Things got a bit sporty for NHRA Pro Modified racer Lyle Barnett during Friday’s qualifying session at the Menard’s NHRA Nationals in Topeka, Kansas. Barnett admitted it’s the second wreck he’s had this week. 

“I had gotten rear-ended on Tuesday back home leaving work to come here,” Barnett said. “So I don’t know if I should quit for this weekend and just count my blessings or try to shake this monkey off. But we’re going to go to Q3 in the morning; hope for the best.”

An apparently broken throttle body led to a hung throttle and forced Barnett into the right lane retaining wall after his car crossed lanes. He was able to avoid Jose Gonzalez, who was having issues of his own. Barnett was uninjured in the dust-up. 

Young gun Preston Tanner picked up his first-ever No. 1 qualifier award in WS Construction Pro Boost presented by P2 Contracting and Ty-Drive at the Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) Summit Racing Equipment Northern Nationals presented by Penske Racing Shocks at Maple Grove Raceway. Tanner drove his screw-blown “Sweetheart” ’15 Corvette to a 3.663-second pass at 204.23 MPH to top the field on Friday night. 

We've got another hilarious episode of Top Ten for you. This time our gang focuses on the all-time driver nicknames. Gain both a history lesson and a few hearty laughs as we break down the top 10 and another ten honorable mentions.

Our Peanut Gallery for this episode features drag racing television personality Brian Lohnes, past nitro champions Antron Brown and JR Todd, and the tuning duo of Nicky Bonifante and Del Worsham.

The hilarious debut episode focuses on the top ten wild rides and crashes in the era of 1970 through 1987. These videos are primarily ones where the driver walked away, but some do have non-life-threatening injuries.

Our Peanut Gallery for this episode features drag racing television personality Brian Lohnes, past nitro champions Antron Brown and JR Todd, and the tuning duo of Nicky Boninfante and Del Worsham.

Sometimes two steps back can equal three forward.

This motto is what small-tire superstar turned NHRA Pro Modified Lyle Barnett is counting on. The NHRA Pro Modified series returns to action after a seven-week break in the schedule.

Barnett has shown a propensity to be a streaky racer. Last season, Barnett closed the season with wins in two of the last three events. Unfortunately, Barnett lost in the first round in the previous two races, headed into this weekend's Menards NHRA Nationals in Topeka, Kan..

Bill Bader Sr. had a vision. Just three years earlier, he had stepped out of his comfort zone in Speedway promotion and purchased a seldom used drag strip located outside. of Cleveland, Ohio, in the small town of Norwalk. Bader knew his drag strip was less about being a racing venue and more about an entertainment complex. Thus was born the Night Under Fire in 1977, an event showcasing the thrills and excitement of the novelty acts running up and down the strip.

The 2022 Cornwell Night of Fire represented the 45th year of the event, which has since expanded to include nitro, both on four wheels and two, jet cars, a jet truck, and competitive drag racing in Pro Modified and Top Dragster.

But this season is more about the show, and more about the heart of those who serve as the ringmasters. In June, Bader passed away and this marks the first one since his passing. This video shows not only the action on the track, but those who are keeping Bader's vision alive.

This is not a perfect production. Sometimes the camera is shaky. Sometimes the lighting isn't optimal. Sometimes the content gets political. We could have had a full television production crew and still, the presentation would pale in comparison to the in-person experience. It's a lengthy view but one we believe you will enjoy watching as much as we did producing it..

This year has been one of amazing achievements for Ron Capps.

In his second reign over the Funny Car class, he debuted as a team owner, advanced to the finals in the season-opener, won two races, forged an alliance with Toyota to drive one of its brand-new Supra entries, as the so-called regular season rushes to a close, the defending series champion sits third in points.

And this weekend, the 57-year-old from Carlsbad, Calif., will reach another notable milestone. He’ll compete in his 600th race.

It’s been a while for Tony Schumacher.

And that’s just fine for the eight-time NHRA Top Fuel champion; he’s experienced a few been a while moments lately. 

Schumacher will compete in this weekend’s Menard’s NHRA Nationals at Heartland Park - Topeka for the first time since 2018. For the first time since 2020, he enters the event as the Top Fuel division’s most-recent winner. 

Schumacher believes he’s exactly where he needs to be. 

There's nothing finer than promoting the home team.

However, for Kalitta Motorsports, Topeka, Kansas, is a substantial haul to the team's base camp in Ypsilanti, Michigan. However, with ten wins credited to the team, the best option for promoting their in-house business is at Heartland Park - Topeka, a home away from home.

As the tour rolls into the Menard's NHRA Nationals, flagship driver Doug Kalitta plans to do so behind the wheel of a dragster adorned in KalittaAir.com/careers livery.

Highlighting the need for qualified aviation mechanics and technicians, the KalittaAir.com/careers Top Fuel dragster will hit the track in search of qualified applicants.

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Dragster driver Jasmine Salinas at the Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmors at Heartland Motorsports Park this week with primary sponsorship from Weld, a leading wheel manufacturer.

“We are thrilled to have WELD on the side of our Scrappers Racing Top Alcohol Dragster,” said Salinas. “They share our values of continuous improvement and dedication to the sport of drag racing at every level. Not to mention, their long-standing reputation for providing quality, high-performing products is pretty remarkable.