Leah Pruett has been working on getting rid of superstitions in her life.

After years behind the wheel of dozens of different race machines, the veteran racer has picked up a few quirks here and there that have, at times, shaped how she has handled herself on race day. But there was just something about this weekend that stood out for the California native that pointed to a good result.

“When you have been racing like I have for 27 years, you accumulate some superstitions,” Pruett said. “This year, I’ve tried to push those away. But I would see a No. 1 sign. I would see the No. 1 that’s right there in my dash. And today, it just stuck out to me. Going in the number one qualifier, that gives you momentum, but you have to be there (in the end) to get those wins.”

Hector Arana Jr. proved once again that he can’t be overlooked in NHRA’s Pro Stock Motorcycle class.

Arana Jr.’s skills were on display at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, on Sunday as he raced to his first victory of the 2023 season. Arana Jr. claimed the title by clocking a 6.821-second run at 199.82 on his Buell to defeat Steve Johnson’s 6.943-second lap at 176.63 mph on a Suzuki.

It was Arana’s 18th career victory. Arana Jr. was piloting his GETTRX Buell powered by Global Electronic Technology, Inc.

Matt Hartford always had the passion to chase an NHRA Pro Stock world championship.

The veteran driver has surrounded himself with a great cast and crew, and he’s right in the mix to be No. 1 in the class at season’s end – especially after this weekend.

Hartford qualified No.1 and then cruised to the title at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, on Sunday.

Hartford, in his Total Seal Chevy, secured the victory by clocking a 6.624-second time at 207.02 mph to defeat Dallas Glenn, who slowed to 17.599 seconds after severe tire shake off the starting line.

Blake Alexander knew Sunday was going to be a special day.

He didn’t know why. He didn’t know how. He just knew that something big was going to happen.

“I woke up today and I saw my wife and my son and I knew I was in the right place and I was supposed to be here, I just didn’t know what was going to happen today,” Alexander said.

As it turns out, that prophetic vision of a successful Sunday turned into his first career Funny Car victory. Alexander bested class titan Matt Hagan in the final at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals and, in doing so, became the 18th driver in NHRA history to earn a win in both nitro categories, collecting a pair of Top Fuel victories back in 2018.

Point standings (top 10) following the 16th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, the ninth of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series - 

Final round-by-round results from the 16th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, the ninth of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series:

Leah Pruett wrapped up her impressive weekend with her first Top Fuel victory of the season for Tony Stewart Racing, knocking off points leader Justin Ashley in the final round on Sunday at the 17th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park.

Blake Alexander (Funny Car) Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won at the ninth of 21 races during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.

Pruett, who was also the No. 1 qualifier, powered to a run of 3.761-seconds at 326.79 mph in her 11,000-horsepower Dodge Direct Connection dragster in the finals, driving past Ashley to earn her 11th career win and first at Summit Motorsports Park. Pruett also jumped to third in points with the victory, snapping Ashley’s streak of 11 straight round wins. To get there, Pruett had to get past Kyle Wurtzel, defending event winner Mike Salinas and Austin Prock. She also jumped to third in points with the fantastic showing, giving her plenty of momentum heading out to the NHRA Western Swing.

Bill Bader Jr. looked out at the rain-soaked Summit Motorsports Park, and despite the unfavorable weather, dozens of other pressing issues were running through his head ahead of the Summit Racing NHRA Nationals.

The customer experience was not the best, as almost every ticketholder scurried for shelter.

“That was the biggest thing on my mind all week,” Bader said. “Making sure that we have done our level best to meet or exceed our guests’ expectations that’s the ultimate measuring stick. It’s not profit and loss; it’s never been profit and loss; it’s been your level of guest satisfaction. We must continue to meet or exceed expectations, or we fail.”

Josh Hart walked over to the fence at Summit Motorsports Park and looked at the giant R+L Carriers loading dock. It was busy for a Friday afternoon, unlike the pits, as rain fell on the track. He was hoping for a break in the weather where he could represent the same trucking company that advertises it can ship "anything, anywhere, and at any time."

It was a moment of reflection for Hart, who described his marketing partnership with R+L Carriers as a program he wouldn't have imagined having in a million years. The Top Fuel driver who won in his professional debut said the program has been more of a learning experience than anything.