Tag: John Force

Capps bests Prock to win PRO Superstar Shootout

Ron Capps spoiled Austin Prock’s otherwise perfect week Saturday, beating the reigning NHRA Funny Car champion in the final round of the second annual PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Capps’ run of 3.870s and 330.47mph with his …

Ron Capps spoiled Austin Prock’s otherwise perfect week Saturday, beating the reigning NHRA Funny Car champion in the final round of the second annual PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Capps’ run of 3.870s and 330.47mph with his Ron Capps Motorsports entry edged Prock’s 4.003s/316.60mph.

“This event is special. It’s the second year we’ve done anything like this, but you have an all-star cast,” said Capps. “Back in the day, as a kid, you know, I read about the Orange County races and all the stuff, where everybody showed up. This SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout is what it’s all about. A lot of our sponsors are big supporters of this event, so thank you, SCAG, for putting all that money up. We’re gonna love it, but our NAPA guys, (crew chief) Guido. I cannot say enough about how hard he’s worked, and this is the fruit of our team’s labor.”

In Top Fuel, Shawn Reed’s 3.699s/330.39mph run was enough to beat
Josh Hart (3,724s/321.27mph), while Troy Coughlin Jr. won in Pro Stock, defeating Cory Reed.

In the Top Fuel final Reed was facing Floridian and multi-time Top Fuel national event winner Hart, who had posted the two quickest elapsed times in the first and second round of race day. Both dragsters jumped off the starting line together and it was Reed getting to the finish line first with a strong 3.699 second run at 330.39 mph just in front of Hart’s equally impressive 3.724 second run at 321.27 mph. Reed’s pass was the quickest of the day in Top Fuel as cooler temperatures created optimal racing conditions.

“This is flat out incredible right now,” said an exuberant Reed at the top end. “It’s impossible to think ahead because you haven’t done anything. I have to thank Red Line Oil, Matco Tools, All American Automotive. Thanks to all the fans. Man, it’s been great with all these people out here. I’m more than blessed right now, and I’m probably happy as I’ve been in a long, long time.”

While John Force Racing didn’t end up getting the FC win with Prock — who had posted a record 3.791s run in qualifying — it scored another big morale booster from the presence of the team’s founder and CEO. 16-time series champion John Force was a welcome presence in the JFR compound at Bradenton even though he still is receiving treatment for the traumatic brain injury he suffered in a crash last June at Richmond.

“My wife, Laurie, told me I needed to get back in the game,” said the 157-time NHRA winner. “And being here in Bradenton was just good for my heart. Watching everybody work, watching the cars and the teams and seeing old friends like Capps, it was just special.

“We didn’t win, but I was excited just to be where I need to be,” he said. “Running my teams and supporting Cornwell, PEAK, Monster, HendrickCars.com and all our other partners. I can’t wait to get to Gainesville. To tell you the truth, this is the first time since Richmond I really felt alive again.”

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series gets underway at Gainesville March 7-9.

Beckman ‘out to make John proud’ as he steps in for Force

After nearly four years away, Jack Beckman is returning to Funny Car racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series starting with this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. Beckman was named the fill-in driver …

After nearly four years away, Jack Beckman is returning to Funny Car racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series starting with this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

Beckman was named the fill-in driver for 16-time Funny Car champion John Force following Force’s crash at Virginia Motorsports Park in late June. Beckman will drive the PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS for the final eight races of the 2024 campaign, earning points — and a possible 17th championship — for Force.

The magnitude of the moment isn’t lost on Beckman, a former world champion and 33-time event winner, who is thrilled to get behind the wheel for the first time since 2000 at this weekend’s event in Brainerd.

“Brainerd will mark a literal ‘second chance’ in many ways,” Beckman said. “I am thrilled to be a part of the return of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS back to NHRA competition. It has been nearly four years since I made a run that earned championship points, and more than 16 years since driving a Funny Car while also working a full-time job.”

Last season, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) powered to the winner’s circle at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. This year, the event will again be broadcast on FS1 and FOX, including eliminations action on FOX on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3pm ET. It is the 14th of 20 races during the 2024 season, but the first of the year for Beckman, who will start his year sixth in points.

