Alex Laughlin can now say he’s licensed to compete in every NHRA professional category. And of all the race cars he’s driven over the years, it was a Pro Stock Motorcycle that gave him the most trouble.
Laughlin earned his Pro Stock Motorcycle competition license Monday, Nov. 2, following the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals. The accomplishment made him the first driver in NHRA history to earn competition licenses in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.
“After years of imagining, I finally did it,” Laughlin said via social media. “Monday, following the NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, I was able to earn my Pro Stock Motorcycle License and become the first person in history to do so in all four NHRA Professional categories.”
Laughlin has driven some of the quickest and fastest race cars in drag racing, including Top Fuel dragsters and nitro Funny Cars. None of that experience made the motorcycle particularly easy to figure out.
“This was by far the most challenging out of anything I’ve ever done,” he explained. “Everything I’ve ever driven is 90/10 of ‘Man VS Machine.’ The motorcycle lands at 50/50, and that’s what makes it so challenging.”
There was plenty for Laughlin to learn as riding a Pro Stock Motorcycle requires considerably more physical involvement than driving a race car, something he came to appreciate during the licensing process.
“These riders deserve a world of respect,” he said.
Laughlin turned to Tim Kulungian and Chase Van Sant of WAR/T Motorsports for help.
“That bridge has now been crossed, thanks to Tim Kulungian and Chase Van Sant of WAR/T Motorsports. I can’t thank them enough for their time, patience, and instruction to check this box,” Laughlin said.
The idea of collecting all four professional licenses wasn’t something Laughlin had mapped out when he began racing Pro Stock. In fact, his opportunity to drive Top Fuel came about because of a situation in Denver in 2021 that initially left him without a race car.
Laughlin was scheduled to compete at the event with Elite Motorsports, but the team withdrew, leaving him on the sidelines. Scott Palmer stepped in and offered him the chance to license and compete in his Top Fuel dragster.
That opportunity grew into a two-season partnership. Laughlin went from racing a Pro Stock car to making 300-mph runs in a Top Fuel dragster, gaining experience in a category he hadn’t expected to enter under those circumstances.
Near the end of 2022, another opportunity came his way. Jon Dunn approached Laughlin about driving the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car for the 2023 NHRA season.
Laughlin took the ride, giving him experience in three of NHRA’s four professional categories. He became only the second driver to compete in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock.
That left Pro Stock Motorcycle for him to come full circle.
Laughlin had already done something few drivers could claim in holding three, but the possibility of earning a fourth license was a thought he just couldn’t let go of.
Laughlin also reflected on his years with Elite Motorsports, where he developed relationships that have lasted beyond his time with the team.
“I had a great time racing with Elite, Richard, Erica and Jeg as that program was growing and many folks there are still near and dear to me,” Laughlin said.
Laughlin said he plans to release a video Monday, Nov. 9, showing what went into earning the motorcycle license.
“I can talk on this and the details all day, but next Monday, I’ll release a video that showcases the full experience,” Laughlin said.
