Photo from www.x.com/f1 By Ryan Wu In qualifying, both Williams and Haas were eliminated early, ending their hopes for a strong starting position. Charles Leclerc claimed pole position with an impressive lap, while the McLaren duo followed closely behind — Oscar Piastri secured second place with Norris in third. The ‘Papaya Pair’ Reigns Again At the start of the race, Charles Leclerc managed to hold onto his pole starting position, while Oscar Piastri maintained second place. Lando Norris, however, dropped back to fifth after just two turns. George Russell capitalized on the opening laps and climbed up to third. By lap three, Norris used DRS to overtake Fernando Alonso to reclaim fourth. As the race unfolded, incidents began to stack up. By lap 23, Nico Hülkenberg was under investigation for a false start, for which he was assessed a five-second penalty. Four laps later, Russell had a near miss with Alonso. On lap 29, drama struck when Max Verstappen forced Lewis Hamilton off the track while taking the inside line on a sweeping turn. Hamilton recovered but lost a position in the process. The McLarens and Leclerc remained in the fight for the top three for much of the race, with Russell and Alonso staying close behind. Then on lap 51, Piastri pulled off a stunning overtake on Leclerc around the outside, showing off superior grip and confidence. Frustration was clearly mounting in the Ferrari camp, as Leclerc grew increasingly upset with the car's performance, stating, “It’s a miracle if we finish on the podium”. It was revealed after the race that the Ferrari was dealing with a chassis issue which resulted in a marked loss of pace. The tension escalated further on lap 62 when Russell made a bold move to pass Leclerc. Despite Leclerc moving under braking for the second consecutive lap to defend, Russell got through — and Leclerc was handed a five-second penalty for his actions. Fortunately for him, the penalty didn’t affect his final position, as he had built enough of a gap to Alonso, who finished fifth. The battle for third had truly been one of the race’s highlights. The closing laps brought even more drama. A fierce battle for the win unfolded between the two McLaren drivers. On the final lap, Piastri attempted a move on Norris, but a well-timed lock-up from Norris inadvertently blocked the challenge and secured his victory. With that, McLaren celebrated their 200th race win as a team, and the Championship battle tightened — the gap now stands at just nine points. Rookie Report Gabriel Bortoleto had an amazing drive in Budapest as he secured his highest ever finish in Formula One. This now makes it back-to-back points finishes for the Brazilian Driver. He finished one place behind his manager/mentor Fernando Alonso, P6. Liam Lawson also finished in the top 10 and ironically directly ahead of his brief teammate Max Verstappen, he was followed by Kimi Antonelli in 10th as the last rookie to be in the top 10 in Hungary Racing Refresh Driver of the Day Lando Norris, McLaren Final Points Finishing Positions 1st: Lando Norris 2nd: Oscar Piastri 3rd: George Russell 4th: Charles Leclerc 5th: Fernando Alonso 6th: Gabriel Bortoleto 7th: Lance Stroll 8th: Liam Lawson 9th: Max Verstappen 10th: Kimi Antonelli Next on the F1 Schedule: Dutch Grand Prix: August 29th-31st

(All Photos Credit: Peyton Lohr/Racing Refresh)

(Photo Credit: Peyton Lohr/Racing Refresh) By Logan Morris The 48th annual Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire isn’t just a drag race; it’s a spectacle unlike any other. It’s a beloved Bader family tradition that blends raw horsepower with patriotic tribute, making Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, the place to be every August. No event honors the military quite like this one, and no fan leaves without being entertained. From fire-breathing jet cars to jaw-dropping fireworks and everything in between, there’s something for everyone. If you love drag racing, you'll find more than your fill. As the sun dips below the horizon, the grandstands fill with thousands of fans, and the energy in the air is electric. Though it's technically an exhibition, the event carries the weight and prestige of a national race. It draws a drag racing who’s who, and among the big names this year was none other than Greg Anderson. Anderson, a six-time Pro Stock world champion, hardly needs an introduction. His career was shaped under the legendary Warren