Before the crash, Force had enjoyed a banner year, winning twice and advancing to three final rounds. That gives Beckman confidence knowing the car had been running well, but there’s also a big adjustment from not being in a car for several seasons.

Beckman tested in the car last weekend, which he said was helpful, and he hopes to use that momentum this weekend in Brainerd.

“We learned a couple things about the car. Remember, John and I don’t weigh the same (and) our driving styles are a little bit different,” Beckman said. “The crew and I are going to have to meld our styles together to where everything is predictable again for them (like) it was when John was driving.

“The biggest thing is now I know how to go home and visualize exactly what this car looks like, feels like, sounds like and responds like. I’ll be better when we get to Brainerd.”

Beckman’s first race back is certainly a riveting story as well, with the fan-favorite returning for the legendary Force to try and help the iconic driver win another world championship. It’s an inspirational and heart-warming story, and Beckman is eager to make the most of it.

He’ll face off against a loaded Funny Car class that also includes John Force Racing teammate and points leader Austin Prock, as well as reigning world champ Matt Hagan, defending event winner Capps, J.R. Todd, rookie Daniel Wilkerson, Cruz Pedregon and Alexis DeJoria. It’s a tough challenge, but Beckman has embraced the moment.

“I, along with thousands of fans in Minnesota, will have John in our hearts this weekend,” Beckman said. “His team and I will do everything we can to make PEAK, our partners, the fans, and John proud.”

John Force out of intensive care as he continues recovery from traumatic brain injury

Less than two weeks after drag racing legend John Force suffered what has now been revealed to be a traumatic brain injury (TBI), among other injuries that included a fractured sternum and a right wrist injury, in a fiery crash following an engine …

Less than two weeks after drag racing legend John Force suffered what has now been revealed to be a traumatic brain injury (TBI), among other injuries that included a fractured sternum and a right wrist injury, in a fiery crash following an engine explosion that sent his Funny Car into a concrete guard wall at over 300 mph, doctors acknowledged his positive response to treatment. The 75-year-old Force was moved out of neuro-intensive care and into acute neuro care at the hospital where he was transported by air ambulance on June 23.

The latest upgrade was welcomed by Force family members who have maintained a presence at the hospital since the 16-time NHRA champion’s arrival, but medical professionals emphasized once again that the journey ahead will be a long and difficult one.

Although Force is still dealing with cognitive and behavioral symptoms from his TBI, his John Force Racing team stressed in its latest update today that the fact he can converse with medical staff, family members and team president Robert Hight, who flew in this week, is an encouraging sign. However, there have also been periods of confusion, which doctors say require time and patience to treat.

Also noteworthy is the fact that Force has regained his equilibrium to the point that he has been able to start walking with the assistance of medical staff members.

According to family, the next step for the man whose career has spanned six decades likely will be a move to a long-term facility specializing in TBI and associated symptoms. A time frame for that move has not yet been determined.

Force beginning to show improvement in Virginia neuro ICU

John Force is beginning to show daily improvement and respond to commands as he continues to recover from a crash that hospitalized him last weekend in Virginia. John Force Racing released a new update Sunday morning in which they confirmed he had …

John Force is beginning to show daily improvement and respond to commands as he continues to recover from a crash that hospitalized him last weekend in Virginia.

John Force Racing released a new update Sunday morning in which they confirmed he had been heavily sedated from his injuries. Force was moved from the trauma intensive care unit to neuro intensive care unit Wednesday, and doctors continue to treat a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Force “failed to follow the series of commands to open his eyes, squeeze the hands of his care providers and move his extremities” in the days after the crash during which he received early treatment. He was able to “respond with slight movements” but the biggest improvements have come since being moved to the neuro intensive care unit.

“He became more consistent responding to commands and finally opened his eyes on day five,” the update read. “Following days of failed attempts, his wife and daughters were overcome with emotions when he murmured his name, ‘John Force,’ and later when promoted, gave a thumbs up.

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“The biggest challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress. He has repeatedly tried to get out of bed and has been restrained; his doctors have humorously described him as a raging bull. However, he recognized his daughters, wife, Laurie, and called them each by name. And spoke the words, ‘I love you.’ This, along with continued daily progress has uplifted their spirits.”

