The Stampede of Speed at Texas Motorplex begins with cowboys driving a dozen cattle through the city streets with dignitaries circling the historic courthouse in nearby Waxahachie, TX. Ten fun-filled days later there are some tired racing fans.
Race team and racing fans look forward to the festival of music, lots of drag racing, and other fun-filled events that have traditionally led up to qualifying and eliminations for the 37th annual NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. Known as the Fastest Ten Days In Texas, the Stampede of Speed is hosted at the historic Texas Motorplex, a multi-use facility located about 35 minutes southeast of Dallas and Fort Worth. Fan favorite 200 mph jet engine powered dragsters had everyone on their feet with an exhibition race on Friday evening.
The Funny Car Chaos World Finals wrapped up the second day of the Stampede of Speed for Texas Motorplex with additional classes of Outlaw Fuel Altered, Old School Back Half and Gassers running eliminations throughout the day. The Stars Over Texas Music Fest is one of the most action packed days that began with the opening of the Beer Expo, the Jambo-sponsored BBQ Shootout, professional bull riding, exhibition racing, and live music that featured Brett Young and others. The day's activities concluded with a massive firework show.
Erica Enders Quickest in Qualifying and Eliminations
Certainly the competition in Pro Stock knew who they had to beat all season and at any given event of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. So, no one was surprised when Erica Enders claimed the Number One qualifier with a 6.524 elapsed time at 210.53 mph. On Sunday, she spent the entire day in the 6.5s while eliminating Fernando Cuadra Jr with 6.539 ET in round one, followed by a 6.541 elapsed time when Matt Hartford red lighted round two, and then put Troy Coughlin Jr on the trailer with a 6.561 ET in the semifinal.
Defending five-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson reached his 171st final round by eliminating Mason McGaha, Cristian Cuadra, and Aaron Stanfield. But, Enders was looking to complete the famed “Texas Two Step” by winning at both Houston and Dallas in the same season. The driver of the Melling Performance Camaro posted a 6.537 ET to Anderson’s 6.547-second elapsed time in the Hendrick.com Camaro. It was her third victory in four Countdown races.
Hector Arana Jr Underdog Winner at FallNationals
Hector Arana Jr wasn’t on most competitor’s radar when the Countdown to the Championship began for the Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Although, he obviously should have been, Arana Jr was not competing fulltime during the 2022 drag racing season. He’s always been fast and was the first Pro Stock Motorcycle rider to surpass 200 mph barrier. Riding the Team Arana Buell, Arana Jr eliminated Chip Ellis and Angie Smith before carding a 6.88 ET to upset points leader Matt Smith.
Jerry Savoie reached his seventh final round in the last eight years at the Texas NHRA FallNationals aboard his White Alligator Suzuki. Savoie eliminated Marc Ingwersen, Ryan Oehler, and Steve Johnson enroute to his 33rd career final. Arana Jr’s last win in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle came in 2019 at The Strip in Las Vegas. The Lucas Oil Buell rider had to overcome Savoie’s holeshot and posted a 6.822 ET for the win. Matt Smith leads Joey Gladstone by 51 points and Savoie by 103 points.
UP COMING:
NHRA Nevada Nationals
The Camping World NHRA Drag Racing Series heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 28-30 for the penultimate event of the 15-round championship for the NHRA Nevada Nationals (Fall) at The Strip.
