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. 

The Legends Nitro Series is set to make a return to the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip for the upcoming NHRA Winternationals on March 21-24. Presented by Modern Warriors “Your Tactical Specialist,” the event will feature top-notch Nitro Funny Car racing in the West Coast opener of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

In this five-part series, CompetitionPlus.com will explore ten races that were really great at one time, and some were famous, while others were obscure. The bottom line is they were fun and epitomized the spirit of drag racing. 

We will undoubtedly miss a few, but save your judgment until the series ends. Special thanks to Bret Kepner, Dave Wallace, Steve Earwood, and others who helped ensure this series came to fruition with their knowledge of the sport and willingness to contribute. 

Kalitta Motorsports, in collaboration with long-time partner Revchem Composites, announced the continuation of their partnership for the upcoming 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. The team's three entries, piloted by NHRA champions Doug Kalitta, J.R. Todd, and Shawn Langdon, prominently display Revchem Composites branding. Todd and Langdon kicked off the season with a historic double-up victory at the Amalie Oil Gatornationals in Gainesville, marking a significant achievement for Kalitta Motorsports.

Revchem Composites, a leading supplier in the motorsports industry, is actively involved in the development of the new Toyota Gazoo Racing Supra Funny Car body alongside Toyota Motorsports. With a focus on enhancing productivity and profitability for composite fabricators, Revchem boasts an extensive product range and technical expertise.

John Force had worked himself into a bona fide tizzy. Those who know the 17-time Funny Car racing champion understand he's a master at the practice, but this time was different. Force wanted to be absolutely accurate before he spoke about his personal drag racing history. 

Force interrupted the interviewer to consult with his newly appointed minister of media, longtime journalist Jerry Bonkowski. Two minutes later, Force was armed with the facts and ready to proceed. 

What had the 74-year-old freak of drag racing nature all spun out?

The Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge returns for its sophomore year, with the first matchups set for the 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.

Holley Performance Brands (NYSE: HLLY) has unveiled its 2024 schedule of experiential marketing events, emphasizing its dedication to bolstering customer engagement across various automotive aftermarket segments. Set to commence in April, the upcoming event season will highlight Holley's commitment to its aftermarket vertical groupings, including Domestic Muscle, Late Model Truck & Off Road, Euro & Import, and Safety & Racing.

Included in this year's lineup are the return of prominent Holley events such as multiple Holley LS Fests, Holley Ford Festival, and MoParty. Additionally, Holley plans to broaden its consumer engagement initiatives by participating in over 20 third-party events, such as Overland Expo West, Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals, and the Sands Sports Super Show, aiming to connect with an estimated 500,000 enthusiasts and customers throughout the events season.

Maybe Joe C. Maynard didn’t intend for it to look too easy, but it sure came across that way. 

Maynard, the son of Top Fuel team owner Joe Maynard, made his Top Alcohol Dragster debut and ended up sweeping the NHRA Gatornationals, which became two-in-one following the suspension of the Baby Gators, the NHRA Div. 2 event scheduled the week before. 

“I remember every single run,” Maynard admitted. 

Austin Coil, the renowned crew chief celebrated for his unparalleled success in NHRA Funny Car racing, was honored alongside nine other motorsports luminaries at Tuesday night at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s Class of 2024 induction ceremony.

Coil’s illustrious career spans decades, marked by his pivotal role in guiding John Force to an unparalleled 15 NHRA Funny Car championships and over 130 national event victories, solidifying their status as the most dominant driver-crew chief duo in drag racing history. He also tuned Frank Hawley to two NHRA championships in what was considered the ultimate underdog triumph. 

Reflecting on his induction, Coil expressed gratitude and humility, emphasizing the collective effort behind his achievements.