Johnson, and the results speak for themselves. With 110 Pro Stock wins, he’s the most successful driver in class history. Backed by Rick Hendrick and part of the powerhouse KB Titan team, Anderson has seen and done it all - except, until now, participate in Night Under Fire. “Well, it’s the first time I’ve ever been here, and I gotta say, I’ve never seen or experienced anything like this before. It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever been to. It is awesome, it is absolutely awesome. My hat is off to Bill Bader; he’s got it figured out. He’s been doing it for years, and I’ve never been here before.” Even though the event wasn’t part of the national points standings, Anderson brought his trademark intensity to the track. Still, he appreciated the unique atmosphere and found joy in simply being part of the spectacle, even after taking home the consolation Pro Stock win. “It was probably more fun. You know, it’s a little more laid back and a lot more fun, but it was just neat to witness what was going on around you. All of that crazy stuff that was going on besides race cars. It just shows you there’s more that can be done in these races to make it interesting, you know, and that fireworks show, that’s the coolest one I’ve ever seen in my life. Everything about it was fantastic. Perfect weather, I mean, it was just a beautiful day, perfect day.” (Photo Credit: Peyton Lohr/Racing Refresh) Anderson still has a sharp competitive edge. While the trophy ultimately went to Erica Enders, he did notch a personal win by outrunning KB Titan teammate Dallas Glenn. Anderson clocked a 6.53 at 210.11 MPH to Glenn’s 6.556 at just over 209 MPH. Consolation wins might not be his usual aim, but Anderson left Norwalk with a full heart and sights still set on the top. I asked what continues to drive him at this stage in his legendary career, and his answer was crystal clear. “The competition, without a doubt. It’s so tough. It’s so hard to win these things. It just drives you. It drives you nuts, but it drives you. I just still love to win, I absolutely love to win, but it’s harder now. I love the fact that it’s harder; that’s really what makes it cool when you do it. It’s just so tough, so many cars, so many great drivers, so many cars can beat you. Everybody can beat everybody and on any given Sunday. Either you’re perfect or you’ll lose, simple as that, and it really is that simple.” Greg Anderson will return to competition August 14 through 16 at the NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota. Until then, Night Under Fire will surely stand as one of the most memorable moments in a career already packed with highlights.

(Photo Credit: Instagram.com/lexjoonracing_ ) By Peyton Lohr In the high-octane world of professional drag racing, speed is often the focus, and the spotlight usually shines on the driver behind the wheel, but behind every 300-mile-per-hour run is a team of people working tirelessly to make it happen, and one of the most critical roles in that group is the crew chief. Among the roar of engines and the smoke of burnouts, Gerda Joon is quietly making history. She is not only a brilliant tuner and team leader, but also one of the most groundbreaking women in motorsports today. As the only full-time female Top Fuel crew chief in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), and now a race winner in the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Outlaw Nitro Series, her journey is as remarkable as the machines she commands. Gerda Joon's story begins in the Netherlands, where she and her husband, Lex Joon, first entered the world of drag racing. Together, they built Lex Joon Racing into one of the most respected teams in European Top Fuel competition. While Lex took on the role of driver, Gerda ran the operation with unmatched passion and dedication. She managed sponsorships, organized logistics, coordinated travel, and played an active role in the technical direction of the car. Her involvement was essential to the team's success in the FIA European Drag Racing Championship. Despite their achievements overseas, the couple had their sights set on something bigger. They dreamed of competing in the United States, where drag racing is not just a sport but a way of life. In 2013, they made the bold decision to move across the Atlantic and establish themselves in the NHRA, the most competitive drag racing league in the world. Unlike