The NHRA Route 66 Nationals at Gerber Collision & Glass was a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the pinnacle of drag racing. The event was a testament to the skill and precision of the drivers and their teams, as they navigated the challenges of the track and the elements. Here's a breakdown of the action, with a focus on the Mission Challenge rounds.
Top Fuel
Antron Brown's Matco Tools dragster struggled with tire issues, highlighting the delicate balance between power and control. Will Smith's Blue Bird Turf dragster made a bold move, launching a supercharger as soon as the throttle was pressed. The starting line was a chaotic scene, with several drivers experiencing issues. Tony Stewart and Josh Hart delivered impressive runs, topping 334 mph, while Billy Torrence and Tony Schumacher showcased consistency.
Funny Car
The Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge in Funny Car featured some unexpected twists. Bobby Bode's team overcame an oil pressure issue, resulting in a solid performance. Austin Prock's Motorcraft Ford faced challenges, losing control past half track. Jim Head and Spencer Hyde found their rhythm, posting a 3.930. Cruz Pedregon maintained consistency with a 3.967, despite not improving on yesterday's run.
Pro Stock
Cody Anderson's best run of the weekend, a 6.632, marked a significant improvement from yesterday's 7-second pass. The weather changes impacted the session, with temperatures dropping and wind picking up. Kenny Declo and Joseph Wilczek made strides, but faced challenges at different points. Eric Latino and Matt Hartford moved up the ladder, while Deric Kramer and Chris Vang maintained their positions. Greg Anderson's speed issues persisted, but he held onto the provisional No. 4 spot.
In the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Greg Stanfield's .009 reaction time and 6.600 pass secured his spot in the finals. Erica Enders and Troy Coughlin Jr. engaged in a close battle, with Enders winning by a fraction of a second. The Pro Stock Motorcycle category saw Brayden Davis make a significant jump with a 6.792, while Marc Ingwersen's motorcycle died at the starting line.
Top Fuel Mission Challenge Final
The final session witnessed Antron Brown's best run of the weekend, a 3.756. Josh Hart achieved a historic 341.25 mph speed, leaving the crowd in awe. Doug Kalitta secured the top spot and a round one bye run on Sunday. The Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge final between Justin Ashley and Shawn Langdon was a close affair, with Langdon pulling ahead to win with a 3.770, despite Ashley's SCAG dragster losing control.
