Pro Stock driver Eric Latino owns GESi, a leading producer of catalytic converters for OEM, aftermarket, and performance applications. 

Latino, now a co-owner of the KB Titan brand, has managed to marry his business into drag racing. He has been in the emissions industry for now 25 years. 

The former Pro Modified driver, who is now trying his hand at NHRA Pro Stock, is working on making drag racing engines more environmentally friendly since he sees a day coming when leaded fuels wind down in drag racing. 

The more things change in the sport of drag racing, the more they have remained the same for star Top Fuel driver Justin Ashley.

Ashley has been a legitimate contender for an NHRA Top Fuel championship, and that’s his goal in 2024 as he returns to the same team with all pieces intact.

Northern California mechanical contractor, Lescure Mechanical Services, will continue their longstanding partnership with Jim Dunn Racing during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. As the primary sponsor for the entire season, Lescure Mechanical Services will back the team led by Hall of Fame team owner Jim Dunn and new driver Buddy Hull in NHRA competition.

Team manager Jon Dunn is excited about the team's direction heading into the 2024 season. 

"We have represented Lescure Mechanical Services for many years, but we are thrilled to have them on board for the full 2024 season,"  We have a new driver with Buddy Hull, and the excitement level has never been higher for this team. Dunn said. "We have several specialty Funny Car designs coming out this season as well, but we really want to keep Lescure Mechanical Services front and center."

Check out the latest episode of the CompetitionPlus Power Hour presented by Weldon Pumps. Richard Freeman drops by the show to discuss the recently completed PRO Superstar Shootout, Pro Stock and the state of drag racing. It's a very enlightening conversation with the team owner credited with the revitalization of Pro Stock in NHRA. The POWER HOUR is hosted by the Monday Morning Racer Lee Craft

This is certainly unchartered territory for Dave Richards.

After racing part-time for 10 years, Dave Richards and Paul Richards Racing will be running the full 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season for the first time in the Versatran/BlueBird nitro Funny Car.

His first stop with a full-time operation is competing at the inaugural $1.3 million PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton (Fla.) Motorsports Park, which began Thursday and concludes Saturday night.

It’s not like they don’t have history together. 

Turn the clocks back to 2013, and that was when the former sportsman standout turned Top Fuel champion Shawn Langdon won a championship back in 2013 while on the Alan Johnson-led Al Anabi team with Brian Husen.

The two will be reunited in 2024, and if the early results of testing are a harbinger of things to come, the Kalitta Motorsports fielded team stands poised for a good season. 

“The car’s been a dream to drive,” Langdon said. “Brian and the boys, they’ve put in a lot of hours in the offseason, changing a lot of things. And fortunately, the results are showing. The car’s been on a string for the last couple of days. I mean, we have not made a bad run. They came out swinging. We’ve been laying down some really good laps, big speeds, low ETs, parts been looking great. Everything’s kind of getting in sync, and it’s good. 

With Leah Pruett, there are really two ways to look at the testing in Bradenton, Fla., culminating in the PRO Superstar Shootout. It's either bitter or sweet, but no bittersweet. 

Pruett is driving her Top Fuel dragster for the last time this season before taking a hiatus to start a family with her husband and substitute driver, Tony Stewart.

"Right now, it's really just sweet," Pruett said. "I think that's because I've thought about it for a long time, and we've properly prepared for the transition, and I've had time to evaluate my motions through it."

If John Medlen has heard the scenario once, he's heard it a million times. It's like the Karate Kid meets nitromethane tuning, and for the record, Medlen has zero problem being the sensei to a young tuner that he expects to be one of the leading tuners of the future. 

Jonnie Lindberg was named as the crew chief for Paul Lee Racing at the end of 2023 and would be mentored by the championship-winning Medlen. Tuesday was his first day on the job, out in the field during testing at Bradenton Motorsports Park. 

"I think Jonnie's going to be one of the stars of the show," Medlen proclaimed. "I really believe that."

When Clay Millican sets his mind to deliver a promise, the likable drag racer from Drummonds, Tenn., until he reaches the objective. Friday night, the Parts Plus Top Fuel dragster driver could finally say, "Mission accomplished."

Millican, who once showed up to Bradenton Motorsports Park back in 1998 without an engine in his Modified Eliminator dragster or enclosed trailer yet still won the race, walked away from qualifying at the $250-to-win PRO Superstar Shootout. This time, he had plenty of engines in the trailer.

Personal success was never his plan.