The Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge returns for its sophomore year, with the first matchups set for next weekend's 64th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. After a successful debut in 2023, this unique challenge reprises its role, injecting competitiveness into NHRA's regular season qualifying schedule. The Challenge pits semifinalists from the prior race against each other, with the victors advancing to Saturday's final qualifying session, offering a bonus purse and points for the Countdown to the Championship.

Funny Car's J.R. Todd, coming off a win in Gainesville, is one of the 12 drivers vying in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. In the Funny Car category, Todd faces Bob Tasca III, who set the track speed record at the Gatornationals, in Pomona. Other matchups include No. 1 qualifier Austin Prock against Chad Green, winner of the NHRA Finals in Pomona last year.

“After we got by (Ron) Capps in the second round (at Gainesville), we knew we were in (the Challenge) and that’s great. It’s a nice bonus for us,” said Funny Car’s J.R. Todd, who won in Gainesville to start the 2024 season. “It’s definitely a nice incentive. When we won the deal in Sonoma, that was a cool perk and then we won on Sunday. It definitely gives you a pep in your step.”

Shawn Langdon's historic Top Fuel victory at Gainesville set the stage for a rematch against Antron Brown in Pomona. Additionally, a father-son matchup between Billy Torrence and four-time world champion Steve Torrence adds intrigue to the event. The Pro Stock category sees a rematch between Erica Enders and Greg Anderson, with Dallas Glenn and Cristian Cuadra also facing off.