The 2024 NHRA Top Fuel Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Midseason Recap
GOVX makes a pit stop to take stock of the standings and stories.
The NHRA looks a little different this season, and it’s not just because GOVX has come along for the ride. The current season has brought a welcome shot of high-speed adrenaline to the motorsports world, especially within the Top Fuel series. As we hit the midway point, let’s pump the brakes, refuel, and look back at the highlights that dominated the headlines in the first half.
Tony Schumacher Ain’t Slowing Down Anytime Soon
The 54-year old veteran of the track recently nabbed his first victory since July of 2022 at Bristol Dragway and his 87th career win, making him the most successful driver in Top Fuel history. Clocking in at 259 mph at the helm of his 11,000-horsepower Waltrip Brewing Co./Leatherwood Distillery dragster, Schumacher continues to build on his championship resume and race his way up the standings.
Doug Kalitta Defends His Crown
That roar you hear is from the reigning champ. Having recently collected his third Wally of the season, Kalitta drives determined to stack the points and pad his lead at the top of the NHRA standings. Named after NHRA founder Wally Parks, the Wally is awarded to the winners of each NHRA event. For Kalitta, each win notches him that much closer to going back-to-back.
Brittany Force Does Her Dad Proud
When you’re the daughter of NHRA royalty, making a name for yourself comes with a unique set of challenges. For Brittany, her Hall-of-Fame father John is still competing at age 75, and she has the distinction of driving for his team at John Force Racing. So far, she’s more than lived up to the name. Currently tenth in the standings, she also became the first woman to become a Top Fuel Number 1 Qualifier in 2019, and even more impressively won the whole damn thing in 2022.
Antron Brown Claims His 75th Career Win
GOVX partner and one of the GOATs, Brown and Team AB Motorsports reached a monumental milestone picking up his 75th career win at the 24th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals back in May. We at GOVX tip our caps to Antron and the team and look forward to many, many more wins to come for one of the best to ever do it.
Blake Peavler Gets the Season Started
Apparently, winning a pair of national events last year wasn’t enough. The Illinois speedster took home the Right Trailers Top Dragster at the season opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in March. For those keeping track at home, Peavler was also the 2021 champion.
GOVX Salutes Americans of Service with Limited Edition NHRA Challenge Coins
In recognition of the brave firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, veterans, and active duty servicemembers who serve our country, GOVX is proud to offer exclusive limited edition NHRA Challenge Coins to those in attendance at NHRA events. The coins are available for pick-up at the Fire Dept. Coffee display.
The StandingS Tell the Story
As a helpful reminder, the places and totals here are subject to change.
POSITION | DRIVER | POINTS | POINTS BEHIND LEADER | VEHICLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Doug Kalitta | 857 | 0 | Mac Tools Dragster |
02 | Justin Ashley | 723 | -134 | SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel Dragster |
03 | Shawn Langdon | 721 | -136 | DHL/Kalitta Air |
04 | Antron Brown | 663 | -194 | Matco Tools/Lucas Oil/Toyota Top Fuel dragster |
05 | Steve Torrence | 651 | -206 | Capco Racing/Torrence Motorsports |
06 | Tony Schumacher | 548 | -309 | JCM/VP Racing/Edelbrock/ Comp Cams dragster |
07 | Billy Torrence | 529 | -328 | Capco Racing/Torrence Motorsports Dragster |
08 | Clay Millican | 528 | -329 | Parts Plus dragster |
09 | Tony Stewart | 492 | -365 | TSR Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster |
10 | Brittany Force | 425 | -432 | Monster Energy Top Fuel Dragster |