After making his Top Fuel career debut in Englishtown, N.J., last month, Blake Alexander is entered in his second race – the 20th annual NHRA Route 66 Nationals July 6-9 in Chicago.

“We’re just going to go out there and try and make some good runs when the conditions allow for it,” Alexander said. “Then, when it heats up, we need to be able to take advantage of any mistakes people make and I have to do my job on the starting line. If all that stuff comes together we could have a good outing.”

John Force said before the start of the season, he had a plan to advance his team into the future.

Recently, the team took the next step forward.

By this time next week, some very talented racers will be enjoying a little bit extra money in their bank accounts.
 
This week marks the 11th anniversary of the BTE World Footbrake Challenge presented by Yukon Gear & Axle taking place at Bristol Dragway’s Thunder Valley. Run by Coalburg Promotions, the event is one of the greatest events in footbrake racing bringing racers to the area from all over the country.

There was a huge part of rookie Top Alcohol Dragster driver Justin Ashley that wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, two-time Pro Modified champion and successful fuel Funny Car racer Mike Ashley. He wanted to drive the same kind of race cars.

The idea flew as well as a lead balloon, but it wasn't for lack of effort.

Ashley broached the subject subtly with, "Maybe I should dip my feet in Pro Mod and try Pro Mod?" 

Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster, will no longer be the nitro lone wolf in the family. 

While Force is not switching classes at this time, will have the opportunity to be like her famous father John, and siblings and drive a fuel Funny Car.

John Force Racing has confirmed a Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car is being built for her.

The first step to overcoming an addiction is admitting there's a problem. The problem is in the eye of the one making the diagnosis.

Pat Dakin understands his addiction all too well.

Joey Gladstone has the looks. He has the personality. Heck, he has the name. Now Gladstone is ready to put the whole package together and start being competitive.

Joining San Marino racing on the San Marino Excavating Suzuki for the 2017 season, Gladstone checked one item off of his racing dream bucket list earlier this year. Now, he is ready to add his first career final and, eventually, that first Wally.

“This has been a dream of mine, probably since I was 12,” Gladstone said. “To finally be out here doing this, it is an awesome experience. It’s not cheap and it’s not easy, and this is a really difficult level of competition, but I am enjoying it and I feel like this is where I am supposed to be. It is humbling. Hopefully I can come up with some sponsors for next year and be able to do it and have more fun.”

Paul Trussell left an indelible mark on those he befriended.

Trussell, 72, of Irmo, South Carolina, died on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, after a heroic battle with cancer.

To know Paul Trussell was to have spent time learning his life's lessons and infatuation with all things automobile. He loved both life and cars with a passion.

Trussell was the kind of person who thrived on picking up the spirits of those in his inner circle.

Top Fuel: The pinnacle of modern drag racing. The baddest machines on the planet. The kings of the sport.

But the fastest? That distinction now belongs to the Funny Car camp.

When J.R. Todd made the switch from Top Fuel to Funny Car at the beginning of this year, he knew he was making a big move. But what he didn’t expect was that he would be switching out of the former kings of speed in drag racing to the new fastest ride on the planet.

One of the added benefits of Clay Millican’s heartwarming victory a little over a week ago in Bristol is the motivation it provided to others.

Millican is not the only driver in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series to be suffering through a drought on a smaller team. Terry McMillen, another IHRA alumnus who has found himself competitive, but winless, since his switch to the big leagues, said he felt as if he too had won watching Clay hoist the Wally trophy last week and admits that Millican’s win provides an extra boost of confidence.