Force’s family remain with him at the hospital. Brittany Force is not competing this weekend at Norwalk.

The 75-year-old legend was injured in the first round of eliminations at Virginia. After crossing the finish line at 302mph, Force’s engine blew and his car crossed to the left lane and hit the wall. The car then came back across the track, nearly flipped on its right side, before coming back down on its wheels and hitting the wall in the right lane.

The 16-time world champion was alert and responding to the NHRA safety safari after exiting his car. Force was transported to a local hospital where he continues to receive treatment and recover.

“Despite the welcomed progress, the 157-time tour winner still faces a long and difficult recovery ahead and, for the immediate future, will remain in neuro intensive care,” the update continued. “John’s family members extend their deepest gratitude to the medical professionals responsible for his well-being and recovery. They deeply appreciate the overwhelming number of heartfelt messages, prayers, support, and concern from the entire automotive and racing industries.”

The full update can be found on the John Force Racing website.

John Force improving, remains hospitalized after Virginia crash

Four days after his fiery crash at more than 300mph in his Chevy Camaro Funny Car during the first round of eliminations for the Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park, drag racing legend John Force has moved from the trauma intensive care …

Four days after his fiery crash at more than 300mph in his Chevy Camaro Funny Car during the first round of eliminations for the Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park, drag racing legend John Force has moved from the trauma intensive care unit to the neuro intensive care unit. There, the medical team will focus on his head injury which is their primary concern, according to a statement released by his John Force Racing team.

Force had defeated Terry Haddock but the engine blew spectacularly in his Funny Car as he crossed the finish line. The car then crossed the centerline, striking both guard walls before coming to a stop. Force was reported to have been awake and alert when he was examined on-site by the NHRA medical team before being transferred to a nearby hospital. The Force family has maintained a daily presence at the hospital all week, where details of the 75-year-old 16-time champion’s injuries remained undisclosed as doctors worked to evaluate his condition.

With the support of her family, team, and sponsors, daughter Brittany Force is not planning to compete this week at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, where she would have driven the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster. Instead, she will remain at the hospital with her family in solidarity for her father. Austin Prock will compete this weekend for John Force Racing, where his AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS team will carry the torch for the entire organization and sponsors this weekend.

“The Force family is grateful for the team of medical professionals who are caring for John, and for the overwhelming number of heartfelt messages of prayer, support, and concern,” the team statement concluded. “Thank you for continuing to respect the privacy of the family and John Force Racing team members.”

John Force hospitalized following engine explosion in Virginia eliminations

NHRA legend John Force was involved in a serious incident at the conclusion of his first round of eliminations for the Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park. Force had defeated Terry Haddock but the engine blew spectacularly in his Funny …

NHRA legend John Force was involved in a serious incident at the conclusion of his first round of eliminations for the Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park. Force had defeated Terry Haddock but the engine blew spectacularly in his Funny Car as he crossed the finish line. The car then crossed the centerline, striking both guard walls before coming to a stop.

According to a statement from the NHRA, the 75-year-old 16-time champion was alert and examined on-site by the NHRA medical team before being transferred to a local medical facility for further evaluation.

Force isn’t retiring, but preparing for Prock to be JFR’s future

John Force sent the drag racing world into a tizzy this week after publicly acknowledging that he’s putting together a succession plan at John Force Racing. The comments came during one of the more emotional interviews Force has given in recent …

John Force sent the drag racing world into a tizzy this week after publicly acknowledging that he’s putting together a succession plan at John Force Racing.

The comments came during one of the more emotional interviews Force has given in recent years after winning the New England Nationals at Epping. Force beat teammate Austin Prock in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Funny Car final. It was his 157th career win.

Force ended his television winner’s interview by saying that Prock would replace him. He then handed the Wally to Prock, walked toward his tow vehicle and took his hat off. A few minutes later, in an interview at the starting line, Force told the crowd his time was “pretty much up,” and he’s begun the process of what will come next.

“I’m 100 years old; I’ve got to leave here sometime,” Force clarified at Bristol Dragway. “All I was saying is, ‘Here’s the future of John Force Racing. This kid right here.’”

