MOTORSPORTS Sometimes, being patient is not easy, but it’s what’s required at the moment for J.R. Todd and his DHL GR Supra team. The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series continues March 28-30, 2025 at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif. Todd and team are in the process of refining the new tune-up first-year Crew Chief Dickie Venables is implementing. Everyone involved knows this process is a marathon, not a sprint, but two races into the new season, signs of progress are starting to appear. The team made four solid qualifying runs in Phoenix last weekend, and the elapse times were all within .17 seconds. Todd’s quickest qualifying attempt was his Friday-evening run, a 3.939-second effort at 329.58 mph. Then Saturday, in the heat of a very warm Phoenix afternoon, Todd made a 3.943-second pass at 322.34 mph – almost as quick as the pass he made in far cooler conditions. “It’s a work in progress, but the more runs we make down the track, the more we’re learning; you can’t learn if you don’t go down the track,” Todd said. “We’re taking it step-by-step, and that’s the way to go. We made some really good runs in the heat on Saturday in Phoenix on new asphalt so that shows we’re definitely making progress. We were second quickest in the last qualifying session so we’re definitely capable of running with these guys. We still have some work to do, but everybody’s being patient; we know it’s going to take some time.” Todd has always enjoyed racing in Pomona – a track with a deep NHRA history. The 2018 NHRA Funny Car champion has two wins in four final rounds at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. “I like racing at Pomona – it’s the birthplace of drag racing pretty much, and Southern California has a cool vibe that I like,” Todd added. “We’re definitely going there hoping to run well; the conditions are looking like it’s gonna be a lot cooler than it was in Phoenix so that usually allows for some runs where you can throw down. Qualifying Friday could be really important, but either way, you just need to go down the track, build a good baseline and go to work on that for race day. I’m always excited getting in the car, and I’m just happy with the direction things are going.” (Photo Courtesy Kalitta Motorsports)