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(Photo Courtesy NASCAR) Joe Gibbs Racing has lifted its long-standing restrictions on Cup Series drivers participating in dirt racing, as reported by Jeff Gluck of The Athletic. This policy change aligns with their 2025 plans, including adding Chase Briscoe, who has a dirt racing background, alongside Christopher Bell and Ty Gibbs, who also have growing interest in dirt racing. Historically, Joe Gibbs Racing prioritized NASCAR exclusively, so this marks a significant shift in their approach. We think it’s exciting to see the team embracing more diverse racing opportunities for their drivers. Let us know your thoughts on this change, and stay tuned for more Motorsports updates!

Press Release | NHRA TEMECULA, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2024) – In one of the closest races in recent history, Top Fuel driver and motorsports legend Tony Stewart was named the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Stewart was awarded Rookie of the Year honors Monday at the NHRA awards ceremony at the Pechanga Resort Casino. He was part of a standout field and a hotly-contested race that included Brandon Foster, Richard Gadson, Derrick Reese, Jasmine Salinas, Sienna Wildgust, Daniel Wilkerson and Ida Zetterstrom. “It’s a big honor to win this award this season,” Stewart said. “There are some great drivers in the NHRA and it’s one of the most diverse forms of motorsports I’ve been a part of. I’ve had a really good time working with the series this season to promote and continue to grow the sport.” Making his Top Fuel debut in 2024, Stewart advanced to a pair of final rounds, four semifinals, a berth in the Countdown to the Championship and a ninth-place finish in Top Fuel points. Stewart took over driving duties for his wife, Top Fuel standout Leah Pruett, this year as the couple focused on starting a family. Pruett gave birth to the couple’s first child, Dominic James Stewart, early Sunday morning, as Stewart then traveled back to Pomona to compete at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals that same day. He advanced to the semifinals to close out the NHRA season, one that also included a career-best run of 3.688-seconds at 334.73-mph in his 11,000-horsepower dragster. Stewart is one of motorsports’ most accomplished stars, winning championships in both NASCAR and IndyCar. He formed the two-car Tony Stewart Racing NHRA team in 2022 and raced in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series sportsman ranks before moving to Top Fuel in 2024. “It was an honor to be part of this group this year,” said Stewart, a NASCAR Hall of Famer. “The two main coaches I had were Matt Hagan and my wife, Leah. Thank you Leah for giving me this opportunity and I want to thank everyone at NHRA. It’s been a blast this year.” Pro Stock Motorcycle rising star Richard Gadson finished third in points in the two-wheeled category, advancing to a trio of final rounds and four semifinals. Gadson also won a Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge race. Salinas and Zetterstrom both made impressive Top Fuel debuts during the 2024 season, showing their potential to become major stars in the sport. Salinas, who took over driving for her father, Mike, had three round wins, dipping into the 3.60s for the first time at the finale in Pomona. Zetterstrom, the 2023 European Top Fuel world champion, made her NHRA debut in Brainerd, competing in the last eight races of 2024 and picking up three round wins as well. Wilkerson took over for his father and longtime standout, Tim Wilkerson, in the Funny Car ranks, advancing to the final round at the Charlotte 4-Wide race. He finished seventh in points and also advanced to three semifinals. Pro Stock drivers Foster, Reese and Wildgust also took to the track in the very competitive class. Last season, Chase Van Sant was named the 2023 Rookie of the Year. Other recent winners include Pro Stock’s Camrie Caruso in 2022 and Dallas Glenn in 2021, Top Fuel’s Justin Ashley in 2020 and Austin Prock in 2019. Prock won his first world championship in Funny Car in 2024. The NHRA Rookie of the Year award recognizes the top rookie competitor who also represents the future of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. The nation’s leading auto racing journalists select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events competed in, performance on and off the racetrack, participation in NHRA promotions, and relationships with fans, sponsors, and media. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | NHRA TEMECULA, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2024) – First-time world champion Austin Prock was honored Monday evening, along with multi-time world champs Antron Brown, Greg Anderson and Gaige Herrera during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series awards ceremony at the Pechanga Resort Casino in scenic Southern California Wine Country. The four standout competitors were crowned for their incredible achievements over the course of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and awarded their trophies for their championship runs during a memorable Countdown to the Championship playoffs. After a record-breaking year in his rookie Funny Car season, Prock secured his first world championship on Saturday following qualifying at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at the historic In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Prock entered Pomona with a 188-point lead over his John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman, who was racing for 16-time champion John Force. With the completion of qualifying at Pomona, Prock’s first world championship was a lock for his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car team. Throughout the season, Prock was nearly unstoppable and collected eight event wins, including three in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, as well as 15 No. 1 qualifier positions, the most in Funny Car history. He then powered to NHRA’s fastest-ever pass on Sunday in Pomona when he clocked a 341.68 mph run, giving Prock the status of fastest driver in NHRA history. Brown secured his fourth world championship on Sunday following his semifinal victory over former champion Brittany Force. His Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel team then went on to win the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals over 2023 champion Doug Kalitta. Brown picked up six wins in 2024, tallying 80 career wins throughout his NHRA tenure. He kicked off his 2024 season with