Mon Apr 28 09:20:00 UTC 2025: **NHRA 4-Wide Nationals: Kalitta Dominates, Record-Setting Speeds, and NASCAR Crossover**

CHARLOTTE, NC – The 15th annual American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway saw a thrilling Saturday, marked by record-breaking speeds, unexpected challenges, and a growing NASCAR presence in the sport.

Doug Kalitta secured both the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win and the No. 1 qualifying position in Top Fuel, his second consecutive #2Fast2Tasty victory this season. His winning run clocked in at 4.661 seconds at 237.92 mph, a performance he described as requiring skillful tire control. This win also coincided with the 1,000th NHRA Top Fuel race, adding historical significance to the event.

In the Funny Car class, Austin Prock edged out Spencer Hyde to win the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge with a time of 3.949 seconds at 322.50 mph. Hyde, despite a runner-up finish, suffered damage when another car’s parachute ripped the front end of his Funny Car. Matt Hartford won his second Pro Stock #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, and Richard Gadson secured his first in Pro Stock Motorcycle after a win-light malfunction initially awarded the victory to his teammate, Gaige Herrera.

Qualifying positions remained unchanged after Saturday’s runs, with Kalitta (Top Fuel), Paul Lee (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) leading their respective classes. Brittany Force set a new Top Fuel speed record of 341.58 mph.

The event also highlighted the increasing crossover between NASCAR and NHRA drag racing. Several NASCAR-affiliated companies, including Stock Car Steel and SRI Performance, and Daido Metal USA, are working with Funny Car point leader Paul Lee, reflecting a growing trend of NASCAR involvement in drag racing. Additionally, NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick’s congratulatory call to Jack Beckman following Beckman’s recent Winternationals victory further solidified this trend. The Ron Capps Motorsports team also debuted a new paint scheme celebrating NAPA Auto Parts’ 100th anniversary.

Several drivers also commented on their experiences and expectations for Sunday’s eliminations. The event continues Sunday with eliminations starting at 12 p.m. EDT. Noteworthy side stories include the return of Pro Stock tuner Mark Ingersoll after a double lung transplant and Eric Latino’s upcoming knee surgery.

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