*** INJURY UPDATE ***
For the second Countdown event in row, a pro stock motorcycle rider went down during a qualifying round accident. This time, rookie Chase Van Sant who rides The Trick Tools Suzuki for the White Alligator Racing team was treated at hospital for serious gravel rash to his kneecap. After being a serious contender for rookie of the year, Van Sant will require skin grafts and physical therapy with no timeline currently given for his return.
Over the past ten days, drag race fans experienced the ultimate adrenaline rush at the Texas NHRA FallNationals outside Ennis, TX. The action-packed event is the first playoff matchup after the halfway point of the NHRA Championship shootout, as the world's top teams continue their battle for championship titles in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. From October 6–15, the Stampede of Speed provided a thrilling festival of speed, music and lots of family fun.
The FASTEST TEN DAYS IN TEXAS kicked off in true Texas fashion with a spectacular parade of cowboys driving cattle through downtown Waxahachie. Fans enjoyed a two-day country music extravaganza featuring the best acts from 90's Country, along with Junior Bull Riding, cornhole tournaments, and tons of family activities. At night, there was an epic fireworks display and a breathtaking drone show.
Fans enjoyed thrilling match races on the track during breaks in festivities, and once the sun set, witnessed an incredible drone show followed by a massive fireworks display. The Ten Days of Speed concluded with two days of outstanding on-track performances as Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle teams attempted to break speed records to earn the most NHRA Countdown to the Championship points in hopes of earning a world championship title next month at the Finals in Pomona.
Erica Enders Wins Pro Stock at Las Vegas
Greg Anderson was coming off a win (his 103rd in NHRA Pro Stock at World Wide Technology Raceway at the NHRA Midwest Nationals) inched his way closer to points leader with a 6.481 ET to Troy Coughlin Jr’s 6.482 ET and Erica Enders 6.483 ET and ended up atop the heap for Sunday’s elimination rounds. Jerry Tucker and Dallas Glenn rounded out the top five qualifiers. When the tire smoke cleared, the top nine Pro Stock competitors posted times in the 6.40s to set the stage for Sunday.
Dallas Glenn reached the Final with wins over Bo Butner III, Camrie Caruso and Aaron Stanfield. Enders eliminated Eric Latino, Cristain Cuadra and Troy Coughlin Jr. enroute to a matchup with Glenn. From a holeshot off the tree, Enders posted the quicker pass at 6.469 ET and a faster run at 211.55 mph. Having raced at Texas Motorplex since her junior dragster days, Enders became the winningest female driver in professional motorsports history with Sunday’s win at the 38th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals.
Gaige Herrera Wins Pro Stock Motorcycle at Las Vegas
Aboard the Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Suzuki, rookie sensation Gaige Herrera has had a near perfect season. He eliminated his teammate Eddie Krawiec at the NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway at the last event and unloaded at Texas with same ultra-fast bike. Herrera claimed the Number One qualifier position ahead of the Steamfitters UA Local 602 Suzuki of Kelly Klontz. Herrera’s 6.627-seconds ET at 204.16 mph shattered the previous national record.
Herrera eliminated Blaine Hale, Chris Bostick and Hector Arana Jr. enroute to Sunday’s Final round in pro stock motorcycle. In the bottom bracket, Eddie Krawiec posted wins over Cory Reed in round one before he eliminated Matt Smith’s DENSO Suzuki and Joey Gladstone to earn his ticket to an all Vance & Hines/Mission Foods final. Herrera grabbed start, ran a 6.644-seconds elapsed time at 203.30 mph to earn his ninth Wally in thirteen events. The rookie sensation is now 42-4 in NHRA elimination rounds.
Artwork courtesy of NHRA
UP COMING:
NHRA Nevada Nationals
NHRA Stock teams return to action at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for fall race featuring two-wide head-to-head competition. Las Vegas is also the final race of the 2023 FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod season presented by Type A Motorsports and the final race of the year for Factory Stock. The NHRA Nevada Nationals is the penultimate event for other NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series classes.
