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. 

Kaeser Compressors, a leading provider of compressed air systems, has secured the title sponsorship for the upcoming Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series event, the Mid-Atlantic Showdown, set to take place at Virginia Motorsports Park from April 18 to 20. Additionally, the company has been designated as the Official Air Compressor of the PDRA.

According to PDRA’s marketing director, Will Smith, Kaeser Compressors’ decision to step in as a title sponsor reflects their longstanding connection to drag racing. 

The Laris Motorsports Insurance Cajun NHRA SPORTSnationals, slated for this weekend at No Problem Raceway, has been rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions. The decision, announced today by the NHRA, comes amidst concerns regarding the current and forecasted weather conditions, prompting a shift to May 3-5 to ensure optimal racing conditions.

No Problem Raceway Owner Nelson Hoyos expressed regret over the weather-related setback but emphasized the commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for participants. 

“The Cajun SPORTSnationals and No Problem Raceway are committed to giving our racers the best possible experience, both on and off the track,” Hoyos said. “Unfortunately, Mother Nature isn’t cooperating this weekend, but we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Bayou on May 3-5 for a one-of-kind event.”

Six-time NHRA Pro Stock driver Erica Enders remembers the struggle, and it was real. It's why motorsports' winningest female driver has a soft spot in her heart for the up-and-coming drivers in the class who do all the right things but come up short at the finish line or the timing system. 

This tendency was on full display in qualifying when she went to the top of the qualifying ladder on Friday and even more so on Sunday when she clinched her first career victory at the NHRA Gatornationals, one of two races she had failed to win in her storied career. 

There likely has never been a more reluctant No. 1 or winner than Enders in Gainesville. Even though she needed this one to get the gator-sized monkey off her back, she wouldn't have been the least disappointed in finishing runner-up to Cristian Cuadra. 

Krista Baldwin has been involved in nitro drag racing her entire life. One of the biggest lessons she learned is the value of having a proven race car that becomes one with the driver. 

Baldwin has confirmed she will return to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series for at least four races, starting at the upcoming NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, CA. She will also do so with a new to her, and proven Top Fuel dragster previously campaigned by Pat Dakin. 

The third-generation drag racer was clearly born with the nitro drag racing gene.

Competition Plus’ Water-Cooler Topics From The NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla.

Point standings (top 10) following the 55th annual NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, the first of 21 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series