The Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals returns to Route 66 Raceway from May 15-18, celebrating its 25th year with a lineup of racing events. The weekend features the PEAK Street Car Shootout and the special “Drag and Drive” eight-car exhibition for fans.
The PEAK Street Car Shootout, presented by Sick the Magazine, includes top drivers like Alex Taylor, Tom Bailey, and Bryant Goldstone. Qualifying kicks off Friday, with eliminations concluding Sunday.
Taylor and Bailey will appear on the Nitro Alley Stage at 3:40 p.m. Friday, followed by a meet and greet at 3 p.m. Saturday. The semifinals and finals of the shootout are set for Sunday, showcasing high-performance street cars and standout performances.
Taylor, who co-hosts the MotorTrend show “Hot Rod Garage,” became the youngest competitor at Hot Rod Drag Week at age 16 in 2013. Bailey’s “Sick Seconds 2.0,” a 4,000-horsepower ’69 Camaro, holds the title of the world’s quickest street car.
The NHRA’s 25th anniversary at Route 66 Raceway promises several exciting moments, including four rounds of qualifying in Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. The weekend also features the ##2Fast2Tasty Challenge and elimination rounds.
Last year, Antron Brown won in Top Fuel, Matt Hagan in Funny Car, and Gaige Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle. The broadcast of this year’s event will air on FS1, with final elimination coverage on Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. ET.
Brown aims for his fourth win at Chicago this year, currently ranking third in points. Other drivers to watch include former champions Doug Kalitta and Brittany Force, while Tony Stewart follows closely after his first career Top Fuel win.
Matt Hagan, a four-time Funny Car world champion, won three races last year, including one against John Force. Austin Prock, the points leader and reigning world champion, is also a featured driver this weekend.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Matt Smith leads the points following a victory in Charlotte. Last year’s champion, Gaige Herrera, seeks to defend his title, facing competition from riders like Chase Van Sant and Jianna Evaristo.
The event also includes races in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, and the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown.