many teams who arrive with corporate sponsorship and major funding, Lex and Gerda brought only their knowledge, determination, and a relentless work ethic. As Lex climbed into the cockpit of his 11,000-horsepower dragster, Gerda was the one making sure everything else was in place. For years, she handled countless responsibilities behind the scenes. She ordered parts, managed crew schedules, and juggled the financial pressures of running an independent Top Fuel team. But her role did not stop at logistics. She had a keen eye for tuning, and over time, she stepped into a more hands-on role with the race car itself. By the late 2010s, Gerda had become a co-crew chief for Lex's Top Fuel program. While she rarely sought attention, she was earning respect in the pits for her sharp instincts and technical precision. Her ability to remain calm under pressure, especially in a sport where tenths of a second can make or break a run, made her an asset to the team. She had become more than a supportive spouse or operations manager - she was a tuner, a strategist, and a leader. (Photo Credit: Instagram.com/lexjoonracing_ ) In 2024, Gerda took on a new challenge when she was named the crew chief for Travis Shumake, the first openly LGBTQ+ Top Fuel driver in NHRA history. Together, Gerda and Travis embodied a new era of drag racing, one where talent and determination matter more than background or identity. As crew chief, Gerda was responsible for every decision that shaped the car's performance. From clutch settings to fuel loads to ignition timing, she was now fully at the helm. While the team faced its share of challenges in a highly competitive field, her leadership earned admiration throughout the NHRA community. In July 2025, Gerda Joon’s years of perseverance were rewarded. At an IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series event held at Darana Dragway in Milan, Michigan, Lex Joon secured his first Top Fuel win in the United States. Behind that victory was Gerda, serving as crew chief. It was a landmark moment for both of them. After the race, Lex was quoted as saying, "Gerda and I were able to put a team together and that’s why we are here, it’s also about the American dream. We came here twelve years ago with a dream that we knew we could do this—but how? With hard, hard work. We came here, we had nothing. We rented an apartment, and then we put the race car we took with us in the storage unit. Now, twelve years later, here we are in the Winner’s Circle." It was a landmark moment for both of them. For Lex, it was the culmination of a lifelong dream. For Gerda, it was a public and undeniable recognition of her skill, experience, and dedication. That win also marked a major milestone in motorsports history. Gerda became the first woman to earn a professional Top Fuel win as a crew chief in IHRA competition. While the headlines may have celebrated Lex’s long-awaited victory, those who know the sport understood who helped make it happen. Gerda Joon is more than just a crew chief. She is a pioneer, a mentor, and a role model for young women. Her journey proves that you do not need to shout to lead, and that quiet confidence can command just as much respect as force. In a world where the noise is deafening, Gerda has found power in patience, preparation, and precision. Her legacy is still being written, but she has already accomplished what many believed was impossible. She has led a Top Fuel car to victory. She has built a career in one of the most male-dominated areas of motorsports. And perhaps most importantly, she has done it all without compromising who she is. Gerda Joon continues to break new ground with every pass down the track. Whether tuning for Lex Joon Racing or guiding Travis Shumake's efforts in NHRA, she remains a key figure in the evolving world of drag racing. Her presence alone challenges old ideas about who belongs where in the sport. Her success proves that knowledge, passion, and perseverance are the only qualifications that matter. As more young women take an interest in motorsports with drag racing being one of the most inclusive sports there is, it is figures like Gerda who will light the path. She may not always be in front of the camera, but her influence is impossible to ignore. The most important moves often happen behind the scenes, and thanks to Gerda Joon, the future of those scenes looks a little more inclusive, and a lot more powerful.

Press Release | IHRA A new era of drag racing is set to launch in Southeast Michigan as Milan Dragway officially becomes Darana Dragway, following its recent acquisition by Darryl Cuttell, owner of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). This weekend, the newly renamed facility will host a highly anticipated stop on the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series, marking a bold and exciting chapter for the beloved track. Located just south of Ann Arbor and west of Detroit, Milan Dragway has long been a staple of the Midwest drag racing scene since its opening in 1963. Over the decades, the track has welcomed grassroots racers, national touring series, and legendary names in the sport. With its deep roots in the racing community and a reputation for high-quality competition, the track has played a central role in shaping the drag racing culture of Michigan and beyond. Now under the ownership of Cuttell, the facility enters a new chapter with fresh energy and vision. The name Darana Dragway reflects Cuttell’s broader investment in the sport through his leadership of the IHRA and Darana Motorsports, while paying tribute to the facility’s legacy and future potential. “This track has always meant something special to racers and fans alike,” said Cuttell. “We’re committed to honoring its history while building something even stronger. The name may be changing, but our goal is to elevate everything that has made this track great.” The renaming is more than symbolic—it coincides with a weekend full of thunderous horsepower as the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series rolls into town. Fans will witness 12,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragsters, nitro Funny Cars, Pro Mods, Mountain Motor Pro Stock and more compete for glory and the iconic IHRA Iron Man trophies. (Photo Credit: Peyton Lohr/Racing Refresh)

(Photo Credit: Peyton Lohr/Racing Refresh) By Logan Morris After a full day and night of heavy rainfall, Sunday became the impromptu finale at Darana Dragway in Milan, Michigan. For both fans and drivers, it was well worth the wait. The energy was high, the emotions were real, and the passion on display proved just how much winning an IHRA Ironman means to everyone involved. In Alcohol Funny Car, Phil Esz captured the Ironman trophy, and his emotion was written all over his face when I caught up with him in the winner’s circle. “I worried about it all night long, you know? I wish we got it done last night, I wanted to win, and I just knew I had to do my job. That’s what I did today, and that’s how we won. I got a great team behind me.” In Top Alcohol Dragster, Will Smith claimed the Ironman after defeating Rich McPhillips Jr. in the finals. Smith has steadily made a name for himself in the drag racing world with his sharp driving instincts and calm demeanor under pressure. Sunday’s win at Darana Dragway marked a major career highlight and showcased his growing presence in the class. In Funny Car, former IHRA champion Del Worsham returned to form, defeating Dan Hix. Worsham has found success across the drag racing spectrum, whether in Top Fuel or Funny Car, and Sunday was another chapter in his storied career. But the most unforgettable moment of the day came when Lex Joon earned his first IHRA Ironman in Top Fuel. The team’s motto — "never quit" — rang true in Milan as Joon and his crew pulled off a hard-fought victory over Mitch King in the finals. When I spoke to Joon, he was open and heartfelt about just how much this win meant. “Today was really a rollercoaster. We went into today and I thought, ‘let’s see if we can get the first win’ because we had a lot of issues with the car during qualifying. We qualified in a really bad place because I also knew if you want to get to the final round, you have to win every round. So, if you think about it, we basically beat every car, except one in the field. I don’t get it - we had a lot of issues with the car. With no data, with broken wires, so there’s only one magneto, with all kinds of stuff. Just before we fired it up before the finals it didn’t want to run, it was backfiring, and then it appeared that something else was broken - we fixed it. My crew is who won me the race. They just did not give up. … We have no big sponsors, we have a couple of loyal supporters that help us, but the American dream is here, and we are proof of it, so thank you all.” Joon's Team Celebrates at The Starting Line (Photo Credit: Peyton Lohr/Racing Refresh) With a weekend full of drama, heart, and horsepower now in the books, the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series will next roar to life September 3 - 6 at Darana Raceway in Hebron, Ohio.

(All Photos Credit: Peyton Lohr/Racing Refresh)