a win at the specialty Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout race at the Gatornationals in Gainesville. He went onto win in Chicago and Sonoma as well as three wins in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. With this world title, Brown joins an elite group of drivers including Tony Schumacher, Joe Amato and Steve Torrence with four or more Top Fuel championships. The Pro Stock championship battle came down to the final pass of the 2024 season with a winner-take-all matchup between Anderson and his KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn, with Anderson coming away with his sixth world championship in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. Throughout the 2024 season, Anderson remained consistent, staying within the top four all year. He picked up a win early at the Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park and then went on to win at his home track at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. He picked up back-to-back final round appearances in the Countdown in Dallas and Las Vegas, before taking home his third win of the year at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. The NHRA veteran earned his 106th win on Sunday and his 15th at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. For a second straight year, Herrera dominated the Pro Stock Motorcycle class en route to his second consecutive world championship. Rider of the RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki, Herrera powered his way to 10 event wins throughout the 2024 season, including the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals as well as three wins in the playoffs. Herrera also broke NHRA’s most consecutive race win record by getting victories in 11 straight races, dating back to the 2023 campaign. In one of the closest races in recent history, Top Fuel’s Tony Stewart was named NHRA Rookie of the Year after a strong first season. The motorsports legend advanced to a pair of final rounds, four semifinals, a berth in the Countdown to the Championship and a ninth-place finish in Top Fuel points. Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Richard Gadson, Top Fuel’s Jasmine Salinas, Funny Car’s Daniel Wilkerson and Top Fuel’s Ida Zetterstrom also received votes in the hotly-contest race. The Crew of the Year awarded was given to a team in each professional category and was based on a number of statistical categories, including average qualifying position, average eliminations E.T., speed index, average points per race and oildowns. In Top Fuel, the Scag Power Equipment racing team of Justin Ashley earned the award for the first time, while Prock’s JFR team was named the top crew in Funny Car. The team of six-time champ Anderson earned the award in Pro Stock, while the Vance & Hines team for Herrera took home the honors in Pro Stock Motorcycle for the second straight year as well. The NHRA also recognized a pair of iconic figures for its Lifetime Achievement Award, including 2023 recipient Forrest Lucas, as well as Jim Dunn, who was acknowledged as the 2024 recipient. For the first time in NHRA history, Toyota won the NHRA’s Manufacturers Cup. The award is given to the automaker whose current model year vehicles accumulate the most points during the NHRA season. Among those who enjoyed banner seasons for Toyota were Top Fuel standouts Brown, Doug Kalitta, Ashley, Shawn Langdon, Billy Torrence and Steve Torrence, and Funny Car stars Ron Capps, J.R. Todd and Alexis DeJoria. Drivers in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series were also recognized as 2024 world champions, including Cody Webber (Top Dragster), Allen Firestone (Top Sportsman), Val Torres (Super Gas), Colby Fuller (Super Comp), Joe Sorensen (Stock), Jimmy Hidalgo Jr. (Super Stock), Cody Lane (Comp), Sean Bellemeur (Top Alcohol Funny Car) and Shawn Cowie (Top Alcohol Dragster). The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 6-9 with the 56th annual NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

(Photo Courtesy NHRA) Big Jim Dunn was honored at the NHRA banquet with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his incredible 70+ years in drag racing, starting at age 15. At 90 years old, he’s still actively tuning cars and committed to continuing his career in the sport he loves. During his speech, he shared stories from his legendary wins, including the 1969 March Meet and the 1972 World Finals, while emphasizing that he’s not stepping away anytime soon. Jim has mentored countless top drivers over the years and is currently working with Buddy Hull, showing his dedication to the next generation of racers. We’re thrilled to celebrate Big Jim’s well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing him in action for years to come!

Press Release | TNT SPORTS TNT Sports is readying the return of NASCAR to its networks and platforms in 2025, announcing its broadcast booth for all its flag-to-flag live race coverage, which includes NASCAR’s inaugural in-season tournament, starting with Atlanta’s Night Race on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Play-by-play commentator Adam Alexander and analyst Steve Letarte will join the previously-announced Dale Earnhardt Jr. — NASCAR Hall of Famer and two-time DAYTONA 500 Champion — in the broadcast booth for TNT Sports’ coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series. “We are excited to welcome Adam and Steve to the TNT Sports family, joining Dale in the booth to give racing fans a thoughtful, entertaining and engaging experience,” said Craig Barry, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, TNT Sports. “Their passion and knowledge for the sport, delivered in a more conversational format, will create a compelling narrative for each race and enhance the coverage for viewers as NASCAR returns to our platforms next year.” Alexander returns to TNT Sports as the lead play-by-play commentator, bringing with him over 30 years of broadcasting experience in motorsports. He previously served as play-by-play commentator for NASCAR on TNT from 20210-2014, and most recently was the play-by-play announcer for FOX’s NASCAR Xfinity Series coverage and co-hosted NASCAR Race Hub on FS1. “I’m very excited to return to TNT Sports as they renew their coverage of NASCAR,” said Alexander. “I have great respect for Dale and Steve and look forward to calling races with them.” Letarte joins TNT Sports as an analyst, offering insights from his more than a decade as a motorsport commentator and more than 20 years as a crew member and crew chief for Hendrick