J.R. Todd will readily admit he got away with one in winning the NHRA Gatornationals. But, as Todd and any drag racing veteran will attest, there's no category in drag racing's stat books for "got away with one" victories. There are just wins and losses, and in Gainesville, Todd had four round wins to clinch the victory in the season opener. 

“(The win) sets a good tone going into Pomona,” Todd said. “It’s not like these guys (on this team) lack confidence. When we were not running well, they still knew they had an opportunity to run well and win against these guys. I know I have to be on kill every time because when the car is on, I think it’s a tough combination. 

Renee Bingham believed she had a higher calling at the drag strip than being one of the most efficient administrative data managers in the tower at IHRA events. Twenty years ago, her true calling became crystal clear. 

Bingham was the driving force behind God Speed Ministry, the official ministry for the then Norwalk, Ohio-based IHRA series. The drag race ministry has become more than just a church at the track by supporting various organizations and following God's call to impact lives worldwide. 

Joined by her husband Gary, a past IHRA Top Sportsman champion, the ministry started with a single 30-minute service at each IHRA event. The fledgling nonprofit quickly gained traction and grew to Saturday and Sunday services, kids and teen ministries, and dozens of chaplains and volunteers. 

Mark Christopher Auto Center Chevrolet likely won’t have any Top Fuel dragsters for sale on its showroom floor in Ontario, CA, this week. But what they will have is their logo prominently adorning the side of a two-time Top Fuel championship-winning fueler rocking down the In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip.

Force also carries primary backing from Monster Energy drink, but this weekend, the focus is on a local company that has supported John Force Racing for many years.

Buddy Hull will be showcasing a new Mooneyes Funny Car body, a nod to the longstanding partnership between Jim Dunn Racing and Moon Equipment Company, at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals this weekend at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

“I am over the moon to be competing at the Winternationals again,” said Hull. “This weekend, we’re switching the body on the car to have a retro Mooneyes look. We’re super happy about it and can’t wait for the world to see it. It’s a cool race car, and to debut it in California, which is the homeland of drag racing, will just be an incredible experience. Mooneyes has been a sponsor for Jim Dunn Racing for a long time, and to show off this iconic car and represent Big Jim is a big deal to me.

The International Hot Rod Association is set to host the IHRA Hot Rod Classic, promising big payouts and an exciting atmosphere for participants. In collaboration with sponsors like Don Baskin Truck Sales LLC and Hoosier Tire, the event will feature substantial cash prizes and unique trophies and medals for winners in various categories.

Huntington, Indiana native Brittanie Hart, wife of NHRA Top Fuel racer Josh Hart, is leading the “Race to Fill the Food Pantry” campaign in March. Donations to the United with Love food pantry will be matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000, with contributions from races, fans, and the Huntington community.

Executive Director of United with Love, Erin Didion, expressed gratitude towards the Hart family for their support. 

Tony Stewart is bringing a new look to Top Fuel competition at this weekend’s NHRA Winternationals. The veteran motorsports driver, cloaked in Top Fuel rookie status, will drive a dragster adorned in the commemorative 50th Anniversary Mobil 1 livery. 

“I can’t express how excited I am to run the black and gold 50th Anniversary scheme for Mobil 1. It is a huge honor because I’m very passionate about Mobil 1,” Stewart said. “They’ve been a great partner since we got together in 2011 at Stewart-Haas Racing. They have been a part of everything I have done since then. 

Top Fuel racer Mike Salinas had always envisioned a day when his daughters would take over his racing passion and endeavors. Today, the vision became a forthcoming reality as Scrappers Racing announced that Jasmine Salinas, a graduate from the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks, will now take over the role as the team's primary driver. 

In a statement from the team, Mike Salinas will step back as the team’s No. 1 driver to focus on personal health matters. The transition will begin this weekend at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, Calif., marking her debut in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

Sometimes the best laid plans on paper just don’t jibe with politics.

Buddy Ingersoll of Ziegler, Ill., knows that to be an accurate statement.

A little over 22-years ago, with the blessings of the IHRA’s tech department, Ingersoll began entering Pro Stock events with his twin turbocharged, 260-inch Buick Regal. This was fine until he leaned on the locals and started running quick in qualifying and even worse, started winning rounds.

Ingersoll reached the final round of the 1986 IHRA Fall Nationals in Bristol, Tenn., and afterwards found himself banished back to NHRA’s Competition eliminator. If it hadn’t been for a burned up clutch in the final round against Pro Stock icon Bob Glidden, he might have been tarred and feathered in the pits.

Winning a Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown event is a great experience. But winning in honor of a friend’s memory is priceless. 

Pawuk has won at the highest levels, capturing six national event victories during his days in the Pro Stock division. He’s also won in the Factory Stock Showdown arena and similar classes, but this time was different.

Pawuk won last Sunday’s NHRA Gatornationals behind the wheel of a Dodge Challenger cloaked in a scheme honoring his longtime friend Don Schumacher, who passed away following a brave battle with cancer.