Force’s bluntness and the undeniable reality that he is moving closer to the end of his career resulted in fans calling to inquire whether he would be in Bristol for the Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals. Friday, Force was not only suited up and ready for another race weekend but sat alongside Prock for a media session where the 16-time champion continued to sing the young driver’s praises.

Prock may be a rookie in Funny Car, but he’s already been on quite a tear. Jerry Foss/NHRA

Prock had been one of the Force dragster drivers but moved into the Funny Car class this season when Robert Hight needed to step away for health reasons. He’s made the transition look easy with four final-round appearances, one victory and five No. 1 qualifiers. After seven races, Prock is atop the championship point standings.

“The fans [can] really react funny, and a driver maybe takes my seat and makes some of them mad,” Force said. “So I’m just telling them early, ‘Don’t waste your time; he’s coming.’ Because we want to keep winning, and he’s the guy that will be able to do that for me.”

In typical Force fashion, the humor then took over. Force turned to Prock and said, “If I quit in the next 25 years, [or the] next 25 days.”

The patriarch of the family team then realized he was going to start another round of speculation. He quickly caught himself and cracked, “Nope, [I] did it again!”

With Prock certainly staying with JFR into the future, it just remains to be seen whether that will be in the Cornwell Tools Funny Car or a second Top Fuel dragster again. NHRA

Brittany Force drives the only Top Fuel dragster out of the John Force Racing stable. Prock’s dragster was sidelined when the team’s sponsor, Flav-R-Pack, had internal changes, and he was needed for Hight’s car. Part of what Force is working on for the future is bringing back the second dragster — he revealed one conversation has been with Jordan Vandergriff.

Hight also plans to return to his seat when capable. Prock, however, would not be the odd guy out, and that’s what Force wanted to make clear when looking toward the next chapter, whenever that might be, since Force knows it’s coming but isn’t quite ready to put it into motion.

“I’m not going anywhere; I love it,” Force said. “I was very emotional getting around this kid [last weekend] because he’s so good on the tree. … In the end, I got the win; it was a good weekend [with] luck being a big part of it. It was just an emotional moment.

“I’m not telling people what I’m doing, but I got a plan. I don’t have it figured out yet because the real truth [is] I’m nobody without the sponsors. I’ve got some money but not enough to pay the bills on these hotrods, and I need to get that organized.”

J. Force, Kalitta and Coughlin Jr. claim New England Nationals wins

John Force finished off an impressive double-up weekend in front of another sellout crowd on Sunday at New England Dragway, as the 16-time Funny Car world champion outran teammate Austin Prock in the final round of the 11th annual NHRA New England …

John Force finished off an impressive double-up weekend in front of another sellout crowd on Sunday at New England Dragway, as the 16-time Funny Car world champion outran teammate Austin Prock in the final round of the 11th annual NHRA New England Nationals. Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel) and Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) also took wins at the seventh round of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. It was the second straight sellout for the NHRA this weekend.

In an all-John Force Racing Funny Car final round, Force went 4.081s at 319.29 mph in his PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS in the finals to slip past Prock’s 4.096 at 316.38. It gave the legendary driver his second victory of the season, third at New England Dragway and 157th in his career.

He reached the finals by defeating Buddy Hull, Blake Alexander and J.R. Todd, holding off Prock in a thrilling side-by-side duel. Force also won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, with Sunday’s double-up victory pushing him to second in points in what has truly been a remarkable season for the longtime star.

“I love the crowds. For three days they packed them in. I came here 40-something years ago and this place is special,” Force said. “We had a good race car and what keeps me alive is driving this hotrod and all these fans.

“I’m down right now because don’t like beating my teammate in the final. He is the future. I love that kid. He’s going to be here for a long time and Robert [Hight] will be coming back. I’m not being dramatic, but my time is up. It was up when I was 65. Hell, it was up when I turned 50. The world is changing for me and I’ve got to do some real thinking. I’m not quitting today. I’m going to Bristol, but I just know I’m not what I used to be.”

Prock, who jumped back into the points lead in the category and was also the No. 1 qualifier, went to the championship round for the fourth time in 2024 and 12th time overall with wins over Mike Smith, Chad Green and Daniel Wilkerson.