Motorsports. He served as crew chief for Jeff Gordon’s No. 24 car from 2005-2010, achieving 10 wins during his tenure, and later led the No. 88 team driven by legendary Earnhardt Jr. from 2010-2014, where they went on to win the 2014 Daytona 500. Letarte left Hendrick Motorsports after the 2014 season to join NBC Sports as a color commentator, and he will continue working with NBC Sports on their NASCAR coverage. “I am looking forward to joining the team at TNT Sports and working alongside Dale Jr. again in the booth,” said Letarte. “TNT has a long history of covering NASCAR and I am excited to contribute to that history next season when the green flag waves on TNT’s coverage in June.” Voted by fans as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver for an unprecedented 15 consecutive years (2003-17), Earnhardt Jr.’s relationship with TNT Sports will come full circle, with his first career NASCAR Cup Series race — the 1999 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway­ — airing on TBS. The network also televised the first-ever race in which Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. competed against each other, a 300-mile exhibition race at Twin Ring Motegi in Motegi, Japan. Earnhardt Jr.’s illustrious career included 26 NASCAR Cup Series wins, and he qualified for the NASCAR playoffs eight times (2004, 2006, 2008, 2011-15). “It’s so nostalgic to see TNT Sports return to NASCAR,” said Earnhardt Jr. “I enjoyed watching their coverage back in the day. I’m looking forward to being a part of the team and working with Adam (Alexander) and (Steve) Letarte.” TNT Sports’ 2025 live race schedule will begin on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Atlanta, followed by four consecutive Sundays of adrenaline-pumping race action: July 6 in Chicago; July 13 in Sonoma; July 20 in Dover; and July 27 in Indianapolis. In addition to Alexander, Letarte and Earnhardt Jr. joining TNT Sports, it is also being announced today that they will be part of Prime Video’s broadcast team for its inaugural season in 2025. In November 2023, TNT Sports and NASCAR reached a new seven-year multimedia rights agreement for domestic distribution in the U.S. that will see some of the biggest moments in the NASCAR season returning to TNT Sports’ linear and streaming platforms starting in 2025. Additionally, truTV and Max will exclusively simulcast the second half of the NASCAR Cup Series practices and qualifying sessions each season. The new agreement will also include expansive digital rights for content streaming via the B/R Sports Add-On on Max — allowing for the full use of new technologies to develop immersive viewing experiences — and highlight rights for Bleacher Report’s digital and social platforms. This will mark the continuation of TNT Sports’ 32-year relationship with NASCAR, a collaboration that began in 1983 and one that has been centered on innovation and creativity that was instrumental to the growth of the sport. More information about TNT Sports’ NASCAR production and programming will be shared in the coming months. Press Release | AMAZON PRIME VIDEO Prime Video announced their inaugural broadcast booth for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series coverage, beginning in 2025. NASCAR Hall of Famer and race analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be joined by race caller Adam Alexander and race analyst Steve Letarte kicking off their coverage live at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “We are thrilled to welcome Dale, Steve and Adam as official members of the Prime Video family,” said Jared Stacy, Director of Global Live Sports Production, Prime Video. “We are excited for this group to bring their collective experience, passion and credibility to NASCAR fans as we begin our coverage next season.” Dale Earnhardt Jr. brings his authenticity and passion for the racing community back to the broadcast booth to kick off Amazon’s coverage of the NASCAR Cup series. “I’m honored to be a part of Prime Video’s entry into NASCAR,” said Earnhardt Jr. “It is an exciting opportunity to have the chance to give our NASCAR fan base yet another way to watch the sport and to be a part of the innovation that Prime Video is going to bring to our sport and the fans.” Adam Alexander, a veteran NASCAR commentator and key figure in the sport’s broadcast landscape, joins the booth as race caller for the Prime Video team. Alexander has extensive experience across NASCAR multi-media including pit-reporter, studio, booth, radio, and digital content. He will also contribute to TNT’s NASCAR coverage. “I’m excited to join Prime Video as we begin our coverage of the Cup Series,” said Alexander. “Dale and Steve are two of the most respected people in racing and I can’t wait to work with them.” Steve Letarte joins the team with an expansive background within the racing community from becoming the youngest crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports to one of the most respected analysts in the sport. He will bring a crew chief’s perspective to the booth with his knowledge and eye for race strategy, pit stops and other technical challenges. Steve will also call races for NBC Sports and TNT. “I am excited to be a part of Amazon Prime’s coverage of NASCAR. As a sports fan, I have really enjoyed Amazon’s Thursday Night Football coverage and believe that the same creative approach will be great for the NASCAR fan,” Steve Letarte shared on joining the Prime Video booth. Starting in 2025, Prime Video will exclusively stream five NASCAR Cup Series races to conclude the first half of the Cup season. Prime Video will also present exclusive coverage of practice and qualifying for almost the entire first half of the NASCAR Cup Series season (excluding the Busch Light Clash, Duel at Daytona, Daytona 500, and the All-Star Race). Fans in the U.S. will be able to watch NASCAR live at home or on the go, and across hundreds of compatible devices, streaming from the web, or using the Prime Video app on smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, game consoles, and connected TVs. For a complete list of compatible devices, visit amazon.com/howtostream. Prime Video NASCAR Race Schedule: Sunday, May 25, 6 p.m. – Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday, June 1, 7 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series Race at Nashville Superspeedway Sunday, June 8, 2 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series Race at Michigan International Speedway Sunday, June 15, 3 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series Race at Mexico City, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Sunday, June 22, 2 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series Race at Pocono Raceway (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | LEGACY MOTOR CLUB LEGACY MOTOR CLUB today announced that Newmar Corporation, a premium manufacturer of luxury recreational vehicles and fully-owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO) has been named the official luxury motor coach provider of the CLUB in a new one-year partnership. For more than 50 years, Newmar has manufactured recreational vehicles that are the pinnacle of luxury, comfort, performance and design, giving their customers an unrivaled luxury outdoor experience. Now, LEGACY M.C. teammates and guests will have access to an elevated race-day experience with a new, custom-built King Aire coach designed specifically for the hospitality and corporate needs of the team. This 45-foot RV will feature a full custom graphics package in the CLUB’s black, gold, and white color pallet and will travel to 20-plus events in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, providing a space for entertainment and trackside hosting. “Like LEGACY M.C., Newmar has a rich tradition of performance and a deep commitment to excellence,” said Newmar President Casey Tubman. “We are thrilled to partner with the team, building on our shared values while celebrating the past and future legacies of our companies. We cannot thank Cal, Jimmie and team enough for the warm welcome into the LEGACY family and look forward to an amazing 2025.” The new Newmar coach will provide LEGACY M.C. with a guest experience solution that will set it apart from typical at-race entertainment of the past. Designed to fit LEGACY M.C.’s specifications and need to double as an entertainment space and office meeting area, Newmar once again proves itself to be the most customizable production coach on the market today, able to take on any challenge to create the ultimate home away from home. “Having been involved in motorsport for close to 50 years I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work within the Formula One, IndyCar, off-road, sports car, and NASCAR spaces,” said Cal Wells III, chief executive officer of LEGACY M.C. “In each discipline our operations were critically affected by having a connected space that provides a quality environment for everything from engineering processes to hospitality. LEGACY M.C.’s new partnership with Newmar will provide an extraordinary platform to conduct all aspects of our motorsports business. We are so excited to have them aboard.” Additionally, LEGACY M.C. will utilize this fully customized corporate coach for its at-track engineering meeting place and commercial operations activities and meetings, allowing the CLUB members to stay connected to the core product both on and off the track. “Our team takes great pride in every build, from our superior quality to the wood craftsmanship we are known for,” said Tubman. “We know what it takes to deliver a luxurious home away from home and are eager to bring that experience to the track this season.” LEGACY M.C. team will take ownership of their 45-foot 2025 Newmar King Aire in early February, and it will debut for partners and guests of the CLUB at the 2025 DAYTONA 500. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

(Photo Courtesy NASCAR) Carl Long, owner of MBM Motorsports, confirmed the team plans to compete in the 2025 Daytona 500, sharing the news with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. They’re rebuilding their car from Martinsville and have leased an engine from Roush Yates Engines to prepare for the race. In 2024, MBM entered 13 events with the No. 66 car, earning their best finish of 28th at the Chicago Street Course with driver Josh Bilicki. We’re excited to see another entry added to the Daytona 500 list and hope for as many entries as possible. Stay tuned for more updates as the race approaches!

Press Release | SCAG Racing POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2024) – The first season of the SCAG Racing, NHRA’s first factory team, came to a close Sunday at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip with Daniel Wilkerson’s quarterfinal exit and No. 7 points finish, Justin Ashley’s third place finish and Dave Richards’ 12th place finish. Daniel Wilkerson and the SCAG Power Equipment Ford Mustang team wrapped their 2024 NHRA Drag Racing Series season with a quarterfinal exit at the NHRA Finals. Their 3.926 pass at 206.88 would come up short to reigning world champion Matt Hagan’s 3.856 at 333.66. Wilkerson started the day from the No. 12 position off a 3.903-second pass at 308.92 mph. His first round opponent was fellow Ford Mustang driver Bob Tasca III. Tasca would smoke the tires and pedal his Mustang to a 5.774 pass at 125.85 and watch Wilkerson drive off to a 3.910 at 333.08. “For some reason I was insanely emotional this morning. I cried like a little baby during the anthem. I think the gravity of this being the last one of the year just kind of hit me all at once,” said Wilkerson who walks away from the 2024 season seventh in points. “I cannot believe the friendships I have made this season with new teammates, our PR team, Metalcraft of Mayville employees, SCAG dealers and distributors. This program is truly amazing for so many reasons beyond drag racing and our on track performance. I’m proud to be a part of it and I can’t wait to keep doing it for a long time to come. Justin Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel dragster team had their fate in their hands entering raced day from the No. 5 qualifying position with a first round matchup against third in points Antron Brown. It would be a side-by-side solid drag race with Brown getting the better of the track going 3.696 at 331.53 to Ashley’s 3.704 at 330.31. Brown would go on to win the event and the world championship when he defeated second in points Shawn Langdon in the second round and two-time champions Brittany Force in the semifinals. “I thought the first round was a perfect representation of what Top Fuel was about in 2024. It's a game of inches and unfortunately, we came up just a bit short to start the day. That one round certainly wasn't a reflection of all that we accomplished this year as a team,” sad Ashley who finishes the season third in points. “I couldn't be more proud to represent SCAG power equipment, Metalcraft of Mayville, Toyota, Impact, Lucas Oil, Mac Tools, KATO and Phillips. Our team is second to none and they worked tirelessly to put ourselves in a position to win every race. As I reflect, I can't help but be grateful for what was our best year ever. Dave Richards and the Bluebird / Versatran team entered the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals on an upward swing over the past two races. Concluding their 2024 season did not go their way. With three qualifying tries, Richards did not qualify to compete on race day. The BlueBird team’s best pass was a 7.543 second run at 85.09 mph to end up No. 18. “That was definitely not the way we saw our season ending. We had been on a bit of a roll running 3-second runs, we were feeling good. We just had a bunch of small things plague us this weekend, one thing after another,” said Richards who finishes his first full NHRA season No. 12 in points. “This BlueBird team is bummed, but this was a building year. We've built up some data for all the tracks and we're ready to keep moving forward. We'll keep working hard and next year we'll be ahead of where we are now. We're thankful to SCAG Racing, SCAG Power Equipment, Metalcraft of Mayville for the opportunity we have and to be able look ahead to next year knowing we're going to be out here doing it all again.” SCAG Racing will celebrate the end of the 2024 season at the NHRA Awards Banquet Monday night before celebrating the holidays and preparing for the 2025 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season. (Photo Courtesy SCAG Racing)

(Photo Courtesy NHRA) PRO STOCK MOTORSCYCLE PRO STOCK FUNNY CAR TOP FUEL

Press Release | NHRA POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2024) – For the fourth time in his Top Fuel career and for the first time as a team owner, Antron Brown is a world champion in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, clinching an emotional title following his semifinal round win on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip at the 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) clinched 2024 NHRA world Mission Foods Drag Racing Series championships on Sunday in Pomona.   Brown qualified just 12th in his 11,000-horsepower Matco Tools/Toyota dragster, but as he’s done all year, the standout was in prime form during eliminations. He knocked off Justin Ashley, who entered the weekend with the points lead, with a run of 3.696-seconds at 331.53 mph in an incredible matchup to open eliminations and then faced off with another title contender in Shawn Langdon. Both drivers ran into trouble, but Brown recovered and advanced to the semifinals against Force.   In the championship-clinching round, Brown rolled to one of the biggest round wins in his career, going 3.693 at 330.88 to defeat Force and pick up his fourth career championship and first since he started AB Motorsports in 2022. He followed that up with a final-round victory against Doug Kalitta, going 3.681 at 330.55 to pick up his sixth win of his season and the 80th in his incredible career   “This is super special. I’ve been dreaming about this day since I shared my vision with [late team owner] Don Schumacher about being a team owner,” Brown said. “This team has been resilient. We never quit and we never stop. When we lined up this weekend and we saw our matchup, it was like doomsday. To get this win, I tell you what, it's been incredible. It’s truly a blessing and I can't believe we did it.”   “We found something special in testing after Las Vegas and then we came in here and shot ourselves in the foot during qualifying. We ended up No. 12 and had to race Justin Ashley in round one. I just thought, ‘This is what I have to do. I have to beat Justin.’ And I found the Antron Brown of old form.”   Brown enjoyed a spectacular season, but one also filled with adversity. He won three times during the regular season (Chicago, Norwalk and Sonoma) and entered the playoffs in second. He won the first two races of the Countdown to the Championship, but then won just two rounds over the next three races. That presented a tough challenge in Pomona, but Brown and his team rose to the occasion to score the championship, joining Tony Schumacher, Joe Amato and Steve Torrence as the only Top Fuel drivers with four or more championships.   “We beat Justin and got to the semis, and I knew we just had to get down the track against Brittany [Force],” Brown said. “We got the job done and then in the final I was so calm. I was fine all day. I just let the chips fall where they fell.”   A spectacular season in Pro Stock came down to a thrilling winner-take-all final round, with Greg Anderson defeating KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn with a run of 6.501 at 211.13 to slip past Glenn’s run of 6.516. It hands Anderson a remarkable sixth world championship, tying him with Erica Enders and Warren Johnson for the second-most in Pro Stock history.   The victory is Anderson’s 106th in his career and he rose to the occasion when it mattered most in the Countdown to the Championship in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. On Sunday in Pomona, Anderson, who hadn’t won since April prior to this weekend, delivered a classic performance, going 6.492 at 211.66 in the opening round against Kenny Delco. He stayed in the 6.40s against Cory Reed and then went an incredible 6.488 at 211.43 to end Aaron Stanfield’s title chances.   That set up an epic winner-take-all final round against Glenn, the 2021 NHRA Rookie of the Year. He left first on Anderson, but the veteran tracked him down to pick up what he called the most meaningful championship of his career.   “We struggled the last three or four months,” Anderson said. “I had a great car but crazy things would happen and every time I’d lose it was like a slug to the gut. I knew I had to figured it out and today we did. Today was like a dream. The sun shined on me and we had a flawless day. Nothing crazy happened. I just hoped and prayed and wished it was me.   “This is my sixth and I think it means the most. These young kids are trying to push me out the door but I keep dragging my feet because I don’t want to go yet.”   Anderson finished the year with three wins and Sunday marked the 15th time he’s picked up a victory at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. It also continued the recent dominance for Anderson and Enders, who still have won every title in the class since 2018, even with a huge collection of young standouts.   “Today’s kids are relentless. They can be .00 to teen on the tree like there’s nothing to it. I can do that but it’s like an out of body experience,” Anderson said. “This place is special, especially when the sun goes down. In 2015, Jason Line raced Erica Enders in the final for the championship and I thought it was the coolest atmosphere I’d ever seen, and I always wanted to be in that spot.”   