The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) held its Brainerd Nationals qualifying sessions on Saturday, delivering a thrilling display of drag‑racing talent on the Brainerd, Minnesota strip. Fans in the stands and viewers at home saw some of the sport’s biggest names post impressive elapsed times and speeds.
Top Fuel Results
Doug Kalitta led the Top Fuel field with a blistering 3.705‑second run at 340.30 mph, securing the pole position. Close behind, Maddi Gordon recorded a 3.725‑second pass at 336.15 mph, while Shawn Langdon posted a 3.731‑second run at 334.57 mph. The top eight also featured veteran drivers Justin Ashley (3.743 seconds, 333.99 mph), Billy Torrence (3.754 seconds, 330.96 mph), Antron Brown (3.763 seconds, 330.55 mph), Tony Stewart (3.765 seconds, 332.34 mph) and Leah Pruett (3.769 seconds, 331.04 mph). Will Smith rounded out the top ten with a 3.780‑second run at 326.00 mph.
Pro Stock Highlights
In the Pro Stock class, Austin Prock captured the fastest time in a Ford Mustang, posting a 3.893‑second run at 329.91 mph. Jack Beckman followed in a Chevrolet Camaro with a 3.903‑second pass at 324.67 mph, and Dave Richards recorded a 3.924‑second run in another Mustang at 327.66 mph. The top five also included Alexis DeJoria (3.927 seconds, 325.92 mph), Ron Capps in a Toyota GR Supra (3.930 seconds, 322.27 mph), Matt Hagan in a Dodge Charger (3.940 seconds, 323.66 mph) and Daniel Wilkerson (3.942 seconds, 319.52 mph).
Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car
The Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying saw Matt Latino post the quickest 6.588‑second run at 207.21 mph, a time he shared with Dallas Glenn, who also recorded a 6.588‑second pass at 206.29 mph. The field was tightly packed, with Cody Anderson, Greg Stanfield and Greg Anderson all posting times within a few thousandths of a second of the leaders.
In the Top Alcohol Funny Car category, the same 6.588‑second benchmark was achieved by Matt Latino, while the remaining qualifiers posted times ranging from 6.589 to 6.621 seconds, all maintaining speeds just above 205 mph. Two entries failed to qualify: Joe Wilczek recorded a 9.335‑second run at 100.55 mph, and Alan Prusiensky posted a 9.999‑second run with no speed recorded.
Local Impact and Fan Experience
The Brainerd Nationals attract thousands of motorsport enthusiasts to the region each year, providing a boost to local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and retail outlets. The qualifying rounds set the stage for the main event races, where drivers will compete for championship points and prize money.
Organizers emphasized safety and family‑friendly entertainment, with designated viewing areas, food vendors and merchandise booths throughout the venue. The event continues to be a highlight on the NHRA calendar, showcasing the skill and dedication of professional drag racers while offering the Brainerd community a high‑octane weekend.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