In Top Fuel, Doug Kalitta enjoyed his own special moment on Sunday at New England Dragway, defeating Tony Schumacher in the final round with a pass of 3.802 at 332.92 in his MAC Tools/Toyota dragster. The victory clinched an impressive mark for the reigning world champ, as Kalitta now has a win at every track on the NHRA circuit. It’s another remarkable achievement for the veteran, who has been riding high since clinching his first world title last year.

On Sunday, Kalitta, who also qualified No. 1 and ran well all weekend, defeated Scott Farley, Tony Stewart and Kalitta Motorsports teammate Shawn Langdon to reach the finals. He powered past Schumacher in the championship round, earning his second win of the season — and vaulting to second in points — and the 54th in his career.

“Coming in here, my goal was to try and get the win. This is the last place haven’t won. I didn’t want to put a lot of attention on it, but it’s hard not to,” Kalitta said. “This was incredible. We’ve been digging hard and I was just trying not to screw it up.”

“Then on Saturday, we got set up for our tribute to Scott [Kalitta]. It’s great to have an opportunity to have a good meal with a lot of the teams and I know it means a lot to Connie. He loves this sport. It was a good time to be able to pull off this win. It was super special.”

Schumacher advanced to his second final round of the season and the 159th of his career after defeating Brittany Force, Josh Hart and Clay Millican. Justin Ashley stayed in the points lead, though Kalitta closed the gap to just 26 points on Sunday.

Troy Coughlin Jr. turned in a stellar day on Sunday in Pro Stock, capping things off with a holeshot victory over reigning world champion and Elite Motorsports teammate Erica Enders in the final round. Coughlin went 6.584 at 210.05 in his JEGS.com/White Castle Pro Stock car, holding off Enders’ hard-charging 6.563 at 210.54 on the strength of an impressive .013 reaction time. It is Coughlin’s first win of the 2024 season – and first at New England Dragway – and also the fifth Pro Stock victory in his career.

After qualifying second, Coughlin reached the final round for the first time this season by defeating Brandon Miller, Aaron Stanfield and points leader Dallas Glenn. That set up a marquee final round, but Coughlin’s strong reaction time was just enough to ward off the six-time champion.

“It was definitely a wonderful day,” Coughlin said. “Erica is fast. She hits the tree well and it’s an honor just to race her. When I practice every week on a simulator, you’re asking nothing more of yourself than you do each week on the track. You’re just racing yourself and you need to be that way when you’re running a champ like Erica.

“In the final I just tried to crush it and make my best lap. I got there by four thousandths of a second and here we are.”

Enders, who was the No. 1 qualifier, reached her 81st career final round thanks to wins against Fernando Cuadra Jr., Deric Kramer and Jerry Tucker, coming up just short in the bid for her 50th career national event win.

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to action June 7-9 with the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tenn.

Kalitta takes second No. 1 at Charlotte 4-Wide

Defending Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta enjoyed his second straight No. 1 qualifier, cementing the top spot on Saturday at zMAX Dragway at the 14th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte. John Force (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) …

Defending Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta enjoyed his second straight No. 1 qualifier, cementing the top spot on Saturday at zMAX Dragway at the 14th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte. John Force (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also qualified No. 1 for the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event.

Kalitta’s run of 3.691s at 337.92mph from Friday in his Mac Tools dragster held up through two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, handing the reigning world champion his second straight No. 1 spot and the 55th in his career. The result of taking the top position worked well in Las Vegas for Kalitta, as he claimed his first career four-wide win and he’ll look to replicate that on Sunday in Charlotte, also finishing qualifying with a strong 3.710s at 332.18mph.

“We kind of struggled a little bit today. We put this other blower on and just had a little bit too much power in that first run and smoked the tires, and then that last run, we got right to the finish line and kind of took care of that blower, unfortunately,” Kalitta said. “So we’re going to have to start from scratch again. But now that we’ve got our setup that we’ve been running, we’re going to be in good shape for tomorrow.”

Antron Brown clinched the second spot thanks to his 3.698s at 332.18mph, while points leader Justin Ashley’s 3.701s at 334.32mph, which happened during his winning run in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, sent him to the third spot.

In Funny Car, John Force stayed in the top spot thanks to Friday’s track E.T. record of 3.820s at 330.96mph in his PEAK Performance Chevrolet Camaro SS. It gives the legendary 16-time world champion his first No. 1 qualifier of the season and the 167th in his iconic career, putting him in a strong position for eliminations on Sunday. Force is aiming for his second win this season, closing out qualifying with a solid pass as well.

“I’ve got a real good Camaro and I’m learning how to drive it,” Force said. “It was a good day for my good chiefs. We tried to run it hard earlier [in the third qualifying session] and had a problem then came back and got cloud cover and ran [3.85s]. Now we’ve got to race tomorrow, and that’s a whole new baby. So we’ll see what happens but I’m having fun with my teams and my sponsors.”

Bob Tasca, who won the 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas two weeks ago, took second with a 3.834s at 338.34mph, setting the track speed record and also claiming the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win. Points leader Austin Prock is third with a 3.852s at 333.58mph.

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Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson finished as the No. 1 qualifier on the strength of Friday’s run of 6.500s at 210.90mph in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro, but Saturday certainly featured plenty of other headlines. His qualifying run in the third session – as part of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge – was disqualified due to a technical violation after bypassing a safety device. It eliminated that pass and took Anderson out of the specialty event, as his replacement, Erica Enders, went on to win the Challenge.

But Anderson still has momentum as the No. 1 qualifier at the home track for KB Titan Racing. He’s after his second victory this season after picking up his first top spot of 2024 and the remarkable 125th in his standout career.

“I’m not sure where to start but yesterday in Q2 we had an issue with our ECU [Electronic Control Unit] where the engine wasn’t getting a spark,” Anderson said. “We had a mad thrash in the pits and in the process, one of my guys disconnected a wire that goes to the system that deploys the parachutes in the event of low air pressure. In the process, he forgot to plug that wire back in so our win in the (Mission) #2Fast2Tasty Challenge was disallowed.

“I beat Jeg and Erica and David Cuadra, and then the bottom fell out. It was a simple mistake, but we lost the run and lost the win. Otherwise, the car ran great. It was just a crazy day but it’s over now and I’m ready for race day. Tomorrow, we’re going to make damn sure all the wires are where they should be. I’ve got a really good race car and we’re going to give it all we’ve got.”

Cristian Cuadra qualified second with a 6.507s at 210.18mph and Aaron Stanfield took third thanks to a 6.508s at 209.92mph.

Gaige Herrera’s qualifying dominance in Pro Stock Motorcycle continued on Saturday in Charlotte, but it took until the final session when the defending world champ put together a track-record run of 6.671s at 202.70mph on his RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. It’s the quickest run in zMAX Dragway history and also hands Herrera his 11th straight No. 1 qualifier dating back to last season. It’s already the 16th career top spot for the young phenom, who will look to stay perfect this season on Sunday.

“Yesterday, we had a malfunction on the first run that set us back, and then we ran 6.68s on the second and that was a good run,” Herrera said. “Today, I ran a 6.70s and then that 6.67s and that’s just our team learning how to fine-tune the new fuel. There was not much left on my bike. It went straight and required very little correction. Tomorrow will be a lot of fun.”

Matt Smith’s 6.685s at 201.61mph from Friday qualified him in the second spot, while LE Tonglet is third after his 6.703s at 200.77mph from Friday as well.

Eliminations for the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte.

J. Force, Kalitta, Anderson, Smith lead Charlotte NHRA qualifiers

Funny Car legend John Force set a new zMAX Dragway track record on Friday, powering to the provisional No. 1 spot at the 14th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte. Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock …

Funny Car legend John Force set a new zMAX Dragway track record on Friday, powering to the provisional No. 1 spot at the 14th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte. Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event.

In the final Funny Car quad of the night, Force went an impressive 3.820-seconds at 330.96 mph in his PEAK Performance Chevrolet Camaro SS, setting a track record previously set by teammate Robert Hight last September. If that holds, Force, who won the Winternationals earlier this year in Phoenix, would pick up his 167th career No. 1 qualifier and first in 2024. It’s been a strong season thus far for Force, who looks to pick up his fifth career victory at zMAX Dragway this weekend after making the 10th-quickest run in Funny Car history on Friday.