Another dominant season meant another world championship in Pro Stock Motorcycle for Gaige Herrera, who wrapped up his second straight world title after winning in the first round on Sunday.   Herrera entered eliminations with a commanding 119-point lead on the strength of three straight playoff wins and cruised to another championship to open raceday. Herrera, who qualified third, went 6.779 to dispatch Clayton Howey, leading to another memorable moment for the class phenom. It culminates another incredible season for the rider of the RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki, one that included 10 wins.   “This is very special,” Herrera said. “When I won the title in 2023, it didn’t seem real. It just sort of happened. That wasn’t the case this year. We had to go out and fight for it every weekend. When Matt [Smith] went back to a Buell we knew he’d be tough and I have to hand it to him for all his hard work. He also forced us to work harder.    In his second season, Herrera has made NHRA history by winning 21 out of 29 events. No NHRA pro in any class has ever delivered more victories in a shorter time frame. This season, Herrera picked up where 2023 left off, winning the first six races of the season, setting the all-time NHRA record with 11 straight wins and 46 consecutive round wins. After defeats in Seattle and Sonoma, Herrera won the U.S. Nationals for the first time in his career and after a slow start in the Countdown to the Championship, Herrera returned to his dominant self to close out the championship. He's now 50-5 this season and 100-8 over the last two years.  “I think the first round for the championship was the most nervous I’ve ever been,” Herrera said. “It’s what you dream about as a little kid, but win or lose, I still love this sport. At Indy two years ago I made my debut and at the time I thought it was a one race deal. Now, here we are two years and two championships later. I still can’t believe it.”   The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 6-9 with the NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | NHRA POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2024) – Jack Beckman closed out the 2024 season NHRA season with a thrilling Funny Car victory on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, defeating John Force Racing teammate and world champion Austin Prock in the final round to close out the 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the last of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the sixth race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. In the teammate versus teammate final round, Beckman went a career-best 3.812-seocnds at 327.35 mph in his 11,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS to defeat Prock and pick up his second win of the season since taking over driving duties for John Force in August. It’s been a magical ride for Beckman, a former world champion, who won his 35th career race on Sunday. To get to the final round on Sunday, Beckman knocked off Terry Haddock, Blake Alexander and Ron Capps, ensuring Prock and Force/Beckman finished first and second in the loaded Funny Car ranks. “It doesn't get any higher than this,” Beckman said. “It's just magical at your home track. It's special when it's the Winternationals when the Winternationals was the first race of the year, but the Finals is finals, right? Whoever wins here gets a couple months to say we were the baddest on race day.   “This season has just been just pinch-me moment after pinch-me moment. The way John went out was terrible, but he's still with us, and I think he's just as valuable standing on the starting line as he is strapped in the car at the starting line. Having John here doesn't make us want to win more. We want to win every time we go out there. It just made winning that much more special. To see Brittany [Force] win after a two-year winless drought the weekend her dad comes back and then Austin double up with her, was just great (in Las Vegas). We’re right back in another final against Austin, and this time we won it."   Prock advanced to his 12th final round in his dazzling championship season in Funny Car. Top Fuel’s Antron Brown qualified just 12th in his 11,000-horsepower Matco Tools/Toyota dragster, but as he’s done all year, the standout was in prime form during eliminations. He knocked off Justin Ashley, who entered the weekend with the points lead, with a run of 3.696-seconds at 331.53 mph in an incredible matchup to open eliminations and then faced off with another title contender in Shawn Langdon. Both drivers ran into trouble, but Brown recovered and advanced to the semifinals against Force. A spectacular season in Pro Stock came down to a thrilling winner-take-all final round, with Greg Anderson defeating KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn with a run of 6.501 at 211.13 to slip past Glenn’s run of 6.516. It hands Anderson a remarkable sixth world championship, tying him with Erica Enders and Warren Johnson for the second-most in Pro Stock history.   In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Matt Smith ended his year with a strong statement on his Denso Auto Parts/Matt Smith Racing Buell, defeating world champion Gaige Herrera in the final round with a run of 6.702 at 202.12. It is Smith’s second win this season and the 41st in his career, enabling the six-time world champion to finish second to Herrera for the first time in his career.   Smith, who also qualified No. 1, took down Aaron Pine, Marc Ingwersen and Steve Johnson to reach the final round, setting up another marquee matchup with Herrera. This time, Smith had enough to get past the two-time defending champion,   “We came in knowing we probably couldn’t get three hats, but we knew we could get two and we did,” said Smith, getting the No. 1 qualifier and winner’s hat. “We got the low qualifier hat and the winner’s hat, just not the champion’s hat. Still, we were able to put pressure on Gaige [Herrera]. He’s a deserving champ, and we just made too many mistakes.   “I love doing this, but I’ve thought about getting off and putting some young kid on the bike. I’m 52 and it’s hard to keep up but I still love it. Actually, our sponsor, Denso told me to stop talking about retirement. I still have a job, so I plan to come back and push hard to get that seventh championship next year. “   Herrera advanced to his 12th final round of the season in just 15 races.   The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 6-9 with the NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | NHRA POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2024) – A day after winning his first career NHRA world championship, Funny Car’s Austin Prock made the fastest run in NHRA history, delivering an epic run of 341.68 mph during the first round of eliminations on Sunday at the 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Prock closed out qualifying on Saturday in his 11,000-horsepower AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS with a spectacular run of 3.804-seconds, giving him the fourth-quickest run in NHRA history and the quickest since the 2017 campaign.   That gave Prock his 15th No. 1 qualifier, a single-season record for the Funny Car and nitro ranks, and was the finishing touch on his dominant Funny Car championship season that included eight victories and 12 final rounds in 20 races.   But the team had one more magical moment in them, producing an incredible blast to open qualifying. Prock went a strong 3.828 but the bottom number on the scoreboard was the one that drew everyone’s attention, as 341.68 flashed on the board.   It was the first time in NHRA history that any driver reached the 340-mph mark in an NHRA event and it was almost fitting that a dominant champion like Prock and his team, led by his father, crew chief Jimmy Prock, and his brother, Thomas, were the ones to deliver it.   “I’m comfortable in this thing,” Prock said. “I’ve been able to catch the scoreboard the last two runs. When we ran .80, I saw it and right there I caught it. I just love Pomona. This is unreal to run 3.80 last night and go 341.68 today. This is one fast Chevrolet and we’re the first NHRA team to do it.”   Prock reached 289.69 by 660-feet and then his Camaro made a hard charge to the finish line, eclipsing the 340-mph barrier in remarkable fashion.   The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 6-9 with the NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | SCRAPPERS RACING POMONA, Calif. (November 17, 2024) - The Scrappers Racing team finished the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series with a solid performance at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. In Top Fuel, Jasmine Salinas and Gary Pritchett, who was making his Top Fuel debut this weekend, both raced to quarterfinal finishes. Jasmine also achieved a new personal best elapsed time. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Jianna Evaristo wrapped up the best-performing season of her career. Gary Pritchett made his Top Fuel debut this weekend behind his “Bunny and the Boys” dragster, owned by Travis Shumake and powered by Scrappers Racing. The talented driver wowed fans right from the start when he made a blistering pass of 3.750 at 329.91 in the first round of qualifying. He backed it up on Saturday with a 3.752 at 329.26, followed by a 3.769 at 319.67. His first and fastest lap landed him in the No. 15 qualifier position, meaning that he would face No. 2 qualifier Steve Torrence in the first round of eliminations. Pritchett helped Torrence win four world championships when the two worked together.  After eliminations were delayed due to a plane crash that occurred in the pits, Gary finally got the chance to line up against his former boss. He left the starting line first with a stunning .028-second light. Torrence ran into tire smoke early and Gary stayed ahead to turn on the first win light of his professional career.  In the next round, Pritchett faced fellow Top Fuel rookie Tony Stewart. Pritchett got the starting line advantage with a .047-second light to Stewart’s .056-second bulb, but Stewart got around him to turn on the win light.  “I couldn’t ask for anything better. This weekend has been a dream come true,” remarked Pritchett. “I’ve enjoyed every second of it from top to bottom. All of the guys on the Scrappers team made it happen. Both teams worked together and we couldn’t have done it without them. In one of our qualifying passes, I got to line up next to Jasmine, with Adem Cave on my car and his brother Arron on Jasmine’s, that was a really cool moment for all of us. There are so many people who’ve helped me get here and I can’t thank them enough. I’ve really got to thank my fiance, Jessica and all of the sponsors who came out to make this possible - Hoopes Fire Prevention, Dom and Sarah from 142 Speed Shop, J & A Service, Spell Paving, the Napp Brothers, and  Cecil County Dragway. “If you would have told me that I would make five runs in the 3.70s, I wouldn’t have believed you. We stepped it up on race day. You only get one shot at this and when it happens, you’ve got to step it up and give it your all. I definitely felt the pressure running against my former team (when racing Torrence). But I just pretended it was a match race.”  Qualifying got off to a bumpy start for Jasmine as she dropped a couple of cylinders in the first round of qualifying on Friday. On Saturday, she made up for it with a stellar run of 3.723 seconds at 332.43 mph, landing her in the No. 11 position on the ladder. In the final qualifying opportunity of the season, Jasmine lined up next to her Scrappers Racing teammate, Gary Pritchett. With Arron Cave and Rob Flynn tuning her machine and Adem Cave and Troy Fasching tuning Gary’s, it was special for everyone at Scrappers Racing to see the Cave brothers face off, even if it was in a qualifying capacity.  Jasmine faced No. 6 qualifier Shawn Reed in the first round of eliminations. Not only did she get the starting line advantage behind the wheel of her Valley Services Scrappers Racing dragster, but she also stayed ahead of Reed all the way to the stripe for a holeshot win. Her 3.691-second pass at 330.07 mph marks a new career-best elapsed time for the up-and-coming driver.  In the second round of eliminations, Jasmine faced the current Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta. She smoked the tires immediately after leaving the starting line, ceding the quarterfinal win to Kalitta.  “I think this was a great ending for Scrappers Racing,” said Jasmine. “It was exciting to have a second car here and it was exciting to have Gary making his debut with us. The two Cave brothers getting to line up their cars and run against each other in qualifying was really special for them. Both cars had a really good Sunday, despite going out in the second round. We’ve figured a lot of things out. When I think about how I started my Top Fuel career at this track back in March, I can see how far I’ve come as a driver. I no longer feel like an imposter in my dad’s car. I feel like a Top Fuel driver.” Jianna Evaristo experienced a great season aboard her Valley Services Scrappers Racing Buell. A rising star in Pro Stock Motorcycle, Jianna currently holds the speed record among females in the ultra-competitive category. After rain delays on Friday, Jianna took to the track on Saturday laying down an impressive run of 6.871 at 200.80. She really picked up the pace in the second heat of the day, powering to a stunning lap of 6.834 at 202.09. Starting eliminations from the No. 12 spot on the ladder, Jianna faced No. 5 qualifier Steve Johnson in the first round. Johnson got the starting line advantage and held on to it for the win. Despite an early exit, Jianna feels optimistic about what’s to come.  “We’ve had a very successful season, looking back on it,” said Jianna. “I’ve had the best performing season of my career, which is ironic because of how today ended up. I wanted to finish higher in points but it’s the best performance I’ve ever had. We’ve come a long way this season and I’m proud of all we’ve done. I have a lot to work on in the off-season and I’m looking forward to making some big changes to help me become a better racer next year now that I feel more comfortable on my motorcycle. One thing that will remain the same is riding this Buell. It’s been a challenge but I love it! It’s the best decision and after using this year as a kind of training year to familiarize myself with the new bike, next year is going to be really incredible.” (Photo Courtesy Scrappers Racing)

Press Release | ELITE MOTORSPORTS POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2024) – Aaron Stanfield and the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage / Melling Performance / Janac Brother’s Racing team finished the 2024 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season with a semifinal appearance at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Stanfield came up short to eventual race winner and newly crowned six-time world champion Greg Anderson. Stanfield would have a 6.510-second pass at 211.03 mph to Anderson’s 6.488 at 211.43. The semifinal appearance was Stanfield’s third of 2024, a season that will go down as his career best. He tallied six victories in ten final round appearances and only had a first-round exit three times. In the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, the six-race playoffs, Stanfield visited the final round at four events with two wins. “I am so incredibly proud of this team. My guys, these Elite Motorsports guys, they are the best out here. Being part of this team has been an amazing experience, this season has been like no other. Having JHG, Melling and the Janac Brothers on board, I appreciate the trust they put in me, I just wish we could have capped it off with a championship,” said Stanfield who finished third for the second time in his career.. “That’s racing though. We had a great year, nothing to hang our heads about. We’ll just have to get it done next year and with the guys I have, I know we’ll be right back in it.” Stanfield entered the weekend as the points leader and came into race day with a 28-point lead after qualifying No. 4. He kept his championship hopes alive by first defeating teammate Troy Coughlin Jr. in the first round with a 6.500 at 210.18 to Troy Jr.’s 5.591 at 210.50. In the quarterfinals, Stanfield outran Matt Hartford going 6.513 at 210.24 while Hartford squared the tires for only an 8.243 pass at 132.41. Stanfield was joined in the semifinals by reigning six-time world champion Erica Enders, she faced off against eventual race runner-up and second in points Dallas Glenn coming up short after squaring the tires. As the No. 6 qualifier, she reached the semis by defeating Eric Latino (6.523 at 210.08 def. 6.628 at 209.23) and Camrie Caruso (6.543 at 211.20 def. -.025 redlight). Elite Motorsports will celebrate the end of the 2024 season at the NHRA Awards Banquet Monday night before celebrating the holidays and preparing for the 2025 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season. (Photo Courtesy Elite Motorsports)

Press Release | FloSports Legendary NASCAR driver and two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Kyle Busch, today announced a partnership with FloSports that will put him on the clay in a Lucas Oil midget car for a historic debut at the 39th Chili Bowl Midget Nationals Powered by NOS Energy Drink streamed exclusively on FloRacing this January. Kyle’s debut follows similar appearances at the USAC National Midget events at Bakersfield Speedway (November 26) and Ventura Raceway (November 30). The 39th annual Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink will run from January 13-18, 2025 at the famed SageNet Center. Busch, who has conquered tracks across the NASCAR Cup Series and built a legacy as one of the most skilled drivers of his generation, will take on a field of more than 300 drivers to prove his mettle at the so-called ‘Super Bowl of midget racing’. His appearance follows a 30-year legacy of top-tier talent appearing at the race and follows in the footsteps of fellow NASCAR drivers who have competed including Tony Stewart, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell. “The Cup Season may be over, but the Racing season is still in full swing with the biggest events on dirt taking place over the next couple of months. The Chili Bowl is a legendary event and has always been on my wish-list. To be able to compete there, and then alongside my son Brexton at the Tulsa Shootout, is making this year one to remember,” Busch commented. As part of today’s announcement, Kyle also revealed that he will be driving alongside his son Brexton at the Tulsa Shootout (December 31 – January 4). All of these events will be streamed exclusively on FloRacing – making it the essential home to watch Kyle Busch get behind the wheel during the NASCAR offseason. FloRacing fans are encouraged to watch these races and more on the updated FloSports Connected TV app, which features enhanced discoverability and streaming capabilities, providing the ultimate viewing experience on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV devices. The service will also be available on the web and for download on mobile devices (iOS and Android) via the FloSports app. To watch the Chili Bowl Nationals please visit flosports.link/chilibowl2025. For more information and to gain access to more than 1,000 races annually, subscribe to FloRacing by visiting www.floracing.com. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)