NHRA’s television and digital media teams added another chapter to a decade-long run of industry recognition, collecting six Telly Awards for excellence in sports broadcasting and video production.
The honors included a Gold Telly Award for Chasing Speed, the documentary series that has become one of NHRA’s most successful storytelling platforms and a key component in introducing new audiences to drag racing.
The six awards push NHRA’s total Telly Award count beyond 50 over the last decade. That milestone reflects a sustained commitment to producing content that extends beyond race-day broadcasts and into documentary, digital and social media storytelling.
This year’s haul included one Gold Telly and five Bronze Telly Awards across multiple categories.
At the center of the recognition was Episode 106 of Chasing Speed, which followed motorsports icon and Top Fuel racer Tony Stewart alongside his wife, fellow Top Fuel competitor Leah Pruett. The episode earned Gold in the General Sports category and also secured a Bronze Telly in the General Documentary: Long Form division.
The documentary series premiered this season on Vice and has focused on some of drag racing’s most recognizable personalities while also spotlighting the next generation of NHRA competitors.
The awards underscore how the sport’s media strategy has evolved in recent years. While race broadcasts remain the foundation, documentary storytelling and behind-the-scenes access have become increasingly important tools in connecting with both dedicated fans and newcomers.
NHRA Vice President of Broadcasting Steve Reintjes credited the production teams responsible for creating content across multiple platforms.
“Earning six Telly Awards, including a Gold Telly for Chasing Speed, is an incredible achievement for our teams,” Reintjes said. “Their commitment to delivering compelling content and innovative storytelling continues to elevate how fans experience NHRA across every platform. We’re honored to receive this recognition and proud of the work our teams produce throughout the year.”
Beyond Chasing Speed, NHRA’s coverage of several marquee events also earned industry recognition.
Bronze Telly Awards were awarded for broadcasts of the U.S. Nationals and the Texas FallNationals, two cornerstone events on the NHRA schedule. A promotional video supporting the Chasing Speed series also received Bronze honors.
The social media department broke new ground as well.
For the first time, NHRA earned a Telly Award for its NHRA Driven video series, which gives fans a closer look at competitors away from the starting line and winner’s circle. The award-winning installment featured two-time Top Fuel world champion Brittany Force and offered viewers an inside look at her life during a race weekend.
The recognition reflects the growing inclusion of digital content in modern motorsports. Fans are viewing racing through social media clips, short-form video and documentary features alongside traditional television coverage more than ever.
Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards recognize the best in television and video production across a wide range of platforms. The competition attracts entries from all 50 states and five continents, honoring work from leading broadcasters, production companies, publishers and advertising agencies.
For NHRA, the latest awards represent more than a collection of trophies. They signal that the sanctioning body’s efforts to tell drag racing’s stories through multiple formats continue to resonate both inside and outside the motorsports industry.
“Earning six Telly Awards, including a Gold Telly for Chasing Speed, is an incredible achievement for our teams,” Reintjes said. “Their commitment to delivering compelling content and innovative storytelling continues to elevate how fans experience NHRA across every platform. We’re honored to receive this recognition and proud of the work our teams produce throughout the year.”