“It ran .89 the run before and they said they were going to lean on it because conditions were getting better,” Force said. “They leaned on it and ‘Hang on,’ and it ran quicker than they thought. It moved on me and I thought I was going to lose it, but I feel really good about it and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.

“I’m having a lot of fun going down the track. I’m here and I’ve got a bad hot rod right now. Luck is a big part of this game and I’m not done yet.”

Bob Tasca, who won the 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas two weeks ago, is currently second after going 3.849 at 335.32 and Alexis DeJoria went 3.859 at 331.69 to move into third. Ron Capps went 335.40 earlier in the day to set the track speed record.

Two weeks after winning his first career four-wide race, reigning Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta enjoyed a terrific start on Friday in Charlotte, making the quickest run in each session, including a 3.691 at 337.92 in his Mac Tools dragster to close out the evening. The run also puts Kalitta in position to pick up his second straight No. 1 qualifier and 55th in his career, as he continues to ride an impressive wave of momentum. He was the quickest in each round of eliminations in Las Vegas to take the four-wide victory for the first time and Kalitta seemed to pick up right where he left off two weeks ago.

“This is exciting for all my guys. AJ [crew chief Alan Johnson] looked happy, and it’s always good to keep him happy,” Kalitta said. “The guys are working their tails off and it shows. The car left strong and stayed straight. I’ve run this car for a couple of races. This is a new chassis and it drives really nice — right down the middle of the track.”

Antron Brown moved to second with his night run of 3.698 at 332.18 and Billy Torrence’s 3.716 at 329.34 has him third heading into Saturday.

Racing close to the KB Titan Racing team shop, Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson delivered an impressive run to kick off the weekend in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro, going 6.500 at 210.90 to take the provisional top spot. It puts the veteran and Pro Stock’s winningest driver in line for his first No. 1 qualifier of the season and the 125th in his fantastic career. The season has started well for Anderson, a 104-time event winner, and he’s currently third in points. After winning the Lucas Oil Winternationals, Anderson and his team wants to keep building as he seeks his first Charlotte 4-Wide victory since 2012.

“Our run in Q1 was great,” Anderson said. “When you get conditions like this where it’s cool, that’s what Pro Stock cars love. You’ve got to come prepared. You can’t be shy. You’ve got to run what you brung and we used everything we brought. The track is great and it held everything.

“Tonight [Q2] we had a computer problem and I’m still not sure what it was. I hope that’s it for the weekend as far as bad luck. I’m shocked that no one was able to get around me. Tomorrow should be good and I figure we’ll have to improve to keep it.”

Cristian Cuadra, who ran as part of a “Cuadra Quad” in the second qualifying session with his brothers, Fernando Jr. and David, and his father, Fernando, is currently second with a 6.507 at 210.18. Aaron Stanfield’s 6.508 at 209.92 puts him third after the first day.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle’s first race back since the season opener in Gainesville, six-time world champ Matt Smith made a strong opening statement on Friday, blistering the track record with a standout run of 6.685 at 201.61 on his Denso Auto Parts Buell. It was a stellar performance at his home track and puts the veteran in line for his first No. 1 qualifier since 2022 and the 53rd in career. If Smith stays on top, it will be the first top qualifier for anyone other than Gaige Herrera since last July as well. It was exactly the type of performance Smith was after on Friday, setting a career-best in the process and making his first career run in the 6.60s.

“We’ve done a lot of testing since Gainesville,” Smith said. “We’ve been to three different tracks four times and made a lot of runs. We gained a lot but it didn’t show today. I was shaking the tire through low gear, so we’re not reaping the benefits of testing. I know there is more there, maybe a 6.66 or 6.65. Gaige went 6.69, so we’re right there with him. If we’re running within two or three hundredths of the fastest bike, we have a shot.

“Tomorrow is the Mission [#2Fast2Tasty] Challenge and we want to get the points and the money. I think we can run faster. This bike is mean.”

Herrera jumped to the second spot under the lights with a run of 6.696 at 201.79 and LE Tonglet grabbed the third position thanks to a run of 6.703 at 200.77.

Qualifying continues at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte.