Reigning Funny Car champion Austin Prock claimed his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the season Saturday at the NHRA Midwest Nationals, leading the field of pro categories at World Wide Technology Raceway. He joined Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Eric Latino (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) as top seeds heading into Sunday’s eliminations.
Prock, the class points leader, continues to carry momentum from his recent playoff win. He has yet to score a victory at the St. Louis-area track, but begins eliminations with confidence.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” Prock said. “We figured out what not to do today, and we’ll be able to get after it tomorrow. I feel good. I’m excited. I never have a doubt in my mind – even when we stumble – that we can’t just can’t get right back to running low ET the next round.”
Prock will face Bobby Bode in round one. Matt Hagan qualified second and meets Alex Laughlin, while Daniel Wilkerson takes on teammate Dave Richards from the No. 3 position.
Kalitta’s 3.675, 334.82 run Friday held for best in Top Fuel, giving the 2023 champion his eighth No. 1 qualifier of the season. He earned one bonus point in the final session and enters eliminations with optimism.
“We’re in great shape,” Kalitta said. “Conditions tomorrow will probably be pretty similar to what they were today. We had a good run that last one, so we should be looking good for first round. In the end, it’s cool to get these low qualifiers and it’s just a lot of pride for the guys coming out of Saturday with the quick times.”
Kalitta will meet Will Smith in the opening round. Antron Brown qualified second and faces Cameron Ferre, while regular-season champion Tony Stewart takes on Ida Zetterström from the third spot.
Latino captured his first Pro Stock No. 1 qualifier with a 6.515, 209.75 in his GESi Chevrolet Camaro. The Canadian driver credited KB Titan Racing for the breakthrough.
“This is a big deal,” Latino said. “Racing Pro Stock with the best of the best and to come out with No. 1, it’s the team. If it wasn’t for the whole team of KB Titan Racing, I’d be qualifying 20 out of 20. It’s really tough, and if you can’t partner with a team who’s been doing this for 25 years and has a whole collection of data, you’re not going to do it.”
Latino will face Troy Coughlin Jr. in the opening round. Dallas Glenn, the points leader and defending event winner, qualified second and drew Jeg Coughlin.
Herrera, the reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, secured his seventh No. 1 of the year on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki with a 6.741, 200.41 pass. He is aiming for his third straight St. Louis win but sits fourth in points behind teammate Richard Gadson.
“My mindset is there is less room for error on my side of things and the whole program,” Herrera said. “We had a little error last weekend [a first-round loss], and it cost me a lot of points. My head is down, I’m focused, and I have to go out there and do my job. Hopefully the bike carries me the rest of the way. I love challenges, and this is definitely a challenge, and one I haven’t had yet in Pro Stock Motorcycle.”
Herrera receives a bye in the first round. Gadson qualified second and meets Lance Bonham, while teammate Brayden Davis drew Chris Bostick.
Eliminations at the NHRA Midwest Nationals begin Sunday at 11 a.m. CDT.