By Crystal Clay SONOMA, Calif . (July 27, 2025) — Maddi Gordon wasn’t at the track this weekend. She wasn’t in the pit area, suiting up, or standing behind the ropes. She was somewhere off the grid, in Cabo, unbothered while her name came up in one of the most quietly defining press conference moments of the weekend. When NHRA legend Don “The Snake” Prudhomme was asked if he saw anything in Gordon that reminded him of the early days of mentoring Ron Capps, his response was blunt. “I don’t know. Would I have picked a little girl to drive my race car? I don’t think so. I mean, that’s just my opinion. I’m not from that school. It’s more of a family sport now, I guess. A lot of these guys with money, the scrappers guys and all that — they put their daughters in the car, race them, and it’s fun, it’s fine. I’m just from a different school. I don’t think they would have cut it back in our day, the way the cars were. The funny cars were a different deal.” Maddi Gordon, shown in her 2025 Top Alcohol Funny Car firesuit. ( Photo via Maddi Gordon Racing/Facebook) He called Gordon a “nice kid” and said he was happy for Capps, but did not acknowledge her performance, her wins or the fact that she will debut in Top Fuel next year with Ron Capps Motorsports. Prudhomme’s answer did not go unnoticed. There was an unsettling pause before he finished with “I’m just not into it, you know…Anyone else want to dare ask me a question? About women or anything?” Several in the media center later expressed visible discomfort and frustration, describing the response as outdated and dismissive. The room moved on, but the moment lingered. For some, it served as a reminder that even now, in 2025, a woman’s qualifications can still be downplayed, even after the work, even after the wins.  His comments reflected more than a generational gap. They revealed how opportunity in today’s NHRA is still evolving, and still uncomfortable for some. In Prudhomme’s era, giving someone like Maddi Gordon a ride, especially without major sponsorship or Top Fuel experience, could have cost him everything. His reputation was hard-earned and tightly protected. Ron Capps, on the other hand, operates in a different landscape. Capps didn’t make this move in spite of Prudhomme. He made it because of him. He inherited the credibility that Prudhomme helped build, and with it came the freedom to take a risk his mentor never could. Maybe Prudhomme didn’t make that call because the sport didn’t give him space to. Capps has that room now, and he’s using it. When asked what grit looks like today, and how Gordon reflects it in ways that might go unnoticed, Capps was clear. “I love Snake, I love Garlits, I love all those guys. I love the mentality they had back then, but it’s a different world today,” Capps said. “Snake’s going to fall in love with her the more he’s around her. When he realizes I’m hiring Maddi for the same reasons he hired me back in the day — and that it doesn’t matter if she’s a girl — he’s going to enjoy being around her. “She works on the car and gets in and drives the wheels off the thing. We didn’t offer up that seat to the first million-dollar deal that came along. That’s not how we’re doing it.” He added, smiling, “Whatever he said, he was probably hungry when he said it. He’s still my hero. That doesn’t change anything.” What was missing from Prudhomme’s remarks wasn’t intent. It was recognition. Gordon has earned her seat. She works on her car. She has won on the national stage. She knows that her last name, while familiar, is not enough to carry her. She was given a shot by her own family, and she was the first to question whether she was ready for it. “Honestly, I might suck,” she said earlier this year. “They were winning championships, and they let me try.” She didn’t suck. She delivered. Maddi Gordon celebrates a win at the NHRA NorthWest Nationals, her second straight victory at the event. ( Photo via Maddi Gordon Racing/Facebook) Gordon just went back-to-back in the Northwest Nationals last week and became the 100th woman to win an NHRA national event with her win in 2024. She collected victories in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Seattle, often working alongside her family. Her grandmother builds the team’s clutch packs to within thousandths of an inch. It is not a marketing campaign. It is a system. A blueprint. In a sport that has not always made room for outsiders, Gordon did not push her way in. She worked her way forward. Capps was once the gritty young driver Prudhomme believed in. Now, he is the one taking the leap, trusting that Gordon’s mindset and mechanical knowledge matter more than the way it looks from the outside. Maybe that is the legacy now. Not just fire suits and trophies, but the ability to recognize grit, even when it shows up looking different than it did a generation ago. Prudhomme was honest. Capps was bold. Gordon wasn’t even in the room, but she still changed the shape of the conversation. Sometimes, standing up for someone in a room they aren’t in doesn’t require confrontation. Grit doesn’t always look like it used to, but that doesn’t mean it is not there. And Maddi Gordon wears it just fine.

(Photo Credit: Peyton Lohr/Racing Refresh) By Logan Morris Mother Nature won the day on Saturday at Darana Dragway in Milan, Michigan. What was supposed to be a thrilling day full of eliminations and celebration turned into one long game of hurry up and wait. The sportsman classes managed to get a few runs down the track, but when it came to the pros, there wasn’t much to report. Just as the show was about to kick off, a torrential downpour swept through the facility, delaying the event for several hours. Crews scrambled to dry the surface and fans held out hope, but just as things were set to resume, the skies opened once again. The rain returned with force, and with a local curfew fast approaching, officials were left with no choice but to push the finals to Sunday. The good news? The action isn't canceled - just postponed. And after a day of anticipation, Sunday is now shaping up to deliver a full slate of high-stakes eliminations. Racing is set to resume at 9:30 a.m. ET sharp on Sunday at Darana Dragway in Milan, Michigan.