Mitch Kalitta has spent most of his life watching the Kalitta name go down the drag strip. This weekend at Brainerd International Raceway, he gets another chance to put his own name on the scoreboard.
Kalitta, the son of NHRA Top Fuel veteran and two-time champion Doug Kalitta, will make his Top Alcohol Dragster debut with Randy Meyer Racing at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. His dragster will carry Kalitta Air Careers branding, connecting two businesses that have defined the Kalitta family for decades: airplanes and race cars.
For the younger Kalitta, Brainerd is familiar territory. It is the same track where his father made his 600th NHRA national event start in 2024, becoming the first Top Fuel driver to reach that milestone.
“I’ve been around these cars for forever and I’m ready,” Kalitta said. “Brainerd has always been a special race for me. It’s one we grew up going to as a family, so getting back in the seat there and representing the Kalitta Air family is something I’m really excited about.”
Kalitta isn’t jumping into Top Alcohol Dragster without time behind the wheel. He began his driving career in Super Comp before making the move to Randy Meyer Racing, one of the most established Top Alcohol operations in the sport.
The partnership also gives Kalitta Air an NHRA platform to promote career opportunities for pilots and mechanics. The Michigan-based global air cargo company operates Boeing 747 and 777 freighters and maintains its own maintenance, repair and overhaul operation in Oscoda, Michigan.
“We’re excited to have Kalitta Air Careers represented on Mitch’s dragster as he begins this next chapter of his racing career,” Meyer said. “The Kalitta name has been a major part of our sport for generations, and this partnership is a great way to connect their racing legacy with the opportunities available through Kalitta Air. We’re proud to help tell that story.”
There is more to the connection than a sponsor decal on the side of the dragster. Mitch Kalitta has earned his pilot’s license and has become involved in operations at the airport, putting him in the unusual position of having firsthand experience in both parts of the family business.
“It’s an honor to run the Kalitta Air colors, especially as I’ve had the opportunity to become more involved in the day-to-day operations here at the airport,” Kalitta said. “It’s also been a privilege to follow in my family’s footsteps and learn how to fly along the way. Being able to combine that family history with racing and the support of everyone across the Kalitta companies makes this a perfect fit.”
The Kalitta name hardly needs an introduction in drag racing. Connie Kalitta built its foundation more than six decades ago, and Doug Kalitta carried it through another generation while building one of the longest and most successful careers in Top Fuel history.
Now Mitch gets his turn, although his first steps will come in a Top Alcohol Dragster rather than the 11,000-horsepower machines that made the family name famous.
“I can already feel the support from Connie, my dad, and so many others throughout the company,” Kalitta said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to make some noise at Brainerd!”
