Hagan Keeps Funny Car Points Lead, Pruett Stays Third In Top Fuel

Last week’s Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals saw Matt Hagan clinching a thrilling victory, leaving him on an emotional high as he approached the Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals. Hagan, driving the Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Direct Connection Dodge//SRT HELLCAT Funny Car, was eager to continue his winning streak at Pacific Raceways. However, fate had a different plan for him.

Sunday’s eliminations at the Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals turned out to be disappointing for Hagan, as the three-time NHRA World Funny Car champion encountered tire smoke in the first round. This unfortunate event led to his defeat against eventual race winner, Tim Wilkerson, with a score of 3.928 to 5.068.

Despite the early exit, Hagan remains the leader in the Funny Car points standings with a 17-point advantage. The NHRA Camping World drag racing series will now head to Sonoma Raceway in Northern California for the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals on July 28th – 30th.

Reflecting on the disappointing weekend, Hagan stated, “There are some weekends where things are just off, and this was one of them. It makes you appreciate when things go well.” However, he expressed confidence in his crew chief, Dickie Venables, and their ability to bounce back quickly from this setback. Hagan has great faith in his team and is looking forward to regaining momentum at Sonoma Raceway.

Joining Hagan in representing Dodge Direct Connection, his TSR teammate Leah Pruett, the recent Summit Nationals Top Fuel champion, also faced a tough challenge in the first round. Pruett, driving the TSR Dodge//SRT Direct Connection dragster, narrowly lost to Mile-High National winner Clay Millican, with a score of 3.763 to 3.765. Despite the loss, Pruett remains in third place in the NHRA Camping World Top Fuel points standings with one race left in the “Western Swing.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals, the excitement remains high as both Hagan and Pruett aim to showcase their skills and get back to their winning ways. Qualifying for the event will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 28th and 29th, with Sunday’s eliminations starting at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

Hagan’s participation in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and the continued support from their sponsors add an extra layer of anticipation to the Sonoma event. Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage will be prominently featured on Hagan’s car, and the team is eager to put on a great show for their fans and sponsors.

Both drivers maintain their respective positions in the championship standings following the Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals. With four races remaining before the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ Countdown to the Championship begins, the pressure is on for Hagan and Pruett to secure their positions in the upcoming races.

2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Points – 

Funny Car – 

Top Fuel –