Nitro tuning wizard Alan Johnson left Mike Salinas and his Scrappers Racing NHRA Top Fuel operation at the end of last season to work with Salinas’ Top Fuel competitor Doug Kalitta. 

Never mind that Johnson also left Tony Schumacher and Steve Torrence, both of whom went on to win championships, and Brittany Force, who remains a perennial title contender. But many felt sorry for Salinas, figuring his dreams of a championship were dashed. 

This Pro Stock gig is working out pretty well for Aaron Stanfield.

Stanfield, who signed to drive for Elite Motorsports for the final six races of 2019, has since proved he’s one of the best drivers in the class.

Make it two-for-two for Robert Hight.

The veteran NHRA nitro Funny Car for John Force Racing won his second race to start the 2022 season, the latest being the Arizona Nationals Sunday.

It came down to a pair of Radials vs. the World '69 Camaros vying for the Lights Out 13 title Sunday afternoon at South Georgia Motorsports Park, where Ken Quartuccio prevailed over Bryan Markiewicz for his first major Duck X Productions win.

Joining Quartuccio in the SGMP winner's circle was Pro 275 racer Mo Hall, who successfully defended his 2021 Lights Out win, as well as his 2021 Duck X Sweet 16 victory at the same track.  

Quartuccio made single runs in each of the first two elimination rounds, then overcame a holeshot by Giust in the quarterfinals. He next beat number-one qualifier Jason Lee, who lost traction off the hit in the semis to set up the final against Markiewicz.

Sunday's final results from the 37th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. The race is the second of 22 in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series: 

​Some racing observers may have thought world champion nitro Funny Car driver Matt Hagan might have an adjustment period

with his new team, Tony Stewart Racing.

Kyle Koretsky saved the best for last – at least when it came to qualifying for the Arizona Nationals.

Koretsky clocked a 6.520-second run at 210.21 mph in the third and final qualifying session to grab the No. 1 qualifying spot at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix.