It was not just the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series that thundered into Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Thunderstorms, lightning and wind gusts approaching 60 mph challenged teams throughout the long weekend, Oct. 29 through Nov. 2, before improved conditions produced some of the closest racing of the season.
Cool temperatures and an exceptionally well-prepared racing surface helped create spectacular performances on Sunday, particularly in Top Fuel. In the second round alone, seven of the eight competitors posted runs quicker than 3.70 seconds, a feat never before accomplished in the class. Even several losing drivers recorded elapsed times that would have been winning runs at many events.
Championship leader Shawn Langdon entered the weekend with a commanding points advantage and an opportunity to move closer to clinching the Top Fuel title. However, Doug Kalitta remained the only driver mathematically capable of catching him and delivered when it mattered most.
Kalitta’s path to victory was impressive. He defeated Will Smith, Justin Ashley, Langdon and Leah Pruett while posting runs of 3.682 seconds at 333.25 mph, 3.664 seconds at 339.70 mph and 3.665 seconds at 334.15 mph.
Perhaps the defining moment of Kalitta’s weekend came in the second round against Justin Ashley. Needing every round possible to keep his championship hopes alive, Kalitta recorded a remarkable 0.012-second reaction time. The near-perfect starting-line advantage proved decisive as Kalitta charged to a 3.664-second run at 339.70 mph. Ashley, facing an immediate deficit, shut off early and coasted to the finish line after recognizing he would be unable to catch Kalitta’s rapidly accelerating dragster.
Kalitta ultimately defeated Pruett in the final round after eliminating Langdon in the semifinals, keeping his championship hopes alive entering the season finale. With one race remaining, Kalitta trails Langdon by 107 points.
Funny Car delivered its own championship drama.
Matt Hagan arrived in Las Vegas holding a 99-point lead over a group of challengers that included Jordan Vandergriff, J.R. Todd, Jack Beckman and Austin Prock. Beckman maximized qualifying, earning the No. 1 position and collecting valuable bonus points, but his day ended in the second round.
Hagan also exited in round two when he fell to Todd, opening the door for the drivers chasing him in the standings. Vandergriff took full advantage, advancing to the final round and defeating Ron Capps for the event victory. The performance dramatically tightened the Funny Car championship race, leaving Vandergriff just 39 points behind Hagan heading into the upcoming finale at Pomona.
In Pro Stock, Dallas Glenn entered the event leading the standings, with Greg Stanfield attempting to continue his pursuit of the title. Stanfield’s championship hopes suffered another setback when teammate Troy Coughlin Jr. defeated him in the opening round on a razor-thin holeshot margin.
The early exit opened the door for Glenn, who capitalized by winning the event and extended his lead in the championship standings with only one race remaining.
Pro Stock Motorcycle also featured an important championship storyline. Title contenders Gaige Herrera and Richard Gadson were scheduled to meet in the final round before increasing winds forced officials to postpone the deciding race for safety reasons. The championship showdown will now be settled at the season-ending NHRA Finals in Pomona.
For many racers, Las Vegas served as another reminder of what it takes to win a championship. Speed is certainly important, but championships are also built on outstanding drivers, talented crews, strong financial backing, reliable equipment and a little racing luck.
With the NHRA Finals remaining in Pomona, California, and offering enhanced 1.5-times championship points, every professional title remains within reach. After an action-packed weekend in Las Vegas, the battle for the championships promises to continue right down to the final day of the season.
